During the 1980s Murray Torkildsen was a founding member of numerous bands in the Harlow area of Essex, including the popular underground group Real by Real. The band changed line up along the way with Murray always remaining as the core member, until they morphed at the beginning of the 90s into The Sweeney along with Adam Batterbee (Drums) and Sid (Bass). Torkildsen & Batterbee are also members of John Otway's 'Big Band'.
The Sweeney's debut single 'Shut Up!' was released in November 1995. Their second single 'Why?' earned a regular spot on John Peel's radio show in early 1996 and was voted into number nine on that year's Festive Fifty.
The Sweeney's debut album was 'Pop Gun'.
The group returned to the studio to record three further albums, 'Bingo', 'The Sweeney' and most recently '5'.
