2.3 was one of Sheffield's only punk bands and was formed in May 1977 by Paul Bower,who was running a Punk fanzine called Gunrubber with Adi Newton, who went on to form Clock DVA. Paul decided to walk around in a t-shirt saying 'drummer wanted' and Hayden replied to it. Paul Sharp joined soon afterwards via an advert.
Within weeks they played their first gig with The Extras at the Penthouse and many other gigs followed. They supported The Stranglers and Siouxsie and the Banshees. When they supported the Revillo's in the Doncaster Outlook Centre in November 1977, Bob Last from Fast Records approached them for a deal.
They were the first band in Sheffield to get signed and they released their single 'All Time Low/Where to Now' in January 1978.
Paul Bower's involvement with the scene not only stretched to a fanzine and being in a band, but he also played an important part in the evolution of the Human League. He introduced the Human League to Bob Last of Fast Records and arranged their first gig.
Quote Phil Oakey: "We put a tape together and played it to Paul Bower of 2.3 and he just arranged us a show at Psalter Lane Art College, so we had to turn up. I've probably never been so scared in my life."
2.3: May 1977 - December 1979.