Remembering Michael 'Mick' Roberts: The Voice of The Bridewell Taxis
The music world mourns the loss of Michael Roberts, widely known as Mick, the charismatic frontman of the Leeds-based band The Bridewell Taxis, who passed away in his sleep at age 57. Roberts' distinctive vocals and poignant lyrics captured the essence of working-class life during the vibrant indie-dance era of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Rise of a Leeds Music Icon
Born in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, Mick grew up in Cross Gates, east Leeds, as one of four children to printer Mick Roberts and home care manager Susan Miller. After attending Corpus Christi Roman Catholic High School, he married Samantha Cogger in 1987 at age 19, and they welcomed a son, Kristian. Following various short-lived jobs, Roberts joined the band Morality Play, which soon transformed into The Bridewell Taxis—a name inspired by local slang for police vans.
The band emerged alongside iconic acts like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays during the explosive indie-dance boom. Though they never achieved the same mainstream success as their Madchester counterparts, The Bridewell Taxis developed a dedicated following that included a young Liam and Noel Gallagher. Their energetic performances at legendary venues like the packed Leeds Warehouse left lasting impressions on fans and industry insiders alike.
Artistic Recognition and Industry Support
Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera became a key champion of the band, serving as their executive producer and later releasing their music on his Expression Records label. Paul Weighell, who signed the band to Empire Music Publishing in 1990, described Roberts as "a poet" whose lyrics masterfully depicted the pressures and vulnerabilities of working-class existence.
Armed with Roberts' heartfelt vocals and Chris Walton's distinctive trombone, The Bridewell Taxis headlined major venues including the 1,800-capacity Leeds Coliseum (now the O2 Academy) and saw their singles chart successfully on independent music rankings. Their 1990 rooftop photoshoot at Leeds Polytechnic became an iconic visual representation of their era.
Tragic Setbacks and Creative Resilience
The band's promising trajectory faced devastating obstacles when a London show incident derailed a potential major record deal. Tragedy struck more personally when Roberts was stabbed in the throat while attempting to stop a fight at a Cross Gates pub. The attack required reconstructive surgery and resulted in near-total hearing loss, ultimately contributing to the band's gradual dissolution after releasing their compilation Invisible to You '89-'91.
Despite his deafness affecting his confidence, Roberts demonstrated remarkable resilience. He fronted a reformed lineup called The Bridewells, releasing the EP Smile (1992) and album Cage (1993) before their final performance—filmed at Leeds Warehouse for ITV in April 1993. Roberts later studied art at Thomas Danby College in 1999 and managed the band's 2005 comeback tour, experiencing music through vibrations felt in his feet.
Enduring Creative Legacy
Roberts never ceased his artistic pursuits, continuing to create pottery, paintings, and extensive lyrical writings throughout his life. His sister Lee discovered "crateloads" of unpublished lyrics in his flat, testament to his unwavering creative spirit. The 2013 box set Bridewell Revisited compiled the band's complete musical output for new generations to discover.
Though heartbroken by his younger sister Beverly's sudden passing last year, Roberts maintained his artistic practice until the end. He and Samantha divorced in 2000 but remained friends. Michael Roberts is survived by his son Kristian, parents Mick and Susan, and sisters Lee and Amanda, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate with those who experienced the vibrant Leeds music scene of his era.
