McGeoch was born and brought up in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, and got his first guitar when he was twelve. In 1970 he played in a local band called The Slugband. In 1971 he moved to London with his family, and in 1975 he began to attend Manchester Polytechnic, where he studied art.
McGeoch had a degree in Fine Art and an ongoing interest in photography, painting and drawing. He provided some of the cover art for his future band The Armoury Show, years later.
In April 1977 McGeoch's flatmate Malcolm Garrett introduced him to Howard Devoto, who had recently left the Buzzcocks and was looking for a guitarist to form a band which would transcend the limitations of three-chord punk. Devoto found what he was looking for in McGeoch and the pair formed Magazine, along with Barry Adamson, Bob Dickinson, and Martin Jackson.
Magazine released their debut single, "Shot by Both Sides", in January 1978. The music was written by Pete Shelley with new Devoto lyrics (the Buzzcocks version is known as "Lipstick"), and the single reached number 41 on the UK singles chart. The same year, he graduated.
McGeoch played on the band's first three albums, Real Life (1978), Secondhand Daylight (1979), and The Correct Use of Soap (1980). He left the band in 1980, shortly after the release of the latter album, frustrated about their lack of commercial success despite being very popular with the music critics.
In 1979, whilst still a member of Magazine, McGeoch joined Steve Strange's electronic group Visage along with erstwhile Magazine bandmates Barry Adamson and Dave Formula, beginning to record songs for their first single "Tar" and later, in 1980, for the ensemble's eponymous album, Visage, playing guitar and saxophone.
Although he saw Visage as a joke, McGeoch did have the success he craved, however brief. The band's single "Fade to Grey" went to number one in a number of European countries. McGeoch couldn't participate in the group's second album, The Anvil because he was touring with Siouxsie and the Banshees in Spain at the same time as Visage were recording in London.
Whilst still a member of Magazine and Visage, McGeoch had played with other bands such as Generation X, for some songs from the "Kiss Me Deadly" album, and The Skids, for a late 1980 Peel Session replacing Stuart Adamson, who was ill. During those days, he left Magazine.
After joining the Banshees in early 1980, McGeoch entered a period of both creative and commercial success. He played guitar on the Banshees albums Kaleidoscope (1980), Juju (1981), and A Kiss in the Dreamhouse (1982). The Banshees' hit singles of this era featured some of McGeoch's greatest work, particularly 1980's "Happy House", "Christine" and "Israel". Siouxsie Sioux said: "John McGeoch was my favourite guitarist of all time. He was into sound in an almost abstract way. I loved the fact that I could say, "I want this to sound like a horse falling off a cliff", and he would know exactly what I meant. He was easily, without a shadow of a doubt, the most creative guitarist the Banshees ever had."
However, McGeoch suffered a nervous breakdown due to the stresses of touring and drinking and collapsed on stage at a Madrid concert. This marked the end of his membership in Siouxsie and the Banshees.
By that time, he collaborated with Ken Lockie's "The Impossible" album (1981), along with ex-Magazine mate John Doyle.
Following three commercially failed, however critically acclaimed years in The Armoury Show (which included Richard Jobson and Russel Webb, both ex-Skids members, and John Doyle who was McGeoch's bandmate from Magazine), McGeoch joined Public Image Ltd. in 1986, a decision which may have been partly motivated by financial difficulties incurred during his time with the The Armoury Show. McGeoch had been a great admirer of P.I.L, particularly John Lydon's lyrics, yet had reportedly turned down an invitation to join the band in 1984 due to prior commitments.
Despite being hit in the face with a bottle during one of his first concerts with the band, McGeoch remained with P.I.L until they disbanded in 1992, making him the longest-serving member apart from Lydon. He worked on the albums Happy?, 9 and That What Is Not.
During his time with P.I.L, McGeoch married Denise Dakin, on September 14 1988. The couple had a daughter in 1989 - Emily Jean McGeoch.
After Public Image Ltd. split up, McGeoch attempted to form a projects with Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17 and songwriter/producer Keith Lowndes and also with John Keeble of Spandau Ballet, however, neither came to fruition. With John Keeble and vocalist Clive Farrington of When in Rome he formed the short-lived project Pacific (not the band who recorded an album called "Inference" for Creation Records in 1990).
McGeoch, who had been a great pioneer in the 1970s and 1980s, found himself stranded in a new era. He retrained as a nurse in 1995, although before his death he had been writing some music for television. He was reported to have died in his sleep.
Spellbound
John McGeoch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comes a beckoning voice
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
You hear laughter
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound, oh, oh, oh
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
cnd don't forget when your elders forget
To say their prayers
Take them by the legs
cnd throw them down the stairs
When you think your toys
Have gone berserk
cnd it's an illusion
You cannot shirk
You hear laughter
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound, oh, oh, oh
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Entranced
Entranced
Tranced, tranced, tranced
The lyrics of "Spellbound" by John McGeoch describe a surreal and entrancing experience. The opening lines "From the cradle bars / Comes a beckoning voice" suggest the voice of temptation or desire calling out to the listener. This beckoning voice is powerful and uncontrollable, as indicated by the line "It sends you spinning / You have no choice." The laughter cracking through the walls represents the disruptive and exhilarating effect of this beckoning voice, further intensifying the sense of being swept away by something beyond one's control.
The lyrics then introduce the concept of a "rag doll dance," which serves as a metaphor for being captivated and entranced. The footsteps of this dance symbolize a path that leads the listener deeper into this immersive experience. The repetition of "Spellbound" emphasizes the enchantment and mesmerizing effect of this dance, almost as if the listener is under a magical spell.
The lyrics take a dark turn with the lines "When you think your toys / Have gone berserk / And it's an illusion / You cannot shirk." Here, the toys represent one's own desires or emotions, which might become overwhelming and uncontrollable. The illusion mentioned refers to the inability to escape or avoid these overpowering forces. Again, the laughter cracking through the walls is a reminder of the disruptive and insistent nature of this experience.
Ultimately, the song concludes by reaffirming the alluring power of the rag doll dance and its entrancing effect on the listener. The repetition of the word "tranced" highlights that the listener is completely absorbed in this captivating experience. The overall interpretation of "Spellbound" suggests that the song is about being overcome by desire, losing control, and surrendering to an enchanting force that is impossible to resist.
Line by Line Meaning
From the cradle bars
Emerging from the confines of infancy
Comes a beckoning voice
A seductive and alluring call
It sends you spinning
Causing you to lose control and become disoriented
You have no choice
Without the ability to resist
You hear laughter
The sound of amusement
Cracking through the walls
Breaking through the barriers
Following the footsteps
Tracing the path
Of a rag doll dance
A puppet-like performance
We are entranced
We are captivated and mesmerized
Spellbound
Under a powerful enchantment
Spellbound, oh, oh, oh
Completely under the spell
And don't forget when your elders forget
And remember, even when your elders neglect
To say their prayers
To engage in spiritual rituals
Take them by the legs
Seize them by the extremities
And throw them down the stairs
Forcefully discard them downhill
When you think your toys
When you believe your possessions
Have gone berserk
Have become uncontrollable
And it's an illusion
And it is a deceptive perception
You cannot shirk
You cannot evade
Following the footsteps
Tracing the path
Of a rag doll dance
A puppet-like performance
We are entranced
We are captivated and mesmerized
Tranced, tranced, tranced
In a state of trance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maroudevoted
From the cradle bars
Comes a beckoning voice
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
You hear a laughter
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
You hear laughter
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
And don't forget
When your elders forget
To say their prayers
Take 'em by the legs
And throw 'em down the stairs
When you think
Your toys have gone berserk
It's an illusion
You cannot shirk
You hear laughter
Cracking through the walls
It sends you spinning
You have no choice
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Spellbound
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Following the footsteps
Of a rag doll dance
We are entranced
Entranced, entranced
Entranced, entranced
Entranced, entranced
@Melleina
if u at a goth club and they dont put this on at least once, they doin it wrong
Update: they played this at the goth club last night. They doin right
Update 2: they played this at a goth house party. It was good, now i have flu.
Update 3: was at a mushroom bar and they did not play this song and then i was kicked out
Update 4: im not allowed out anymore, so i play this song at house and pretend im at a goth club
Update 5: was meant to go to goth club tonight to listen to song, but corona got there first and now i wait till she goes away to june 5
Update 6: THEY FORBID FUN IN MY COUNTRY. BEEN LISTENING TO THIS FOR 48HRS STRAIGHT. WOWOWOWOW.
Update 7: havent seen another goth in weeks, i sing this song to call to them from rooftops. am i mad? maybe, or maybe they dead and i last one of my kind.
Update 8: went dumpster diving and found forlorn mannequin, i dressed her as siouxsie and now we inject coffee together. she good listener
Update 9: guess whos going to a goth party in a limo and leaving in a cop car tonight?
Update 10: ok so i didn't wake up in a cell, but found yogurt in my hand and around mouth, someone yelled at my hair and spellbound was not played. im confused but not surprised
Update 11: still in lockdown and masks are everywhere, dunno about you, but why am i the only one who also has to wear handcuffs. im spellBOUND >:(
Update 12: i was dancing to this while i dug a hole, i didnt have headphones or speakers, siouxsie was telepathically sent me this track. i dont want to see doctor again
Update 13: im gods child and he left me in a hot car for 2 years, at least he left the radio on for this song
Update 14: ya hear laughter, cracking through the walls theyre spinning...i have no choice because IM IN FUCKING LOCKDOWN
Update 15: no goth or human contact in weeks since I moved into the treehouse outside. mum keeps insisting I use the toilet inside, but I refuse since I claimed a piss-patch
Update 16: taken up the hobby of tossing pennies at local joggers and cyclists while i wait for my clothes to be finished at the dry cleaners
Update 18: I moved out of the treehouse and now living in my pastor's basement. It's nice, dark and damp, and there's a weird metallic reddish smell on the ground. I dunno how many days I've been here because I never learnt how to count.
Update 19: ok so I discovered that putting fingers inside power sockets is not a good way to get powers, but you know, how else can i become a supervillain and do a stip tease to this song while i tell the protagonist my plans. BTW what asshole decided to sell xmas stuff BEFORE halloween was OVER??
Update 20: its 05/11/2021, in the year of our Lord, Robert Smith. right now its 2:07am and my housemates just decided they were to become pagan and run around naked in the stormy rain while they draw runes on themselves. i would join, but im still not allowed out after that fiasco with the neighbour and the septic tank
Update 21: going to a party tonight. im going to use that new magic trick ive been practicing on myself and use it against my friends.
Update 22: UNHOLY MOLY i forgot to tell you guys what happened. ok so i got sent the address and because my brain is wired backwards, i went to the wrong house, but i didnt know it yet. i saw this dank swamp house in the yard and i was like 'no way its here, but dont judge,' i go up and this large man with mono brow with a limp cigarette hanging from his crispy lips asked me 'the fuck you want'.
'im here for the party' i said
he looks at me up and down 'oh yeah?'
'does Pina even live here?' i said with a quizzical expression.
'who the fuck is Pina?' he said
'i need to get to Pina's party, pronto. kbye'
'you can come here if you cant find her' he said.
i was like THE HECK I AM before running off to the actual correct address on the other side of a very long street. i got to Pina's house with everyone there and no one even bothered to ask me why i smell like sweat and breathing heavy. now that i think about it, theyre probably used to it.
Update 23: SO my new years eve was pretty tame and usual, like sniffing down cuba's fave nose candy in every crevice of the underground chamber and begging wrestlers to strangle me, nothing that insane i guess. what did you guys do?
Update 24: the dark and spiky mistress (not siouxsie), covidella has graced me with her presence in my nostrils and throat. never again shall i share a sniffing pipe
uPdAtE 2%: covidella has gracefully left my fragile bodice and now my rampaging pansexuality is ready to take on the town tonight.
update 26: mama mia i havent seen this comment in a hot minute. i thought being famous in the comment room was a fever dream.
Update 27: I took a long ass trip around the world. While there, I got a killer migraine in Greece, I got the flu in Egypt, I got sea sick in Croatia and I got the chicken pox in Serbia. I feel like a trashbag but at least Im still skinny and goth.
@mlight8443
Running through the woods aimlessly is the most gothic 80s thing you can do.
@jordanforbes149
M Light you can see the direct influence it had on black metal
@juliehaley2765
John falls if you watch closely
@RunToEternity
I so have ran through the woods now that you mention it, and in the 80's as a matter of fact. Stupid me though, I did that before I found Siouxsie, and goth music, which is my favorite to this very day. Not long ago, 'Trees come down", and then, 'I could get bored, in the flat field'. Assuming I was alone, I panicked when I heard 'I said Run, I'm right behind you!' Yes my musical tastes have grown since Siouxsie and the Banshees to include Fields of the Nephilim, Bauhaus, and Skeletal Family. I never new my favorite music was goth, until I found it.
@darling_danke_schoen
Hahah Peter Murphy does it also in the “Cuts You Up” video— good call
@Tracy-Lee-Staton
handymandan100 I was just gonna comment about Peter Murphy, but you beat me to it! haha. Good call on your behalf! Cheers!
@d0lLfvngss
im a babybat that found siouxsie through a friend and i absolutely adore her . her music, her style, her charisma-she's becoming a big inspiration for me already and i love it. this subculture just gives me so much comfort
@kristinamullen4066
What is a babybat?
@d0lLfvngss
@@kristinamullen4066 i believe a babybat is a term for someone new to the goth subculture :D
@RenegadeShepard69
@@d0lLfvngss don't use that term. just be a goth, don't feel embarassed for being new to it.