Ophiuchus (band)
Ophiuchus are a folk/roots rock group from Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England, formed in 1986 by twin brothers - guitarist Jon and bassist Simon Cousins, with saxophonist Pat D'Arcy and photographer, graphic designer Martin Tom Sawyer.
Ophiuchus | |
|---|---|
Ophiuchus in 1987. Left to Right - Pete Causer, Pat D'Arcy, Myke Vince, Jon Cousins, Xavier Tutein | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Castle Combe, England |
| Genres | Progressive folk, alternative rock, folk rock |
| Years active | 1986–1991; 2010. |
| Labels | Ophiuchvs Recordvs Probe Plus |
| Members | Jon Cousins Pat D'Arcy Simon Cousins Martin Sawyer Craig 'Ed' Grimshaw Simon 'Bud' Millais Pete Causer Xavier Tutein Myke Vince Glenn Wardle Mike Slater Mike Badger Dave Woodward Andy Hargreaves Steve Carvey Dave Clifford George Laidlaw Gary Price Paul 'Wil' Wilson Jack 'WestWayy' Cousins |
A variety of musicians have performed with the band, including drummer Ed Grimshaw (later of the Warm Jets) and the La's co-founder Mike Badger. The main line-up (1987–1989) was: Jon Cousins (lead vocals/guitar/tin whistle) and Pat D'Arcy (saxophones), with Pete Causer (melodeon/flute/bodhrán), Xavier Tutein (bass), and Myke Vince (drums)
The band released the double A-side, "Serpent And The Bearded King"/"Song For Pym" (produced by Climax Blues Band guitarist Pete Haycock) on their own label, Ophiuchvs Recordvs, and an album on Liverpool's Probe Plus label.
Ophiuchus performed their last concert at the Ashton Court Festival in 1991.
In 2010, after a break of nearly 21 years, the original line-up of the band reformed to perform a number of 'Ophiuchus Reunion' concerts - including an appearance at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury Festival.