CirKus

CirKus is an 80s rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah. The group forms in 1985 and remains active. It is a quintet known for a strong level of musicianship and for attracting a devoted following in its home region.

History

CirKus forms from the remains of the bands Moonhead and Lucas Tyson. In its early years it builds a reputation in the north-east of England, where it draws attention for its playing and live support. The original album Cirkus One is recorded in 1973 at Sound Associates, Emison and Air Studios, and only 1,000 copies are pressed. The band originally leans towards a symphonic style, then later moves towards a more mainstream sound while keeping what is described as a recognisable CirKus character.

Line-up changes and releases

In 1975, lead singer Paul Robson leaves and Alan Roadhouse, formerly of Halfbreed, joins on vocals and saxophone. At that point the line-up also includes Dogg on acoustic and electric guitars, Derek Miller on keyboards, John Taylor on bass, and Stu McDade on backing vocals, drums and assorted percussion. The band later takes part in a theatre production called Future Shock in 1977, and an LP of that name is issued by Shock Records; none of the group writes the material. In 1978, the track I'm On Fire appears on a Battle of the Bands compilation, which becomes the band's final release before the members go their separate ways in the early 1980s.

Later recordings

In 1994, Cirkus II: The Global Cut appears, with Derek Miller as the only surviving member from the original line-up. A third album, Pantomyne, follows in 1998, bringing Stu McDade back into the group as an original member and main songwriter. The album also includes guest appearances from several other musicians, including Alan Roadhouse, who plays flute.

Other CirKus acts

The name is also used by other acts, including a Swedish project involving Matt Karmil and Burt Ford, with Cameron McVey connected through his work under other names and Lolita Moon appearing on the debut album, and a Swedish new wave/synthpop band that issues singles in the mid-1980s. Another unrelated Cirkus is a ska-reggae band from Poreč in Croatia.