Ludus Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1978 Manchester, England

Disbanded

1983

Members

Ian Devine, Willie Trotter, Graham Dids, Linder Sterling, Arthur Kadmon, Phil "Toby" Tolman

Biography

Ludus are one of the less-known Manchester bands of the post-punk era. Formed in 1978 by former Manicured Noise guitarist Arthur Kadmon, the group initially consisted of former Nosebleeds drummer Philip Tolman, bassist Willie Trotter, and vocalist Linder (Linda Mulvey), a Manchester scenester who designed record sleeves and posters for Buzzcocks and Magazine. She also became a close friend of Morrissey, who was significantly inspired by her. Ludus debuted on Richard Boon's New Hormones label in 1980 with The Visit, a 12" single. Another single, My Cherry Is in Sherry, followed months later. By the time of 1981's five-song Pickpocket cassette, the band's membership changed to Linder, guitarist/bassist Ian Devine, and drummer Graham Dids. The cassette was followed with the Mother's Hour single and the debut LP The Seduction. Danger Came Smiling, the band's sophomore LP, appeared in August of 1982. The confrontational Linder, who wasn't foreign to taking the stage donning a dildo and slices of meat (her menstrual egg timer was given a catalog number by Manchester's infamous Factory label), eventually became less involved with music to be further involved with the visual arts. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide