High Tide

High Tide

High Tide are a London-based English rock group formed in 1969 and active until 1991. They are associated with hard rock, heavy psych, jam band, progressive rock and psychedelic rock, and are often described as a psychedelic rock band from England.

Early line-up and recording history

The original line-up features Tony Hill on vocals and guitar, Simon House on violin and keyboards, Peter Pavli on bass, and Roger Hadden on drums. The band signs to Liberty Records’ UK division in 1969 and releases two albums in quick succession: Sea Shanties and a self-titled second album, High Tide. Their music combines heavy guitar work with violin interplay, as well as folk and pop influences, and several tracks include extended improvisation.

Style and influence

Although they do not achieve major commercial success in Britain, High Tide attract a cult following on the European continent. They are sometimes credited as one of the first heavy metal bands, and their two historical albums are also cited as an important precursor to prog metal. Their sound is often compared with Blue Cheer and Steppenwolf.

Later activity and personnel changes

After the release of the second album, the drummer leaves for health reasons. The group does not release another album for around 18 years, though it continues to record intermittently with a changing line-up. Tony Hill remains the only constant member through this later period. From 1988, the band issues seven records over a three-year span, built from recordings made across the intervening years and without clear recording dates.

Related musicians

Simon House later becomes a member of Hawkwind, works with David Bowie, and joins members of the Third Ear Band on the soundtrack to Roman Polanski’s Macbeth.