Heaven 17 is a popular British electro-pop group founded in 1980 by a trio: keyboardist Martyn Ware, keyboardist Ian Craig Marsh, and vocalist Glenn Gregory. Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh are largely seen as the core of Heaven 17, having originally met working as a pair of one-time computer operators together. Considered part of England’s new wave and best known for their synth-pop music, Heaven 17 aptly received their name from the dystopian novel, A Clockwork Orange. The band’s first album, called Music for Stowaways,  was initially only released on cassette tape only, along with an LP titled Music For Listening To. However, Heaven 17’s first real album was called Penthouse and Pavement and was released in 1981. Since then, the band has released numerous works, including seven more albums, three EPs, and much more. 

Although Heaven 17 encountered a bit of trouble when Marsh decided to exit the band in 2007, Glenn Gregory and Martyn Ware have been dedicated to keeping Heaven 17 alive. With the added help of former backup singer, Billie Godfrey, the band has since released a new song and re-recordings in 2009. And on January 26th, in the year 2021, Heaven 17 will also be performing live at The Independent. Be sure to catch them there and continue to follow MXDWN for all your music updates.

Location: The Independent

Address: 628 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 

Tickets available from $30+