- Connexion (band)
Infobox musical artist 2
Name = CONNEXION
Img_capt = Gary Bell (Right) Devon Roberts (Left).
Background = group_or_band
Origin = flagicon|EnglandLondon ,England
Instruments =
Genre =Dance
Pop80s
Years_active =1982 –1987
Associated_acts =The New Waves
URL =
Current_members =CONNEXION is a dance pop duo made up of Gary Bell and Devon Roberts, that rose to popularity during the mid 1980’s.
They are best known for their single “Ring Ring” which became a smash hit in Belgium They were a one hit wonder, and disbanded at the end of the 80’s due to limited success after “Ring Ring.”
The Duo
Gary Bell
Born in Newquay, England, he was the songwriter, lead vocalist and the front man in the duo. He trained his own voice and discovered a talent for writing lyrics soon after doing a creative writing course in secondary school. When he met Devon he was in another group called The New Waves which he quit to form CONNEXION.
Devon Roberts
Born in Britain, Devon moved to NSW Australia at the age of 4 with his parents. Growing up he was obsessed with instruments, learning the sax, drums, electric guitar Before finally settling on the keyboard and keytar which became his signature instrument in CONNEXION. He had a few bands who performed at family n friends events, CONNEXION was his first big break, like Gary’s.
Overview
How they met
Devon had always been in love with the British music scene, and followed it religiously even when he moved to NSW with his parents. At age 18, deciding there was nothing happening where he was, he said bye to his band at the time, and he left for England to try and make his fortune.
He stayed with a few relatives whilst there and not long after arriving met Gary by chance at a neighbourhood record store. The two got chatting, and realizing they had similar musical and career ambitions decided to try their luck together as a duo.
A few days later, Gary quit The New Waves and he and Devon holed up in Gary’s friend’s basement studio and started trying to write what would become “Ring Ring.”
Struggles
In the summer of 1985 they cut their first demo tape of “Ring Ring.” With Gary’s brother’s help as their manager, they tried hard to sell it to major and local radio stations. But the duo struggled to get airplay for their song. They spent the year following “Ring Ring” being a cover band in whatever gigs they could get to keep going financially.
Chart Success
In one of the bars they regularly performed at they were discovered by a Belgian DJ. He liked “Ring Ring” enough to promote it on his local station back home, and offered to help the duo push their music in Belgium. Soon after “Ring Ring” became a smash hit in Belgium and CONNEXION went on their first tour.
End of CONNEXION
Success was short and sweet for the duo. “Ring Ring” became their first and only really big hit. While they dabbled in a few other songs, none of these enjoyed as much airplay or success. The duo briefly attempted to break into the movies, and auditioned for the leading roles in a buddy movie, called "Undercover Bobby". But it turned out to be an ill-advised move: production was halted before shooting began. Further attempts to diversify their career included a foray into tv commercials, when they endorsed the "Cougar" range of sweatbands. The strain of trying to keep CONNEXION going began to take its toll, and the two decided to split amicably.
CONNEXION today
Gary and Devon have remained in contact, though it’s been nearly 20 years since the duo have performed together. The two have recently re-united and started a one time only come back tour in Singapore - an island city in South East Asia – where many international bands are coming to perform – including another 80’s favourite from the UK – The Cure.
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