40 years of first and last and always: Sisters of Mercy celebrate anniversary!

40 years of first and last and always: Sisters of Mercy celebrate anniversary!

Eisenstadt, Österreich - On July 4, 2025, the cult band The Sisters of Mercy will celebrate a great anniversary-40 years after the publication of her debut album "First and Last and Always ”. The band, which was founded in Leeds by Andrew Eldritch and Gary Marx in 1980 and is named after a song by Leonard Cohen, has developed an immortal status in the music scene over the years.

"First and Last and Always", which saw the light of day on March 11, 1985 via the Merciful Release label, not only conquered the British album charts and reached 14th place, but also exerted an enormous influence on the goth scene of the 80s. Despite internal tensions and the separation from Marx and bassist Craig Adams after only three weeks after the album release, Eldritch was able to continue the band with changing members. The iconic drum machine "Doctor Avalanche", which made a decisive contribution to the unique sound of the group, also dates from this time.

an anniversary in vinyl

On the occasion of the anniversary, a red-marbled 4-LP vinyl box will appear, which not only contains the original album, but also the three EPS "Body & Soul", "Walk Away" and "No Time to Cry" with bonus tracks. In addition, the main album will be available in the original gatefold cover. The anticipation of this publication is great; Fans had to wait 35 years for new music and wonder whether Eldritch will soon present fresh sounds with his current line-up.

The first full album recording was finally completed in November 1984 after it was recorded in various studios, including Strawberry Studios in Stockport for over a year. The real cult status is also shown by the fact that "First and Last and Always" was awarded gold in 1989 in Great Britain and in 2011 in Germany - a sign of the lasting interest in this music.

unforgettable appearances and the future

The Sisters of Mercy have a strong live set, even if there is currently no song from her debut album on the setlist. Eldritch continues to tour, and the fan base is looking forward to new music and possible exciting concerts. Since the band's last studio recording in 1990, when “Vision Thing” was published, new projects have failed to materialize, although rumors about a fourth studio album never fully fell.

The band understood it like no other to cross the boundaries between rock and goth, and remains an integral part of music history. With an event that celebrates the 40th birthday of her most famous album, and the release of the anniversary vinyl box remains the excitement around The Sisters of Mercy. Perhaps new ways will also be taken to make the fans easier to wait while reminiscent of past concerts and look forward to the future.