ALEX JAMES Born November 21st 1968. Born and raised on the quiet English sea-side resort of Bournemouth. His real name is Stephen, he reverted to his middle name 'Alex', when he arrived in London . His father sold fork-life trucks for a living, his mother a voluntary worker. Was a student at London's Goldsmiths College, a French major, it was here where he met Graham.

Played a few games in the reserves team for Southampton Football Club. Worked on building sites for a short while and was employed by Sainsbury's where he worked on the cheese counter. His first band were called 'Mr. Pangs Big Bangs', named after his landlord. Learnt the piano when he was 11, at 16 wanted a keyboard but could not afford one and settled for a Fender Precision bass copy for £50. The most straight-talking member of the group he told 'Circus' (the band featuring Damon, Graham and Dave) they were "shit". Has a younger sister named Deborah, who he himself named. Put together a one-off 'supergroup' called 'MeMeMe', wich included himself, Stephen Duffy, Justin Welch (drummer of Elastica), and old-school friend Charlie Bloor. They recorded three songs released as a single ('Hanging Around', and b-sides 'Hollywood Wives' and Tabitha's Island').

Damon's first impression of Alex was very clear: "He completely pisses me off". Writes songs for Marianne Faithful from time to time including the single 'Hang it on your Heart'. Truman Capote is his favourite writer, author of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. His early bass playing was said to be so poor that the producers would 'loop' the few good bits, or Graham would have to play them. Co-founder and owner of 'Turtleneck Records' with Fat Les bandmates Keith Allen and Damien Hirst.