About

The March Violets were formed in 1981 by Tom Ashton (guitar), Laurence Elliot (bass), Simon Denbigh (vocals) and Rosie Garland (vocals). John Peel booked them for a session before any records came out, then Andrew Eldritch of Sisters of Mercy issued their first two 7″ on his Merciful Release label in 1982.

Their started their own Rebirth label in 1983 and constantly featured high in the UK indie charts. 'Snake Dance' reached #2 and 'Walk into the Sun' went to #1. A compilation 'Natural History' followed. In 1986 they signed to major label London Records. 'Turn to the Sky' got onto the John Hughes film 'Some Kind of Wonderful' along with a live show. However, things didn't work out and in 1987 they split.

The band reformed in 2010, with tours and new recordings, but illness twice intervened and it ended in 2016. In 2021 an RSD 2LP 'Big Soul Kiss', six BBC sessions with many unreleased songs. came out on Jungle Records. Then in 2022 a 2LP 'Play Loud Play Purple' and a 5CD box-set 'The Palace of Infinite Darkness' with two discs of unheard rarities were issued.

In October 2022, the band announced a reunion for 2023/24 with a new album, 'Crocodile Promises' released in summer 2024. Founding members Rosie Garland and Tom Ashton are now joined by bassist Mat Thorpe.