Complex (English band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1968 in Blackpool, England |
| Headquarters | Blackpool , England |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music, albums, singles |
Complex was an English band originating in 1968 from Blackpool, located in North-West England. The original lineup featured lead guitarist Brian Lee, vocalist and drummer Tony Shakespeare, bassist Lance Fogg, and rhythm guitarist Tony Fisher. After initial changes to the roster, by 1970 the ensemble consisted of Lee, Shakespeare, Fogg, and keyboardist Steve Coe, who was subsequently replaced by Keith Shackleton, contributing keyboards and synthesizers.
Their first album, Complex, was recorded in November 1970 and released in May 1971. Initially intended as a demo to secure record label interest, the sessions took place at "107 Studio" in St. Annes with engineering by Graham Atkinson. Due to Purchase Tax limitations, only 99 vinyl copies were produced. A production flaw necessitated the use of plain white sleeves. Over time, this album achieved cult acclaim within psychedelic rock communities, with original pressings commanding prices up to $6,000 on resale platforms.
The band followed up with their sophomore album, The Way We Feel, later in 1971. In 1972, they recorded demos for a third album that remained unreleased until 2022; these included renditions of Redbone’s "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" and Isaac Hayes’ "Shaft". Their last official release was the single "Who Got the Love" in 1976.
In 1978, Complex transformed into Yo-Yo, adopting a punk-inspired style. The only known recording from this phase is the demo "Dial 999", penned by Shackleton. During this period, Shakespeare concentrated exclusively on vocals before Yo-Yo concluded with a final show on Christmas Eve 1978.
An unauthorized bootleg edition of their debut surfaced in 1991. Subsequently, in 1999, the band authorized limited reissues of both albums through Wooden Hill Records featuring enhanced audio quality and bonus material; these editions quickly sold out. The debut album saw another reissue in 2011 including an interview. In 2012, Spanish label Guerssen reissued both albums on 180g vinyl using the 1999 remasters alongside original artwork.
Complex reunited between 2008 and 2013 as a cover band for various events. Keyboardist Steve Coe passed away in August 2013.
On Record Store Day 2021, Manchester-based Vinyl Revival released a newly remastered version of Complex. Early in 2022, Cherry Red Records issued Live for the Minute, a comprehensive three-disc box set compiling both albums along with demos and previously unreleased tracks spanning their career. Later that year, French label Long Hair reissued both albums on vinyl under license from Cherry Red, incorporating selected bonus tracks from the CD set.
Discography
- Complex (May 1971)
- The Way We Feel (August 1971)
- Untitled (demos for follow-up to The Way We Feel, 1972)
- "Who Got the Love" (1976)