Black Box Recorder

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Black Box Recorder
Origin London, England
Genres Indie pop, indie rock, synth-pop, spoken word
Years active1998–2003, 2007–2010
Members Luke Haines
John Moore
Sarah Nixey

Black Box Recorder are an English indie rock band. They debuted in 1998 with England Made Me and followed this up with The Facts of Life , which gave them their first hit with the single of the same name in April 2000. Their third album, Passionoia , was released in 2003. There is also a compilation album, The Worst of Black Box Recorder , a collection of B-sides, cover versions and remixes.

Contents

Black Box Recorder consisted of Sarah Nixey, Luke Haines (of The Auteurs), and John Moore (formerly of The Jesus and Mary Chain). Moore and Nixey married in 2001, and had one child. Despite divorcing in 2006, the pair have continued to work together over the years.

Although there was no official announcement of the band's split, Black Box Recorder were on hiatus during the mid-2000s after their contract with One Little Indian ended. The band collaborated with Art Brut during 2007, and released the single "Christmas Number One" under the name The Black Arts. In October 2008 the band played live at the Nick Sanderson tribute concert at the London Forum.

In late 2008 it was announced the band would be playing a gig at The Luminaire on 18 February 2009. The gig quickly sold out, and a second appearance at the same venue announced. These sold out shows were the band's first headlining appearances in five years. [1]

A new album was planned for 2009, however, the record was never released. On 16 April 2010, the band announced a 'final statement' after releasing their last single, "Keep It in the Family" b/w "Do You Believe in God?" on 6 May 2010. [2]

In November 2023 a remastered version of England Made Me was released on Spotify for the 25th anniversary of the album. [3]

In November 2025, a reunion concert at the London Palladium was announced for May 2026, following interest shown in the band by Billie Eilish. [4] [5]

Discography

Studio albums

YearAlbum detailsPeak positions
UK
[6]
1998 England Made Me 110
2000 The Facts of Life 37
2003 Passionoia 179

Compilation albums

YearAlbum details
2001 The Worst of Black Box Recorder

Singles

YearSinglePeak positionsAlbum
UK
[6]
1998"Child Psychology"82England Made Me
"England Made Me"89
2000"The Facts of Life"20The Facts of Life
"The Art of Driving"53
2003"These Are the Things"91Passionoia
"The School Song"102

References

  1. ↑ Hubbard, Michael (18 February 2009). "Black Box Recorder @ Luminaire, London". musicOMH . Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  2. ↑ Breihan, Tom (16 April 2010). "Black Box Recorder Break Up". Pitchfork . Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  3. ↑ "England Made Me [25th Anniversary Edition]". Spotify. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  4. ↑ Winter, Avery (29 November 2025). "Billie Eilish And The Resurgence Of Black Box Recorder: A Testament To Timeless Artistry By Luke ..." Kiitn. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  5. ↑ Sarah Nixey [@nixeysdarkroom] (30 November 2025). "We are extremely excited to announce that we will be reforming to play our first show in seventeen years at London Palladium on Friday, May 22nd 2026! Come all, old and young! This is not about nostalgia, this is about vindication, redemption and celebration. Sign up using the link for early access to the presale, which begins on Wednesday, December 3rd at 9am. If you sign up, you'll receive an email with your presale link before then. We can't wait to see you all there!" . Retrieved 25 February 2026– via Threads.
  6. 1 2 "Chart Log UK | 1994–2010 | Darren B – David Byrne". zobbel.de. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
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