| Quasar | |
|---|---|
| Origin | London, San Francisco |
| Genres | Neo-progressive rock, Progressive rock |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | Q Records |
| Associated acts | Landmarq |
| Website | http://quasarband.com/ |
| Members | |
| Keith Turner, Robert Hunt Robinson, Paul Johnson, Greg Studley, Keren Gaiser. | |
Quasar was formed in 1979 by founder Keith Turner. They found themselves to be amongst a movement of British bands during the early 1980s, including Marillion, Pendragon, IQ, Twelfth Night, Solstice and Pallas, that continued in the progressive rock style created by 1970s bands such as Genesis and Yes.[1]
Quasar is still producing music, despite some line-up changes, and are now based in San Francisco.
They are currently working on a new album for release in 2011.
Contents |
In 1979, Quasar was formed with Keith Turner and Mike Kenwright writing songs in the Progressive Rock style. They soon found Steve Clarke, John Clark and Geoff Banks and so the band began. It didn't take long for the potential of the musicians to be realised, as John Clark left to join Bill Bruford's Band Earthworks, Steve Clarke left to tour with Billy Cobham and Mike Kenwright left to join another band.
Quasar was soon joined by Cyrus Khajavi on guitar, on keyboard, Paul Vigrass as vocalist, Peter Ware on keyboards, Peter Shade on vibes and keyboards and Steen Doosing on drums. Keith Turner handled the bass, Moog Taurus and twelve string guitar. In 1981 they released their debut album Fire In The Sky. After a short burst of live shows Paul Vigrass, Steen Doosing, Peter Shade and Peter Ware left the band to be replaced by Susan Robinson, who has just left Solstice, David Cairns on drums and Dillon Tonkin on keyboards.
This stable line-up did hundreds of shows over the next few years culminating in headliners at the Marquee Club in the same months as their contemporaries, Marillion, Pendragon, IQ, Twelfth Night, Solstice and Pallas.
In 1985, David Cairns and Cyrus Khajavi were replaced by Dave Wagstaffe and Kevin Fitzgerald, and they recorded a track for the EMI compilation album "Fire in Harmony" which reached number 49 in the Kerrang! rock album charts. Sadly the strain of living on the road took its toll and some members had to be replaced again. The new members were Nick Williams ( who also wrote the lyrics to songs such as "Power In Your Hands", "As You Fall Asleep." and "The Loreli".) on vocals, Steve Leigh on keyboards and Uwe D'Rose on guitar. It was with this line-up that the band recorded what was to be their second album, a unique mix of Keith Turners glorious music and Nick Williams powerful lyrics and vocal melodies. After a few months and some of the hardest gigs known to mankind Nick Williams left and Tracy Hitchings took over Vocals.
The new album The Loreli was started, but during recording, Steve Leigh and Uwe D'Rose left, to be replaced by Toshi Tsuchiya with guitar and Midi guitar for keyboards.
The Loreli was completed and released in 1989 and this took the band further to perform in Europe as well as the UK. Despite this, several members left to form Landmarq and pursue solo careers.
Quasar lay dormant for some years until in 2006 founding member Keith Turner reformed Quasar with new members Robert Hunt Robinson (vocals/keyboards), Keren Gaiser (vocals/keyboards), Greg Studley (guitars) and Paul Johnson (Drums), and a new album is expected in the near future.
Current Lineup:
Former members:
vocals