Back in March there was disbelief among fans when it was announced that the Quireboys had sacked their frontman Spike and were continuing as a five-piece. How was that even possible, fans wondered. In some ways Spike was the Quireboys. He had co-founded the group in the mid-80s, and his sandpaper howl was an ever-present focal point of their gritty sound. But now, guitarist Guy Griffin had become also their lead vocalist. The group explained that the decision to drop Spike was “the culmination of not just months, but years of persistent problems” with the singer.
A response from Spike – who described himself as “the Quireboys founder, only original member and singer” – insisted that the name of the band belonged to him. That was disputed by the Griffin-fronted Quireboys as they set off on tour, and generated some warm reviews along the way.
