The original line-up of the band was Anne-Marie Hurst (vocals), Stan Greenwood (guitar), Roger "Trotwood" Nowell (bass), Ian "Karl Heinz" Taylor (keyboard/sax), and Steve Crane (drums). In 1983, after their first single, the band signed on to the independent record label, Red Rhino Records, and recorded their first single for Red Rhino, "The Night", just after losing their original drummer Steve Crane. Crane was replaced by Howard Daniels. Daniels soon left, joining My Pierrot Dolls, and he was replaced by Martin Henderson (formerly of The Last Laugh). Skeletal Family's first album, Burning Oil, recorded in four days at a cost of £640, was released by Red Rhino in August 1984.It topped the UK Independent Chart, staying in the top 10 until the end of the year. The band began touring with The Sisters of Mercy during the Sisters' First and Last and Always tour. The group released "Futile Combat" in 1985, along with the "Promised Land" single.
The group then signed with Chrysalis Records, and Anne-Marie Hurst along with Martin Henderson left the band to develop new projects. Anne-Marie Hurst would eventually team up with Gary Marx in Ghost Dance. Martin Henderson teamed up with ex-The March Violets vocalist Simon D to create The Batfish Boys. Former Colourfield backing vocalist Katrina Phillips replaced Anne-Marie Hurst and Kevin Hunter replaced Martin Henderson. The remaining members of the group soon disbanded after being dropped from the Chrysalis label. Trotwood and Hunter formed a new band, Say You.
In 2002, Skeletal Family reformed, now with Claire Bannister on vocals. After reforming they played several high profile shows, including the Wave-Gotik-Treffen three times and Drop Dead New York.
Skeletal Family's last album, Songs of Love, Hope and Despair, was released in September 2009. Two months later the group announced that they had disbanded again.
Stan Greenwood and Roger Trotwood Nowell are currently recording and performing with Anne Marie Hurst as a Skeletal Family reunion.
Ian Karlheinz Taylor formed a band 'Sub Rosa' With Ashley Cartwright guitar and vox writer of the New Model Army Hit 51st State, Steve Wilson who stood in on bass for Skeletal Family on several occasions and was also in the Shakes with Ashley and Peter Kaberry drums of the cult metal band Dawn Watcher.
