Haysi Fantayzee was a quirky '80s pop group known most for its colorful thrift shop image and successful debut single "John Wayne Is Leggy." Former Animal Magnet member
Paul Caplin was the group's leader, acting as arranger, producer, and lone instrumentally proficient member. Jeremiah Healy and
Kate Garner were the band's focal point as colorfully bedecked singers whose colorful leggings, lengthy dreads, and large hats drew accusations of style swiping from
Boy George. The band also included bassist
Alfie Agius, session violinist
Bobby Valentino, saxophonist
Simon Henry, and guitarists
Mick and Kate Green. A couple of singles predated the band's lone full-length, the debut of which hit number 11 on the British chart.
Battle Hymns for Children Singing was released in 1983, doing respectably sales-wise but failing to build on the success of the first single. They broke up shortly thereafter. Healy continued as a progressive trance DJ,
Garner released some solo recordings, and Agius joined up with
the Fixx.
–
Andy Kellman, Rovi