Owen Paul

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Owen Paul
Birth name Owen Paul McGee
Born (1962-05-01) 1 May 1962 (age 53)
Origin Glasgow, Scotland
Genres Pop rock
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, musician
Years active 1986–present
Labels Chrysalis Records
Right Track Records

Owen Paul (born Owen Paul McGee, 1 May 1962, Glasgow), is a Scottish singer, best known in the UK for his 1986 #3 hit single, "My Favourite Waste of Time",[1] a cover version of a song that was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw. The track featured an appearance from future Thunder bass player, Mark 'Snake' Luckhurst.

As a youngster Paul was taken on as an apprentice with Celtic Football Club, but after hearing the Sex Pistols he decided to pursue a career in music. In 1989 he produced Japanese rock band Buck-Tick's album Taboo. After releasing a couple of singles he had a fall-out with his record label resulting in him leaving the music industry for 15 years.[2]

Paul has made two television appearances to forget: the first was on the BBC live programme Pebble Mill, when he was meant to mime to "My Favourite Waste Of Time", but due to a technician's mistake, he missed his cue. The second came much later, as the unfortunate guest of a neighbour to The Osbournes, when as a result of playing music in a neighbouring garden, he provoked Ozzy and the rest of his dysfunctional family into throwing food.

Reverting to his full name of Owen Paul McGee, he returned to the music scene in 2002 with the album, About Time.

After touring and recording with Mike + the Mechanics, and a spell with Scottish supergroup Four Good Men, Paul became the lead vocalist for Ex-Simple Minds, but later left the band due to other commitments.

Discography[edit]

Singles[edit]

  • 1986: "My Favourite Waste of Time"
  • 1986: "Pleased to Meet You"
  • 1986: "One World"
  • 1987: "Bring Me Back That Spark"
  • 1987: "Mad About the Girl"

Albums[edit]

  • 1986: As It Is
  • 2002: About Time
  • 2004: Rewired - Mike + the Mechanics (as backing vocalist and vocal arranger)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 420. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. 
  2. ^ Blythe, Daniel: The Encyclopedia of British Pop, Allison and Busby, London 2002. ISBN 0-7490-0534-3

External links[edit]