Their third release was the EP "Modern Love is Automatic". The single was also produced by Nelson and became a club hit. They were then signed to major label Jive, distributed through CBS records, where they released their second single " Telecommunication". The group released their debut single " (It's Not Me) Talking", on Bill Nelson's Cocteau label. Eventually, under the management of Harry Maguire, Tommy Crossan, and Mick Rossi, all directors of Checkmount Limited, they began to release singles through Jive Records. They recorded sessions for John Peel's show on BBC Radio 1 in May 1981. The band practised above Mike Score's hair salon, and then started playing clubs, eventually signing a recording contract. Soon afterwards, Edmondson departed to make way for a returning Ali, while teenager Paul Reynolds, a close friend of Edmondson, replaced Woo at the behest of Maudsley, thus creating the band's classic line-up. Guitarist Willie Woo was added, while Mark Edmondson replaced Ali on drums when the Score brothers fell out. The original line-up of the band featured Mike on lead vocals and keyboards, Ali Score on drums, and Frank Maudsley on bass. According to Mike Score, the band's name was taken from the song "Toiler on the Sea" by punk rock band the Stranglers and the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull. History 1979–1986: Formation and mainstream success Ī Flock of Seagulls was started by Mike Score in late 1979 in Liverpool.