The Sweetest Ache started life in Swansea in the late 80s as The Spirals, initially fronted by guitarist, Stuart Vincent. Upon joining the band, Sweetest Ache vocalist, Simon Court, took over as frontman. The Spirals changed their name to The Sweetest Ache, perhaps because Manchester band, Inspiral Carpets had risen from indie obscurity to become unlikely regulars on Top Of The Pops. In fact, singer, Simon Court claimed in an interview in a local newspaper that he was a former member of said band.