- Combo Audio
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Combo Audio was a New Wave[1] group from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois best known for their song Romanticide.
Contents
History
Combo Audio was formed as a vehicle for songs written by John Kellogg and collaborator Rick Neuhus that evolved into a band. Several of their songs began to be played on local radio stations before their first gig. The group signed with Secret Records. Following creative differences original bassist Tom Broske was replaced by Angus Thomas. At this point Ken Adamany who had previously managed Cheap Trick was brought in to manage the group. The group signed with EMI America and produced an EP Combo Audio that was released in late 1982. Dana Walden produced the EP with The Psychedelic Furs engineer Ian Taylor engineering and mixing with Paul Klingberg as second engineer. Several years of nearly non-stop touring in the Midwest United States followed. The group played in concert clubs and university shows and large venues. They cobilled with or opened for the Talking Heads, U2, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, The Tubes, and INXS.
Starting in 1984, fissures began to appear. There was a disagreement between Secret Records and EMI over ownership of the group. Kellogg signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music which led to more disagreements. In the middle of this to the dismay of the group EMI began to push the band to produce a more "commercial" sound. Legal complaints and threats of litigation appeared. While awaiting resolution of the disputes EMI cut support to the band. In 1985, after a company shakeup EMI fired the group. In 1986, Kellogg and Thomas attempted to revive the group. The group with various members performed live in 1986 and 1987.
Romanticide
Romanticide was released as a single for Secret Records in 1982 and as part of the Combo Audio EP. Two videos for the song were made. The first was played on the RockAmerica cable music subscription service the second went into "power rotation" on MTV in early 1983 following the EP release. The song was the "top single"[clarification needed] in Billboard and regular support and airplay followed in New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis and Los Angeles. The song became available on the first volume of the compilation series, Living in Oblivion: The 80's Greatest Hits in 1993. NME describes the song as a "New Wave Classic"[1].
Post Combo Audio Years
John Kellogg has done extensive work with surround sound. He helped produced the first 5.1 music mixes for the introduction of Dolby Digital on Laserdisc. He has produced 5.1. surround sound albums for several Classic rock groups. The 5.1 DVD Audio release of 4 for Foreigner became one of the best selling DVD Audio surround music releases of all time. He also did consulting work for Britney Spears Live in Las Vegas. In 2005, Kellogg founded the Jhana Music Group music label which was scheduled to launch in 2008. He worked with Rocky Maffitt on his album scheduled for 2008 release. Maffitt while better known as a member of the soft rock outfit Champaign was briefly a member of the revived Combo Audio. Kellogg currently lives in Hollywood, California with his significant other and daughter.
Angus Thomas has toured with Miles Davis, Sting, Peter Wolf and bassist Darryl Jones. In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles to work with Paul Klingberg at Ignited Productions and studios. He became a part of the European Jazz Circuit during the 1990s. In the late 1990s, he released a CD entitled The Overdog. In the early 2000s, he worked for and played on the soundtrack for The King of Queens and well as other shows and commercials. He continues work and play in a Los Angeles studio as well as continuing to work and perform in Europe. He has residences in Los Angeles and Amsterdam.
Rick Neuhaus became a finishing painter and artist in Chicago where his work is still seen in many parts of that city. Hearing a djembe at a West African drumming performance inspired a third career. He is a member of the African drumming ensemble Dahui in Chicago and has led and played in drumming circles as well as leading workshops. He lives in Chicago with his significant other. His son has had success in competitive skateboarding.
In the early 1980s, Tom Broske formed Nix86 and later joined Last Gentlemen music groups. He has played for a number of groups and projects including the GinAtomics and The Spanics. He currently resides near Madison, Wisconsin with his wife and daughter.
Members
- John Kellogg - vocal guitars keyboards effects percussion
- Rick Neuhaus - drums percussion electronic percussion programming
- Tom Broeske - bass
- Angus Thomas - backing vocal basses bass pedals effects
References
Categories:- American New Wave musical groups
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