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Forming his first band with Jonth, his brother, the line up of Haze included Alison on vocals, Geoff Richardson on drums and Pog on keyboards (later replaced by Beano Parsons). Early influences were Rush, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar and even Olivia Newton John and Ozzy. Their set numbers were varied to say the least. The band formed in the VIth form of William Howard, Brampton, near Carlisle. Gigs initially were performed at lunchtimes in the music room or at school concerts and discos. One memorable performance took place on a hot Summeres day on the roof of the science block!
University Days
At Durham university, Tom joined up with fellow Hatfielder Ray Casson to form 'High Risk'. The Durham gig scene was an exciting one with bands evolving and swapping mewmbers like nobody's business. Popular acts included 'Emil and the detectives' and 'Hot Ratz and Beanz'. High Risk's line up was completed by Mark Saunders on drums, Ag on bass (who's stage costume was a judo get-out) and Ian (Zarkov) Carstairs on his home-made keyboard. Several gigs were played in 1983 and 1984 but the band folded soon after this.
At the height of their fame, High Risk were performing covers by Queen, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult and Led Zeppelin. They were even beginning to record some of their own material.
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