Dare

Dare is a UK rock band formed in 1985 and active from 1986 to the present. It is fronted by Darren Wharton, who previously plays keyboards in Thin Lizzy. The band is associated with AOR, hard rock and melodic rock, and it develops a sound that draws on classic rock as well as Celtic influences.

History

Dare forms in Oldham, England. Its debut album, Out of the Silence, appears in 1988 and is regarded as a key AOR release. In 1991 the band issues Blood from Stone, a heavier hard rock album that also reaches the UK Singles Chart with the title track, which places at number 48. After a seven-year break, Dare changes its line-up and Wharton begins producing the band’s albums in his own studio.

In 1998 the band releases Calm Before the Storm, described by its shift towards a classic rock sound with a blend of electric and acoustic guitars and layered production. Belief follows in 2001 and moves further into atmospheric classic rock with Celtic elements. In 2004 the band releases Beneath the Shining Water, which has a darker and more reflective tone, and also issues the live DVD Power of Nature: Live in Munich.

Line-up and membership

Known members include Darren Wharton, Vinny Burns, Brian Cox and Shelley. Brian Cox is a former member. The band’s 2022 line-up includes Darren Wharton on vocals and keyboards, Vinny Burns on guitars, Kevin Whitehead on drums, Nigel Clutterbuck on bass and Marc Roberts on keyboards.

Chart activity and releases

Dare has four UK Singles Chart entries: The Raindance reaches number 62 in 1989, Abandon number 71 in 1989, We Don’t Need a Reason number 52 in 1991, and Real Love number 67 in 1991. The band has released 10 albums. Its later album Road To Eden is announced for release on Legend Records, with Born in the Storm introduced as the lead track.