Balaam and the Angel

Balaam and the Angel

Balaam and the Angel are a rock group from Birmingham, United Kingdom, active from 1984 to 1989. The band forms around the Morris brothers: James Morris, Mark Morris and Des Morris, who are Scottish siblings. They grow up in Motherwell and work in the entertainment industry as part of a cabaret act before moving south to Cannock, Staffordshire, where they form the group.

Early years and recordings

The band first records and issues material on its own Chapter 22 label, releasing a series of EPs independently. During this period they also play support dates for The Cult. These shows lead to a deal with Virgin Records, which releases their debut album, The Greatest Story Ever Told, in 1986. Before that, in 1985, the line-up expands with keyboard player Wendy Harper.

Change in style and later line-up

By 1988 the group adds guitarist Ian McKean, the first non-sibling in the line-up. Around this time their sound moves away from gothic rock towards hard rock. In this phase they record Live Free or Die and later Days of Madness. Their 1988 album Live Free or Die includes I Love the Things You Do to Me, which reaches number 13 on the rock chart and number 18 on college radio.

Other releases and appearances

After these records, Virgin drops the band. Their song I'll Show You Something Special appears on the soundtrack to Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Their discography also includes Sun Family, No More Innocence and Prime Time. Another later release is That's Not The Real World.

Additional personnel

At another stage the band is joined by Chris P on keyboards.