Daisy Chainsaw
Daisy Chainsaw was an English rock band that was active between 1989 and 1994. Founded by guitarist and songwriter Crispin Gray, the band gained significant attention on the alternative music scene in Europe, primarily for their unique sound and intense performances. Their original lead vocalist, KatieJane Garside, became known for her on-stage theatrics and eccentric behavior, contributing to the band’s early success with their debut album Eleventeen in 1992.
Career
The band was formed in 1989 when KatieJane Garside responded to an advertisement placed by Crispin Gray in the music press. Daisy Chainsaw quickly developed a reputation for their chaotic live performances, which featured Garside wearing soiled gowns, drinking from a baby bottle, and other strange antics. Their unusual stage presence helped set them apart from other acts of the time.
Daisy Chainsaw achieved commercial success with their EP Love Sick Pleasure, which featured the hit single “Love Your Money.” The track gained substantial airplay due to appearances on ITV’s The Chart Show and Channel 4’s The Word. Despite their growing popularity, the band declined an invitation to appear on BBC’s Top of the Pops when Garside developed a throat infection. “Love Your Money” reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1992.
The band turned down an offer from Madonna’s Maverick label and instead signed with indie label One Little Indian. However, their follow-up singles “Pink Flower” (UK #65) and “Hope Your Dreams Come True” didn’t match the success of “Love Your Money.” Their debut album, Eleventeen, peaked at number 62 on the UK Albums Chart.
In support of Eleventeen, Daisy Chainsaw toured extensively, sharing stages with bands like Mudhoney and Hole. Notably, Hole’s frontwoman Courtney Love praised KatieJane Garside as one of the “first true riot grrls,” though Daisy Chainsaw was never directly tied to the riot grrl movement.
Garside’s Departure and Final Years
In 1993, KatieJane Garside left the band, and rumors about her mental health surfaced. She moved to the Lake District and withdrew from public view until resurfacing in 1999. Following her departure, Belinda Leith replaced her as the band’s lead vocalist. Leith recorded the band’s final album, For They Know Not What They Do, in 1994 before leaving the group to pursue other projects, including working with Terry Hall on his album Home.
After Leith’s departure, the remaining members of Daisy Chainsaw briefly formed a new group called Dizzy Q Viper, which disbanded after releasing an EP. In the early 2000s, Garside and Gray reunited to form Queenadreena, and Garside currently plays in Liar, Flower, while Gray is part of Starsha Lee.
Discography
- Eleventeen (1992) – UK Chart Peak: 62
- For They Know Not What They Do (1994) – Did not chart
In 2024, Daisy Chainsaw’s single “Love Your Money” will be reissued as a limited edition 7″ vinyl by Easy Action Records, bringing the band’s legacy back into the spotlight.
