808 State are an English electronic music group formed in 1987 in Manchester, taking their name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine. They were formed by Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson, and they released their debut album, Newbuild, in September 1988. The band secured commercial success in 1989, when their song "Pacific State" was picked up by BBC Radio 1 DJ Gary Davies. 808 State's style has been labeled as techno and house, and the band are regarded as "a pioneer of the acid house sound". The band's album, Newbuild, was influential in the development of Madchester and baggy scenes Band members Graham Massey (born 4 August 1960, Manchester) — keyboards, programming, guitars, saxophone (1988–present) Andrew Barker (born 9 March 1968) — keyboards, bass (1989–present) Former members Gerald Simpson (born 16 February 1967) — keyboards (1988–1989) Martin Price (born 26 March 1955, Farnworth) — keyboards (1988–1991) Darren Partington (born 1 November 1969, Manchester) — keyboards, congas, electronic drums (1989–2015)
