History LaHost

LAHOST were formed from the ashes of the Norwich Progressive band AIRBRIDGE. AIRBRIDGE were very sucessful in the early 1980s, releasing an album 'Paradise Moves' and a single 'Words and Pictures'. This single had the distinction of being one of Malcolm Bradburys choices on his 'Desert Island Discs' on BBC Radio 4 in the UK. At the demise of AIRBRIDGE, Sean Godfrey (bass) and Stephen Bennett (keyboards) set out to recruit members for a new band who, while maintaining their progressive roots, would embrace new technology and try to move the genre forwards. Guitarist David Valentine-Haggart was auditioned and impressed with his mighty wang bar and E-Bow. After Auditioning several drummers (Including THE LOUDEST DRUMMER IN THE WORLD), a young chap named Fudge Smith was found. Fudge could play all the fiendishly complex time signatures that Stephen could throw at him - often all at the same time. To this day, no one knows why Fudge is Fudge.

Several vocalists had previously been tried, including the aptly named 'Crazy Steve'. However Fudge brought along a friend, Mark Spencer, who just happened to be a singer. He was auditioned, and the job of frontman was his. Fudge also had another friend, Jaff, who just happened to be a percussionist. A quick flam on his Simmons electronic kit and he was in too. LAHOST was born. The Watton mafia had arrived.

Heavy touring followed. Marquee supports were played to enthusiastic audiences. DVH left to be replaced by Spindle who left to be replaced by Mary Wyatt. A single 'Just Breaking Away / The Big Sleep' was recorded at The Enid's studio. It was engineered by Simon Osbourne who has gone on to work with such unknown acts as STING and Phil COLLINS.

The bands final Gig was to a large audience at The Rock Garden in London.

Fudge is now in PENDRAGON, of course, while Stephen Bennett has played alongside him on the first Henry Fool album (which also freature Tim Bowness from NO-MAN and contributions from NO-MAN and PORCUPINE TREE's Steven Wilson.) Stephen also contributes to Tim Bowness' 'My Hotel Year' and his own musical project 'The Fire Thieves'.

: : : Stephen Bennett, UNITED KINGDOM : : :

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