Part 4. Spinal Tap….

In early 1996 Tim Bran decided that he wasn’t cut out for the rock and roll touring lifestyle and got involved in a studio based Internet music project called Rocket Network. This was meant to be a break from touring but soon found he had no time at all for the next Dread phase ..A replacement keyboard player was found in Dave Harrow who filled the gap whilst not actually inspiring new directions. This new line up set about a heavy live and recording schedule which included supporting Oasis at the Knebworth and Loch Lomond shows and putting together a new album. The album was written and recorded in relatively short time in Blah Street studios in Hampshire and Rollover studios in West London. Taking up the slack in the co production mode was Adam Wren who had made his name working with Leftfield. Working in a different way to previous albums and under pressure to match the inventive Second Light in a short space of time, Biological Radio didn’t quite have the same effect of the former and put a pause to the rise. Much speculation could be given to the reasons why this happened… it is a reminder of the fragile relationship between music and business.

As the touring continued Dave Harrow gave way to the return of Dan Donovan at the end of 96. After a single Earth Angel the new album was released in the summer of 97 and though it seemed a natural successor to Second Light it went without the sales of the previous album. Virgin looked to the accountants, let the group go and after four years of touring Dreadzone decided to put it all on hold. Recognising that the full potential of the music had yet to be realised Greg and Tim re -grouped to create a studio space where new ideas could be put into action. .

Previous page  Next page

Greg and Tim 1993 by Chris Floyd. You wouldn’t get that close these days
Backstage at Glastonbury 1994 by Daniele Roberts. L to R: Dan Donovan, Leo Williams, Tim and Greg. Just about to go on at 11am. First time at Glasto and first band on
Dreadzone on Virgin by Phil Knott. Flying high, great pic of a band on a roll
Ever changing Dread by Heather Favell L to R: Chris Bran, Leo, Greg and Dan, Musicians only please
The logo of the night by Dillan, Greg, Photoshop and some beer. Check out the small print.
The extended family 2001 by Daniele Roberts. Backstage at the Essential festival. The only time we have had seven onstage. L to R: Earl16, Rob Marche, Leo Williams, Ben Balafonic, MC Spee, Tim and Greg.
Funnily enough this is at the Essential festival a year later in Bristol. About to go on, taken by some local journo. L to R: MC Spee Earl16, Leo Williams, Ben Balafonic, and Greg.