Derided by critics as pompous, melodramatic, and bombastic, the Mission, as they were known in their native U.K., nonetheless attracted a core audience of goth rock fans. The band was formed in 1986 by guitarist/singer Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams, who both left the Sisters of Mercy to do so. (Hussey had also played with the Walkie Talkies and Dead or Alive.) The two soon recruited Artery guitarist Simon Hinkler and former Red Lorry Yellow Lorry drummer Mick Brown, who solidified the line up.