Solstice -

Solstice was an English symphonic/folk-rock band from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, that self-released three cassettes in 1982/83, followed by the 1984 album Silent Dance on Equinox Records.

Members: Andy Glass (guitar, backing vocals), Marc Elton (violin, backing vocals, keyboards, 1980-1997), Mark Hawkins (bass, bass pedals, 1980-84), Martin Wright (drums, percussion, 1980-86), Sandy Leigh (lead vocals, 1983-84), Heidi Kemp (vocals, 1992-?), Craig Sunderland (bass, 1992-97), Pete Hensley (drums, 1992-?, 2007-present), Clive Bunker (drums)

Background

Solstice formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1980 when guitarist Andy Glass teamed with violinist Marc Elton. Bassist Mark Hawkins and drummer Martin Wright completed the early lineup. Glass previously played in Electric Gypsy with bassist Doug Irvine and drummer Mick Pointer, who subsequently formed Silmarillion and developed the group into Marillion. Wright grew up in Bletchley, where he took drum lessons from Jim Marshall before playing in local bands.

Solstice played their first concert at Berkhamsted Town Hall in early 1980 and developed through British club and university dates. The group became associated with the emerging progressive-rock circuit around London and Buckinghamshire, with regular activity at the Marquee Club. Solstice supported Marillion at the London venue in May and August 1982, then returned for another shared bill in December. Across 1982–83, the group circulated three self-released cassettes, including Pathways and The Peace Tape.

Singer Sue Robinson fronted Solstice by September 1982, when the group supported Marillion at the Cellar Club in Hemel Hempstead. Shelley Patt succeeded Robinson and appeared with Solstice on the cover of Sounds. Sandy Leigh replaced Patt in 1983 and completed the lineup retained for the debut album. BBC Radio 1 aired a Solstice session on The Friday Rock Show in August, followed two weeks afterward by an appearance at Reading Rock Festival. Further dates with Pallas and Trilogy extended the group through the British touring circuit.

Solstice entered the next recording phase with Leigh, Glass, Elton, Hawkins and Wright. Producer Nigel Mazlyn Jones joined the group for the sessions that became the Equinox Records debut Silent Dance.

Discography: