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The Passage was a Manchester post-punk band formed in March 1978, fronted by Richard 'Dick' Witts, alongside Tony Friel and Lorraine Hilton. Witts and Friel were involved in other musical projects, with Friel playing bass for The Fall and Witts working as a music and dance officer for Merseyside Arts Association while co-presenting Granada TV's What's On. Witts had a background as a classical percussionist and was a founder member of the Manchester Musicians' Collective. Their early performances included a notable show at Eric's Club in Liverpool, where Joy Division supported them. The band's debut 7" release featured tracks by both Friel and Witts, with "Love Song" drawing attention for its provocative lyrics, although it sold well, moving 3,000 copies. The second EP, produced by David Cunningham of Flying Lizards, included the standout track "16 Hours," which explored themes of infatuation and the passage of time. Following a London show with Cabaret Voltaire in early 1980, Friel left the band, and Witts briefly continued with Martine Hilton on bass. After Witts was injured in a car accident, the band paused activities. By July 1980, Witts recorded the debut album, self-produced in a short timeframe, featuring tracks like "16 Hours," "Watching You Dance," and "Troops Out," which showcased Witts' potential for writing pop hits. The Passage later expanded into

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