They were renowned for their chaotically raucous and visually entertaining live shows which often featured unusual stage props, including messages and slogans that were displayed on revolving garage forecourt signs, written in neon lights or spelt out using funeral wreaths.
Musically, Earl Brutus's sound incorporated a diverse range of influences, including elements of early 1970s UK glam rock, the electronica of Kraftwerk and the ramshackleness of The Fall. Their lyrics concentrated on the mundane side of modern British life while at the same time exploring its dark and seedy underbelly.
Despite receiving favourable press interest for their live shows, albums and singles, Earl Brutus failed to gain commercial success or widespread recognition, and remained cult figures.
After a lengthy spell of inactivity, Earl Brutus returned for a one-off live date at Hammersmith Working Men's Club in London on 7 April 2004. Proceeds from the event, which also featured a DJ set from Mani of Primal Scream, were donated to Ken Livingstone's London Mayoral election campaign (this gig also featured Frank Sidebottom (comedian singer/songwriter Chris Sievey) who played a truncated set as a result of being apparently so drunk - and having limited vision with his papier mache 'head' on - that he tripped backwards over one of the monitors and fell approx 5 feet down off the stage head first. He was subsequently carried out of the room, apparently unconscious).
Earl Brutus have neither played live nor released any material since then.
Nick Sanderson died on June 9 2008 of lung cancer. He was 47.
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