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IQ (band)

{{Short description|British progressive rock band}}

{{Refimprove|date=August 2023}}

{{Use British English|date=July 2016}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = IQ

| image = IQ played their "traditional" Christmas gig to a capacity crowds at The Garage in Highbury 21.jpg

| caption = IQ playing their "traditional" Christmas gig on 10 December 2019. L-R: Paul Cook Mike Holmes, Peter Nicholls, Neil Durant, and Tim Esau.

| image_size =

| landscape = yes

| background = group_or_band

| alias =

| origin = Southampton, England

| instrument =

| genre = {{Hlist|Neo-prog{{cite book |last=Macan |first=Edward |author-link= |date=1997 |title=Rocking the Classics: English Progressive Rock and the Counterculture · Volume 10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jxrtek_vttEC&pg=PT234 |publisher=Oxford University Press |page=234 |isbn=9780195098877}}|}}

| occupation =

| years_active = {{start date|df=yes|1981}}–present

| label = {{flatlist|

| associated_acts = Arena, Frost*, Ian Parker Band, Jadis, The Lens, Priory of Brion, Sphere3

| website = {{URL|http://www.iq-hq.co.uk/}}

| current_members = Mike Holmes
Peter Nicholls
Tim Esau
Paul Cook
Neil Durant

| past_members = Martin Orford
John Jowitt
Andy Edwards
Mark Westworth
Les Marshall
Paul Menel
Mark Ridout

}}

IQ are a British neo-prog band founded by Mike Holmes and Martin Orford in 1981[http://www.iq-hq.co.uk/ Official IQ site.] Band formed in 1981. following the dissolution of their original band The Lens.

Although the band have never enjoyed major commercial success and had several lineup changes, IQ have built up a loyal following over the years and are still active as of 2025, currently with the original recording line-up (with the exception of Orford).

In 2021/22, IQ performed a series of concerts in the UK and Europe celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Neo-progressive movement

IQ were one of a number of British bands formed during the early 1980s, including Marillion, Pendragon, Twelfth Night, Pallas and Solstice, that continued with the progressive rock style forsaken by 1970s bands such as Genesis and Yes. The music press have subsequently coined the phrase neo-progressive to describe these bands (although this term was never used contemporaneously with the movement as described in Martin Orford's essay referenced below), often accusing them of simply copying the styles of other bands. This accusation has been strenuously denied by Martin Orford, who is against the use of the term "neo progressive"{{cite web | url = http://www.dprp.net/vision/index.php?id=13 | title = Out With The Neo! | work = DPRP | year = 2000 | access-date =29 April 2019 | first = Martin | last = Orford | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606141947/http://www.dprp.net/vision/index.php?id=13|archive-date=6 June 2011}} and claims the band have wide-ranging and eclectic selection of musical influences.{{cite web | url = http://www.progweed.net/interviews/iq.html | title = Interview with Martin Orford | work = ProgWeed.net |date=April 2002 | access-date = 29 April 2019 | first = Mike | last = Prete|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120141509/http://www.progweed.net/interviews/iq.html|archive-date=20 November 2008}} Paul Stump's History of Progressive Rock, while affirming the band's categorization as neo-progressive, argued that IQ "did at least offer a more individual palette which, while just as derivative [as Marillion] in its way, gave the impression that the choice of arrangements was indivisible from the choice of notes played - that the similarities with older bands arose accidentally from their own personal approach to music." [emphasis in original]{{cite book |last=Stump |first=Paul |title=The Music's All that Matters: A History of Progressive Rock |date=1997 |publisher=Quartet Books Limited |isbn=0-7043-8036-6 |page=279}}

Line-up

From 1982, the line-up consisted of Peter Nicholls (vocals), Mike Holmes (guitar), Martin Orford (keyboards), Paul Cook (not to be confused with the Sex Pistols' drummer of the same name) (drums), and Tim Esau (bass).{{cite book|title=The Guinness Who's Who of Indie and New Wave Music|editor=Colin Larkin|publisher=Guinness Publishing|date=1992|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-579-4|page=146}} Nicholls left in July 1985 to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned in 1990. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. In early 2005, member Paul Cook left the band and was replaced on drums by Andy Edwards (ex Robert Plant drummer). On 20 July 2007, Martin Orford announced that he was leaving IQ and he was replaced by Mark Westworth from prog-rock band Darwin's Radio. As of late 2009, Paul Cook has returned to replace Andy Edwards. On 7 October 2010, Mark Westworth announced on the band's official web site that he would be leaving the band and his final appearance with IQ was on 11 December 2010. On 1 January 2011, the band announced that Westworth's replacement on keyboards would be Neil Durant, from instrumental prog-fusion band Sphere³. On 7 January 2011, bassist of 19 years John Jowitt announced on the band's website that he had left the band, and that his last appearance with the band had also been the concert on 11 December 2010.{{cite web | url = http://www.iq-hq.co.uk/ | title = IQ-HQ: The Official Website | work = iq-hq.co.uk |date=October 2010 | access-date = 26 October 2010}} He was replaced by original bassist Tim Esau in January 2011.

Musical style

File:IQ at the CRS Jan 2010.jpg

The band's musical style, especially earlier in their career, was reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era Genesis because of singer Peter Nicholls' vocal and stage-presence similarities to Gabriel and keyboardist Martin Orford's grandiose keyboarding. However, guitarist Mike Holmes' role was far more assertive in the band, giving them a harder edge musically. After Nicholls' departure, the band's style became increasingly commercial and radio-friendly — albeit without much success — on Nomzamo (1987) and Are You Sitting Comfortably? (1989), although each album still featured some progressive rock-style tracks. Beginning with the return of Nicholls on 1993's Ever, the band returned to its prog rock roots, with longer tracks featuring intricate arrangements and complex musicianship.

Personnel

=Members=

;Current members

  • Mike Holmes – guitars, keyboards (1981–present), backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Tim Esau – bass guitar, bass pedals (1981–1989, 2011–present), backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Peter Nicholls – lead and backing vocals (1982–1985, 1989–present)
  • Paul Cook – drums (1982–2005, 2009–present)
  • Neil Durant – keyboards (2011–present)

;Former members

  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing and occasional lead vocals and flute (1981–2007)
  • Mark Ridout – drums (1981–1982; died 2018)
  • Paul Menel – vocals (1985–1989)
  • Les 'Ledge' Marshall – bass guitar (1989–1990; his death)
  • John Jowitt – bass guitar, backing vocals (1990–2010)
  • Andy Edwards – drums (2005–2009)
  • Mark Westworth – keyboards (2007–2010)

=Lineups=

N.B. bold = lineup change; * = returning band member

class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="float:width:375px; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #e2e2e2; width:99%;"
style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1981–1982

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1982

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1982–1985

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1985–1989

valign=top |

  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, lead vocals
  • Tim Esau – bass
  • Mark Ridout – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Tim Esau – bass
  • Mark Ridout – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Tim Esau – bass
  • Paul Cook – drums

| valign=top |

  • Paul Menel – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Tim Esau – bass
  • Paul Cook – drums
style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1989–1990

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1990–2005

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2005–2007

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2007–2009

valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls* – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Les Marshall – bass
  • Paul Cook – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • John Jowitt – bass, backing vocals
  • Paul Cook – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals
  • John Jowitt – bass, backing vocals
  • Andy Edwards – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Mark Westworth – keyboards
  • John Jowitt – bass, backing vocals
  • Andy Edwards – drums
style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2009–2010

! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2011–present

valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars
  • Mark Westworth – keyboards
  • John Jowitt – bass, backing vocals
  • Paul Cook* – drums

| valign=top |

  • Peter Nicholls – lead vocals
  • Mike Holmes – guitars, backing vocals
  • Neil Durant – keyboards
  • Tim Esau* – bass, backing vocals
  • Paul Cook – drums

=Timeline=

{{#tag:timeline|ImageSize=width:900 height:auto barincrement:20

PlotArea = left:95 bottom:60 top:5 right:10

Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy

Period = from:01/01/1981 till:01/01/2026

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id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals

id:Choirs value:pink legend:Backing_vocals

id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars

id:Keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards

id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_album

id:bars value:gray(0.95)

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ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1981

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981

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at:06/01/2000 color:black layer:back

at:06/29/2004 color:black layer:back

at:05/26/2009 color:black layer:back

at:05/03/2014 color:black layer:back

at:10/11/2019 color:black layer:back

at:03/28/2025 color:black layer:back

BarData =

bar:pn text:"Peter Nicholls"

bar:pm text:"Paul Menel"

bar:mh text:"Mike Holmes"

bar:mo text:"Martin Orford"

bar:mw text:"Mark Westworth"

bar:nd text:"Neil Durant"

bar:te text:"Tim Esau"

bar:lm text:"Les Marshall"

bar:jj text:"John Jowitt"

bar:mr text:"Mark Ridout"

bar:pc text:"Paul Cook"

bar:ae text:"Andy Edwards"

PlotData=

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:mh from:01/01/1981 till:end color:Guitar

bar:mh from:01/07/2011 till:end color:Choirs width:3

bar:mh from:07/20/2007 till:01/06/2011 color:Keyboards width:3

bar:mh from:01/07/2011 till:end color: Keyboards width:7

bar:mo from:01/01/1981 till:05/22/1982 color:Vocals width:3

bar:pn from:05/22/1982 till:08/01/1985 color:Vocals

bar:pm from:08/01/1985 till:10/01/1989 color:Vocals

bar:mo from:10/01/1989 till:01/06/1990 color:Vocals width:3

bar:pn from:01/06/1990 till:end color:Vocals

bar:te from:01/01/1981 till:10/01/1989 color:Bass

bar:lm from:10/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:Bass

bar:jj from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2011 color:Bass

bar:jj from:01/01/1991 till:01/07/2011 color:Choirs width:3

bar:te from:01/07/2011 till:end color:Bass

bar:te from:01/07/2011 till:end color:Choirs width:3

bar:mo from:01/01/1981 till:07/20/2007 color:Keyboards

bar:mo from:05/22/1982 till:10/01/1989 color:Choirs width:3

bar:mo from:01/01/1990 till:07/20/2007 color:Choirs width:3

bar:mw from:07/20/2007 till:10/07/2010 color:Keyboards

bar:nd from:10/07/2010 till:end color:Keyboards

bar:mr from:01/01/1981 till:07/01/1982 color:Drums

bar:pc from:07/01/1982 till:02/10/2005 color:Drums

bar:ae from:02/10/2005 till:11/06/2009 color:Drums

bar:pc from:11/06/2009 till:end color:Drums}}

Discography

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Albums=

=Compilations=

  • Seven Stories into Eight (1982 demo cassette)
  • Nine in a Pond is Here (1985) ("official bootleg" of demos etc., CD version is abridged)
  • The Lost Attic (1999) (rarities)
  • Limited edition Frequency Tour CD 1 (2008) (rarities and live tracks)
  • Limited edition Frequency Tour CD 2 (2008) (rarities and live tracks)
  • The Archive Collection: Tales from a Dark Christmas (2017)
  • The Archive Collection (2022) (all archive releases from 2003 to 2017 - plus)

=Singles=

  • "Barbell Is In" (1984)
  • "Corners" (1985)
  • "Passing Strangers" (1987)
  • "Promises (As the Years Go By)" (1987)
  • "Sold on You" (1989){{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/691292-IQ-7?filter_anv=0&subtype=Singles-EPs&type=Releases |title=IQ | Discography |website=Discogs.com |access-date=2020-03-02}}

{{col-2}}

=Live albums=

  • Living Proof (1986)
  • J'ai Pollette d'Arnu (1991) (b-sides and live tracks)
  • Forever Live (1996)
  • Subterranea: The Concert (2000)
  • The Archive Collection: IQ20 (2003) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
  • The Wake: Live at De Boerderij (2010)
  • The Archive Collection: IQ30 (2012) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
  • The Archive Collection: Live on The Road of Bones (2016)
  • The Archive Collection: A Show of Resistance (2020)
  • The Archive Collection #11: IQ40 - Forty years of Prog Nonsense (2022) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
  • Subterranea: Live At Boerderij October 22, 2011 (2023) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
  • The Archive Collection: The IQ Weekender 2024 Box Set (2024) (box set of two "official bootlegs" of live concerts)

=Videos=

  • Forever Live (VHS/CD set 1996, DVD set 2007)
  • Subterranea: The Concert (DVD, 2000)
  • IQ20 - The Twentieth Anniversary Show (DVD 2004)
  • Live from London (DVD, recorded 13 May 1985 in London, 2005)
  • IQ Stage (DVD, 2006)
  • Forever Live (DVD, 2007)
  • The Wake in Concert (DVD, 2010)
  • Scrape Across the Sky (Blu-ray, 2017)
  • Live Like This (Blu-ray, 2021)

{{col-end}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • [http://www.iq-hq.co.uk/ Official IQ web site]
  • [http://iqmuseum.free.fr/index.htm The Museum of the band IQ]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20090923220819/http://progressive.ngi.it/ Collection of IQ MIDI files (archived)]
  • {{discogs artist|IQ (7)}}

{{IQ}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iq}}

Category:English progressive rock groups

Category:Musical groups established in 1981

Category:Musical groups from Southampton

Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines

Category:Vertigo Records artists

Category:Mercury Records artists

Category:Inside Out Music artists

Category:Neo-progressive rock groups