THE MISSION
"The faith has been kept and the first chapter has now been written. For us all. And so the time has come to turn out eyes to the heart of the rising sun. And, as we do, we must all kiss farewell, and forever, the tearful moon and the crying dark hours. All our prayers have now been answered. God's own medicine."
Late Autumn 1985 a Mission was conceived. Plans were laid, deals were made, and prayers were said.
JANUARY 1986
Oaths of faith were sworn, a pact was signed and sealed. The Mission was given birth and a pilgrimage across the wastelands of Europe (as special guests of the Cult) was immediately embarked upon. Converts were made and ghosts were laid and prayers were said.
FEBRUARY 1986
Back to their homeland with pride in their hearts and heads held high. The Mission then introduced and endeared themselves both to the public and the press with two British shows. A Janice Long BBC Radio 1 session was first broadcast and hastily repeated. And prayers were being heard.
MAY 1986
Commenced with a flying visit, for an ecstatic audience, to Spain and then, the long awaited and greatly anticipated release on chapter 22 records of "The Mission" "The Mission - I" which featured the glorious "Serpent's Kiss" and then the consequent achievement of the claiming the number 1 position in the Independent Chart in its first week of release and enjoying a high position ever since. "Serpent's Kiss" also spent four weeks in the National Top 75. A video was lovingly produced and for a few weeks became featured regularly on National Television. "Expedition I" - the first full National tour was greeted with high excitement and acclaim wherever the Mission appeared. And prayers were being heard.
JULY 1986
A successful "Expedition" to Germany and Italy with "Serpent's Kiss" topping the Independent/Alternative charts of several European countries. And prayers were being hear/. Saw the release of "Garden Of Delight"/"Like A Hurricane" again on Chapter 22 Records. "The Mission - 2" followed the independent charts and straight to No. 1 in the Independent charts and straight into the National Top 50 where, for three 'weeks it flirted and teased. Dark secrets were uttered, blood money and dark glasses changed hands, and the Mission signed to Phonogram Records U.K. Recording of an album commenced. And prayers were said.
AUGUST 1986
A fleeting excursion to Holland and Belgium where the Mission thrilled and exhilerated all who had the pleasure to witness this Coming of Age, And the album was nearing completion when an appearance at the Reading Festival confirmed this fact and it was also very apparent that the Mission were very popular and much loved.
And so 1986 has already seen the Mission rise like to Phoenix from the Ashes of the much revered Sisters Of Mercy and forge their very own place in the hearts of the ever growing faithful legion of family and friends. A new single - the first with Phonogram - is awaiting its release with the album to follow shortly. A "World Crusade" is to be undertaken and World dominance is the Mission. All our prayers have been answered. "God's own medicine".
For further information please contact Sian Thomas/Lee Kavanagh
International Department