History
1985-1989
Ghost Dance was originally formed in 1985 by Anne Marie Hurst (formerly of Skeletal Family) and Gary Marx (from The Sisters of Mercy). The band quickly built a strong following, spending several weeks high in the indie charts with a string of singles and an album on the Karbon label. During this time, they toured extensively with acts such as The Cult, The Mission, All About Eve, The Wonder Stuff, and Killing Joke, and appeared at the Reading Rock Festival in 1988.
After signing with Chrysalis Records, Ghost Dance released their major-label album Stop the World and recorded radio sessions for the likes of John Peel, Janice Long, and Nicky Campbell. They also developed a huge European following, with TV appearances in Spain, Germany, the UK, and Canada. The band eventually disbanded in 1989 after completing a tour in Germany with The Ramones.
2021-2024
In 2021, Ghost Dance unveiled a new line-up featuring Anne Marie Hurst, quickly gaining momentum with YouTube videos surpassing 100,000 views and a series of well-received singles and live shows. Highlights included performing as special guests of Fields of the Nephilim at the sold-out Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival in Whitby (2022), alongside appearances in Belgium, Sweden, and Mexico.
The following year, the band released their long-awaited album The Silent Shout (2023), which received rave reviews. The record debuted at No.1 on the iTunes Goth Rock chart, while the CD continues to rank highly and remains an Amazon best-seller within the genre.
2025 Relaunch
The increased touring and recording workload impacted the availability of some of the band members. So in 2025 after a number of guest musicians has passed through the ranks, Anne Maire rebuilt the band with a solidified lineup, renewed vigour and plans for a string of UK and international shows.
Lineup
Anne Marie Hurst – Vocals
Anne Marie was one of the founding members and vocalist for Skeletal Family. She formed Ghost Dance with Gary Marx (ex Sisters of Mercy) in 1985. She has been touring Worldwide ever since.
Nick Procter – Guitar
Nick previously worked with, Devils Rejects, Jonny and the Poorboys, and was the drummer in The Bobby Charltons during the 1980’s. He played guitar for Sex Pistols Experience for a couple of years- playing all over the uk and Europe. He has toured regularly in the UK, Europe and Mexico with Ghost Dance.
Gavin Coulson – Guitar
Gavin is excited to be part of this new chapter of Ghost Dance. Having roots in classic rock, he has played in bands covering a wide variety of musical styles and genres. Along with playing guitar, he is also a vocalist and plays Bass and keyboards. He has worked extensively playing venues and festivals throughout Europe the Uk, USA and the far East with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Oliver’s Army ( with former Saxon members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson), John Verity (Argent), Steve Fairclough, Jerry Donahue, Jamie Mallender, Mick Abrahams, Tom Kilner, Paul Fenton (T Rex).
Justin Kelly – Bass
Inspired by the punk and post punk bands of the 70’s and 80’s Justin swapped 6 strings for 4 in 1987 and has been performing regularly at venues and festivals in the UK and Europe since the early 90’s.
Billy Lockwood – Drums
Billy has been a professional musician since the age of 14 and has been touring as a Drummer and session musician in the USA, Europe and the Far Esat since the 80’s playing with band and musicians including Innadaze, The Budans, Chris norman (Smokie), Paul Fenton (T Rex). He has been a member of Ghost Dance since late 2023.
He is also the owner of the successful musical shop Access ALL Areas who along with tuition, combine the supply and hire of a wide variety of instruments and consumables along with a service department who carry out repairs.
Information and Links
Ghost Dance Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & more | Discogs
Ghost Dance: Stop The World (Expanded Edition) – album review
Music Magazine interview with Ghost Dance June 2023
Ghost Dance and Twisted Nerve at Bannerman’s Bar, Edinburgh
Dawn After Dark + Ghost Dance @ The Castle & Falcon, Sunday 8th December 2024