Band

The Sisters of Mercy

Mapped through Punk, Post punk influences; 3 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

The Sisters of Mercy
Biography

The Sisters of Mercy: history and sound

The Sisters of Mercy are an English rock band that formed in 1977. After achieving early underground fame in UK, the band had their commercial breakthrough in mid-1980s and sustained it until the early 1990s, when they stopped releasing new recorded output in protest against their record company.
The Sisters of Mercy: Gothic Rock Legends
If you're a fan of gothic rock, then you've undoubtedly heard of The Sisters of Mercy. This British band, formed in Leeds in 1980, helped to define the genre with their unique blend of rock, punk, and post-punk influences. With a musical career spanning over three decades, The Sisters of Mercy have amassed a loyal following and left an indelible mark on the music world. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the band's musical biography, their best songs, their genre, their famous concerts, and even a critic.
The Sisters of Mercy were founded by lead singer Andrew Eldritch, guitarist Gary Marx, bassist Craig Adams, and drummer Dorian Grey. Their debut single, The Damage Done, was released in 1980 and was followed by a series of successful EPs and albums. The band's early music was heavily influenced by punk and post-punk, but they soon developed their own unique sound characterized by loud, driving guitar riffs, pounding drum beats, and Eldritch's deep, distinctive vocals.
One of The Sisters of Mercy's most iconic songs is This Corrosion, a bombastic rock anthem with sweeping orchestral arrangements and infectious hooks. Another fan favorite is Lucretia My Reflection, a brooding, atmospheric track with haunting guitars and Eldritch's emotive vocals. Temple of Love, featuring guest vocals by Ofra Haza, is another standout track that combines rock and dance elements to great effect.
Though they are often associated with gothic rock, The Sisters of Mercy's music defies easy categorization. They draw on a variety of influences, from classic rock to electronica, to create a sound that is both familiar and innovative. This has made them a favorite of music fans who appreciate musicianship and creativity.
Over the years, The Sisters of Mercy have played some famous concerts, but one event stands out: their appearance at the Reading Festival in 1991. This show, which was their last UK concert with founder members Marx and Adams, was a triumph for the band. They played for an hour and a half, featuring hits from their previous albums and new material as well. Critics raved about their energetic performance, and it helped to solidify their place in the pantheon of great rock bands.
A critic once said, Few bands symbolize the goth movement as well as The Sisters of Mercy. From their distinctive look to their haunting melodies and epic theatricality, Eldritch and his bandmates created a sound that was both mainstream and subversive. Indeed, The Sisters of Mercy remain a beloved band among fans of gothic rock and beyond.
In conclusion, The Sisters of Mercy are legends of gothic rock and an essential band for anyone interested in the genre and beyond. Their music is a perfect blend of punk, rock, and electronica, and their impact on rock music cannot be overstated. Their best songs, including This Corrosion, Lucretia My Reflection, and Temple of Love, are timeless classics that continue to be adored by fans worldwide. Despite the band's various lineup changes over the years, they have managed to maintain their unique sound and place in music history. If you're not familiar with the music of The Sisters of Mercy, do yourself a favor and check them out today!
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Black Planet
The Sisters of Mercy Black Planet
Temple Of Love (1992)
The Sisters of Mercy Temple Of Love (1992)
Adrenochrome
The Sisters of Mercy Adrenochrome
Lights
The Sisters of Mercy Lights
Burn
The Sisters of Mercy Burn
Valentine
The Sisters of Mercy Valentine
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Future plans

The Sisters of Mercy: next events

Nottingham Rock City Nottingham, UK Buy the ticket!
Nottingham Rock City Nottingham, UK Buy the ticket!
Sala Paral·lel 62 Barcelona, Spain Buy the ticket!
Le Cepac Silo Marseille, France Buy the ticket!
L'Autre Canal Nancy, France Buy the ticket!
Batschkapp Frankfurt, Germany Buy the ticket!
E-Werk Köln Cologne, Germany Buy the ticket!
Jovel Music Hall Münster, Germany Buy the ticket!
Schön & Frölich Brunswick, Germany Buy the ticket!
Ancienne Belgique (AB) Brussels, Belgium Buy the ticket!
Docks Hamburg Hamburg, Germany Buy the ticket!
Alter Schlachthof Dresden, Germany Buy the ticket!
Haus Auensee Leipzig, Germany Buy the ticket!
Columbiahalle Berlin, Germany Buy the ticket!
Raiffeisen Halle im Gasometer Vienna, Austria Buy the ticket!
Event Center Dornbirn, Austria Buy the ticket!
Fri-Son Fribourg, Switzerland Buy the ticket!
X-TRA Haus der Musik Zürich, Switzerland Buy the ticket!
Kesselhaus Munich, Germany Buy the ticket!
LKA-Longhorn Stuttgart, Germany Buy the ticket!
Löwensaal Nuremberg, Germany Buy the ticket!
Rockhal Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg Buy the ticket!
TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, Netherlands Buy the ticket!
Rockefeller Oslo, Norway Buy the ticket!
Fållan Stockholm, Sweden Buy the ticket!
Metro Theatre Sydney, Australia Buy the ticket!
Odeon Theatre Hobart, Australia Buy the ticket!
Forum Melbourne Melbourne, Australia Buy the ticket!
The Tivoli Brisbane, Australia Buy the ticket!
Pevnov Josefov / Josefov Fortress Jaroměř, Czech Republic Buy the ticket!
Flugplatz Hildesheim Hildesheim, Germany Buy the ticket!