Biography
Two bands share this name:
1)-Illustrated Man (circa 1984) were a New Wave-Synthpop band featuring Hugo Burnham (ex-Gang of Four), Roger Mason (keyboards, formerly part of Gary Numan's musicians), Rob Dean (ex-Japan guitarist) and Australian singer/bassist Philip Foxman.
They had hits with songs such as ‘Head over Heels’ ‘Just Enough’ and ‘Fall from Grace’ and their sound was likened to UK bands such as Japan, Simple Minds and Duran Duran - they are also believed to have influenced INXS.
Consisting of some excellent musicians the band was initially hailed as a supergroup - Roger Mason had recorded and toured internationally with artists such as Gary Numan, Rob Dean had been an integral part of Japan and Hugo Burnham had been part of the highly influential Gang of Four (Jon King, Dave Allen, Hugo Burnham and Andy Gill).
Regarded as an excellent live band they were thought to be the next big thing but their success was relatively short-lived. They released a self titled 7 track EP and the single “Head Over Heels” along with it’s promotional video.
2)-Illustrated Man was formed by three of the five members of the Albuquerque rock band Zero Hour. In the early 2000’s Zero Hour called it a day and Seth Launer (guitars), Dereld Padilla (guitars) and John Wall (vocals) decided to keep on recording new songs as a trio under a new name with a new approach. Their first release, Music for Your Own Personal Drama (2004), was an all acoustic, almost folk-like collection that was a complete departure from the rock and roll riffs the three were used to when in the former band. Nomitated by the New Mexico Music Industry Awards for "Best Song Production" in the Adult Contemporary category. "Music For Your Own Personal Drama" has acoustic guitars, 12 strings, mandolin, piano and vocals with passion and harmonies.
Welcome to Your Life (2009), Illustrated Man had once again turned any expectations upside-down and come up with their most imaginative record to date. This concept album brought back some rock elements like electric guitar and drums, but also for the first time infused some electronic beats with even a hint of a hip hop style, all the while staying true to their roots of well thought out and emotional songs. A number of musicians outside the band also make appearances to flesh out the sound a bit more, but the three members aren’t afraid to play several different instruments themselves throughout, making the CD, as well as the band, one of the most interesting independents you’ll hear in a time of corporate, copycat rock.
Zebra Hotel (2016), Illustrated Man continued to reach in new directions while maintaining their distinctive style. Anthropomorphic journey.
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