After Dinner Speakers: T'Pau, Noel Fielding, Faith Hill

Formed in 1986, this UK band began as a songwriting partnership between vocalist Carol Decker (b. 10 September 1957, England) and guitarist Ronnie Rogers (b. 13 March 1959, Shrewsbury, England). While recording a demonstration disc, they were joined by session musicians Michael Chetwood (b. 26 August 1954, Shrewsbury, England; keyboards), Paul Jackons (b. 8 August 1961; bass) and Tim Burgess (b. 6 October 1961, Shrewsbury, England; drums). The band then signed to Virgin Records subsidiary Siren as T'Pau, the name being taken from a character in the science fiction television series Star Trek. Having acquired the services of producer Roy Thomas Baker, T'Pau recorded their first sessions in Los Angeles. Their first two singles failed to make any impact in the UK market, until "Heart And Soul" abruptly established them in the US charts, where it climbed to number 4 in 1987. The song was re-promoted in Britain and repeated that chart placing. In order to bolster the line-up, lead guitarist Dean Howard was recruited and a major UK tour followed. Decker's strong, expressive vocals were highlighted on "China In Your Hand", which topped the UK charts, a feat repeated by Bridge Of Spies. Further UK Top 20 hits with "Valentine" (number 9), "I Will Be With You" (number 14), "Secret Garden" (number 18) and "Whenever You Need Me' (number 16) consolidated their standing, without threatening a return to peak form. Following their break-up in 1991 Decker embarked on an abortive solo career, while Rogers returned to studio work. Decker re-formed the band for 1998"s Red, which was released on their own Gnatfish label. Decker also started an acting career, appearing in Nine Dead Gay Guys in 2001.