The Caretaker Race

An undervalued indie group formed by occasional rock journalist Andy Strickland (b. 16 July 1959, Newport, Isle Of Wight, England; guitar/vocals), Dave Mew (b. 11 May 1959, Epping, Essex, England), Henry Hersom (b. London, England; bass), Sally Ward (b. Preston, England; keyboards) and Andrew Deevey (b. 11 November 1964, Liverpool, England), the Caretaker Race came into existence in east London in 1986, after pivotal force Strickland left fellow London group the Loft, just as the independent circuit was held in the grip of the ‘shambling’ scene. While all around them feigned incompetence, however, the Caretaker Race chose a mature, melodic guitar path reminiscent of Australian group the Go-Betweens. This approach won them several friends and stable sales figures. They started their own Roustabout Records in 1987 before switching to the Foundation label in 1989. Along the way they lost bass player Henry Hersom, who joined London outfit Bob, to be replaced by Jackie Carrera (b. 6 June 1964, London, England), and also Sally Ward, who left to take up teaching. They also lost momentum and gradually faded from the scene.