THE HOUSE OF LOVE - THE GIFT - REHEARSALS AND LIVE RECORDINGS 1986 - 1988 [National Album Day 2026] THE HOUSE OF LOVE

3CDs OF EARLY REHEARSAL RECORDINGS AND LIVE SHOWS.
INTIMATE RECORDINGS CAPTURING THE BAND'S FORMATIVE YEARS, FROM THE ARCHIVE OF
HOUSE OF LOVE BASSIST CHRIS GROOTHUIZEN.
INCLUDES PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSIONS OF CLASSICS SUCH AS 'SHINE ON', 'CHRISTINE',
'DESTROY THE HEART', 'MAN TO CHILD', 'BEATLES AND THE STONES', 'REAL ANIMAL' AND
MORE.
WITH INSIGHTFUL SLEEVENOTES FEATURING NEW INTERVIEWS WITH THE BAND.

In 1988, The House Of Love's debut album arrived as a fully-formed piece of pop perfection, following two years of intensive writing, rehearsing and live performances. 'The Gift' explores those two years, as the band leapt from the Camberwell squat scene into the centre of the UK's indie world as it went overground.

Taken from the archive of bassist Chris Groothuizen and compiled by him with chief songwriter Guy Chadwick’s full approval, this 3CD set offers unprecedented insight into the development of one of the standout bands of the late 80s British music scene. Featuring previously unheard rehearsal recordings and live shows captured in London and Paris, all of which has been carefully restored and remastered using the latest technology, 'The Gift' is an essential part of The House Of Love's origin story.

Complete with sleevenotes featuring interviews with all four surviving members, a 1986-1988 gigography and previously unseen imagery and flyers from the band's own archive, 'The Gift' provides a level of attention to detail guaranteed to excite the House Of Love's extensive worldwide fanbase, and anybody with a passion for the British indie scene of that time and place.