The Step-by-Step Process of Forming Rock Group Stonehenge
Rock and roll has always been a genre that exudes passion, energy, and creativity. From the classic rock bands of the 60s to the contemporary rock groups of today, this music has always been a reflection of our society’s cultural zeitgeist. And one of the most prominent and influential rock groups of all time is Stonehenge.
Formed in 1978, this British outfit was comprised of four members- David St. Hubbins (vocals, rhythm guitar), Nigel Tufnel (lead guitar), Derek Smalls (bass), and Mick Shrimpton (drums). Together, they created some of the most iconic songs in the history of rock music like “Stonehenge,” “Sex Farm,” and “Big Bottom.”
So how did these four individuals come together to form this legendary band? Well, let’s take a deep dive into the step-by-step process that led to formation.
Step 1: The Genesis
Like most great things in life, it all started with an idea. Christopher Guest and Michael McKean were comedians who’d met on Saturday Night Live in New York City before moving to LA in the mid-70s. They had already formed a comedy musical duo called The Folksmen when they decided to create a mockumentary about British heavy metal bands.
Around this time Chris’s friend Harry Shearer had just finished co-writing Spinal Tap’s first album with fellow comedian Rob Reiner. Chris joined them for sessions at Abbey Road studios where he was inspired by their musicianship and songwriting craft – parody aside.
Step 2: The Inspiration
As we mentioned earlier, Stonehenge was inspired by real-life experiences Guest had while hanging out with metal bands in England during their heyday. As part of preparing for his role as guitarist Nigel Tufnel for This Is Spinal Tap, he visited UK clubs like Dingwalls where Saxon, Motorhead, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden et al would play. So he got to know how bands operated and based his portrayal on various rock star persona.
Step 3: The Chemistry
In a way, the formation of Stonehenge was almost serendipitous. Michael McKean had always wanted to be a rock star in his own right, and he could sing and play guitar. Christopher Guest played mandolin, but wasn’t much of a lead guitarist. They both shared an interest in rock music and British culture, so they started writing songs together as a hobby.
When Reiner saw them performing their compositions during the filming of “Spinal Tap,” he suggested they form a real band. That’s when David St Hubbins was born – with Guest mimicking pop singer Chris De Burgh’s vocal delivery among other singers that caught his fancy.
Step 4: The Formation
With David and Nigel as the primary songwriters, discussions about forming an actual band continued while This Is Spinal Tap was being filmed at the same time as another mockumentary; McKean starred alongside Carl Reiner (Rob’s father) in ‘The Story Of Us’ which is basically what it says on the tin…the history of mankind told through scenes depicting different periods in time from ancient times to present day.
After filming wrapped on “Tap,” Harry Shearer agreed to join forces with them on bass under the pseudonym Derek Smalls and they enlisted drummer Ric Parnell (who played Mick Shrimpton) for their West Coast debut at Gazzari’s club in Los Angeles circa December/January 79-80.
They performed their repertoire that included covers such as ‘Texas Flood’ by Stevie Ray Vaughn,’Drivin Blues’ by Jethro Tull along with originals ranging from political satire like ‘Gimme Some Money’ to fantasy ballads like ‘Diva Fever’.
That performance caught the attention of a record label exec who offered them their first deal. With that, Stonehenge was born.
Step 5: The Journey
The rest, as they say, is history. From there on out, Stonehenge went on to become one of the most iconic rock bands in history. They released hit albums like “It’s a Mighty Wind” and “Break Like the Wind,” and toured the world playing to massive crowds.
Their music has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of rockers. And it all started with a few friends goofing around with guitars and drums while making fun of metal bands in England. Who would have thought it?”
In conclusion, forming a successful rock group is no easy feat. It requires talent, dedication, chemistry, and an unrelenting passion for music. The story of how Stonehenge came together serves as a testament to this fact – highlighting just how much hard work goes into creating something truly remarkable. Hopefully, this brief overview will inspire other aspiring musicians out there to pick up their instruments and start making some music today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Group Stonehenge Answered
If you’re a fan of classic rock, then you’ve definitely heard of Stonehenge. Despite their popularity in the 70s and 80s, many people still have questions about this legendary band. From their music to their history and everything in between, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Stonehenge.
Q: Who is Stonehenge?
A: Stonehenge is an American rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in the early 1970s and rose to fame during the peak of the classic rock era in the late 70s and early 80s.
Q: What genres does Stonehenge fall under?
A: They are primarily known for being a hard rock band, but they also incorporate elements of heavy metal and blues into their music.
Q: Who are the members of Stonehenge?
A: The founding members were Joe Smith (vocals), Mark Johnson (guitar), Tom Davis (bass), and Peter Ramirez (drums). Over the years, there have been several lineup changes, but currently, the members are Joe Smith (vocals), Mark Johnson (guitar), Mike Thompson (bass), Jim Jones (keyboards), and Adam Davis (drums).
Q: What are some popular songs by Stonehenge?
A: “Highway Star,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Child in Time,” “Black Night” – oh wait! Sorry – those are all by Deep Purple. Got carried away there. OK. How about these? “The Time Has Come,” “Suffocation Blues,” “Angel’s Wings” or maybe you remember their hit ballad from ’88 called “Love Is Just A Memory.”
Q: Are they still performing today?
A: Yes! Though they may not be on tour as often as they used to be during their prime years in the 70s and 80s, the band still continues to play shows and release new music. They last played in August of this year at the Shoreline amphitheater.
Q: What sets Stonehenge apart from other rock bands of their time?
A: One thing that people frequently point out about Stonehenge is their knack for storytelling through their music. Many of their songs are narrative-driven, often exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. Additionally, they are known for incorporating intricate guitar solos and extended jams into their live performances.
Q: What can you tell us about their songwriting process?
A: According to interviews with past and present members of the band, the songwriting process tends to vary based on who is involved. In some cases, one member will have an entire song almost fully-formed before bringing it to the rest of the group. Other times, members will collaborate on different parts of a song together or even write as a full band jamming together in a rehearsal space.
Overall, Stonehenge is a legendary group that has left an indelible mark on classic rock history. Their music continues to inspire new generations of fans today and we hope this FAQ helped shed some light on what makes them so special!
Behind the Scenes: How Rock Group Stonehenge Prepares for a Performance
As the lights dim and the crowd roars, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a live music performance. However, what most people don’t realize is just how much work goes on behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes smoothly. From setting up the stage and sound equipment to tuning instruments and practicing, there are countless preparation steps that must be taken before any band can take the stage.
For rock group Stonehenge, preparing for a performance is an elaborate process that requires meticulous attention to detail. We’re talking about procedures like packing gear carefully into road cases, testing every last wire and cable, tweaking instrument configurations for optimal results—all while remaining efficient so as to avoid last minute problems or delays. It may seem daunting or overwhelming at first glance but this team of musicians along with their crew know exactly what they are doing.
The band starts by making sure all of their equipment is in working order well before their scheduled performance time. This includes checking drum kits, amplifiers, guitars, basses and any other gear they’ll be using on stage.
Once all equipment is checked off their list then comes set-up time! Band members arrive at the venue hours ahead of showtime to begin laying out speakers monitors amps cables footpedals you name it! The next step would be for them to complete sound checks with each individual member testing his or her own microphone levels while engineers adjust levels coming through board which will go directly out to house or front-of-house mixing console where sounds will be further refined for acoustical perfection!
As far as rehearsing goes there are two approaches – full band practices as well as solo acts performing together within subunits consisting mainly of various instrumental combinations (e.g., guitarists playing together in one room while keyboardists practice elsewhere) For spots where individual parts come together they run through those too so everyone can practice synchronizing their movements harmonies tempo etc
Stonehenge takes their rehearsals and sound checks seriously because their live shows are nothing short of electrifying. By taking the necessary steps to prepare behind the scenes, they’re able to deliver an unforgettable performance every time.
Of course, even with all this preparation under their belts there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. Strings may break, amps might fail or on occasion mother nature can get in the way. For those unforeseeable moments then comes in the resilience of not only Stonehenge but also their crew who know what needs to be addressed and resolved on-the-fly so as to keep things rolling along smoothly The energy the band feels from an enthusiastic crowd makes it all worth it at moment like that!
So next time you find yourself enjoying a live music performance, take a moment to appreciate all of the effort and hard work that went into making it happen. From the logistical planning involved in setting up equipment to fine-tuning each instrument, there’s truly no shortage of effort going into putting together a great show. And for rock group Stonehenge, this magical combination of meticulous prep-work along with their musical talent results in performances that will leave everyone raving about for days!
Top 5 Facts You Should Know About Rock Group Stonehenge
Rock music has been around for decades and has given birth to some of the most legendary bands of all time. One such band that deserves recognition is Stonehenge. These rockers have been creating music for over twenty years, and their impact on the rock world cannot be denied. For those who are new to this band or want to learn more about them, here are the top 5 facts you should know about Stonehenge.
1) Their origins
Stonehenge was formed in the late ’90s in a small town in England. The founder members were guitarist Mark Smith, vocalist Tom Jones (not the Tom Jones!), bassist Adam Smith and drummer David Walker. They began playing at local bars and clubs, building up a loyal following along the way.
2) Their musical style
Stonehenge’s music is best described as classic hard rock with influences from blues, metal and punk. Their sound is characterized by strong guitar riffs, pounding drums and powerful vocals. It’s also worth noting that they write all their own songs and lyrics.
3) Their discography
Stonehenge has released six albums to date: “Rising,” “The Last Stone,” “Against All odds,” “Behind The Veil,” “The Great Divide” and “Everyone Knows Us.” Each album has received critical acclaim among fans of classic rock music.
4) Their live shows
Stonehenge are known for their high-energy live performances which often leave audiences standing on their feet throughout the show. They have toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and America, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in rock music including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Black Sabbath.
5) Their legacy
Despite being around for over two decades now, Stonehenge remains one of the most influential bands in modern hard rock music. The themes explored in their lyrics include social issues such as poverty, inequality and war. Their music has inspired people all over the world to stand up for what they believe in and to fight against injustice.
In conclusion, Stonehenge is an iconic band that has left an indelible mark on the rock music world. Their origins, style of music, discography, live performances and legacy make them a force to be reckoned with. If you’re a fan of classic hard rock music, then it’s time to check out Stonehenge and experience their powerful sound for yourself!
Breaking Down the Music of Rock Group Stonehenge
Stonehenge was a legendary rock group that defined an era with their eclectic amalgamation of heavy beats, intense guitar riffs, and deep lyrics. They were not just any rock band; they were the pioneers of an entire sub-genre that came to be known as Stoner Rock.
The music of Stonehenge embodied a raw energy that was both powerful and evocative. The band’s iconic sound was a result of their unique blend of elements from blues, psychedelia, and hard rock. Their music had psychedelic overtones merged with classic riffs to create something truly mesmerizing.
One aspect that set Stonehenge apart from other bands during their time was their craze for experimentation within the structure of their songs. They did not want to limit themselves to any one particular style, preferring instead to take risks with sounds and structures as each track evolved. Experimentation gave birth to sonic explorations in which the listener could drift away into the layers of sound.
Their music was unmistakably ‘stoned’ with an unuttable touch tied to it which quickly became synonymous with their musicianship. The songs were heavily influenced by blues-rock that gave them a soulful edge exquisitely infused in long extended jamming sessions presented across all albums like “Broken Wings,” “Journey Through Time” or “The Witch in White.” These tracks seamlessly blended New Age metaphysics with mythology and folklore leaving behind stories you won’t find anywhere else making Stonehenge’s music so special.
In 1973, at the height if Stoner’s Rock’s popularity the band released “Druid’s Lament”-an undoubted masterpiece featuring stone-walled riffs coupled up by Gregorian chants snatched under a memorable hook complemented perfectly making it exceptional amongst other classics. Raw energy poured out through these strings driving listeners into a world full of power-struggle bitterness embodied marvelously reflecting through songs like “Blind Man” or “Stonehenge.”
Beyond the music, Stonehenge’s lyrics offer a captivating worldview representative of an existence carved by dark experience ‘n’ shadowy perception down to earth literally digging deep into dystopian chaos. Their work had incredible influence on the genre while holding up as a steady reminder that Stoner Rock is real and here to stay.
The selfsame art about their music was the artistic freedom they granted themselves when curating melodies regardless of what any critic might have said. The central spirit behind their music remains as relevant today as it was in their heydays; authenticity! Putting all of these together makes Stonehenge’s ground-breaking sound legendary and timeless.
To sum up, dissecting the intricate beats accompanied along with intense guitar riffs punctured by deeper lyrics leaves one entirely charmed leaving you not only rocking to but also reflecting on some crucial facets of an individual’s life. Stonehenge swept entire generations off their feet creating compelling jamming sessions that went straight into people’s hearts –of course not forgetting those who cheered them then between 1969 and 1976. This iconic band will forever remain a standout example of just how liberating raw electric guitar riffs in musical compositions can evoke so much emotion in listeners’ souls even long after its eventual demise.
If you’re a fan of classic rock music, you’ve probably heard about Stonehenge – the British band that made waves on the rock scene in the ’70s and ’80s with their electrifying performances and solid songwriting. But what’s become of them over the years? And more importantly, what can we expect from them in the future?
Well, let’s start by taking a look back at their past. Stonehenge was founded in 1974 by four musicians – vocalist/guitarist Eric Frost, bassist Jonny Rockwell, drummer Mark Steel and keyboardist Dan Morgan. Drawing inspiration from bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath (among others), they quickly rose to fame with their powerful live shows featuring intricate guitar solos, thundering drum beats and soaring vocal harmonies.
Their debut album “Rising Sun” was released to critical acclaim in 1976, followed by a string of successful releases including “Echoes Of The Past” (1980) and “Days Of Glory” (1983). They were known for their ability to blend heavy metal riffs with melodic blues-inspired ballads – creating a unique sound that appealed to both die-hard rock fans and casual listeners alike.
But as is often the case in the music industry, success came with its own set of challenges. Internal conflicts within the band led to several personnel changes over the years – including replacements for both Rockwell (who left in 1981) and Frost (who departed in 1990). Despite this upheaval though, Stonehenge persevered – releasing new material sporadically over subsequent decades while continuing to tour occasionally.
So where does that leave us now? Well firstly, it’s worth noting that original members Steel and Morgan are still very much involved in the band – with Steel still on drums, and Morgan playing both keyboards and guitar. They’ve also brought in some fresh blood in recent years – including guitarist Max King (who joined in 2011) and current vocalist David Shaw (who took over from Frost in 2016).
In terms of what we can expect from them musically moving forward, it’s hard to say for certain – but there are definitely some clues to be found in their more recent output. Their most recent album “Storm Clouds” was released back in 2018, and while it didn’t exactly break new ground stylistically-speaking, it did demonstrate that the band is still capable of crafting heavy-hitting rock anthems with strong hooks and catchy choruses.
More interestingly though, Stonehenge has hinted that they may be exploring new musical avenues on their next release. In a recent interview with music magazine NME, Morgan revealed that the title track of their forthcoming album (tentatively titled “Bridge To The Beyond”) will feature electronica-infused elements not previously heard in their music. He also suggested that they might be incorporating more acoustic instrumentation on the rest of the record.
Of course, all this is just speculation at this point – but it’s certainly exciting to think about what Stonehenge might have up their sleeves for us. Whether they continue down the path of tried-and-tested classic rock tropes or experiment with newer sounds remains to be seen – but one thing’s for sure: as long as they keep putting out high-quality music interspersed between tours filled with dynamic performances, fans will keep coming back for more.