Biography Part 5

5. Full circle

LATER in 1995, Dave, Uwe and Steve Gee had the offer of forming John Wetton’s backing band for some dates in Holland and Germany, performing songs by Asia, King Crimson, UK, and John’s highly-acclaimed solo album ‘Battle Lines’.

Martin Orford (IQ, Jadis) came in on keys and flute as Steve Leigh had been taken seriously ill. To complete the line-up, Tracy Hitchings joined on backing vocals (this was before she joined Landmarq). The band played some very successful concerts to conclude the 'final lap' of John's world tour. The set included songs by Asia ("Heat of the Moment", "Only Time Will Tell", "Sole Survivor", etc) plus material by King Crimson and UK as well as John's solo material (including "You're Not The Only One", "Crime of Passion", "Hold Me Now" and many others).

Two weeks after returning home, Landmarq were again in Europe to promote their third CD release, ‘The Vision Pit’.
It was at this point the rumours about S.I. became a reality; the label collapsed and for almost two years Landmarq were without a label or proper distribution while legalities were sorted out. Meantime, Damian had put the finishing touches to his solo album, ‘Cosmas’, recorded at drummer Kenney Jones’ studio, Steve Leigh became involved in writing film music and Steve Gee and Uwe continued writing material for album number four. Landmarq c.1998

In 1998, things came full circle for Landmarq when Tracy Hitchings was asked to take over on vocals as Damian had become more centred towards a solo career. The fourth album, entitled ‘Science Of Coincidence’ was recorded with producer Mike Stobbie (Natalie Imbruglia, John Wetton, Pallas and many others) and released on the bands own newly-formed Synergy label. After playing dates in the UK and Europe in 1998/99, including gigs with Marillion and Threshold, Landmarq had amassed their collection of live recordings and released their first live album entitled 'Thunderstruck'. The album was a collection of new and old material taken from the afore-mentioned '98/'99 concerts with a couple of surprise extras thrown in. (Further live recordings had been retained for a second live set to be released in 2001 - this was the album 'Aftershock' - along with re-issues on Synergy of their first two CDs).


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