Dr. Phibes and the House of Wax Equations
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Crewe , England |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
Dr. Phibes and the House of Wax Equations was a psychedelic rock group originating from Crewe, Cheshire, England, established in 1989. The ensemble featured Lawrence Howard King Jr. on vocals and guitar, Lee Patrick Belsham handling bass duties, and Keith York as the drummer.
Frequently charting on the UK Indie Chart, the band maintained connections with various other acts from the North West region. Their name paid homage to Vincent Price, the American actor renowned for his roles in the films House of Wax (1953) and The Abominable Dr. Phibes.
The band embarked on numerous tours throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, appearing at significant rock festivals in countries such as France, Switzerland, and Germany.
History
The trio came together at South Cheshire College of Further Education toward the end of 1989. King Jr., born in Reading, Berkshire in 1967, led the group as vocalist and guitarist.
Their initial release was the EP Sugarblast in 1990, succeeded by their debut album Whirlpool in 1991 and another EP titled Hazy Lazy Hologram later that same year.
Their profile increased after performing at the Glastonbury Festival in 1992. The band also recorded sessions for BBC Radio 1's John Peel in both 1991 and 1993, along with tracks for Mark Radcliffe’s late-night broadcast. Between these activities, they released four additional EPs and a sophomore album called Hypnotwister in 1993.
Dr. Phibes concluded their live performances with a final show in Manchester in 1995 before disbanding.
In May 2017, Lee Belsham passed away due to cancer at age 49. Born in Chatham, Kent in 1968, he was laid to rest at St Mary's Church in Sandbach, Cheshire.
In October 2024, drummer Keith York shared news of Lawrence Howard King Jr.'s death through the band's Facebook page, expressing grief over losing both former members and reflecting on their collaborative artistic contributions.
King Jr.'s incarceration
On 16 February 1997, Lawrence Howard King Jr. faced charges from North Wales Police for the murder of his mother, Avril Fiona King, at their residence in Connah's Quay, northeast Wales. After assaulting her with stabbing and beating, King Jr. received a life sentence handed down by Caernarfon Crown Court.
Discography
- Sugarblast, EP, 1990
- Whirlpool, LP, 1991
- Hazy Lazy Hologram, 12" single (including free 7" radio edit), 1991
- Mr. Phantasy (7 inch remix), EP, 1991 (promotional release exclusive to France featuring "L.A. Woman")
- Misdiagnosedive, EP, 1992
- Hypnotwister, LP, 1993
- Deadpan Control Freak, EP, 1993
- Moment of Truth / Deadpan Control Freak, EP, 1993