A Glasgow-based pop and rock outfit, Texas have achieved a string of hits in the UK and around the world. The band first got together in 1986, when Johnny McElhone, who was then best known for his work in Altered Images, recruited Sharleen Spiteri as the group’s main vocalist. Taking their name from a Wim Wenders movie, Texas made their debut performance in Scotland in 1988. To date, the group has sold over 40 million recordings around the world making them among the most successful rock bands from Scotland in music history.

Texas' career milestones

Texas’ debut studio album came out in 1989. Entitled Southside, it spawned the single “I Don’t Want a Lover”, which was a top 10 hit in the UK. The track also performed well in Europe, helping to cement the band’s position as a hit-making rock group with a popular appeal. The album got to number three in the charts, largely because of the exposure “I Don’t Want a Lover” had brought to it. Southside got to number 88 in the US charts, something of a coup for a debut rock album by a British band.

The group made two albums soon after the initial success of Southside. Mother’s Heaven was released in 1991, followed by Ricks Road in 1993. Although they performed well in the UK, the band struggled to maintain their early promise. This was to change dramatically with the release of White on Blonde in 1997. It was a huge hit, topping the charts in the UK and selling well in many other territories. In fact, the work went on to be certified as triple platinum selling. After this, Texas’ greatest hits album of 2000 was also hugely popular and went on to almost match the huge success of White on Blonde.

Texas released Careful What You Wish For in 2003 and The Red Book in 2005. Both featured Spiteri’s distinctive vocals throughout and went on to be certified as gold-selling in the UK. Following The Red Book Tour, which the band embarked on to promote the work, there was a short hiatus while Spiteri began a solo career. However, in 2011, the band reformed and set about a short tour across Europe. Two years later, Texas signed a new record deal with PIAS Recording and went on to put out a new album, The Conversation. It spawned three singles, including “Detroit City”. A UK-wide tour was booked to promote the album, with many fans noting that the group had returned to performing at something like their best. A ninth studio album, Jump On Board, came out in May 2017. It was a number one hit in France and sold well elsewhere.

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