British goth band lands

THE MISSON UK: Bringing the good word of rock 'n' roll to the Holy Land.

By ARI MILLER
Coming to Israel for the first time ever, The Mission UK has two shows planned for Tel Aviv's Barby club. Following a long and turbulent career - including numerous changes of members, name disputes and a 1980s appearance on The Joan Rivers Show - the gothic rock group is here following the recent release of its album God Is A Bullet. Tacking "UK" onto their moniker following a dispute with a Philadelphia R&B band called The Mission, the group was founded by Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams in late 1985 following their departure from the post-punk goth band The Sisters of Mercy. After forming, The Mission UK quickly set out on a European tour, gained a devoted following and independently released two singles that both hit number one on the UK alternative charts, which led to contracts with major record labels. The latest album follows a number of critical, if not financial, successes. The band's debut album God's Own Medicine helped the group secure its devoted following, but it was 2001's AurA that garnered the most attention. More recently the band set out on 2005's Lighting the Candles tour, after which a live CD and double DVD set successfully capitalized on the band's reputation for high-energy, grandiose performances. Wayne Hussey, the only original member still with the group, also named the foursome. Inspiration came from his Mormon upbringing; he chose the name in response to his parent's desire that he become a missionary. As it happens, he's in the Holy Land to spread the good word of rock and roll. The first of the two shows is scheduled for this evening, Friday, at 11 p.m. and tomorrow night at 10 p.m. Tickets for each are priced at NIS 150, and may be ordered by calling the Barby at (03) 518-8123. The club is located at Kibbutz Galuyot 52.