Urbanista magazine’s Misadventures in Music podcast recently featured a special episode with Kirkby’s own China Crisis, the iconic English new wave and synth-pop band founded by Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon. Hosted by Ian Prowse and Mick Ord, the episode delves into the band’s remarkable journey from the politically charged post-punk sound they explored in their early days to their smoother, synth-infused hits of the 1980s.
Daly and Lundon, both raised in working-class Kirkby near Liverpool, began playing together in their teens, heavily influenced by artists like Brian Eno, Steely Dan, and David Bowie. With a unique style blending ambient soundscapes and catchy pop hooks, China Crisis quickly rose to fame, landing ten top-50 singles in the UK charts and achieving international recognition with tracks like “Wishful Thinking” and the gold-certified album Flaunt the Imperfection, produced by Steely Dan’s Walter Becker.
In this candid conversation, the band shares their legendary stories of collaborating with Becker and touring with David Bowie, recounting tales that span four decades of influence, evolution, and humor. With a solid fan base, China Crisis continues to thrive, regularly touring across the UK and Europe. The episode even hints at their upcoming Liverpool Philharmonic Hall show, the penultimate date on their tour, scheduled for May 24, 2025—a homecoming celebration not to be missed.
Tune in to Misadventures in Music for a glimpse into the life, laughter, and musical journey of China Crisis, proving that even after more than 40 years, their creativity and camaraderie remain as vibrant as ever.
