After the Fire
After The Fire were formed in the UK in 1972 by keyboard player Peter Banks, Andy Piercy (guitar, bass), Ivor Twidell (drums) and John Russell (guitar). The market was responsive to UK adult-orientated rock during the early 70s but the band's mixture of "pomp Christian pop" was slow to break through. They eventually secured a contract following the release of their debut album on their own label. CBS Records invested in them and they were rewarded with a UK Top 40 hit, "One Rule For You", in 1979. The accompanying album, although polished, sold only to the converted. The band's subsequent recordings were minor hits until the unexpected major success of "Der Kommissar". Originally recorded by Falco in his native Germany, After The Fire's version went on to sell over a million copies worldwide, and made the US Top 5. However, by the time it charted, the group had already broken up, frustrated by record company indecision and the Christian ethos that "made things worse, as we couldn't have a good old swearing and slanging match." Banks built his own studio before becoming managing director of Maldon Computer Company, a software and networking enterprise. Twidell released three Christian rock solo albums, Waiting For The Sun (1981), Secret Service (1981) and Duel (1983), after leaving the group following the debut album. He then became a member of the Bedfordshire police force. Russell was last sighted working in a hi-fi shop. Piercy retained the rights to the name, although it was now abbreviated to ATF. Still a practising Christian, after submitting an unreleased solo album for CBS he went on to do production work for the Truth, T'Pau (when they were known as Talking America) and Gary Numan. (Source : VH1)
Operator
Operator, Do you mind if I talk to you
But I feel so lonely sat here on my own
Operator, I had a little trouble getting through
Then I never have been good at using phones
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The forecast says that it will rain
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The Time is eight o’clock
Replace your phone and dial again
Operator, You’re probably think I’m daft
But I very nearly didn’t make this call
Operator, I know this will make you laugh
But I find it hard to talk to anyone at all
All lines from London are engaged
The forecast says that it will rain
This service has been stopped
The Time is eight o’clock
Operator, I don’t wanna take up all your time
So if you have to go then please just say
Operator, I’d like to call you again if you don’t mind
Cause this talk we’ve had has really made my day
All lines from London are engaged
The forecast says that it will rain
This service has been stopped
The Time is eight o’clock
Replace your phone and dial again
And Dial again
All lines from London are engaged – Please try later
All lines from London are engaged – Please try later
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