Best known as Graham Parker's backing band during his heyday, but the band also took a stab at their own recording career. Even though they were overshadowed by their association with Parker and never received much attention for their efforts, they did manage to make 3 albums of new wave pub-rock.

The Rumour consisted of pub-rock veterans Bob Andrews (keyboards) and Brinsley Schwarz (guitar/vocals) from Brinsley Schwarz, Martin Belmont (guitar/vocals) from Ducks Deluxe and Stephen Goulding (drums/vocals) and Andrew Bodnar from Bontemps Roulez.

The group formed in 1975 as Graham Parker's backing band, recording and touring with him off and on until 1980. In 1977, they signed their own deal with Phonogram and released their debut album, Max, the same year. They followed with Frogs Sprouts Clogs and Krauts for Stiff in 1979 and Purity of Essence in 1980, and also worked extensively as one of Stiff's house bands, backing up Elvis Costello on Watching the Detectives, as well as Carlene Carter, Rachel Sweet, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds. By the end of 1980, lack of real independent success led to their breakup.