Rosetta Stone (1970s band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Ian Mitchell, McKee siblings |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Downpatrick , Northern Ireland |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Rosetta Stone was a pop rock ensemble originating from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, notable for featuring former Bay City Rollers guitarist Ian Mitchell. The band produced two full-length albums and one EP prior to their dissolution in 1984.
Initially formed in 1973 under the name Young City Stars by Ian Mitchell alongside the McKee siblings, the group performed at local venues and frequently served as the opening act for the Bay City Rollers. In 1976, Mitchell temporarily left to join the Bay City Rollers but rejoined later that year when the band, now managed by Tam Paton, adopted the name Rosetta Stone. They secured a contract with Private Stock Records in 1977 and made an appearance on Marc Bolan's television program Marc, delivering a rendition of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" as their single. Their first album was launched in the United States in May 1978, followed by Caught in the Act in 1979.
Mitchell exited once more in 1979, with Paul "Flash" Lerwill stepping in as his replacement. Lerwill departed in 1982 and was succeeded by Enda Walsh. That same year, the band issued the EP Hiding from Love, which included compositions by Bryan Adams. The title track attained a peak position of No. 46 on Canadian charts in 1982, outperforming Adams' own version that reached No. 64 there. Subsequently, Adams achieved top 20 status in Canada and top 10 success in the US with "Straight from the Heart." Following these events, their roadie Brian left to establish a record label based in Miami.
Rosetta Stone organized multiple reunion performances, culminating with a final festival appearance in Toronto during September 2007 and a sold-out concert in their hometown of Downpatrick in 2012.