I used to roadie and generally help out for NMA back in the mid-80s. I got to know Rob Heaton (God rest his soul) well as I was friends with and worked alongside his brother Mike for Wessex Archaeology. Rob came digging with us in Dorchester in 84. Happy days in Bradford, fast-food curries at the Shimla, playing football on the old Bradford PA ground etc. I remember the day they got signed by EMI, Rob walked into the pub in Bradford from the meeting, everyone looked at him quizzically and he slowly produced a wadge of £50 notes and said 'I guess the drinks are on me' haha. Rob's ambition was to displace Frank Beard in ZZ Top, a band he idolized.
They didn't expect to last too long but they're still doing it.
Blimey now you've got me digging out the old photos.