Formed in 1979, Maximum Joy was originated by Janine Rainforth (singer /violin/clarinet) and Tony Wrafter (saxophonist/trumpeter, previously of another Bristol band, Glaxo Babies). Other founder members were Charlie Llewellin (drums, previously of Glaxo Babies), John Waddington (guitar, previously of Pop Group) and Dan Catsis (bass, previously of Pop Group and Glaxo Babies).

