Stations

Stations was an early post-punk/new wave band from Chicago. Before forming Big Black, Steve Albini joined Stations and played bass for them for about 2 months. Albini called them "skinny tie New Wave", though they also had a goth sound. After Albini left, they made a video called Man Becomes Shrub which got airplay on MTV. Another video, Fear & Fascination, also got some airplay.

Members

Jan 1979 - May 1980

• George Black - Vocals
• David Stowell - Guitar
• Ed Yeo - Guitar
• Marty Binder - Drums
• Andy Cerz - Bass

On the Single Release August 1981

• George Black
• David Stowell
• Greg Delapp
• Doug Hayden
• Stevo

1982

• George Black
• David Stowell
• Frank Brodlo
• John Elliot

Elliot moves back to Nashville and forms Dessau - A name he borrowed from one of sevral german expressionist art movement books the Stowell Black compund was loaded with.

1983-85

• George Black
• David Stowell
• Frank Brodlo
• Ross Keene

Video release of "Fear and Fascination" 1984-Brief showing on MTV. Won Best Rock Video-1984 -Seattle High Hopes Film Awards . Appeared on many rock video programs in the 1980's.

1986-1987

• George Black
• David Stowell
• Van Christie and drum machines.

They are now a more dancefloor sounding band. Playing the rock mecca Limelight to a packed house and 2 show a night showcase gigs at the all ages palace Medusas.

Black and Stowell part ways with Christie to return to a less mechanical sound. Van goes on to form Die Warzau to be continued

History

August 1981 3 different basssists and drummers were attempted - one of the being Steve Albini for 8 weeks and he assisted the pair onstage for one gig at Exit just prior to their departure to Manchester on the invitation of Martin Hannett.

Spent 81-81 Holidays in Manchester hanging out with Martin and Martin Usher-Hannetts friend a liason who first visted Black and Stowell at their Bucktown studio/house in 1981 Met members of Magazine and other musicians while there. Hannett worked at StudioMedia in Chicago with Black, Stowell, Frank Brodlo and John Elliot. Lewis Floodstrand on sax on "In Defense of Cosmetics."

Martin, while in town, stands in as live sound engineer for Stations when they open for Killing Joke at Caberet Metro that first week of August 1982.

Masters taken back to Strawberry Studios as Martin intended to mix there. Martin in a bitter battle with Factory Records head Tony Wilson - Wilson never paid Hannett for all his Factory sessions. Martin declines into depression-alcohol and other substances for the next few years keeping in touch with Chicago now and then. Tapes gather dust...

STATIONS MOVES ON - Masters and original contract with Hannett still in Black/ Stowells possesion-October 2007 The two continue contact with Martin Usher-a sought after space sattelite computer technician who has lived in California for 2 decades. Martin Usher was building the the guts of the synth systemss at his house in Manchester for ther the first New Order Tour when Black and Stowell were guests at his house.

Stations part ways with ELLIOT and he is replaced by Ross Keene until after the release of the track & video "Fear & Fascination" - Airs briefly in 1984 on MTV-NIGHTFLIGHT-Channel 11. Wins the Seattle based HIGH HOPES FILM FEST FOR best rock video-1984. Article in Billboard that summer.

Live showcase gigs by the band throughout THE 1980'S-LIMELIGHT, METRO, 950 Club-and their biggest shows at the all ages palace MEDUSAS. TO BE CONTINUED..

Releases

• Against the Grain 7" (DuVall Records, 1981)

1. Against the Grain
2. Calendar

George Black Vocals/music/lyrics

David Stowell-guitar/music/lyrics

Gregg DeLapp-MOOG

Doug Hayden-Bass

Stevo-Drums

References

• Forced Exposure interview with Albini

External Links

• Fear & Fascination video on YouTube UK