Originally one of those bands with a fervent indie following, they've finally broken into the Network charts with this single. Twins Michael and J. Aston (no, not former Bucks Fizz singer), a mass of eyeliner and hairspray, head the band. The name apparently came about as Jay was (for reasons best known to himself) nicknamed Jezebel and Michael was known as Gene 'cos he limped like old crooner Gene Vincent (eh?). 

As J. (it stands for John) explained on a very crackly line from Canada, where GLJ are on tour with other British acts New Order and Echo and the Bunnymen. 

"It was like a reaction, a kick against the grain. It's flamboyant. Everything was dark and gloomy in Britain when we started. It's strange that people can accept glamorous American bands, but not British ones." 

The twins were born in Porthcawl, South Wales and in 1981 moved to London with aspirations to start a band. There have been several line-up changes, but now the band is a five piece - J., Michael, Chris Bell, James Stevenson and Pete Rizzo. Their second album, 'Immigrant', reached Number One in the indie charts and earned the band and their colourful rock sound some rave reviews and more fans. 

With a British tour planned for GLJ when they return from America and a single going up the charts, it looks like Gene Loves Jezebel will soon swap their indie image for that of chart toppers. 

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