What came before the Eurythmics: Annie Lennox and David Stewart's first band

Eurythmics - one of the most famous British synth-pop duos with a multi-million circulation and a rich repertoire. The band has released enough high-profile singles to go down in music history forever - one world-famous track alone "Sweet Dreams." for what it's worth? A big hit of its time, still adored today.

When projects like Eurythmics achieve international success and recognition, it seems like the band just appeared right here and now - no one had heard of it before, and then bam, it's on the radio! But almost every musician can tell you: nothing comes at the snap of a finger. Sometimes years go byto be able to finally make a name for himself...

And very often popular bands have the big past is behind us.. And even a few names that millions of people will probably never know about... And that goes for the Eurythmics, the beloved duo whose journey to fame began as a little-known band. Before Annie Lennox and David Stewart captured the hearts of listeners around the world, they were poor aspiring musicians who shared a room.

Getting to know each other and starting a creative journey together

These two people came together in the 70s: their paths crossed, as it usually happens, quite by chance. But they never parted again. At the time. David Stewart played in various projects while Annie Lennox was a student at the Royal Academy of Music in London. A shared passion for music connected them, and it wasn't long before they decided to combine their talents. So, they started to work together as part of a collective The Touristswhich Stuart co-founded with mate Peter Coomes.

For the sake of her career, young Lennox abandoned her studies, and as we can judge - the risk was fully justified. For the first time Annie and David had to save money and lived in one room. However, they had more than just notes: inspiration and love. Yes, these two quickly fell in love with each other, and were in a relationship for a long time. But back to The Tourists: the band recorded several albums, and had some success, which it would be wrong to call substantial. Eventually the project broke up. There were many reasons: difficult relations with the label, lack of mutual understanding and respect between the members, quarrels between Lennox and Stuart... In general, the band's history came to an end rather quickly.

As The Tourists broke up, so did the romantic relationship of the future Eurythmics. Nevertheless, the pair managed to maintain a warm and respectful relationship and continue their creative journey together. And so the legendary synth-pop duowho achieved tremendous success and became a fixture on the stage of his era.

Their latest full-length album "Peace." Lennox and Stewart have since moved on to other projects. However, they still write music together from time to time, and they speak very favourably of each other. Looking back, David emphasises:

"It makes me very happy to look and see all the work we've created and be proud of it. It's moments like that when you feel honoured, when you feel you've lived your life for a reason. People love you, and recognise your creativity. It feels good to be appreciated, and that's the best motivation of all!"

It all started with post-punk

Despite their fame as stars. synth-pop Lennox and Stuart started out by playing post-punk! This may sound startling to some fans, but it is indeed true. Remarkably, the originally mentioned band The Tourists was called Catch. When Lennox joined the line-up, the band changed its name and moved towards post-punk - quite involuntarily. At first the project was aimed at the new wave, but Annie's voice and manner of performing forced the members to change the vector.

Thus, the band moved from synthesisers to orientated guitars, and this would find its way into Eurythmics' work in the future.

In conclusion

When the duo found out in 2022 that they wanted to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of FameLennox told Rolling Stone magazine:

"Our journey has been long and winding. A lot has happened in these decades - personally, musically and in the world. So many things have happened that you could never expect. But our commitment and passion for music has not diminished."

It must be a great rarity and an even greater miracle when two people find each other at a young age and it develops into a beautiful lifelong union....