Seona Dancing
Before Ricky was singing songs he wrote in The Office, he was singing songs he wrote in a 2 piece band in the 80's who went by the name of Seona Dancing. Pronounced 'Shaw-Na' the New Romantic Pop group consisted of himself and keyboardist Bill Macrae, who had the role of composing the music using mainly synthesizers.
Sadly the group had little success, releasing only two singles 'More To Lose' in 1983 which reached number 70 on the Billboard charts and 'Bitter Heart' which gained little popularity and lead to the group disbanding in a year later. Surprisingly the jumpy but dreamy track 'More To Lose' became a huge hit in the Philippians after radio station DWRT-FM in Manila began playing the track under the fictitious name 'Fade' by a band called 'Medium'. Why the changed name? The DJ never wanted anyone else to be able to find and play the track, making it exclusive to his show.
Ricky Gervais has never spoken of the band, though perhaps a reference was made in the 'Training Day' episode of The Office in which he speaks of 'Forgone Conclusion' where he describes himself as the singer/songwriter. Was 'Freelove Freeway' written in the Seona Dancing days? We may never find out but the Noel Remix of the track was released as the B-side to the gimmick track 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' showing that he never truely put music behind him.
Although only two tracks were released (both contained a B-Side), a 17 track demo tape was made though as of yet none of the tracks have leaked leaving most unheard. Still known in retro pop circles but forgotten or perhaps never heard of by most, the band has a new sparked interest since the fame of Mr Gervais. As reunion is pretty much out of the question, with a clip presented on Room 101 leaving him in a state of speechless embarrassment. As for Bill Macrae, the friends drifted apart into the late 80's where he went onto work at a record shop and has never since entered the public eye.
Seona Dancing Covers
The only covers available online are small and tagged images, so here are the small but untagged covers. For 'Bitter Heart' and 'More To Lose', you may notice a sailor hat but times were different back then. Click for a larger version.
Thanks to Chris who emailed me this advert from a 1983 edition of Smash Hits magazine:
Ricky Gervais
Extras
The Office
Stand Ups
Media and Fun
Rickys Chums
AllGervais.com
