Tunnelvision (2)

Formed in Blackpool early 1980 by guitarist Chris Anderton, drummer Phil Barnard and bassist Paul Swindles.
Chris Anderton later took over on vocals and second guitarist became Andrew Leeming, a teenage protege of sage Section 25 guitarist Paul Wiggin. As a result the Sections decided to mentor Tunnelvision, much as they had earlier been mentored by Joy Division.
The band performed their first gig at Jenk's Disco in Blackpool on 11 February 1980. Shortly after that gig, Barnard also left and was replaced by Tony Ashworth.

Their raw yet powerful set impressed both Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson, with the result that Tunnelvision were invited to record a single for Factory.
But shortly after the first session bassist Paul Swindles departed, and was replaced by Ian Butterworth.
Watching The Hydroplanes was finally released in June 1981 and despite negative press the single managed a strong showing in the independent chart.

No further demos or desk-recorded live tapes were made and Tunnelvision's last live stand was a short set at London venue Heaven in January 1982. Eventually, in February 1982, the band fell apart.

Anderton and Butterworth went on to form Vee VV, together with Mark Ormrod, Martin Reynolds and Dave Milner.

In 2003 Tunnelvision reformed around a nucleus of Anderton, Ashworth and Butterworth, and played their first gig at Ashton Gardens in Blackpool on 15 August. In March 2005 a limited edition CD single was released, featuring three new songs. The group also performed at the Beat Club in Blackpool supporting Section 25.

However, this project went no further and Anderton and Ashworth continued to record as 4m (2).