Gleaming Spires

Gleaming Spires were a new wave pop group popular in the 1980s. Performing as Bates Motel they were enlisted by the Mael brothers to be a part of the 1981-1985 incarnation of their band, Sparks. After completing demos with neophyte producer Stephen Hague, principal members Leslie Bohem (writer of "Dante's Peak" and David Kendrick (later of Devo) recruited fellow Sparks members Jim Goodwin and Bob Haag to form Gleaming Spires with the blessing of the Mael brothers. Following an introduction by graphic artist Kevin J. Walker (TSOL, Channel 3 (band) covers inter alia), they were signed to Posh Boy Records on the strength of what had been intended by the group as a non LP b side "Are You Ready for the Sex Girls", which became a hit on L.A.'s KROQ radio station. The recording was later featured in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "The Last American Virgin" and "". Rob Goraieb sang background vocals on their "Funk For Children" EP.

Members

*Leslie Bohem - Lead vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, synthesizers
*David Kendrick - drums, percussion

Other members

*Bob Haag - guitars, background vocals
*Jim "Jimbo" Goodwin - keyboards, alto saxophone
*Greg Penny - synthesizers, guitars, background vocals
*Paul Cutler - guitar
*Stephen Hauge - synthesizer, producer
*Jim Goodwin - synthesizer
*"The Horns of Desire" - Bobby Moore (saxophone), Dana Wylie (trumpets)
*"The Passionettes" (background vocalists) - Katia Empkowicz Penny, Patty Foley, Beau Wesley, The Happy Boy, The Party God, Fanny Penny

Discography

Albums

*"Songs of the Spires" (1981)
*"Walk on Well Lighted Streets" (1983)
*"Welcoming a New Ice Age" (1985)