Mods who supported The Jam after forming in Burton get back together, reports Richard Castle on Derbyshire Live

 

A Burton band that once played alongside one of the biggest names in British music history have reformed to release a new single. It is 38 years since REACTION were at the heart of the 80s Mod revival scene in Burton, playing prestigious gigs opening up for The Jam, Secret Affair and Lambrettas. And a demand for their music from fans who followed them back in the 80s has prompted the reunion.

But with bandmates scattered across the globe and Covid restrictions in place, they had to be creative to make it happen. Bruno Gallone, 58, lead singer of the four-piece act, who formed in November 1980, became aware of the demand when he set up a Facebook page during lockdown as an outlet to share memories, music and anecdotes from the band's heyday.

The appetite for a revival became apparent when their music started featuring on Mod radio shows, as well as compilation CDs and vinyl showcasing the best unsigned bands from the 70s and 80s. This, along with messages of support from long-time fans, inspired Bruno to reach out to his former bandmates for a special reunion. They reunited virtually via video calls from their homes in Burton, Derby, North Yorkshire and Fiji to record two brand new songs.

Bruno said: "A reunion wasn't something I'd ever planned on, least of all in a year when a global pandemic prevented us from meeting up. I was overwhelmed by the conversations taking place on the Facebook group, with people sharing their memories of REACTION. I knew I couldn’t ignore the demand for new music any longer. I set about writing the new songs and the band shared ideas virtually about how they wanted them to sound.”

"It wasn't the easiest of tasks, balancing technology, work and family - not to mention time difference - all things we wouldn't have dreamed of contemplating in the 80s. In these strange times, music has been an outlet for many, be it through listening to it or creating it. I know for REACTION it's been brilliant to reminisce and get the creative juices flowing once more. I hope the new music will put smiles on the faces of our fans, both new and old."

The first of the two songs, Another Sunday Morning, is now available to stream and download on Amazon, Deezer and Spotify, with the second release due in the coming weeks.