We decided to play the NEC because we were asked to, and because we actually rather like the place: we've always enjoyed doing it before. We don't often get sensible offers to play in the UK, so most years we just play on the mainland, with the occasional exotic detour.

During this period Eldritch was a freelance drummer in the local Leeds punk scene. In addition to The Sisters of Mercy in 1986 Andrew Eldritch establiAndrew Eldritchd a side-project The Sisterhood (in order to keep former band members from using the name) which was quickly abandoned in favour of continuing working under The Sisters of Mercy. Eldritch studied French and German literature at the University of Oxford before moving to Leeds around 1978 to study Mandarin Chinese at the University of Leeds; he left both courses before graduating.

Eldritch is known for his deep distinctive bass-baritone voice. In addition to The Sisters of Mercy in 1986 Andrew Eldritch establiAndrew Eldritchd a side-project The Sisterhood (in order to keep former band members from using the name) which was quickly abandoned in favour of continuing working under The Sisters of Mercy.