Dodgy

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Dodgy are an English rock band formed in Hounslow in 1990. They rose during the Britpop era and are best known for the songs “Staying Out for the Summer,” “If You’re Thinking of Me,” and “Good Enough,” with “Good Enough” reaching No. 4 on the UK charts. Their latest album, What Are We Fighting For, was released in September 2016. The track “Good Enough” was features on the Sliding Doors soundtrack (1998).

Origins and early years
Nigel Clark and Mathew Priest started playing together in Worcestershire before moving to London in 1988. They initially performed with Andy Miller and briefly had guitarist Ben Lurie, who left to join The Jesus and Mary Chain. After Colier’s departure, the group renamed itself Dodgy. They built a following with an eight-month residency at a wine bar in Kingston upon Thames. In 1991 they signed a six-album deal with A&M Records and publishing with BMG. Their debut album was produced by Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds.

Social involvement and early fame
Dodgy supported various social and charitable campaigns, including The Serious Road Trip, War Child, the Liverpool Dockers’ Strike, Charter88, and youth democracy campaigns. They were one of the first UK acts to play in Sarajevo after the siege was lifted, performing at the Kuk club in August 1996, and they returned to Bosnia in 1997 to film in Mostar.

Lineup changes and Real Estate
Clark left the group from 1998 to 2007 to pursue solo work, while Priest and Miller kept Dodgy going with a five-piece lineup that included vocalist David Bassey, keyboardist Chris Hallam, and bassist Nick Abnett. This lineup released Real Estate in 2001, produced and mixed with Robin Evans.

Solo projects and live activity
Clark released the solo album 21st Century Man in 2006. In 2007 he teamed up with the dance duo SFG to remix Dodgy’s “Good Enough.” Dodgy played at Guilfest in 2008, first acoustically in the Unison tent and then with the full band on the main stage. They headlined Beached Festival in August 2008 and appeared at ToneFest. In 2009 they performed at Glastonbury and various other festivals and benefit events.

Recent years and new material
In 2012 Dodgy released Stand Upright in a Cool Place, with the lead single “What Became of You.” Rather than redoing old albums, they previewed the new record in full on their UK tour. Stuart Thoy joined as a full member and contributed to their sixth album, What Are We Fighting For, released on 2 September 2016.

Later activities
Nigel Clark released the solo album Make Believe Love in 2020 and has worked as a music teacher at the Aspire Academy in Worcester, helping disadvantaged children.

Musical style
AllMusic described Dodgy as “clowns of Brit-pop” who played infectious, goofy punk-pop that nods to the early Who and the Stone Roses.