The Rubettes

{{Short description| English pop band}} {{COI|date=February 2021}}{{Use British English|date=December 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox musical artist| | name = The Rubettes | image = The-rubettes-2013-1383466330.jpg | caption = The Rubettes in Concert, 2013 | image_size = | background = group_or_band | alias = The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams (2000–present) The Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd (2000–present) | origin = England | genre = Pop rock, glam rock, rock and roll | years_active = 1974–1980, 1982–1999, 2000–present | label = Polydor Records, State Records, Sobel Nation Records | website = {{URL|rubettes.uk}} {{URL|rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com}} | current_members = See Original personnel for the 1970s personnel and Different versions of the Rubettes for Alan Williams' and Bill Hurd's | past_members = ''See Personnel section'' }}

'''The Rubettes''' are an English pop/glam rock band put together in 1974 after the release of "Sugar Baby Love", performed and recorded by studio session musicians<ref>They can be heard as Barry Blue's studio recordings backing band on his first two singles: "Dancing on a Saturday Night" and "Do You Wanna Dance".</ref> in 1973 by the songwriting team of Wayne Bickerton, the then head of A&R at Polydor Records, and his co-songwriter, Tony Waddington after their doo-wop and 1950s American pop-influenced songs had been rejected by a number of existing acts.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p20280/biography |title=Biography by Joseph McCombs |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=10 April 2009 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709220611/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rubettes-mn0000356548 |url-status=live }}</ref> Waddington paired the group with manager John Morris, the husband of singer Clodagh Rodgers, and under his guidance, the band emerged at the end of the glam rock movement, wearing trademark white suits and cloth caps on stage.<ref name="AMG"/> Their first release, "Sugar Baby Love", was an instant hit remaining at number one in the United Kingdom for four weeks in May 1974, while reaching number 37 on the US chart that August,<ref name="AMG U.S.">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p20280/charts-awards|title=AllMusic ((( The Rubettes > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles)))|publisher=AllMusic |access-date=28 February 2021|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709220635/https://www.allmusic.com/search/artists/rubettes|url-status=live}}</ref> and remains their best-known record.<ref name="AMG"/> Subsequent releases were less successful, but the band toured well into the 2000s with two line-ups in existence.<ref name="AMG"/><ref name="Rub">{{cite web |url=http://www.therubettes.de/ |title=Therubettes Infos |website=Therubettes.de |access-date=11 November 2012 |archive-date=16 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216025622/http://www.therubettes.de/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Hurd">{{cite web |url=http://www.rubettesfeaturingbillhurd.com/ |title=Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd |website=Rubettesfeaturingbillhurd.com |access-date=11 November 2012 |archive-date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910072443/http://www.rubettesfeaturingbillhurd.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==History== ===Classic era (1974–1980)=== The Rubettes' first and biggest hit was "Sugar Baby Love" (1974), which was a number one in the United Kingdom, selling around 500,000 copies in the UK and three million copies globally.<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book| first= Joseph| last= Murrells| year= 1978| title= The Book of Golden Discs| edition= 2nd| publisher= Barrie and Jenkins Ltd| location= London| page= [https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/350 350]| isbn= 0-214-20512-6| url-access= registration| url= https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/350}}</ref> With three other songs, "Sugar Baby Love" was recorded for Polydor in October 1973 at Lansdowne Studios in Holland Park, London, by a group of session musicians featuring the distinctive falsetto and lead vocals of Paul Da Vinci (born Paul Leonard Prewer). However, Da Vinci did not join the others to become a member of the band put together by John Richardson, and instead pursued solo work, having signed a contract with Penny Farthing Records.<ref name="500 Number One Hits">{{cite book| first= Jo| last= Rice| year= 1982| title= The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits| edition= 1st| publisher= Guinness Superlatives Ltd| location= Enfield, Middlesex| page= 157/158| isbn= 0-85112-250-7}}</ref> "Sugar Baby Love" was their only UK No. 1 and sole US Top 40 entry.<ref name="British Hit Singles">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2001| title= British Hit Singles| edition= 14th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| page= 44| isbn= 0-85156-156-X}}</ref>

For public appearances to promote the song, initially on ''Top of the Pops'', Alan Williams took on the role of lead singer, being the only one of the original session singers able to duplicate Da Vinci's falsetto vocals.<ref name=collector>Mark McStea, "Under the Radar: The Rubettes", ''Record Collector'', No.552, December 2023, p.148</ref> The Rubettes then comprised Williams, Richardson, and Pete Arnesen (all three of whom had participated in the original recording) together with Tony Thorpe, Mick Clarke, and Bill Hurd.<ref name=rowett>The Rubettes Story by Alan Rowett {{ISBN|9780952377207}} first published 1994</ref> In performance, the group wore distinctive white suits and white caps which, according to Williams, "were a practical addition to the ensemble... [as] we all had long hair, which didn't suit the image we'd gone for... We compromised by having our hair pinned up inside the caps".<ref name=collector/>

Williams sang lead on later recordings, and the Rubettes went on to have a number of other top-ten hits across Europe during the mid-1970s, such as "Tonight", "Juke Box Jive" and "I Can Do It", mostly written by the Bickerton–Waddington songwriting team. The Rubettes' success encouraged Bickerton and Waddington to set up State Records, so that ten months after the release of "Sugar Baby Love", the fourth Rubettes single, "I Can Do It", was on State (catalogue reference STAT 1).<ref name="500 Number One Hits"/> In November 1974, ''NME'' music magazine reported that The Rubettes, The Glitter Band and Mud were among the UK bands who had roles in a new film titled ''Never Too Young to Rock''.<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book| first= John| last= Tobler| year= 1992| title= NME Rock 'N' Roll Years| edition= 1st| publisher= Reed International Books Ltd| location= London| page= 270| id= CN 5585}}</ref>

In 1976 the band abandoned glam nostalgia to enter more serious territory.<ref name="AMG"/> "Under One Roof" (1976) sung by John Richardson was a portrayal of a gay man disowned and later murdered by his father; along with Rod Stewart's "The Killing of Georgie" (1976), it was one of the few songs that tackled the topic of homophobia.<ref name="AMG"/> Their most successful self-composed hit was the country rock-styled ballad "Baby I Know" (1977) sung by Tony Thorpe, which reached number 10 in the UK and Germany in 1977. During this period the band continued to cater to the much bigger European market by continuing to release more commercial pop singles all featuring lead vocals by Alan Williams,<ref name=rowett/> such as "Julia" (1976), "Allez Oop" (1976), and "Ooh La La" (1977).<ref name=rowett/> The band became a quintet in early 1975 with the departure of Arnesen, and later became a quartet in mid-1976 when Hurd departed the band; to this day the original band has never expanded its line-up beyond four members. Whilst the band continued as a four-piece, Hurd joined Suzi Quatro's band, touring and playing on a number of worldwide hits, which included the Top 20 success "She's in Love with You" in 1979, before re-joining the Rubettes in 1982.<ref>[https://www.therubettesuk.com//bill.htm] {{dead link|date=August 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdW3u9DYQ1Y| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617173925/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdW3u9DYQ1Y| archive-date=2011-06-17 | url-status=dead|title=Suzi Quatro – She's in Love with You (HQ) (TOTP 1979) |via=YouTube|date=22 January 2009 |access-date=24 April 2012}}</ref>

In another attempt to get away from the 'doo-wop' glam image, Thorpe insisted that the trademark vocal harmonies be left off of his composition "You're the Reason Why". Gerry Shury and the band outvoted him. The version with no vocal backing has been available as a bootleg recording in certain parts of Europe. In 1979, Thorpe and the band separated over musical differences. Thorpe can be heard on lead vocals on the last ''Still Unwinding'' track, "Does It Gotta Be Rock 'N' Roll". His guitar parts and backing vocals remained.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tony-thorpe.co.uk/faq |title=FAQ |publisher=Tony Thorpe Official Website |access-date=3 December 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133337/http://www.tony-thorpe.co.uk/faq |url-status=dead }}</ref> After Thorpe's departure, the group's success dwindled.<ref name="AMG"/> The band replaced Thorpe with Bob Benham, but he departed shortly thereafter and the band dissolved in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rubettes.com/the-band/1978-1980.php|title=Rubettes – The Band – 1978 – 1980|website=Rubettes.com|access-date=27 October 2017|archive-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920065729/http://www.rubettes.com/the-band/1978-1980.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Re-formation (1982–1999)=== The band re-formed in 1982, with a line-up consisting of Williams, Clarke, Hurd, and drummer Alex Bines to exploit the German market for 1970s nostalgia.<ref name="AMG"/> This line-up remained relatively stable until 1999, with the only line-up changes being the departure of Clarke in 1987, to be replaced first by Steve Kinch and then by Trevor Holliday, before he returned to the fold in 1993.

===Separate projects (2000–present)=== John Richardson, under the name Jayadev, has recorded as a session percussionist, and played on Tight Fit's version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

In 2000, Williams and Hurd both formed their own versions of the Rubettes, which at the time both also included two members of the Rubettes in each group (Clarke and Richardson in Williams', Da Vinci and Bines in Hurd's). Due to legal issues, both versions of the band have to specify that their version is only led by them, by having the phrase "featuring __" after "The Rubettes".

In March 2012, Thorpe digitally released the ''No Hits, No Jazz Collection'' and performed at Darwen Library Theatre with a live eight-piece band for his "50th Anniversary 1-Gig-Tour". It featured session musicians Iain Reddy, Liam Barber, Justin Randall and Greg Harper.<ref name="Ultimate-guitar.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/live_concerts/tony_thorpe/uk_darwen_march_15_2012/index.html |title=UK (Darwen), March 15, 2012 Review | Reviews @ |website=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904054951/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/live_concerts/tony_thorpe/uk_darwen_march_15_2012/index.html |archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Anson |first=John |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/leisure/music/whats_on/9572736.What_s_on__Tony_Thorpe_and_Friends__Darwen__March_15/ |title=What's on: Tony Thorpe and Friends |work=Lancashire Telegraph |date=6 March 2012 |access-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120907191834/http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/leisure/music/whats_on/9572736.What_s_on__Tony_Thorpe_and_Friends__Darwen__March_15/ |archive-date=7 September 2012 }}</ref> "You're the Reason Why" was played.<ref name="Ultimate-guitar.com"/>

== Legal issues == In 2002, the group hit the headlines once more when, following an acrimonious split and legal action, the Rubettes became the latest in a long line of bands (including the Beach Boys and Spandau Ballet) to end up in the courts in a dispute over ownership of the band's name. The court ruled that both Williams and Hurd could tour as the Rubettes, as long as it was clear which member was fronting the band.<ref name="Rub" />

In 2005, Williams and Hurd were back in court following an appearance by Hurd's band on the German television station ZDF, with Williams claiming Hurd had breached the terms of the original agreement. On 2 February 2006, a High Court judge found that Hurd and Williams had both been guilty of breaching the 2002 agreement. Costs of the trial were, however, awarded to Williams in view of the severity of Hurd's breaches.<ref name="Rub" /> Hurd appealed this decision, but on 3 November 2006, the Appeal Court in London ruled against him, awarding the costs of the appeal to Williams.<ref name="Rub" /> Hurd has since gone bankrupt.<ref name="Rub" />

=== 2022 High Court ownership ruling === In July 2022 Alan Williams and his company won a High Court trial for the ownership of The Rubettes name, against Clarke, Richardson and Etherington.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sugar love goes sour for glam rock band the Rubettes |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/sugar-love-goes-sour-for-glam-rock-band-the-rubettes-92x3h7t5q |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603163301/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sugar-love-goes-sour-for-glam-rock-band-the-rubettes-92x3h7t5q |archive-date=3 June 2022 |access-date=18 July 2022 |website=The Times|date=2 June 2022 }}</ref> Sitting in the High Court in London, Judge Pat Treacy ruled for Williams and said: "The defendants' conduct amounts to a misrepresentation sufficient to engage the tort of passing off. The claimants have succeeded."<ref name="dailyexpress">{{Cite web |title=Rubettes singer wins legal fight with bandmates over their name |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-express/20220715/282071985622649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718144933/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-express/20220715/282071985622649 |archive-date=18 July 2022 |access-date=18 July 2022 |website=Daily Express}}</ref>

==Original personnel== === The Rubettes (1973–1980, 1982–1999) === '''Former'''

* Alan Williams (born Alan James Williams, 22 December 1948, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire<ref>{{cite web |title=Rubettes.uwstart.nl |url=http://rubettes.uwstart.nl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125214804/http://rubettes.uwstart.nl/ |archive-date=25 November 2010 |access-date=11 November 2012 |website=Rubettes.uwstart.nl}}</ref>) – guitars, vocals (1973–1980, 1982–1999) * Pete Arnesen (born Hans Peter Arnesen, 25 August 1945, Salzburg, Austria) – keyboards (1973–1974) * Tony Thorpe (born Anthony John Thorpe, 20 July 1945, St Bartholomew Hospital, Smithfield, London<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs" />) – guitars, vocals (1974–1979) * Mick Clarke (born Michael William Clarke, 10 August 1946, Grimsby, Lincolnshire)<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs" /> – bass, vocals (1973–1980, 1982–1987, 1993–1999) * Bill Hurd (born William Frederick George Hurd, 11 August 1947, East Ham, East London)<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs" /> – keyboards, vocals (1974–1976, 1982–1999) * John "Jayadev" Richardson (born John George Richardson, 3 May 1947, South Ockendon, Essex)<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs" /> – drums, vocals (1973–1980) * Bob Benham – guitars, vocals (1979) * Alex Bines – drums, vocals (1982–1999) * Steve Kinch – bass, vocals (1987–1991) * Trevor Holliday – bass, vocals (1991–1993)

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== Different versions of the Rubettes ==

=== The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams (2000-present) === {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams | image = The Rubettes2015-Bunter Hering1.jpg | caption = The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams in 2015 | years_active = 2000-present | current_members = Alan Williams Mark Haley Laurie Haley Glyn Davies Spencer Lingwood | past_members = John Richardson Mick Clarke Steve Etherington Mark Haley }}

In 2000, Williams formed his version of the band along with Clarke, Richardson, and ex-Kinks keyboardist Mark Haley.<ref name="Rub" />

On 21 September 2014, as part of the Rubettes' 40th anniversary, it was announced that Alan Williams, John Richardson, and Mick Clarke would return to the Olympia in Paris, the same venue at which the Rubettes made their first appearance in France in 1974 when "Sugar Baby Love" topped the French and European charts.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE RUBETTES, concerts Pop Rock – Electro, L'Olympia : Music Hall Paris |url=http://www.olympiahall.com/rock-electro/the-rubettes.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310182215/http://www.olympiahall.com/rock-electro/the-rubettes.html |archive-date=10 March 2014 |access-date=25 April 2014 |website=Olympiahall.com}}</ref>

The band broke up in February 2019. A new Rubettes was formed with the original members John Richardson, Mick Clarke, and Steve Etherington (producer/arranger since 1995).<ref>{{cite web |title=Rubettes – Rubettes Featuring Alan Williams – Sugar Baby Love – Juke Box Jive – The Rubettes – The Band – Alan Williams – John Richardson – Mick Clarke |url=http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028043511/http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ |archive-date=28 October 2017 |access-date=27 October 2017 |website=Rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com}}</ref>

'''Current members'''

* '''Alan Williams''' – guitars, vocals (2000–present) * Glyn Davies (born 1959, Wednesbury, Staffordshire) – guitar, vocals (2019–present) * Spencer Lingwood – drums, vocals (2019–present) * Lawrence Haley – bass, vocals (2019–present)<ref name="official">{{Cite web |title=Official Website of The Rubettes Featuring Alan Williams |url=http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ |access-date=14 August 2023 |website=Rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com |archive-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028043511/http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''Former members'''

* '''John "Jayadev" Richardson''' – drums, vocals (2000–2019) * '''Mick Clarke''' – bass, vocals (2000–2019) * Steve Etherington – keyboards, guitars, vocals (2015–2019) * Mark Haley – keyboards, guitars, vocals (2000–2015) Members of the original Rubettes are in '''bold'''

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=== The Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd (2000-present) === {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd | years_active = 2000-present | current_members = Bill Hurd Damian Fisher Dave Harding Chris Staines Mike Dagnall | past_members = Alex Bines Rufus Ruffell Ian Pearce Paul Da Vinci George Bird Paul Callaby Ray Frost John Sorrell Yvan Silva Mike Steed Billy Hill Martin Clapson Kenny Butler John Summerton }}

Following the dissolution of the original band, Hurd formed his version of the group with longtime drummer Alex Bines, vocalist Paul Da Vinci (who had performed lead vocal on "Sugar Baby Love"), bassist Billy Hill, and guitarist Rufus Rufell. Da Vinci departed the band in 2006 and was replaced by George Bird, and guitarist Rufell leaving in 2009 and replaced by Ian Pearce.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 October 2002 |title=Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd |url=https://www.therubettesuk.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313144714/https://www.therubettesuk.com/ |archive-date=13 March 2012 |access-date=24 April 2012 |website=Therubettesuk.com}}</ref>

In June 2009, Bill Hurd's Rubettes played at the East Kilbride ArtBurst Festival.<ref name="Rub" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Artburst festival will be bigger and better! |url=http://www.eastkilbridenews.co.uk/2009/06/10/artburst-festival-will-be-bigger-and-better-68653-23825412/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220164405/http://www.eastkilbridenews.co.uk/2009/06/10/artburst-festival-will-be-bigger-and-better-68653-23825412/ |archive-date=20 February 2012 |access-date=11 November 2012 |website=Eastkilbridenews.co.uk}}</ref>

In 2010, Bill Hurd's Rubettes covered the 1997 Thorpe composition "Where the Angels Fear to Tread" on their album ''21st Century Rock 'n' Roll'' on Angel Air Records.<ref name="Rub" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Download free Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd – 21st Century Rock 'n' Roll (2010) [MP3] – Mediafire, Rapidshare, Torrent, Hulkshare " Plixid.com | Bringing music to life |url=http://plixid.com/2010/12/06/rubettes-featuring-bill-hurd-21st-century-rock-n-roll-2010-mp3/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211205946/http://plixid.com/2010/12/06/rubettes-featuring-bill-hurd-21st-century-rock-n-roll-2010-mp3/ |archive-date=11 December 2010 |access-date=11 November 2012 |website=Plixid.com}}</ref>

2013 saw the beginning of the most turbulent period in the band's history, as line-up instability was common for the next two years. First Bines, Hill, and Pearce all left the band to be replaced by Paul Callaby (drums), Ray Frost (guitars), and John Sorrell (bass) respectively, leaving Hurd as the last remaining "founding member" of his version of the group. Late 2013 saw Bird depart the band to be replaced by Yvan Silva. By mid-2013 the band underwent a major personnel upheaval again, as everyone other than Hurd departed the band.

The line-up then solidified with the arrival of vocalist Ken Butler, drummer Martin Clapson, and guitarist Dave Harding, with Mike Steed joining them on bass (on loan from The Marmalade) for a few months. The band line-up has remained fairly settled since 2014 with the only changes following the death of Ken Butler in 2018 saw the appointment of John Summerton (ex Flintlock) on guitar and vocals, and the arrival of drummer Damian Fisher.<ref>[https://www.therubettesuk.com 蜜桃导航] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313144714/https://www.therubettesuk.com/|date=13 March 2012}}</ref>

'''Current'''{{when|date=August 2024}}

* '''Bill Hurd''' – keyboards, vocals (2000–present) * Damian Fisher – drums, vocals (2017–2018, 2020–present) * Dave Harding – guitar, vocals (2014–present) * Chris Staines – bass, vocals (2015–2017, 2019–present)

'''Former'''

* '''Alex Bines''' – drums, vocals (2000–2013) * Rufus Ruffell – guitars, vocals (2000–2009) * Ian Pearce – guitars, vocals (2009–2013) * '''Paul Da Vinci''' – vocals (2000–2006) * George Bird – vocals (2006–2013) * Paul Callaby – drums, vocals (2013–2014) * Ray Frost – guitars, vocals (2013–2014) * John Sorrell – bass, vocals (2013–2014) * Yvan Silva – guitars, vocals (2013–2014) * Mike Steed – bass, vocals (2014) * Billy Hill – bass, vocals (2000–2013, 2017–2020) * Martin Clapson – drums, vocals (2015–2017, 2018–2020) * Kenny Butler – guitars, vocals – (2014–2018) * John Summerton – guitar, vocals (2018–2021?) Members of the original Rubettes are in '''bold'''

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bar:Alex text:Alex Bines bar:Paul text:Paul Callaby bar:Martin text:Martin Clapson bar:Damian text:Damian Fisher

PlotData=

width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Bill from:start till:end color:keyboards bar:Rufus from:start till:31/12/2009 color:guitar bar:Ian from:31/12/2009 till:01/01/2013 color:guitar bar:Ray from:01/01/2013 till:31/12/2014 color:guitar bar:Yvan from:01/01/2013 till:31/12/2014 color:guitar bar:Kenny from:31/12/2014 till:31/12/2018 color:guitar bar:John from:31/12/2018 till:03/01/2021 color:guitar bar:Billy from:start till:01/01/2013 color:bass bar:John2 from:01/01/2013 till:01/01/2014 color:bass bar:Mike from:01/01/2014 till:31/12/2014 color:bass bar:Chris from:31/12/2014 till:31/12/2017 color:bass bar:Billy from:31/12/2017 till:31/12/2019 color:bass bar:Chris from:31/12/2019 till:end color:bass bar:Alex from:start till:01/01/2013 color:drums bar:Paul from:01/01/2013 till:31/12/2014 color:drums bar:Martin from:31/12/2014 till:31/12/2017 color:drums bar:Damian from:31/12/2017 till:31/12/2018 color:drums bar:Martin from:31/12/2018 till:31/12/2020 color:drums bar:Damian from:31/12/2020 till:end color:drums bar:Paul2 from:start till:31/12/2006 color:vocals bar:George from:31/12/2006 till:01/01/2013 color:vocals

width:2.5 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) </timeline>

=== The Rubettes featuring John, Mick, & Steve (2019-present) === {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Rubettes featuring John, Mick & Steve | image = | caption = The Rubettes featuring John, Mick & Steve. Left to right: Mick, John, Steve | years_active = 2019-present | current_members = John Richardson Mick Clarke Steve Etherington }} In February 2019, founding members of "The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams" John Richardson, Mick Clarke, and Steve Etherington (who with the exception of Etherington are original members of the band) decided to break away from Alan Williams, and formed the Rubettes featuring John, Mick, and Steve.<ref name="dailyexpress" /> In 2020, the trio recorded, produced, and released their album "Glamnezia".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pete |date=2020-06-05 |title=The Rubettes feat John Mick and Steve |url=https://petesrocknewsandviews.com/the-rubettes-feat-john-mick-and-steve/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref> They are currently the only version of the Rubettes to have released a full-length studio album. * '''John "Jayadev" Richardson''' – drums, vocals * '''Mick Clarke''' – bass, vocals * Steve Etherington – keyboards, guitars, vocals Members of the original Rubettes are in '''bold'''

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Album details ! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions |- !style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|UK <ref name="TCuk"/> !style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|AUS <ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=261}}</ref> !style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|GER <ref name=ger/>

|- !scope="row"| ''Wear It's 'At'' | * Released: 1974 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || 85 || 32 |- !scope="row"| ''We Can Do It'' | * Released: 1975 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | 41 || — || 31 |- !scope="row"| ''Rubettes'' | * Released: 1975 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Sign of the Times'' | * Released: 1976 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Baby I Know'' | * Released: 1977 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Sometime In Oldchurch'' | * Released: 1978 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Still Unwinding'' | * Released: 1978 * Label: Polydor * Formats: LP | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Shangri'la'' | * Released: 1992 * Label: Dice Records * Formats: LP | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Riding on a Rainbow'' | * Released: 1992<ref>{{cite web|title=Rubettes – Still Unwinding/Shangri'la|url=http://www.rubettes.com/merchandise/productinfo.php?id=23|website=Rubettes.com|access-date=3 October 2017|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817122407/http://www.rubettes.com/merchandise/productinfo.php?id=23|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rubettes Book">{{cite book|last1=Rowett|first1=Alan|title=The Rubettes Story|date=1994|publisher=Alan Williams Entertainments Limited|location=London|page=57|edition=1st}}</ref> * Label: Dice Records * Formats: LP, K7, CD | — || — || — |- !scope="row"| ''Making Love in the Rain'' | * Released: 1995 * Label: Dice Records * Formats: CD | — || — || — |- |}

;Other Albums *''On Tour'' (October 2008) [Studio Album/Compilation + Bonus Tracks] CLCD002<ref name="rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/|title=Official Website of The Rubettes Featuring Alan Williams|website=Rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008195334/https://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> *''La Legende Continue'' (July 2016) [Studio Album/Compilation + Bonus Tracks] CLCD003<ref name="rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com"/><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 473}}</ref>

===Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:24em;" | Title ! scope="col" colspan="9" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |-

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|UK <ref name="TCuk">{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15012/rubettes/|title=Discography The Rubettes |access-date=31 August 2020|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831041813/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15012/rubettes/|archive-date=31 August 2020|publisher=Official Charts Company}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|AUS <ref name=aus/>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|AUT <ref name=at>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|title=Ö3 Austria Top 40 > The Rubettes|website=Austriancharts.at|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831042958/https://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|BEL <ref name=bel>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|title=Ultratop > Ultratop 50 Singles|website=Ultratop.be|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520154735/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|GER <ref name=ger>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche|title=GfK Entertainment Charts > The Rubettes|website=Offiziellecharts.de|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=2 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102071930/http://i.imgur.com/My5ZAxf.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|NET <ref name=net>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|title=Single Top 100 > The Rubettes|publisher=Dutch Charts|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831044739/https://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|NOR <ref name=nor>{{cite web|url=https://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|title=Sverigetopplistan > The Rubettes|website=Norwegiancharts.com|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831045312/https://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Rubettes|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|SWI <ref name=swi>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/song/The-Rubettes/Sugar-Baby-Love-316|title=Swiss Hitparade > The Rubettes|website=Swisscharts.com|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008135109/https://hitparade.ch/song/The-Rubettes/Sugar-Baby-Love-316|url-status=live}}</ref>

!style="width:3em;font-size:85%"|US <ref name="disco">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rubettes-mn0000356548/awards |title=AllMusic Awards>> The Rubettes |access-date=2016-06-15 |url-status=dead|publisher=AllMusic|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612035710/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rubettes-mn0000356548/awards|archive-date=12 June 2013}}</ref>

|- |rowspan="3"|1974 ! scope="row" |"Sugar Baby Love" | 1 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 37 |rowspan="2"|''Wear It's 'At'' |- ! scope="row" |"Tonight" | 12 || 98 || 13 || 3 || 4 || 4 || 5 || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Juke Box Jive" | 3 ||46 || 8 || 1 || 4 || 2 || — || — || — |rowspan="2"|''We Can Do It'' |- |rowspan="3"|1975 ! scope="row" |"I Can Do It" | 7 || 89 || 7 || 5 || 3 || 5 || — || 6 || — |- ! scope="row" |"Foe-Dee-Oh-Dee" | 15 || — || 8 || 7 || 6 || 7 || — || — || — |rowspan="2"|''Rubettes'' |- ! scope="row" |"Little Darling" | 30 || — || — || 7 || 22 || 19 || — || — || — |- |rowspan="6"|1976 ! scope="row" |"You're the Reason Why" | 28 || — || — || 6 || 22 || 7 || — || — || — |rowspan="2"|''Sign of the Times'' |- ! scope="row" |"Julia" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Under One Roof" | 40 || — || — || 28 || 30 || — || — || — || — |rowspan="2"|''Baby I Know'' |- ! scope="row" |"Allez Oop" | — || — || — || 25 || — || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Dark Side of the World" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Rubettes'' |- ! scope="row" |"Rock Is Dead" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Wear It's 'At'' |- |rowspan="5"|1977 ! scope="row" |"Baby I Know" | 10|| — || — || 25 || 34 || — || — || — || — |rowspan="3"|''Baby I Know'' |- ! scope="row" |"Ooh La La" | — || — || — || — || 16 || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Ladies of Laredo" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Come on Over" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Sometime in Oldchurch'' |- ! scope="row" |"Cherie Amour" | — || — || — || — || 39 || — || — || — || — |rowspan="2" {{n/a}} |- |rowspan="4"|1978 ! scope="row" |"Little 69" | — || — || — || — || 37 || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"Sometime in Oldchurch" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Sometime in Oldchurch'' |- ! scope="row" |"Goodbye Dolly Gray" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="2"|''Still Unwinding'' |- ! scope="row" |"Movin" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- |rowspan="3"|1979 ! scope="row" |"Lola" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1" {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row" |"Stay With Me" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1" {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row" |"Kid Runaway" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |''Shangri'la'' |- |rowspan="3"|1981 ! scope="row" |"Stuck on You" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="5" {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row" |"Rockin' Rubettes Party 45" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- ! scope="row" |"I Can't Give You Up" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- |rowspan="1"|1982 ! scope="row" |"Don't Come Crying" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- |rowspan="1"|1985 ! scope="row" |"Rockin' Rubettes Party 45" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |- |rowspan="2"|1989 ! scope="row" |"New Way of Loving You" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |''Making Love in the Rain'' |- ! scope="row" |"Megamix" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1" {{n/a}} |- |rowspan="2"|1992 ! scope="row" |"I Never Knew" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |''Shangri'la'' |- ! scope="row" |"Radio Mix" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1" {{n/a}} |- |rowspan="1"|1993 ! scope="row" |"Oh So Lonely" | — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Riding on a Rainbow'' |- |rowspan="1"|2019 |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ Rubettes featuring Alan Williams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028043511/http://www.rubettesfeaturingalanwilliams.com/ |date=28 October 2017 }} *The Rubettes featuring Bill Hurd {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313144714/https://www.therubettesuk.com/ |date=13 March 2012 }} *[http://www.tony-thorpe.co.uk/ Tony Thorpe Official Website] *{{discogs artist|artist=Rubettes, The}} *[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p20280|pure_url=yes}} The Rubettes biography at the AllMusic website] *[http://www.supersoul.com/yoga/book.html John Richardson biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714194946/http://www.supersoul.com/yoga/book.html |date=14 July 2014 }} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20150904054951/https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/leisure/whats_on/darwen/9572736.What_s_on__Tony_Thorpe_and_Friends__Darwen__March_15/r/?ref=rss Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rubettes, The}} Category:English pop music groups Category:English glam rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 1973 Category:State Records artists