a witness

Working on the fringe of independent music, based in Manchester and known for their intense, individual style, A Witness were formed by Rick Aitken (guitar) and Vince Hunt (bass, lyrics) in Stockport, near Manchester, Northern England in 1982, expanding to include Keith Curtis (vocals) and Noel Kilbride (guitar) a year later.

Initially a drum machine band, they continued as a three-piece when Noel Kilbride (later of AC Temple) left to study in France. In late 1984 they signed to the upcoming independent label Ron Johnson, and their first release, the 12" single "Loudhailer Songs" (Nov 1984), went straight into the New Musical Express chart where it stayed for several months.

John Peel offered the first of four sessions for his Radio One show, and Belgian promoter Alain Bolle arranged the first of their European tours. 1985 was spent touring extensively in the UK, recording a second Peel session and writing their first LP I Am John's Pancreas which they began recording in early 1986. Recorded over six months in Leeds it was a move away from the directness of "Loudhailer Songs" to highlight the ability of guitarist Rick Aitken.

The track "Sharpened Sticks" - with snappy bass walking guitar line and insistent, unwavering backbeat was included on the NME's legendary release, the C-86 showcase of the best upcoming bands of that year.