h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

It's been mis-reported for years that David Sylvian and co were expelled from school for wearing make-up and dyeing their hair. Not true. The group only started wearing make-up in 1977, after signing with Hansa. Sylvian and Karn insisted the others join in, for the image of the group; the other three were not so enthusiastic! The full story is in Simon Napier-Bell's book "Black Vinyl White Powder" and the visual proof (some photos from 1974) is at www.nightporter.co.uk in the photos section. As for being expelled from school, Sylvian and Karn just stopped going in. Sylvian was definitely there long enough to pass Art O Level anyway. They then got regular jobs. Richard Barbieri did well enough to land a job at Barclays, where he worked for nearly 2 years before the band became a serious pastime. He was also a South London tennis champion. The band was something they did in their spare time, a reason to stick together after leaving school.

Wish you'd been around ealier so I could check some facts.