Ella Mental

Centering about theatrical vocalist Heather Mac (neé McDermott, later Parr) and guitarist Tim Parr, Ella Mental were formed in South Africa in 1984 and released the single "See Yourself (Clowns)" in 1985, with debut album "Uncomplicated Dreams" following later. The band toured extensively and produced three more singles: "Jenny", "30 Million Lonely People", and "Madmen" (which was banned because it criticised then-president P.W. Botha). The group thus left for Ireland around 1986, set up a home and starting rehearsing for the big break. After a year overseas, bassist Adrian Levi returned to South Africa and drummer Hermann Eugster returned to his home in Switzerland. Married couple Tim and Heather Parr were not to give up, and the big break came when Warner Bros. spotted Ella Mental (now fleshed out by various Irish musicians) at the Marquee Club in Soho. The eponymous "Ella Mental" album was produced in the States and released in 1989 by Warner Brothers in the USA, Australia, England and Europe, receiving a lukewarm response. It would never be released in their home country, though. In 1992 Ella Mental finally disbanded.