In a recent interview, Andy Bell, co-frontman of the UK band Ride, spoke about his formative years as a music fan and the impact it had on shaping his taste and ultimately leading to the formation of the band. Bell cited his dad’s small record collection as a big influence, particularly with the inclusion of a few pop records from The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel, two bands that would go on to be some of his favorites. He also talked about attending gigs and being influenced by bands like The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Aztec Camera, which led to him wanting to learn how to play guitar. Bell also mentioned being introduced to krautrock by an older friend and discovering the music of Can.
Ride was formed in 1988 when Bell, alongside Mark, Loz, and Steve, met at Art College in Banbury. They bonded over their shared love of bands like The Smiths and The Cure, with Steve introducing Bell to more obscure artists like My Bloody Valentine, Spaceman 3, and House of Love. Together, they formed Ride in Loz’s mom’s garage, with their first song being a cover of Iggy and The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” Bell talked about the nostalgia he feels when listening to music from his past and how it transports him back to specific moments and memories associated
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