THE SECOND GENERATION

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The Second Generation was born halfway through 1986 when guitarist (!) Rod Spark decided to start his band. Recruiting 3 other Fife musicians, the then “Power-Pop” outfit, The Second Generation played around Scotland gaining support and record company interest all the time. By the time any real momentum had built up, the band had become disillusioned and split up until a letter from the BBC enticed them back to film one of their live favourites “Throw It All Away”. This gave the band the inspiration they need to continue.
With Rod taking over the vocals, the now 3 piece played all over Scotland and after a gig in Girvan, seen by hundreds of enthusiastic fans, representatives of Unicorn Records signed the band up for an E.P. The result
was “Throw It All Away”, released in October 1987 to enthusiastic reviews and a number 11 position in the
French charts.
Although the E.P. brought in a great deal of response from the music press and public alike, the band went through more line-up changes which took 6 months to settle down but resulted in a steady line-up including long time drummer Steve Mason (now singer for The Beta Band), which recorded the album “Spycatcher”. The album was released in August receiving good reviews from both press and public. The band started a backbreaking schedule of gigs around the country and recorded more material which attracted further record company interest. By now the band were developing a very 60’s influenced sound.
By now the band had come to the attention of our European brethren and several highly successful tours incorporating France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Belgium were undertaken. After a few months break, the band sacked their keyboard player and replaced him with a female who debuted with the band in London playing with Edwin Starr. Regarded as the pinnacle of their recording career, the band then recorded the “Look Around” E.P. with Hue & Cry’s horn section and female backing vocals. By now a very soulful sound was prevalent and brought the band more success then they had experienced until now.
On the eve of a Scandinavian tour, Mark the bass player announced he was unable go and Lee James from
The Shadowland was brought in for the duration of the tour. Throughout the tour, Lee and Rod developed their relationship and found a common musical thread running through them. With Rod tiring of the responsibility of
The Second Generation and open to other suggestions and his new found love of the Hammond Organ along
with Lee’s admission that The Shadowland would be interested in a Hammond player, plans were starting to unfold for the future.
After another U.K. tour culminating in a spectacular gig in Gorleston (which although not known by anyone at the time would be the band’s last), the end starting becoming apparent and the band split soon after. They left behind
a legacy of “Power-Pop” anthems alongside, 60’s garage tunes through to out and out R’n’B and soul verging
on psychedelia.   
In the summer of 2003, the band met up in Italy for their first get together in 13 years.  A good time was had by all!  The following year the band met up in Edinburgh which turned out to be one hell of a party. Thanks to Sara for that one. Best wishes to you all xxx