Zones (band)
| Zones | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Genres | Punk rock, post-punk, power pop, new wave |
| Years active | 1977–1979 |
| Labels | Zoom Records, Arista Records |
| Associated acts | Slik, PVC2, Rich Kids, Science, Endgames, Ultravox, The Skids, The Armoury Show, Public Image Ltd., Simple Minds, Set the Tone |
| Members |
Billy McIsaac Kenny Hyslop Russell Webb Willie Gardner |
Zones were a Scottish power pop and new wave band founded in late 1977,[1] following the demise of PVC2 (formerly the bubbleglam and soft rock band Slik).
Career
PVC2 comprised Midge Ure (future Ultravox frontman) on guitar, Russell Webb on bass, Billy McIsaac on keyboards and Kenny Hyslop on drums. In late 1977, Ure left PVC2 to join Rich Kids with Glen Matlock. Then, Webb, Hyslop and McIsaac called in Alex Harvey's cousin Willie Gardner to replace Ure on guitar and vocals, and Zones were formed.
In February 1978, Zones released a single "Stuck with You",[2] which attracted the attention of BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, leading to the band recording a session for his show,[3] and Arista Records, who signed them and released the rest of their discography. Their next single was "Sign of the Times" released in July.[4] Zones also toured with Magazine and recorded a further session for John Peel.[5] On June 1, 1979, Zones released Under Influence,[6][7][8] an album of post punk power pop. Shortly afterwards, they released a 7" single called "Mourning Star",[9][10] whose eponymous song (a shorter version of the album song) was backed with "Under Influence", which did not appear on the album, despite the name being the same. They also had a song that was featured in the movie That Summer! entitle "New Life." Shortly afterwards, the band decided to split up, as the album did not reach expectations.
Gardner joined Endgames, with Simple Minds' original drummer Brian McGee. McIsaac and Hyslop continued with a project called Science, a band considered as a continuation of Zones, but only McIsaac was the supposedly remaining member.[11][12] He then moved to a piano college in Glasgow. Webb and Hyslop joined Skids. Webb collaborated with Skids' singer Richard Jobson (Skids singer) until 1988 and Hyslop, after collaborating with Skids album, Joy, moved to Simple Minds (1981–1982) and Set the Tone (1982–1983).
Discography
- Albums
- 1979 – Under Influence (Arista Records, June 1, 1979) (released in four various album covers.)
- 1979 – That Summer! soundtrack (Various artists compilation) (Arista Records) (song: "New Life")
- Singles
- 1978 – "Stuck with You" b/w "No Angel" (Zoom Records, February 17, 1978)[13]
- 1978 – "Sign of the Times" b/w "Away from It All" (Arista Records, July 1978)
- 1979 – "Looking to the Future" b/w "Do It All Again" (Arista Records, May 24, 1979)
- 1979 – "Mourning Star" b/w "Under Influence" (Arista Records, July 20, 1979)[14]
- 1980 – "Look Don't Touch" b/w "Scalectrik" (Rialto Records, June 1980)[15] (As "Science.")
- 1981 – "Tokyo" b/w "Tokyo (instrumental)" (Rialto Records, Jan 1981)[16] (As "Science.")
See also
- List of Peel sessions
- List of British punk bands
References
- ↑ The Zones The Zones (formed 1977 in Glasgow)...
- ↑ http://www.45cat.com/record/zum4
- ↑ Keeping It Peel - 17/05/1978 - Zones
- ↑ http://www.45cat.com/record/arist205
- ↑ Keeping It Peel - 13/09/1978 - Zones
- ↑ http://www.discogs.com/Zones-Under-Influence/master/221924
- ↑ http://www.allmusic.com/album/under-influence-mw0000848431
- ↑ Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970-1982, pg 207
- ↑ http://www.45cat.com/record/arist286
- ↑ Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970-1982, pg 223
- ↑ http://www.discogs.com/artist/310094-Science-5
- ↑ "ZONES - under influence". Retrieved 31 March 2009.
- ↑ Thep5.blogspot.com/2008
- ↑ Thep5.blogspot.com/2007
- ↑ http://www.45cat.com/record/treb117
- ↑ http://www.45cat.com/record/treb124