IQ (band)
IQ |
|---|
IQ is a British progressive rock band founded by Mike Holmes in 1982 following the dissolution of his original band The Lens (1976 - 1981). Although the band has never enjoyed major commercial success, IQ has built up a loyal cult following over the years and is still active as of 2007. Bassist John Jowitt and keyboardist Martin Orford have also been members of Jadis.
The Neo-Progressive movement
IQ was one of a small number of British bands formed during the early 1980s, including Marillion, Pendragon, Twelfth Night and Pallas, that continued with the progressive rock style forsaken by 1970s bands that had either folded or changed their musical styles (for example, Genesis, ELP, Yes). The music press coined the phrase neo-progressive to describe these bands, often accusing them of simply copying the styles of bands like Yes and Genesis. This accusation has been strenuously denied by IQ, which claims to have a wide-ranging and eclectic selection of musical influences.
The scene was enlivened by the intermittent disputes between bands, notably Marillion and IQ. Fish of Marillion was reported to say of IQ "They will never make it, their guitarist sounds too much like Steve Hackett (Genesis' guitarist)" to which Mike Holmes (IQ's guitarist) replied "At least we are a major publishing catch for Chappell Music, which is more than can be said for Fish".
The line-up
From 1982, the line-up consisted of Peter Nicholls, Mike Holmes, Martin Orford and Paul Cook. Vocalist Peter Nicholls left in 1984 to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned in 1990. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. In early 2005 member Paul Cook left the band, and was replaced on drums by Andy Edwards. On July 20th 2007 Martin Orford announced he was leaving IQ and was replaced by Mark Westworth from prog-rock band Darwin's Radio. Despite his departure, Martin continues to run the band's label GEP and is still closely involved with the band.
Musical style
The band's musical style, especially earlier in their career, was very similar to Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era Genesis because of singer Peter Nicholls' vocal and stage-presence similarities to Gabriel and keyboardist Martin Orford's grandiose keyboarding. However, guitarist Mike Holmes' role was far more assertive in the band, giving them a harder edge musically.
Current formation
- Peter Nicholls - Vocals on all albums except Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
- Mike Holmes - Guitars, Keyboards
- Mark Westworth - Keyboards
- John Jowitt - Bass guitar, Backing vocals
- Andy Edwards - Drums
Former members
- Paul Menel (also known as P. L. Menel) (1986-1990) - Vocals on Nine in a Pond is Here, Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
- Tim Esau - Bass guitar (1981-1990)
- Paul Cook - Drums (1982-2005)
- Les 'Ledge' Marshall - Bass guitar (1990)
- Mark Ridout Drums (1981-1982)
Discography
Albums
- Seven Stories into Eight (cassette) (1982)
- Tales from the Lush Attic (1983)
- The Wake (1985)
- Nine in a Pond is Here (1985) ("official bootleg" of demos etc, CD version is abridged)
- Living Proof (live) (1986)
- Nomzamo (1987)
- Are You Sitting Comfortably? (1989) (title derived from BBC radio programme "Listen with Mother")
- J'ai Pollette D'arnu (1991) (b-sides and live tracks)
- Ever (1993)
- Forever Live (1996)
- Subterranea (1997)
- Seven Stories into Ninety Eight (1998) (original 1982 album plus new re-recorded version)
- The Lost Attic (1999) (rarities)
- Subterranea : The Concert (2000)
- The Seventh House (2000)
- The Archive Collection Volume 1 (2003) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
- Dark Matter (2004)
Videos
- Forever Live (VHS/CD set, 1996)
- Subterranea : The Concert (DVD, 2000)
- IQ20 - The Twentieth Anniversary Show (VHS 2000, DVD 2004)
- Live From London (DVD, recorded May 13 1985 in London, 2005)
- IQ Stage (DVD, 2006)