Originals 1976 to 1981

Harbinger: 1975-1981

Every story has a beginning and this one was in 1974...

Drawn together by a mutual appreciation of "English Progressive Rock" music, Larry Goddard (vocals), John Androvics (guitar), Ed Rabold (drums) and Mark "Bailey" Baniuk (production) formed a band which by 1975 included Martin Deemar (keys) and Bill Simmons (Bass), who suggested we name the band HARBINGER.

Starting by rehearsing in an abandoned house (supplied by John's father) and learning cover versions of some of their favourite music, Harbinger moved onto writing their own songs and by 1978 John Humphrey had replaced Bill on bass guitar and the band was off and running...

What looked like a promising lineup was still in for some changes when, around 1979, Larry "Spatch" Mullhall replaced John H.( who left for L.A.) and "Gumbo" Jim Burton replaced Ed. By this time Harbinger was playing large venues regularly but, finding rock was not as popular as was originally expected Larry left the music business and John A. pursued other musical projects including "ICU" and "Rex Chainbelt". In the meantime Al Walker (guitar) joined and the band began to develop a new direction, new sound and a new repetoire.

As Harbinger evolved and matured they still managed to travel, record and do radio and television interviews, but the pressure of touring took its' toll and "Gumbo" Jim took an indefinite leave to rest while Mike Chen and eventually Dan Laurin took over on drums.

Around 1981 Mark Desjardins (guitar) replaced Al and Errol "Star" Francis became the lead vocalist... Errol, "Spatch", Mark, Martin, Dan and "Bailey" proved to be the most commercially accessible lineup the band would achieve.

Harbinger had come a long way...and now they were ready for the next big step.

Next: "The Harbinger Album" ... and checkout the Halifax sessions here: jamendo.com/en/album/25276