Lee Mavers

Lee Mavers

Lee Mavers (born 2 August 1962 in Liverpool, England) is the frontman for the Liverpudlian group, The La's.

Mavers is the songwriter, singer, and rhythm guitarist in this critically acclaimed band, who are best-known for the smash hit "There She Goes" in their late 1980s heyday, and is an eccentric and influential figure in English rock'n'roll, having been cited by the likes of Oasis, Travis, Pete Doherty and Paul Weller as an influence.

Mavers gained a reputation for perfectionism and eccentricity in the music press for his famed scrapping of multiple versions of the band's debut album, and often came across as dry, acerbic and stubborn in interviews, although with a clearly defined notion of music as he thought it should be - genuine, rootsy, and authentic. In earlier press interviews, however, Mavers was often enthusiastic, witty, driven, and informed, but eventually became more withdrawn and caustic before choosing to drop out of the limelight altogether. This wilful blackout of probing interviews from the likes of Q magazine and NME led to his establishment as a seldom-seen "recluse".

Obsessing over the group's troubled recording efforts between 1987 to 1992, Mavers eventually retreated back to his Liverpool home after the release of The La's' eponymous debut, his perception of the music industry highly soured by the fact the release was not a version of the album he wished to be made public.[1]

More silence in the music press followed barring one highly disturbing NME interview, full of babble and bizarre imagery.[2] Mavers was at this point occasionally playing with other Liverpool musicians.

Mayers performing with The La's, Club Quatro, Japan 1991 Photo: Masao Nakagami

In late 2003 a book about Mavers and his band was released, In Search of The La's : A Secret Liverpool which did contain a 2000 dated interview with Mavers discussing his band and what he intends to do with his music. While providing insight into Mavers' personality, the book ends on an ambiguous note concerning his return to music.

In March 2005 The La's announced dates in England and Ireland, their first in a decade, along with festivals sets such as Glastonbury and the Summer Sonic festival in Japan, with the line-up of Lee Mavers (vocals, guitar), John Power (bass), Jay Lewis of the band Cracatilla (guitar) and Nick Miniski (drums). The set generally consisted of old songs, including the perennial favourite "There She Goes", with new songs performed as encores. The drummer was quickly replaced by Mavers' old schoolfriend Jasper, and live reviews have generally been favourable. The La's' return may have been surprising, but Mavers' attitude being completely unchanged perhaps less so - the band are yet to conduct any interviews or features with the music press. New songs that would have featured, or will feature, on the 2nd album include I Am the Key, Fishing Net AKA Something I Said, Raindance and The Human Race.

In March 2009, Mavers made a surprise appearance in Birmingham, joining Pete Doherty on stage to play 'Son of a Gun' and 'There She Goes'. Further secret gigs with members of Doherty's band, Babyshambles, at Camden pub The Hawley Arms, and at Kieran Leonard's residency 'The Gaslight' in Tufnell Park bar The Hideaway further encouraged rumours that Mavers' creative spark had returned with the possibility of recording new material.

Mavers is an enthusiastic supporter of Everton FC, and resides in the Huyton area of Liverpool with his partner and four children.