Mighty Mighty were formed in the early 80's by Mick Geoghegan and Hugh Harkin out of their shared love of soul music, Postcard Records, The Velvet Underground and Socialist Worker Party politics. By 1985 the band had settled with the line-up of Mick (guitar and lyrics), Hugh (vocals), Russell Burton (bass & b.vox), David "H" Hennessy (drums) and Pete Geoghegan (Vox organ and guitar).

They built up a small following on the Birmingham circuit playing venues including The Mermaid, Hare & Hounds, Peacocks and various halls of residence.

The band recorded their first single (Everybody Knows The Monkey/You're On My Mind) for the princely sum of £40 and released it in '86 on their own Girlie Records. This was followed by Is There Anyone Out There (4 track 12") before signing to Chapter 22.

The Mighty Mighty sound stood them apart from from many of their contemporaries. Chief songwriter Mick drew on influences as varied as Al Green, Billie Holiday, Josef K and Phil Spector. His guitar style paid homage to the aforementioned Scots, Ian McCulloch and The Au Pairs. Hugh's vocals echoed those of Scott Walker and Edwyn Collins. H's tight, fast beats came of years listening to punk, The Only Ones and the Pogues. Russell's pumping, melodic bass style was honed playing along to This Year's Model whilst at university in Sheffield. Pete's keyboard sound was influenced by The Doors and Al Kooper while his guitar style was a blend of Bunnymen, Johnny Marr, and The Velvets.