IQ (band)

The Wake by IQ, cover art by Peter Nicholls. The central figure is based on Rae Dawn Chong in the film Quest for Fire.

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 2006.

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 foresaken 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 (badly) 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 line-up

The band's lineup has remained fairly stable over the years. Vocalist Peter Nicholls left for a while to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. Bassist John Jowitt and keyboardist Martin Orford have also been members of Jadis. In early 2005 member Paul Cook left the band, and was replaced on drums by Andy Edwards.

Musical style

The band's musical style, especially earlier in their career was very similar to the Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era Genesis due to singer Peter Nicholls vocal similarities and stage presence to Peter Gabriel and keyboardist Martin Orford's grandiose keyboarding, yet Hackett fan guitarist Mike Holmes' role was far more assertive in the band, giving them a harder edge music wise.

Current formation

* Peter Nicholls - Vocals on all albums except Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
* Mike Holmes - Guitars, Keyboards
* Martin Orford - Keyboards, Backing vocals
* John Jowitt - Bass guitar, Backing vocals
* Andy Edwards - Drums

Former members

* Paul Menel (also known as P. L. Menel) (1986-1990) - Vocals on 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)
* Living Proof (live) (1986)
* Nine in a Pond is Here (1987) ("official bootleg" of demos etc, CD version is abridged)
* Nomzamo (1987)
* Are you Sitting Comfortably? (1989) (title derived from BBC radio programme "Listen with Mother")
* J'ai Pollette D'arnu (1990) (b-sides and live tracks)
* Ever (1993)
* Forever Live (1993)
* Subterranea (album) (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)
* 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)

External links

*Official IQ web site
*The Museum of the band IQ