After the Fire -

After the Fire was an English New Wave/art-rock band from London that released the album Signs of Change on Rapid Records in 1978, followed by Laser Love on CBS in 1979. Between 1980 and 1982, the band released the albums 80-f and Batteries Not Included on Epic. Shortly after the group disbanded, their translation of the song “Der Kommissar” — originally a European hit for Austrian singer Falco — reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100, prompting CBS’s belated release of the 1979–82 compilation ATF for that market.

Members: Peter Banks (keyboards, vocals, 1971-83, 2004-present), John Leach (bass, vocals, 1971-72), Ian Adamson (drums, 1971-77), Andy Piercy (guitar, bass, vocals, 1974-83), Robin Childs (bass, vocals, 1975-77), Nick Battle (bass, violin, vocals, 1977-78), Iva Twydell [Ivor Twidell] (drums, 1977-79), John Russell (guitar, vocals, 1979-83, 2004-present), Nick Brotherwood (drums, 1979), Pete King (drums, 1979-83)

Background

After the Fire formed in London at the end of 1971 when keyboardist Peter Banks and bassist John Leach started the group. Drummer Ian Adamson joined the first working lineup the following year. The trio dissolved in December 1972 after a short run in London.

Banks spent 1973 in Christian folksters Narnia, where he played alongside guitarist John Russell. Guitarist-vocalist Andy Piercy came from Ishmael & Andy, the duo with Ian Smale that issued a self-released single on Salt and the album Ready Salted on Myrrh Gold. Piercy also attended Elim Bible College before joining Banks and Adamson.

Banks and Adamson revived After the Fire in 1974 and brought Piercy into the new lineup after auditions in London. Bassist Robin Childs joined in 1975 and expanded the group to a quartet. Banks and Piercy based the early repertoire on Christian narratives, but the group sought a record contract through the regular London club circuit.

After the Fire played London pubs and clubs, including the Marquee on Wardour Street. Bassist-violinist Nick Battle replaced Childs in 1977. Drummer Ivor Twidell replaced Adamson before the album sessions. After the Fire financed recording at ICC Studios in Eastbourne and prepared Signs of Change for a 1978 release through Rapid Records.

Discography: