The Telescopes in Saint Leonards-on-Sea

The Telescopes are an English psychedelic noise-rock band formed in Burton upon Trent in 1987 by singer and guitarist Stephen Lawrie. The abrasive single “The Perfect Needle” and the debut album Taste established their early sound, while the 1992 self-titled album moved toward dream pop on songs including “Flying” and “Celeste.” After reviving the group in the early 2000s, Lawrie returned The Telescopes to club touring with a changing cast of musicians. Later concerts have included full performances of Taste, connecting the band’s live sets directly to its early noise-rock period, while each touring lineup has remained centred on Stephen Lawrie.