Haze

Formed in 1978, from Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Member since: 7 December 2007

Genres:Rock

Too old to grow up, to young to know why

About

Formed in 1978 by Chris and Paul McMahon, Haze were one of the founders of the neo-progressive revival of the early 1980s. The band went through a number of line-up changes until drummer Paul Chisnell joined in 1983, completing the classic line-up which was to remain unaltered until the band''s demise in 1988. The band set up their own label, Gabadon Records, and in 1984 released their first vinyl album, ''C''est La Vie'', through Pinnacle distribution. It is, however, for their incessant gigging schedule in the U.K. that they will be most fondly remembered. For five years the band toured the length and breadth of Britain in an old ambulance, playing over 500 shows with a lack of pretentiousness and sense of humour that delighted progressive and rock audiences alike. In 1987 the band released their second and last vinyl album ''Stoat Bottle'', and toured Holland, their first and only dates outside the U.K. By the end of 1987, the band were becoming disillusioned with their lack of further success, and plagued by financial problems caused by a serious motor accident in late 1986, which wrote off the bands'' ambulance. Musical differences were also beginning to show, with the band''s eclecticism taking them beyond the traditionally accepted boundaries of progressive rock. Haze disbanded after a farewell concert in Sheffield on 29th May 1988, exactly ten years after their formation. The McMahon brothers then formed World Turtle, a four-piece band including Pendragon drummer Fudge Smith, but the band soon slimmed down to a duo of Chris & Paul McMahon. In 1993, the memory of Haze was revived by American label Kinesis Discs, who released an 18 track CD of remixed and remastered Haze tracks. Although part of the 1980s "progressive" revival, Haze were always much more than just another Yes/Genesis clone, moving with ease across the spectrum from rock to funk, pop to progressive in their own distinctive style. World Turtle have continued in this tradition, bringing modern sounds and influences, as well as powerful, intelligent lyrics to the brothers'' undoubted musical and songwriting skills. On 31st May 1998 Haze reunited for a 20th anniversary concert in Sheffield. The show was a great success and was recorded for a limited edition double live CD on Cyclops Records. Since then the band have become a regular fixture at the annual Whitchurch Music Festival, and have toured Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. The bands'' final 80s LP "Stoat & Bottle" is about to be reissued on CD to coincide with their 30th anniversary shows in London & Sheffield in May 2008. The shows will also be recorded for CD release on Cyclops Records.