The Tourists
The Tourists were a British new wave and pop rock band that made a significant mark in the late 1970s. Formed in London in 1976, the group initially began as a folk-rock ensemble but soon evolved into a more distinct pop-rock sound that resonated with the burgeoning new wave movement of the time. The core members included Dave Stewart on guitar and keyboards, Annie Lennox on vocals and keyboards, Peet Coombes as the primary songwriter and vocalist, Jim Toomey on drums, and Eddie Chin on bass guitar.
Stewart and Lennox, who later achieved international fame with Eurythmics, provided a magnetic stage presence and were integral to the band’s creative output. However, it was Peet Coombes who wrote most of their material, crafting catchy melodies and poignant lyrics that captured the zeitgeist of the era.
The Tourists released three studio albums in quick succession, which showcased their evolution and experimentation within the pop rock and new wave genres. Their debut album, self-titled “The Tourists” (1979), introduced listeners to their eclectic style and featured the hit single “Blind Among the Flowers.” The follow-up, “Reality Effect” (1979), became their most successful release, propelled by popular singles such as “I Only Want to Be with You,” a cover of Dusty Springfield’s classic, and “So Good to Be Back Home Again.” Their final album, “Luminous Basement” (1980), continued to display their eclectic sound but didn’t achieve the same commercial success.
Despite their relatively short tenure, The Tourists left an indelible mark on the music scene, with their energetic performances and unique blend of rock and pop elements. Their disbandment in 1980 paved the way for Stewart and Lennox to form Eurythmics, taking the lessons learned and the musical chemistry developed during the Tourists’ era to new heights.