Animotion -

Animotion was an American modern-rock band from Los Angeles, best known for the Eighties classic “Obsession,” a risqué (for its time) call-and response between singers Astrid Plane and Bill Wadhams. They made two 1985/86 albums and scored further hits with “Let Him Go” and “I Engineer.” In 1989, a reconfigured lineup with actress/dancer Cynthia Rhodes had a dance-pop hit with “Room to Move,” an earlier deep-cut by the Naked Eyes spinoff Climie Fisher.

Members: Astrid Plane (vocals, 1984-88, 2001-present), Bill Wadhams (vocals, guitar, keyboards, 1984-88, 2001-present), Charles Ottavio (bass, 1984-88, 2001-present), Frenchy O’Brien (drums, percussion, 1984), Jim Blair (drums, 1985-88), Paul Antonelli (keyboards, 1984), Greg Smith (keyboards, 1984-89, 2001-present), Don Kirkpatrick (guitar, 1984-89, 2001-present), Cynthia Rhodes (vocals, 1989), Paul Engemann (vocals, 1989)

Background

Animotion formed in 1983 in Los Angeles when singer Astrid Plane and producer Charles Ottavio assembled a new group with singer-guitarist Bill Wadhams, keyboardist Paul Antonelli, and drummer Frenchy O’Brien. Plane, Antonelli, and O’Brien came from Red Zone, a science-fiction-themed rock band that released the 1982 album Living on Lust on Banner Records.

Plane grew up in England, where she studied guitar under Bill Homewood at Brentford School for Girls. She moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and sang with local groups, including a seven-piece Filipino disco band. She also performed at military bases around San Diego.

Wadhams grew up in Rochester, New York, where he played guitar in school bands and made an early appearance at Eddie’s Chop House. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1979 and fronted the Billy Bond Band under the stage name Billy Bond. Both singers frequented Madame Wong’s, a Hollywood club that hosted their respective groups.

Red Zone attracted the attention of Larry Ross, a CBS Records representative who subsequently became involved in the formation of Animotion. Following the breakup of Red Zone in 1983, Ross recruited Wadhams to provide original songs and share lead vocals with Plane. The five musicians cut a five-song demo with Ottavio on bass. Plane suggested the name Animotion to convey energy and movement.

In March 1984, Animotion performed a showcase for PolyGram executive Russ Regan, who signed the group to a seven-album contract with Mercury Records. Wadhams recruited guitarist Don Kirkpatrick and keyboardist Greg Smith for the debut sessions. Antonelli returned to his television position as music coordinator for General Hospital. Animotion recorded the self-titled Mercury debut with producer John Ryan.

Discography:

Animotion (1985)
Strange Behavior (1986)
Animotion (1989)

Sources

Animotion — Band History. Formation from Red Zone, the role of producer-bassist Charles Ottavio, Larry Ross and the March 1984 PolyGram showcase. (The Boss Booking Agency)
Red Zone — Local Notes. Music Connection, May 13–26, 1982. Contemporary coverage of the Banner Records single, album sessions at Perspective Sound in Sun Valley, and the scheduled May 19 Whisky appearance. (World Radio History)
Living on Lust — Red Zone. Music Connection, September 2–15, 1982. Contemporary album coverage identifying Astrid Plane and guitarist-vocalist Jason Ball, with production credited to Ottavio and Charles Sasso. (World Radio History)
Meet Astrid Plane. May 12, 2021. Firsthand recollections of guitar lessons at Brentford School for Girls, early restaurant engagements, military-base performances, and the Filipino disco band. (Shoutout Miami)
Episode #9: Bill Wadhams from Animotion. Valerie Day interview. Detailed firsthand account of Wadhams in Rochester, his 1979 relocation, the Billy Bond Band, studio contacts, and recruitment into Animotion. Also documents the rehearsal-studio audition for Russ Regan. (Living a Vocal Life)
New Faces to Watch: Animotion. Cash Box, March 30, 1985, page 12. Contemporary interview with Plane and Wadhams. Plane confirms her 1981 arrival in Los Angeles, the five-song demo, and the addition of Kirkpatrick and Smith subsequent to the recording contract. (Cash Box archive)
In Suspended Animotion. Cash Box, September 22, 1984, page 9. Contemporary photograph and announcement identifying Russ Regan, managers John Johnson and Larry Ross, and the Mercury/PolyGram contract. (World Radio History)
Animation Not ‘Obsessed’ with Success. Ethlie Ann Vare, Billboard, May 4, 1985. Contemporary interview identifying the seven-record Mercury agreement, producer John Ryan, and the personnel change from Antonelli to Smith. (Billboard archive)
Animotion — Original Mercury LP. Original 1984 release credits documenting the six credited band members, additional keyboard contributions from Greg Smith, John Ryan as producer, and Johnson/Ross Management. (Shuga Records)