It Bites is a British progressive rock band known for their blend of rock, pop, and progressive elements. The band gained prominence in the 1980s with their intricate compositions and catchy melodies.
Formation and Country:
It Bites was formed in 1982 in England. The band originally consisted of:
- Francis Dunnery – vocals, guitar
- John Beck – keyboards, backing vocals
- Dick Nolan – bass guitar
- Bob Dalton – drums
Members:
Classic Lineup:
- Francis Dunnery – vocals, guitar (1982–1990, 2006–2010)
- John Beck – keyboards, backing vocals (1982–1990, 2006–2010)
- Dick Nolan – bass guitar (1982–1990, 2006–2010)
- Bob Dalton – drums (1982–1990)
Later Members:
- Paul Brown – drums (1990–1991)
- Garry Maughan – bass guitar (1990–1991)
- Steve Hogarth – vocals, guitar (1990–1991)
Full Discography:
- The Big Lad in the Windmill (1986)
- Once Around the World (1988)
- Eat Me in St. Louis (1989)
- Kiss Like Judas (1990)
- The Man and the Holy Ghost (1991)
- The Best of It Bites (1992)
- The Big Lad in the Windmill (2002) [Reissue]
- When the Lights Go Down (2006)
- Map of the Past (2008)
- The Tall Ships (2011)
History:
Formation and Early Success: It Bites was formed in 1982 and quickly gained attention for their unique sound, which blended progressive rock with pop and rock elements. Their debut album, The Big Lad in the Windmill (1986), showcased their intricate musicianship and catchy songwriting.
Rise to Prominence: The band’s second album, Once Around the World (1988), further established their reputation with its mix of progressive rock and accessible melodies. Eat Me in St. Louis (1989) continued their success, featuring hit singles and complex compositions.
Changes and Hiatus: Following the release of Kiss Like Judas (1990), It Bites underwent lineup changes and faced challenges. The band released The Man and the Holy Ghost (1991) before disbanding. They reunited in the early 2000s and released new material, including Map of the Past (2008).
Reformation and Legacy: It Bites reformed with the original lineup in 2006 and continued to tour and release new music. Their innovative approach to progressive rock and pop has left a lasting impact on the genre.
Interesting Details:
- Blend of Genres: It Bites is known for their blend of progressive rock, pop, and rock elements, creating a distinctive sound.
- Francis Dunnery: The band’s frontman, Francis Dunnery, is known for his distinctive guitar playing and vocal style.
- Innovative Sound: Their music features complex compositions and arrangements, reflecting their progressive rock influences.
Music Themes:
It Bites’ music often explores:
- Progressive Rock and Pop Fusion: Their sound combines progressive rock with pop and rock elements.
- Complex Compositions: Known for intricate musical arrangements and sophisticated songwriting.
- Catchy Melodies: Despite their progressive influences, It Bites’ music often features memorable and accessible melodies.
It Bites remains an influential band in the progressive rock genre, known for their innovative approach and successful blend of different musical styles.
