IQ (band)

IQ is a British progressive rock band founded by Mike Holmes in 1982 following the dissolution of his original band The Lens (1976 - 1981). Although the band has never enjoyed major commercial success, IQ has built up a loyal cult following over the years and is still active as of 2003.

The band's lineup has remained fairly stable over the years. Vocalist Peter Nicholls left for a while to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, but subsequently returned. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears.

Personnel

• Paul Cook - Drums
• Tim Esau - Bass Guitar (early albums)
• Mike Holmes - Guitars, Keyboards
• John Jowitt - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals (later albums)
• Paul Menel alias P. L. Menel - Vocals on Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
• Peter Nicholls - Vocals on all albums except Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
• Martin Orford - Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Albums

• Seven Stories into Eight (cassette) (1982)
• Tales from the Lush Attic (1983)
• The Wake (1985)
• Living Proof (live) (1986)
• Nine in a Pond is Here (1987) ("official bootleg" of demos etc, CD version is abridged)
• Nomzamo (1987)
• Are you Sitting Comfortably? (1989) (title derived from BBC radio programme "Listen with Mother")
• J'ai Pollette D'arnu (1990) (b-sides and live tracks)
• Ever (1993)
• ForEver Live (1993)
• Subterranea (1997)
• Seven Stories into Ninety Eight (1998) (original 1982 album plus new re-recorded version)
• The Lost Attic (1999) (rarities)
• Subterranea : The Concert (2000)
• The Seventh House (2000)