After the Fire

From FaithNoise

After the Fire (or ATF) is a British rock band that went from playing Christian progressive rock to Christian new wave over the twelve years it was together, while having only one hit in the United States ("Der Kommissar") and one hit in the UK ("One Rule for You").

Early career

Keyboard player Peter Banks originally formed the band in the early 1970s in London, England. After The Fire then went through several personnel changes before settling on Banks, guitarist and vocalist Andy Piercy, bassist Nick Battle, and drummer Ivor Twidell. This lineup enjoyed local success in London, and released an album, Signs of Change, in 1978, on their own label. Having become a highly-priced collectors' item, it was reissued on CD in 2004 with several bonus tracks. At this time, the band's sound was similar to bands like Genesis and Yes.

Success beckons

After Battle left, Piercy switched to bass, and John Russell joined on guitar. The group signed to CBS, and released their second album, Laser Love, in 1979, which marked the band's move towards new wave, with shorter, more catchy pop rock tracks. Drummer Nick Brotherwood took over for Twidell briefly, after Laser Love was recorded. Brotherwood left to become an Anglican cleric. Banks changed his name to "Memory" Banks to not be confused with the ex-Yes guitarist, around this time. As these changes took place, After The Fire's single, "One Rule for You", entered the UK Top 40. The group were scheduled to perform it on BBC TV's Top of the Pops that week, a move which would have been almost certain to see it rise much higher, but their appearance was cancelled when live sport overran by a few minutes, resulting in a shortened programme.

The picture cover of the 1983 "Der Kommissar" single

The band's third and fourth albums, 80-f and Batteries Not Included, were released in the early 1980s to little fanfare, with Pete King (formerly of the Flys) on drums. They came back into the UK spotlight when their English-language cover of Austrian musician Falco's song, "Der Kommissar", rocketed in to the U.S. top ten in 1983, though it only just made the top fifty in the UK. This was followed by the release of their first and only US album, ATF, a compilation of their career.

Dissolution and aftermath

This success had come too late, however, as After the Fire had been slowly coming apart in the year leading to "Der Kommissar", and they officially split soon after it peaked in the top ten. A final album, Free Heat, was scheduled but never released. Banks went on to build his own studio before becoming managing director of Maldon Computer Company, a software and networking enterprise. Russell worked in a music shop following the split and later was involved in youth work, while Piercy became a record producer. King died of testicular cancer in 1985. Twidell released three solo albums after leaving the band, and then became a police officer.

Rebirth

In 2004 at the Friends Reunion, Pete and John were joined by Ian Niblo on bass and Matt Russell (John's teenage son) on drums to perform a karaoke set. Pete was later talked into the (now famous) capacity reunion gig at the Greenbelt Festival, Keith Smith completing the lineup on lead vocals.

In 2005, they re-worked and released the song "One Rule" for Trade Justice, a new recording of their 1979 UK hit. They released the second track from the current line up, "Forged from Faith", as a digital download in October 2005.

In January 2007, Keith Smith's departure from the group was announced. The vocals at their first gig in Harrow after Keith's departure were handled by Pete Banks and John Russell and gave the band an authentic vocal style.

Before Keith's departure, there had been plans to re-enter the recording studio.

Discography

After The Fire personnel (1971-1972)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals John Leach — bass guitar, vocals Ian Adamson — drums

(1974-1974)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals Andy Piercy — guitar, vocals Ian Adamson — drums

(1975-1977)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals Andy Piercy — guitar, vocals Robin Childs — bass guitar, vocals Ian Adamson — drums

(1977-1978)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals Andy Piercy — guitar, vocals Nick Battle — bass guitar, violin, vocals Ivor Twidell — drums

(1979)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals Andy Piercy — bass guitar, vocals John Russell — guitar, vocals Nick Brotherwood — drums

(1979-1983)

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals Andy Piercy — bass guitar, vocals John Russell — guitar, vocals Pete King — drums

(2004-2006) ATF2

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals John Russell — guitar, vocals Keith Smith — vocals Ian Niblo — bass guitar Matthew Russell — drums

(2007-present) ATF2

Peter Banks — keyboards, vocals John Russell — guitar, vocals Ian Niblo — bass guitar Matthew Russell — drums

Albums Year Album UK US

After the Fire:

1978 Signs of Change - -

1979 Laser Love - -

1980 80-f - -

1982 Batteries Not Included - -

1982 Der Kommissar - -

2005 Der Kommissar - The CBS Recordings - -

2005 Signs of Change - -

2006 AT2F - -

EPs Year EP UK US

After the Fire:

1979 Life in the City - -

1981 Frozen Rivers - -

1982 Rich Boys - -

Singles Year Song UK U.S.

1979 "One Rule For You" 40 -

1979 "Laser Love" 62 -

1979 "Life in the City" - -

1980 "Love Will Always Make You Cry" - -

1980 "Wild West Show" - -

1981 "Dancing in the Shadows" - -

1981 "Frozen Rivers" - -

1982 "Rich Boys" - -

1982 "Der Kommissar" 47 5

1983 "Dancing in the Shadows" - 85

1983 "8 Ball in the Top Pocket" - -

DVDs Year Title

2006 "Live at Greenbelt"