Prism (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Vancouver , Canada |
| Products | Studio albums, compilation albums, live albums |
Prism (presented as PRiSM) is a rock ensemble from Vancouver, Canada, established in 1977. Their initial period of activity spanned from 1977 to 1984, after which they reunited in 1987 and have remained active since. The band's classic formation included lead vocalist Ron Tabak, guitarist Lindsay Mitchell, keyboardist John Hall, bassist Allen Harlow, and drummer Rocket Norton.
Their musical style fuses album-oriented rock (AOR) with elements of pop rock. Over the years, Prism has produced eight studio albums, alongside three compilation records and a live album.
Primarily enjoying success within Canada, Prism earned the Juno Award for 'Group of the Year' in 1981 and broke into the US top 40 charts with their 1981 hit "Don't Let Him Know". The group played a pivotal role in launching the careers of several prominent industry professionals such as producer Bruce Fairbairn, songwriter Jim Vallance, Powder Blues Band leader Tom Lavin, and musicians like Ab Bryant (associated with Headpins and Chilliwack). Before gaining fame, Bryan Adams also contributed songwriting efforts to Prism’s early projects.
In a notable event in March 2011, their 1977 song "Spaceship Superstar" was chosen as the wake-up call for the crew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during its final mission. This moment marked the last occasion when Discovery's crew and the International Space Station team were simultaneously active before Discovery's return.
Sunshyne and Seeds of Time
The origins of Prism trace back to producer-musician Bruce Fairbairn and members drawn from two Vancouver-based groups: Sunshyne and Seeds of Time. Fairbairn, who initially played trumpet in the jazz-rock band Sunshyne during the early 1970s, steered the group toward blues-rock around 1974 by bringing in guitarist Lindsay Mitchell from Seeds of Time. The latter band had moderate achievements with two Canadian Top 100 singles in 1971.
Operating under the name Sunshyne, Fairbairn attempted for a year to secure a recording deal without success. He then enlisted former member Jim Vallance to assist in polishing demo recordings. Vallance contributed original compositions and arrangements at Fairbairn’s request. Ron Tabak was recruited as lead singer, while Mitchell continued as guitarist and co-songwriter. A five-track demo was submitted to record labels, leading GRT Records to offer a contract in 1976 based on Vallance’s "Open Soul Surgery."
Prism debut
Throughout the following year, Fairbairn produced their debut album using various musicians from Vancouver. The core lineup solidified as Ron Tabak (vocals), John Hall (keyboards), Lindsay Mitchell (lead guitar), Tom Lavin (rhythm guitar/bass), Ab Bryant (bass), and Jim Vallance (drums). During recording sessions, the band retained the name Sunshyne; Bryant joined after these sessions concluded.
Of the nine tracks on the album, seven were penned by Vallance, with one each by Mitchell and Lavin. Prior to release, management dismissed "Sunshyne" as a band name and issued a teaser single under "Stanley Screamer," which failed to gain traction. After trying out names like "Under Construction," they ultimately chose "Prism." Vallance adopted the alias Rodney Higgs to prevent potential conflicts with future contracts should the album not succeed.
Session contributions included horns by Fairbairn and Tom Keenlyside; Fairbairn also handled tour management duties. Other session musicians received only special thanks in the album credits.
Under the guidance of renowned Canadian rock manager Bruce Allen, Prism’s self-titled debut was launched on GRT Records (Ariola Records in the US) in May 1977. Although Bryant appeared on the album cover, he had just joined at that time and soon departed to join other bands. Lavin resumed bass duties while additional horn players were added for touring purposes.
Following initial tours, Vallance stepped down as drummer but remained the chief songwriter, favoring studio work over live performances. He was replaced by Rocket Norton from Seeds of Time. Later in 1977, Lavin left to form the Powder Blues Band, which subsequently achieved chart success in Canada.
Singles such as "Spaceship Superstar" and "Take Me to the Kaptin" charted domestically, with their debut album reaching platinum certification (over 100,000 copies sold) by the next year.
1978–1981: Stable Line-up Period
As Prism prepared their next album, the group’s composition remained steady for a three-year span. In January 1978, Allen Harlow, also formerly of Seeds of Time, replaced Tom Lavin on bass. Following creative disputes with Mitchell, principal songwriter Jim Vallance departed, creating a songwriting void. Vallance still contributed two tracks under the pseudonym Rodney Higgs, while Harlow and other band members provided additional compositions. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, See Forever Eyes was released in June 1978, featuring singles such as the title track along with Harlow’s "Flyin’" and "Take Me Away". The album attained platinum certification by the subsequent year.
Prior to their 1978 tour, saxophonist Tom Keenlyside was dismissed; Fairbairn and Eppel continued handling trumpet and trombone duties. Keenlyside later joined the Powder Blues Band. On July 16, 1978, Prism performed at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Michigan; this concert was broadcast via Westwood One Radio and issued as a promotional album. During that summer, Prism toured across the United States and Canada as the opening act for Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell Tour.
In early 1979, Prism recorded their third album, which became their most commercially successful to date. Mitchell assumed primary songwriting responsibilities with four compositions; Vallance returned alongside his new collaborator Bryan Adams, who co-wrote three songs. Vallance also contributed uncredited co-writing and arrangements under aliases and played various instruments without official recognition. For the 1979 tour, the core band omitted horns, but Fairbairn organized a six-piece horn section for selected performances.
Released in June 1979, Armageddon included singles such as "Virginia", "Armageddon", and "Night to Remember", all charting within Canada. The album achieved double platinum status (exceeding 200,000 units) by the following year and secured Prism the 1981 Juno Award for Group of the Year. Mitchell earned SOCAN Song of the Year in 1980 for "Night to Remember". Despite this success, their label GRT entered receivership; subsequently, Prism signed with Capitol Records.
The subsequent album, Young and Restless, released in May 1980, featured songwriting exclusively by Mitchell, Harlow, or Norton—without any Vallance/Higgs credits. Vallance later acknowledged limited uncredited input as arranger and co-writer. The title track became Prism’s highest-charting single in Canada at No. 14.
Following this release, Prism ceased working with producer and founding member Bruce Fairbairn. They recorded one new track for their 1980 greatest hits compilation All the Best from Prism with new producer John S. Carter ("Carter"), who managed all releases through to 1983. The single "Cover Girl", penned by Mitchell and Adams, failed to chart.
Fairbairn continued his successful production career until his death from a heart attack on May 17, 1999, at age 49 in Vancouver.
1981–1984: The Henry Small Period
During a December 1980 performance in Toronto, lead vocalist Ron Tabak delivered a subpar show that led manager Bruce Allen to dismiss him in early 1981 under pressure from Capitol Records. Factors influencing this decision included substance abuse issues, internal band conflicts, legal troubles, and inadequate songwriting contributions. Vocalist Henry Small (formerly of Scrubbaloe Caine and Small Wonder) was recruited based on Paul Dean of Loverboy’s recommendation.
Following his departure from Prism, Tabak teamed up with drummer Norton to form The Ron Tabak Band in 1981; despite attracting interest from CBS Records, no contract materialized and Tabak exited the music scene.
Keyboardist John Hall resigned from Prism in protest over Tabak’s firing. The reconfigured four-piece lineup (Small/Mitchell/Harlow/Norton) recorded Small Change during summer 1981; it was released that December. Session musicians such as Jimmy Phillips (The Guess Who), Randy Hansen, and Norton Buffalo contributed to the recording. Capitol Records employed additional session players aiming to secure a hit single. The lead track "Don't Let Him Know", written by Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams, became Prism’s first US top 40 hit (peaking at No. 39) and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart. The follow-up single "Turn on Your Radar" climbed to No. 64 in the US charts.
Throughout 1981 tours, keyboardists Jamie Bowers and David Stone (ex-Rainbow) joined the lineup. However, after a December concert supporting Klaatu received poor audience reaction toward Prism’s revamped group, members Mitchell, Harlow, Norton, Bowers, and Stone departed by early 1982. With Mitchell’s exit, no founding members remained in Prism.
By 1982 financial difficulties led Bruce Allen to temporarily acquire rights to the band’s name and assemble a new version featuring Small alongside guitarist Paul Warren (ex-Rare Earth), bassist John Trivers, keyboardist Robyn Robbins (Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band), and drummer Doug Madick (Starz).
Although effectively disbanded by late 1982, Small continued recording under the Prism name with session musicians including Alan Pasqua, Richie Zito, Mike Baird as well as backing vocalists Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Bobby Kimball (Toto), and Bill Champlin (Chicago). This incarnation released Beat Street in July 1983; however it did not achieve commercial success or produce charting singles. Small later attributed Capitol Records withdrawing support—despite initial regional momentum—to conflicts between Bruce Allen and EMI’s president. Consequently, a planned tour was canceled and Prism was dropped by the label.
By early 1984 Small remained as sole member before retiring the Prism name altogether and dissolving the group.
Passing of Ron Tabak and its impact on medical care
Toward the end of 1984, a number of ex-members of Prism were contemplating a reunion. Al Harlow and Ron Tabak intended to celebrate Christmas together at Harlow's residence in Kitsilano. On Christmas Eve, Tabak rode his bicycle under perilous conditions—navigating snowy roads at night without a helmet or front light, after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol. Near the intersection of Kingsway and Earles Street, he was involved in a collision with a vehicle, resulting in a fall and head injury. He was transported to Burnaby General Hospital but became uncooperative and was subsequently detained by police who suspected intoxication. Later, after being found unconscious in his holding cell, he was rushed to Royal Columbian Hospital where doctors identified a brain blood clot. Tabak succumbed to an aneurysm on Christmas Day 1984 before surgery could be performed. In tribute, the planned Prism reunion was called off.
Medical and regional trauma care legacy
The untimely death of Tabak due to an undetected cerebral hemorrhage, along with the early 1985 passing of BC Ambulance Service Supervisor John Phillips, served as catalysts for substantial reforms in trauma care across the region. These incidents prompted the creation of dedicated trauma centres in the Lower Mainland—specifically at Lions Gate Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and Royal Columbian Hospital—and led to more rigorous guidelines for diagnosing and managing head injuries. Patients exhibiting head trauma symptoms, even if combative or impaired, were thereafter treated medically rather than subjected to arrest. Paramedics were instructed to transport such individuals directly to the nearest specialized trauma facility, enhancing survival rates and recovery outcomes for critical injuries.
Reunion and release of Jericho
Prism regrouped in 1987 with an updated roster, recording two fresh songs for their 1988 greatest hits compilation Over 60 Minutes with...Prism. Among these was "Good To Be Back," co-written by Al Harlow, Bryan Adams, and Jim Vallance; produced by Vallance and mixed under the pseudonym "Rodney Higgs" as a fan tribute. This track featured new lead singer Darcy Deutsch alongside Allen Harlow (guitar/bass), Jim Vallance (drums/keyboards), Lindsay Mitchell (guitar solo), with backing vocals from Paul Janz and Marc LaFrance. The 1988 tour lineup included Harlow, Mitchell, Deutsch, former member Rocket Norton on drums, and new keyboardist Andy Lorimer. Both Deutsch and Lorimer had previously performed Prism material with their band Simon Kaos.
Five years later, this ensemble released Jericho (1993), marking Prism’s first album of new material in ten years. The album featured guest appearances from Bryan Adams, Paul Janz, Marc LaFrance, Rick Springfield, and Randy Bachman (of Bachman–Turner Overdrive), who also contributed to songwriting efforts.
Current formation and Big Black Sky
In 1990, Rick Shermack from China White briefly filled in for Darcy Deutsch as lead vocalist. Rocket Norton departed in 1994 to pursue television opportunities; John Cody succeeded him on drums but exited in 1996. Norton returned briefly before Darrell Mayes took over drum duties, followed by Frank Baker around 2000 until his departure to join Trooper in 2003. Mayes made a short return prior to Gary Grace becoming drummer.
Keyboardist Richard Sera substituted for Andy Lorimer between 1991 and 1992; Lorimer left permanently in 1996 but made occasional returns until 2002. Subsequent keyboard players included Steve Soucy, Alfie Galpin, and Johnny Ferreira.
Following Darcy Deutsch’s exit in 2003, Allen Harlow took over lead vocals and later assumed lead guitar responsibilities after Lindsay Mitchell’s departure in 2005—resulting in Prism operating without any original members. The band continued touring with Harlow, Gary Grace on drums, Steve-O handling keyboards/guitar/backing vocals, and bassist Michael Kaye (soon replaced by Tad Goddard). Goddard left in 2006; Timothy B. Hewitt joined for two years thereafter.
By 2008, Prism’s lineup consisting of Harlow, Grace, Steve-O, and Hewitt released Big Black Sky, predominantly featuring compositions by Harlow with one contribution from Jim Vallance. Hewitt left late that year; Goddard returned to the group.
Since 2010, Prism has included Allen Harlow (vocals/guitar/bass), Gary Grace (drums/percussion/backing vocals), Marc Gladstone (keyboards/backing vocals), and Tad Goddard (bass/backing vocals). Gladstone is related to original keyboardist John Hall.
On August 19, 2016, drummer Gary Grace was hospitalized following a massive blood clot after a performance. Prism continued shows with substitute drummers A.J. Chabidon and former member Frank Baker until Grace rejoined the band on stage one month later at Edmonton’s Century Casino Showroom before a sold-out audience.
2015 reunion concert
On May 22, 2015, the "Local Legends of Rock" event held in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver, showcased performances by Ab Bryant, John Hall, Al Harlow, and Rocket Norton. Harlow described the gathering as not a reunion of a single band but rather a convergence of three or four groups. The concert was promoted as the "Prism / Jet / Seeds of Time Reunion Concert," with Sunshyne presumed to be the fourth ensemble involved. Prism delivered several of their well-known tracks such as "Young and Restless," "Nickels and Dimes," "Take Me to the Kaptin," "You're Like the Wind," and "Spaceship Superstar."
2018–present
Prism was honored on May 4, 2018, during a "White Hat Ceremony" in Calgary, officially becoming Citizens of Calgary.
Tragically, former Prism keyboardist Steve Soucy died from a heart attack on November 23, 2020.
On February 14, 2022, Al Harlow unveiled his first solo album titled Now!, which includes a co-written piece with Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.
The band received induction into Canada's Walk of Fame on September 28, 2023. Attending members Allen Harlow, John Hall, Lindsay Mitchell, and Rocket Norton paid tribute to the late Ron Tabak with a commemorative framed photograph.
On October 21, 2023, Prism reunited on stage for the first time featuring Lindsay Mitchell, John Hall, Rocket Norton, Allen Harlow, Tad Goddard, and Darcy Deutsch at Rocket Norton's F**K Cancer benefit concert. This event was organized to support Norton's fight against cancer and also included performances by Headpins, Chilliwack, Lee Aaron, Trooper, Powder Blues Band, H.U.N.N., Doug and the Slugs, and Loverboy.
Rocket Norton (Gary Wanstall) passed away in Vancouver on April 5, 2024, at the age of 73.
Legacy
Although Prism experienced moderate commercial achievements during their career, their enduring impact is largely attributed to former members who went on to achieve significant success in the music industry. Bruce Fairbairn emerged from the band to become an internationally acclaimed producer working with acts such as Loverboy, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Kiss, and Yes. Meanwhile, Jim Vallance gained recognition as a prolific songwriter through his collaboration with Bryan Adams as the Adams-Vallance duo and later established himself as a highly sought-after "song doctor" for prominent global artists.
Timeline
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bar:ron text:"Ron Tabak †" bar:small text:"Henry Small" bar:darcy text:"Darcy Deutsch" bar:lind text:"Lindsay Mitchell" bar:tom text:"Tom Lavin" bar:paul text:"Paul Warren" bar:steve text:"Steve-O" bar:ab text:"Ab Bryant" bar:harlow text:"Al Harlow" bar:trivers text:"John Trivers" bar:tad text:"Tad Goddard" bar:greg text:"Greg Cox" bar:tim text:"Timothy B. Hewitt" bar:jim text:"Jim Vallance" bar:norton text:"Rocket Norton †" bar:doug text:"Doug Madick" bar:mayes text:"Darrell Mayes" bar:baker text:"Frank Baker" bar:grace text:"Gary Grace" bar:hall text:"John Hall" bar:rob text:"Robyn Robbins" bar:andy text:"Andy Lorimer" bar:couns text:"John Counsel" bar:soucy text:"Steve Soucy †" bar:marc text:"Marc Gladstone"
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</timeline>
Line-ups
| Timeframe | Personnel | Recordings |
|---|---|---|
| January 1977 – May 1977 |
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| May 1977 – August 1977 |
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| August 1977 – November 1977 |
|
- |
| November 1977 – October 1978 |
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| October 1978 – December 1980 |
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| December 1980 – June 1981 |
|
- |
| June 1981 – January 1982 |
|
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| January 1982 – 1983 |
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| 1983 |
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Discography
+ denotes unofficial releases.
Studio albums
- Prism (1977)
- See Forever Eyes (1978)
- Armageddon (1979)
- Young and Restless (1980)
- Small Change (1981)
- Beat Street (1983)
- Jericho (1993)
- Big Black Sky (2008)
Live recordings
- Live Tonite (1978)
- Alive in America (2011) +
- Legends Live in Concert Vol. 22 (2015) +
Compilation releases
- All the Best from Prism (1980)
- Over 60 Minutes with... Prism (1988)
- Best of Prism (1996)
- From the Vaults (1997)
- Anthology 45 Years (2020) +
- See Forever Eyes/ Rain (Singles) (Limited Edition vinyl) (2020) +
EPs
- The Prism Sampler (1977)
- Prism Sampler (1979)
- Live (1982)
Video singles
- "Is He Better Than Me?" (1983)
- "Way of the World" (1993)
Singles
| Title | Release | Highest chart rankings | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | US | RPM Cancon | US Rock | US Cashbox | |||
| "I Ain't Lookin' Anymore" | 1976 | - | - | - | - | - | Non-album single |
| "Spaceship Superstar" | 1977 | 63 | 82 | - | - | 100 | Prism |
| "Open Soul Surgery" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "It's Over" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Take Me to the Kaptin" | 52 | 59 | - | - | - | ||
| "Take Me Away" | 1978 | 94 | - | - | - | - | See Forever Eyes |
| "Flyin'" | 41 | 53 | - | - | - | ||
| "See Forever Eyes" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "You're Like the Wind" | 63 | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Armageddon" | 1979 | 23 | - | - | - | - | Armageddon |
| "Virginia" | 73 | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Mirror Man" | 1980 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| "You Walked Away Again" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Night to Remember" | 33 | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Young and Restless" | 14 | - | 3 | - | - | Young and Restless | |
| "American Music" | - | - | 22 | - | - | ||
| "Cover Girl" | - | - | 8 | - | - | All the Best From Prism | |
| "Don't Let Him Know" | 1981 | 49 | 39 | - | 1 | 40 | Small Change |
| "Turn on Your Radar" | - | 64 | - | - | 73 | ||
| "Rain" | - | - | - | 55 | - | ||
| "I Don't Want to Want You Anymore" | 1983 | - | - | - | 37 | - | Beat Street |
| "Is He Better Than Me?" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Beat Street" | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Good to Be Back" | 1988 | - | - | 36 | - | = - | Over 60 Minutes With... Prism |
| "Don't Let Him Know (Re-recorded)" | 2009 | - | - | - | - | - | Non-album single |
Honors and recognitions
| 1978 | Prism | Most Promising Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| 1979 | Prism | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| James O'Mara for See Forever Eyes | Best Album Graphics | Template:Nom | |
| 1980 | Prism | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| Bruce Fairbairn for Armageddon | Producer of the Year | Template:Won | |
| Armageddon | Album of the Year | Template:Nom | |
| 1981 | Prism | Group of the Year | Template:Won |
| Lindsay Mitchell and Al Harlow for Young and Restless | Composer of the Year | Template:Nom | |
| Bruce Fairbairn for Young and Restless | Producer of the Year | Template:Nom | |
| Young and Restless | Album of the Year | Template:Nom | |
| 1982 | Prism | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups formed in 1976
- Musical groups disbanded in 1984
- Musical groups reunited in 1987
- Musical acts from Vancouver
- Canadian hard rock bands
- Canadian progressive rock bands
- Juno Award winners for Group of the Year
- Ariola Records artists
- Capitol Records artists
- 1976 establishments in British Columbia
- 1984 disestablishments in British Columbia
- 1987 establishments in British Columbia
- Musical groups disestablished in 1984