Love City Groove

Love City Groove represented the United Kingdom in the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest, with a self-titled song after being the runaway winner in a public vote. The pop/rap song finished tenth with 76 points; and peaked at #7 on the UK Singles Chart. Love City Groove were formed by a collective including music/performing arts students from the BRIT School For Performing Arts & Technology. The band consisted of Stephen Rudden, Jay Williams, Yinka Charles (aka 'Reason') and Paul Hardy.

Despite the success of their Eurovision entry which went onto sell over 200,000 copies in the UK they had trouble repeating the trick. The follow-up "Soft Spot" missed out on the UK chart. This was followed by "J.U.M.P" which likewise did not enter the official UK listing. Their debut album Hard Times received a limited release, and sold in small quantities. The group then split from their record label, Planet 3. The band returned a year later with a cover of the track "I Found Lovin'". With several line up changes, but not much success, the group finally split for good.

Stephen Rudden then submitted a song originally written for Love City Groove but sung by a new group called The Collective for an appearance in the 1998 A Song For Europe contest, to try for a second stab at Eurovision glory but ended up coming last of four performers with the song "When We're Alone (We Dream)". The track was released but missed out on a UK chart position. Rudden continued to write and mix music for other artists, television and film.

Paul Hardy continues to sing, performing tribute shows throughout the country and abroad. Jay Williams retired from the music industry.

References

Preceded by Frances Ruffelle with "Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free)"

UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 1995

Succeeded by Gina G with "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit"