Way back in the mists of time, before records were kept, Paul and Simon used to meet up at Robanna's studios in Birmingham to make some music with Michael, Martin, and the other Paul. All worked for the same Birmingham based computer software house. Jon was an occasional visitor to these gatherings, but found the overall mix of music not to his liking, so quit. Michael and Martin split soon afterwards, one moving to Germany, the other to Canada. This left the two Pauls and Simon to re-forge something. Jon re-joined, and the band took the first tentative steps towards being a proper band.

The real change came about when the second Paul left, and Ian stepped into his place, and picked up a bass guitar. This left a new foursome, who soon adopted the name Thin Air, and started gigging, with percussion courtesy of a Boss rhythm box. It soon became obvious that a real drummer was needed, and John answered a hastily scribbled ad pinned on Robannas wall.

From that time onwards the band continued to grow stronger, with ever better songs being written by all the band members. Sadly, in August of '98 Simon was forced to move away to London. In stepped Barry, and the Thin Air that you know and love today was fully borne.

Jon has been playing in bands on and off since the age of about 15. Paul also has something of a pedigree having been in several bands. John, too, has been in his fair share of bands, but always got fed up with their lack of direction. For Ian and Barry, Thin Air is their first time in a band, and both have grown amazingly as musicians in a very short space of time.

Thin Air provide an unusual evening. The music draws influences from many different sources and styles, and covers everything from slow, melodic rock, right through to punk, with an occasional nod in the direction of reggae.

If you live in the Birmingham area, step back to the gig guide to find out where we'll be playing, and come and check us out.........