Haysi Fantayzee is a British pop and new wave band from London. The group was formed in 1981 as part of the New Romantic and Blitz Kids scene. The most important members include Kate Garner, Jeremy Healy and Paul Caplin. The band attracted attention early on with their eccentric clothing style. Long dreadlocks, bright colors and theatrical outfits became their trademark. Musically, Haysi Fantayzee combines pop, reggae, country and electronic elements. The lyrics often sound like nursery rhymes, but deal with political and social issues. The band's breakthrough came in 1982 with the single "John Wayne Is Big Leggy". The song reached number 11 in the British charts and was also a success in Germany. "Shiny Shiny", the group's biggest international hit, followed at the beginning of 1983. The single was particularly successful in Australia, where it reached No. 3. In the same year, the only studio album Battle Hymns for Children Singing (1983) was released. The album reached number 53 in the UK and number 40 in Germany. Other singles include "Holy Joe" (1982), "Sister Friction" (1983) and "Chizoola" (1983). Despite media attention and frequent appearances on the BBC program Top of the Pops, the band disbanded in 1983. Kate Garner then embarked on a brief solo career and later worked as a photographer in the USA. Jeremy Healy became a well-known DJ and producer on the British club scene.
