The band's original lineup consisted of Wayne Hussey (vocals, guitar), Craig Adams (bass), Simon Hinckler (guitar) and Mick Brown (drums). Hussey and Adams were formerly members of The Sisters of Mercy, Mick Brown was a former member of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Hickler was a former member of Artery and Pulp. Wayne Hussey has been the only constant member of the band.
The backbone of the band's catalogue consists of seven main albums (Gods Own Medicine, Children, Carved in Sand, Masque, Neverland, Blue, Aura and God Is A Bullet) with several complementing albums, compilations and other miscellaneous releases also in existence.
The Mission attracted a faithful following band of fans, known a 'Eskimos'. Gigs typically had an energetic mosh pit (prior to the term being coined) sustained by a lot of Eskimos.
Other bandmembers:
Mark Gemini Thwaite (guitar, 1992-1996, 1999-2000, 2006-2008)
Andy Cousin (bass, 1992-1996)
Rik Carter (keyboards, 1992-1998)
Scott Garrett (drums, 1999-2002)
Rob Holliday (guitar, 2001-2005)
Richard Vernon (bass, 2002-2008)
Richard Beesley (drums, 2002)
Steve Spring (drums, 2003-2008)
In October 2007, Wayne Hussey announced the band would split after a series of early 2008 concerts at Shepherds Bush Empire in London.
In 2010, it was announced that The Mission would reform to perform at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium on Halloween, 2011.
Blood Brother
The Mission Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We of minds and hearts that move as one
Chameleon, warrior, gypsy and brave
We turn our eyes to the heart of the rising sun
You and me, we are blood brothers
You and me, we are blood brothers
Blood brother, lay down your life for me
Kiss by kiss, touch by touch
We tore the clouds apart
You took my hand and walked me through the rain
An act of love, a mission of tender mercy
We stood tall and proud together we conquered again
You and me, we are blood brothers
You and me, we are blood brothers
Blood brother, lay down your life for me
Lay down your love for me
We pulled no punch and we gave them hell
Made the fearless cry and the shameful tell
Mountains and sand and seas and land
We moved winds to calm
And we rose again to win the war to
Rule and reign our hearts to soar
Heads held high, we touched the sky and we kissed,
The ever faithful moon
The Mission's song "Blood Brother" is an anthem of loyalty and brotherhood, told through the story of two individuals who have forged a deep and unbreakable bond. The opening verse sets the scene with images of giving and receiving, and a sense of shared purpose: "I gave you flowers and you gave me faith / We of minds and hearts that move as one." The second verse adds to the picture, describing the two individuals as a "chameleon, warrior, gypsy and brave" – in other words, adaptable, fierce, free-spirited, and courageous. The chorus declares their connection: "You and me, we are blood brothers / Blood brother, lay down your life for me / Lay down your love for me."
The second half of the song focuses on the trials that the pair have faced together, and how their bond has seen them through. They have "tore the clouds apart" and faced the rain, and they have "conquered again" with an "act of love, a mission of tender mercy." Their loyalty has given them strength, and they have been able to stand tall in difficult times. The bridge speaks to their shared resolve and courage: "We pulled no punch and we gave them hell / Made the fearless cry and the shameful tell / Mountains and sand and seas and land / We moved winds to calm." Through it all, they have been united, faithful, and triumphant.
Overall, "Blood Brother" is a stirring tribute to the power of true friendship and loyalty. The lyrics evoke images of both tenderness and strength, reflecting the depth and complexity of the relationship between the two individuals. The repeated chorus reinforces the theme of brotherhood, highlighting the willingness to make sacrifices for one another.
Line by Line Meaning
I gave you flowers and you gave me faith
I expressed love and affection towards you, and in return, you gave me belief and confidence.
We of minds and hearts that move as one
We share a deep connection, where our thoughts and emotions align and work together.
Chameleon, warrior, gypsy and brave
We are versatile, fearless, adventurous, and courageous individuals.
We turn our eyes to the heart of the rising sun
We look towards a new day, filled with hope and positivity, where anything is possible.
You and me, we are blood brothers
You and I share a bond that is unbreakable, and we are like family to each other.
Blood brother, lay down your life for me
You have my complete trust and loyalty, and I would do the same for you if ever needed.
Kiss by kiss, touch by touch
Through small gestures and physical displays of affection, we built our strong relationship.
We tore the clouds apart
We were unstoppable in our determination and power, and nothing could stand in our way.
An act of love, a mission of tender mercy
Our actions were rooted in love and compassion, and we always looked out for each other's well-being.
We stood tall and proud together we conquered again
We faced challenges and overcame them, and we did it with confidence and unity.
We pulled no punch and we gave them hell
We were fierce in our approach, and gave everything we had to achieve our goals.
Made the fearless cry and the shameful tell
We had the power to intimidate even those who were brave, and to expose those who were hiding something.
Mountains and sand and seas and land
We travelled across diverse landscapes, and nothing could stop us.
We moved winds to calm
We had the power to influence and control the elements of nature.
And we rose again to win the war to rule and reign our hearts to soar
No matter how many times we were knocked down, we got back up and ultimately triumphed, taking control of our own destinies.
Heads held high, we touched the sky and we kissed the ever faithful moon
We were proud of our accomplishments, and we celebrated by reaching for the stars and finding comfort in the night sky.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CRAIG DAVID ADAMS, MICK BROWN, SIMON THOMAS HINKLER, WAYNE HUSSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Pickardt
the best Mission album ever... i love it
Kevan Dalzell
Frank Pickardt Indeed!!! Canada.
clearviewmind
Agreed
The Last Guitar Hero
The Mish and The Cult were blood brothers at this stage. This early Mission stuff was superb
Ravenprince
Can totally relate to the song got a buddy who I'd die for &he do the same for me been through alot as friends had each others backs in fights and at lowest points in lives that is a true friend
Matthew Davis
I used to see The Mission so many times in the 80's , Especially at Rock City Notts. Favourites was when All About Eve supported ✨️ 💕
JanJan
Loved this band so much c
RowanTree
Great track, dedicated to my blood brother Martyn
MIGUEL GALDON MORAGUES
ANOTHER GREAT THE MISSION THEME.
Albrecht
Great upload, but the title is actually "Blood Brother" (in the singular). Apparently, Wayne wrote it for Ian Astbury of The Cult.