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 6 months. Albini called them "skinny tie New Wave" - they released one record pre-Albini and might have recorded some stuff post-Albini. After Albini left, they made a video called Man Becomes Shrub which got airplay on MTV.
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
Against The Grain b/w Calendar
George Black David Stowell Greg Delapp Doug Hayden Stevo
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 n=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 sytemms at his house for ther the first New Order Tour when Black and Stowell were guest 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-CHANNE 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)
- Against the Grain
- Calendar
George Black Vocals/music/lyrics David Stowell-guitar/music/lyrics Gregg DeLapp-MOOG Doug Hayden-Bass Stevo-Drums
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 Frabk 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