Mark Astronaut
Mark Astronaut (Mark Wilkins) is a Welwyn Garden City (UK) based musician.
Astronaut has been involved with three main projects consisting of The Astronauts, Restricted Hours and The Otters. His career spans over 30 years, and he is still performing today. He was involved in the free music scene of the late 70's/early 80's, playing with the likes of Zounds, The Mob, and touring on Here and Now's Free Tours. The Astronauts have released material on a variety of labels including All The Madmen, Acid Stings, Irregular and Bugle.
Although never seeking publicity and recognition, Marks music trickles out to those in the know, and frequently receives critical acclaim. Mark is a profound lyricist, and frequently draws inspiration from the absurdities of life in Britain, giving his music a distinctly English feel. A collection of his lyrics can be found on the official Astronauts website under songbook, thanks to Simon for transcribing all he has done so far. Rock n Reel magazine (March/April 2009) describe Mark as 'The Post-Punk Dylan of Welwyn Garden City'.
The Otters are Marks latest project, and have been performing for approximately 7 years.
Discography
The Astronauts:
- ''The Astronauts ep 1979 (Bugle)
- ''The Night 1979 (Really Weird Comp)
- ''Pranksters In Revolt ep 1980 (Bugle)
- ''Peter Pan Hits The Suburbs LP 1981 (Bugle)
- ''Only Fools & Optimists cassette album 1982 (All The Madmen)
- ''Its All Done By Mirrors LP 1983 (All The Madmen)
- ''Soon LP 1986 (All The Madmen)
- ''Seedy Side Of The Astronauts LP 1987 (All The Madmen)
- ''In DeFence Of Compassion LP 1989 (AcidStings)
- ''Constitution 7" 1991 (Acid Stings)
- ''Upfront And Sideways LP (Acid Stings) awaiting release
- ''Peter Pan/All Done By Mirrors CD 1994 (Lazy Dog)
- ''Baby Sings Folksongs 7" 1995 (Farce)
- ''You're All Weird CD 2000 (Irregular)
Restricted Hours:
- ''Restricted Hours ep 1979 (Stevenage RAR)
- ''Restricted Hours (live at club 85 - 2004)
The Otters:
- ''Songs Beginning with the Letter H (2008)
- ''Songs that don't Begin with the letter H (2008)