Futurist synthesizer group from the Kirkby-In-Ashfield/Mansfield area who recorded one single at “Sin City” in Nottingham in 1982 and a track on an album compilation on RCA called “Battle of the Bands” which was also released in 1982.

Not to be confused withe Icelandic band of the same name (although not using the accent above the e) and same time who came to prominence in 1983 with a top twenty hit called Garden Party.

Line up in 1982
Adrian Rowe – Bass guitar, Synth (23 from Kirkby)
Dave Turner – Lead guitar, Synth, Strings (24 from Kirkby)
Paul Newberry – Drums (22 from Mansfield)
John Kerry – Keyboard, Drum computer, Sequencer, Synthesizer (27 from Uttoxeter)
Robbie Parr – Vocals, Synth (21 from Kirkby)

Managed by John Fritchley of Meden Vale who also runs an independent record label called “Suspect Records”.

Formed in 1980 they wrote their own material. They recorded an independent single at Nottingham’s “Sin City studio”.

They played Nottingham University on March 12th 1982.

They took part in the national Battle of the Bands competition in 1982. They won a regional heat in Birmingham and qualified for the semi-final at the London Lyceum. From there they reached the final at the Dominion Theatre in London. The final took place on March 24th and it was televised by the BBC for future transmission. Judges in the final included Hazel O’Connor, Suzy Quatro, Phil Lynott, John Entwhistle and Paul Gambaccini. The final was won by Cheltenham band “The Crack”. The Crack can be seen in action on YouTube here.

Thirteen of the best bands were invited to record for a compilation album by RCA. Mézzoforte had a track called “Suspicious Minds” released on an album compilation on RCA called “Battle of the Bands” which was also released in 1982.

Mézzoforte took part in another talent contest at the British Music Fair at the NEC, Birmingham in May 1982. In the final they competed against four other bands Sticky, The Xperts, The Man Upstairs and The Killjoys.

It is likely that the lads either changed their name when they became aware of the Icelandic group who suddenly achieved British recognition or dropped out of the music scene altogether. Does anybody know. If so, let me know.

It seems Jon Kerry carried on in some fashion or other as he turns up on an album of Library Music in 2002 called Adrenalin Junkies.

Discography

Mézzoforte
Crying In The Dark / See Thru My Eyes
Suspect Records, 1982

Various
Battle Of The Bands
RCA 1982
Featuring “Suspicious Minds”.

Jon Kerry

Various
Adrenalin Junkies
JW Media Music Ltd, 2002

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