Neo (British band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Ian North |
| Defunct | 1979 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, albums |
Neo was a pioneering new wave ensemble that originated from the English punk landscape of the 1970s. The band was founded by American vocalist Ian North, who remained its only continuous member between 1977 and 1979, playing a role in shaping the new wave genre.
Initial phase: Radio
In 1976, Ian North (vocals, guitar) relocated to London with his band Milk 'N' Cookies to produce an album under Island Records. Despite completing the recording, the album's postponed release resulted in the group's dissolution.
Choosing to stay in London, North established connections with Brian Eno and Martin Gordon (bass), co-founder of the glam rock group Jet. He then formed a new outfit named Radio, enlisting drummer Paul Simon from Limmie Funk Limited. After performing a single post-punk show supporting Ultravox! in November 1976, Gordon departed. His position was filled by George Dyner, but by April 1977 North assumed bass responsibilities, with Paul's brother Robert joining on guitar.
Paul Simon has noted that Radio (also known as Ian North's Radio) recorded demo tracks that were later reissued in 2007. Midway through 1977, Simon briefly became part of Martin Gordon's Radio Stars, contributing to singles and compilations, yet he ultimately opted to continue collaborating with North in Neo.
Neo
Following its transition into a trio, Radio evolved promptly into Neo. North took on bass duties as the band carried on until early 1978, when Robert Simon left to join Ultravox. Subsequently, North dismissed Paul Simon and brought in session musicians including former ZZebra members Steve Byrd (guitar) and John McCoy (bass), alongside drummer Bryson Graham. They recorded an album at Ian Gillan's studio; impressed by their work, Gillan recruited Byrd and McCoy to form Gillan, leaving only Graham alongside North.
North then reassembled Neo with guitarist Steve Wilkin (formerly of Wired and Masterwitch), bassist Nick South, and drummer Graham. Soon after, South and Graham were replaced by Mik Sweeney and Derek Quinton, with Dan Black joining on keyboards to complete the lineup. This formation toured with Magazine, promoting their single "Tran-Sister," released that year.
After several further personnel changes, Neo dissolved in 1979 when North returned to America. Former members went on to join prominent groups: Sweeney became part of The News and later Classix Nouveaux, Wilkin joined Random Hold, Quinton played with Sector 27 alongside Tom Robinson, and Black founded Psychic TV.
Discography
- Live at the Vortex ("Small Lives" and "Tell Me the Truth") (Nems Records, December 1977)
- "Tran-Sister" (7-inch single) (Jet Records, 1978)
- Neo (issued solely under Ian North's name) (Aura, 1979)