Wendy Wu

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For the Disney Channel Original Movie, see Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.

Wendy Wu, 1980
Photo by Tom Sanders

Wendy Wu was the female lead singer of the eighties band, The Photos.

The Photos were originally a punk band named Satans Rats that formed in Evesham, Worcestershire in 1977. In 1979 Wendy Wu took over as singer. The band, with Steve Eagles (guitar & vocals), Dave Sparrow (bass guitar & vocals) and Olly Harrison (drums & percussion). released a self-titled album and number of singles. These included "I'm so Attractive" and "Barbarellas" (concerning the closure of a Birmingham nightclub).

The album was successful, reaching number 4 in the national top ten, and Wu's picture was briefly a regular item in the Music Press. Consistently brilliant, and enhanced by a welcome extra disc of early demos, the album was supported by the group performing numerous well-received live concerts around the UK. The album was later re-released in CD format, although only a limited number of copies were pressed and this became a much sought-after item. The CD was however re-released in October 2007 by Cherry Red records, the label originally due to have signed the band before they were contracted to CBS. The re-release includes some additional tracks including "I'm So Attractive."

The possibility of greater commercial success was hampered when a scheduled appearance on BBC's "Top of the Pops" was canceled due to industrial action. A second album, "Crystal Tips and Mighty Mice", was never released, although a number of test-pressing copies surfaced on the collectors' market.

Wendy Wu went on to release some generally poorly-received solo singles and joined Steve Strange to form "Strange Cruise" in 1986. Steve Eagles became guitarist in Ted Milton's Blurt.

The Photos meanwhile continued with various different lead singers and later reformed with Wu for a one-off gig at London's famous Marquee venue before finally disbanding.