Mark Shaw: The Untold Then Jerico Story | The Motive, Big Area & Bowie

Mark Shaw, the extraordinary frontman of Then Jerico, tells the story behind “The Motive”, “Big Area” and the rise of one of Britain's most distinctive bands of the 1980s. But behind the success lies a remarkable personal journey.

In this revealing conversation with former MTV Europe presenter Steve Blame, Mark talks about growing up surrounded by jazz, Scott Walker and David Bowie, while experiencing domestic violence, his parents' divorce and constant changes of home and school.

He remembers the night Kenny Ball put him in the spotlight as a child, the influence of his older brother Richard, and how Bowie's music gave him the confidence to be different.

Mark recalls becoming homeless as a young man, living in a London squat, discovering the extraordinary creative world of the Blitz club and devising a plan to become a rock star.

He explains how Then Jerico got their name, his determination to create a massive wall of sound, and the battles with London Records over the politically inspired “The Big Sweep”.

The breakthrough came with “The Motive”, a record Mark believes saved the band's career. But the success of *The Big Area* brought new tensions, with disagreements about musical direction, commercial pressures and the eventual breakup of the original band.

In one of the interview's most moving moments, Mark describes how “Darkest Hour” emerged spontaneously in the studio immediately after a painful telephone argument with his wife, as their marriage was falling apart.

He also speaks candidly about the devastating 2004 stage accident that shattered his heels, the possibility of losing his feet, years of rehabilitation and the pain he still experiences when performing.

As Then Jerico prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album *First (The Sound of Music)*, Mark reflects on returning to songs he hasn't performed for decades, and the extraordinary physical and emotional commitment he still brings to the stage.

**IN THIS INTERVIEW**

• Childhood, family, jazz and the influence of David Bowie
• Domestic violence, divorce and finding refuge in music
• The Blitz club, homelessness and the beginnings of Then Jerico
• The remarkable origin of the band's name
• Martin Rushent, London Records and “The Big Sweep”
• How “The Motive” saved Then Jerico
• Why Mark was unhappy with parts of *The Big Area*
• The emotional story behind “Darkest Hour”
• The disagreements that broke up the band
• The 2004 accident, recovery and living with chronic pain
• The 40th anniversary tour and the enduring influence of Bowie

**THEN JERICO — FIRST (THE SOUND OF MUSIC) 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR**

12 November 2026 — Milton Keynes, The Craufurd Arms
13 November 2026 — Minehead, Shiiine On Festival
19 November 2026 — Huddersfield, The Parish
20 November 2026 — Glasgow, Room 2
21 November 2026 — Carlisle, The Old Fire Station
27 November 2026 — Dover, The Booking Hall
19 December 2026 - Acoustic gig at Pizza Express Live Holborn - tickets are available at PizzaExpress Live.com.
22 January 2027 — Birmingham, O2 Academy3
23 January 2027 — Liverpool, O2 Academy2
30 January 2027 — London, Bush Hall

For tickets, additional dates and updates:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/then-jerico

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Presented by Steve Blame.

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