Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire quintet DEMON have, unfortunately, spent most of their career trying to shake off the occult connotations of their popular early albums. DEMON's output matured from occult themed, theatric Heavy Metal into a classy and distinctive brand of Progressive styled Hard Rock, imbued by singer DAVE HILL's thundering vocals and sharply observed lyricism, winning the band a sizable fanbase on the European mainland and cult appeal in the USA.

The band was formed in 1980 by ex-IRON CROSS members guitarist Mal Spooner and vocalist DAVE HILL, former HUNTER guitarist Lez Hunt, bassist Paul Riley and drummer John Wright. Early press reports that Clive Cook was involved as second guitarist are apparently wrong. Cook helped the band out in rehearsals for a matter of days only.

DEMON's first product was the 'Liar' single in 1980. This landed the band a deal with French label Carerre and the group's first album, 'Night Of The Demon', in 1981, bought instant notoriety due to the stomach churning sleeve (an eviscerated grave!) and obvious occult leanings in their songs. DEMON also recorded their first BBC Radio One 'Friday Rock Show' session later in the year.

The group's follow up album, 1982's 'The Unexpected Guest' suitably recorded at Bray Studios owned by Hammer Films, saw the addition to the band of bassist Chris Ellis. The album was produced by Pete Hinton, best known for his work with Carerre label mates SAXON. For live shows DEMON added keyboard player Andy Richards and made more than an impression with an elaborate stageshow based around a graveyard and Dave Hill bedecked in various guises such as Old Father Time and a horned demon. Initially Hill created these costumes himself from bandages and flour, but later latex suits were specially made.

By the time of 'The Plague' album DEMON were showing distinct AOR leanings as they began to mature as musicians, and found the group parted from Carrere and returned to manager Mike Stone's Clay Record label. DEMON also struck a deal with Atlantic Records in America. The album received much commendable press, scoring high in Rock charts, but progress was marred by the departure of Les Hunt to the CLIMAX BLUES BAND and Chris Ellis to a career in radio. (Hunt would also deputize in Punk act DISCHARGE later).

DEMON regrouped with the addition of guitarist John Waterhouse, keyboard player Steve Watts and bassist Gavin Sutherland. This line-up closed 1984 with the release of the 'Wonderland' single.

Tragically, guitarist Mal Spooner died a mere seven days after completing recording for the band's fourth album 'British Standard Approved'. The guitarist had been weakened by ongoing lung and asthma problems and had suffered a fatal dose of Pneumonia.

Soldiering on, DEMON would release a second album in 1985, 'Heart Of Our Time', with songwriting duties now shared by Hill and Watts. Live dates saw Andy Dale taking over from Gavin Sutherland.

A further album, 1987's 'Breakout', brought new line-up changes; with Wright leaving in favour of Steve Crawford. DEMON also bolstered their live sound with the recruitment of erstwhile DISCHARGE guitarist Steve Brookes. In this incarnation DEMON completed a successful tour of Germany to round off the year.

Andy Dale would be the next band member to depart in mid 1988 and his role filled by another former member of DISCHARGE, bassist Nick Bushell. DEMON kept up their regular release schedule with 'Taking The World By Storm' in 1989 on Sonic Records before more German dates with openers DOMAIN. A gig at Ludwigsburg was recorded for the live album 'One Helluva Night' that surfaced in 1990. The following year DEMON finally recorded another session for Radio One's 'Friday Rock Show',

Nick Bushell was dispensed with prior to recording 1991's 'Hold Onto The Dream' album and the band utilised the services of ex RAGE member Keith Mulholland for the recording sessions.

Following further shake-ups and the debut of a brand new release entitled 'Blowout' the 1992 DEMON line-up comprised of Hill, Waterhouse, guitarist Steve Brookes, ex CHAPEL bassist Mike Thomas and ex ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES drummer Paul Rosscrow. Later the band was augmented by ex UNITED NATIONS keyboard player Gary Davies and, for live work, bassist Adrian Lloyd superseded Thomas. DEMON then undertook a short batch of British club dates in November 1992 supported by THE CRAFT.

the years DEMON have found steadfast support in Europe, despite meaning very little back home and, perhaps to the amazement of many, the Stoke outfit were still a going concern in 1996 with Hill writing new material.

The following year DEMON were invited to perform at the 'Bang Your Head' festival in southern Germany headlined by GAMMA RAY and put on a show harking back to their glory days using the old stage props such as the grave and devil masks. The band received a rapturous reception and rekindled record company interest.

DEMON regrouped in 2000 for a new studio album and release of acoustic tracks. The band also put in a rare live showing at the Karlshamm fesival in Sweden. The group contributed their version of 'Emerald' to the 2000 PHIL LYNOTT tribute album 'Spirit Of The Black Rose' in 2000. The new album offering 'Spaced Out Monkey' would arrive courtesy of Swedish label Record Heaven in August 2001. Line-up for this latest outing would comprise of Hill, Brookes, second guitarist Ray Walmsley, bassist Andy Dale, keyboard player Duncan Hansell and drummer John Cotterill. The band would put in a show supporting GRAHAM BONNET at the London Camden Underworld in November, incredibly their first show in the capitol for over a decade. A further run of European dates through February and March would find TAD MOROSE and CHINCHILLA as guests. In 2004 the album track 'Child Of The Dark Sky' would be issued, a special benefit release in aid of the ABC Trust for Brazilian street children.

DEMON scheduled a new studio album, entitled 'Better The Devil You Know', recorded at Abbey Studios in Leek, Staffordshire, for October 2004 release. By this juncture Brookes had been superseded by Karl Finney, Neil Ogden on drums and Paul Farrington installed on keyboards.

DEMON embarked upon European headline touring in April 2006 bolstered by SEVEN WITCHES from the USA, AXTRA of Italy and IRON FIRE from Denmark. Joining the band would be former CHROME MOLLY guitar player Tim Read.