Altered Images

Formed in Glasgow in 1979, Altered Images emerged from the same fertile scene that produced acts like The Wake and early Orange Juice. Their earliest break came when they sent a demo to Siouxsie & The Banshees, landing an opening slot on the band's 1980 tour - a moment that pulled them from local cult status into national attention. Under the guidance of producers including Steven Severin and later Martin Rushent, their sound shifted from wiry post-punk to the bright, hook-laden new-wave style that would define their chart success. Across 1981-83, Altered Images delivered a run of UK Top 40 singles that cemented their place in pop history. Happy Birthday - their signature song and a Top 3 smash, still one of the most recognisable new-wave singles of the era. I Could Be Happy - a shimmering, upbeat track that became another major chart success and other classics such as See Those Eyes, Don't Talk to Me About Love and first single, Dead Pop Stars.