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Biography

When 801 disbanded in 1977, they left behind a legacy that would prove far more influential than their brief existence might have suggested. The supergroup's dissolution marked the end of one of rock's most intriguing experiments in art-rock sophistication, but their impact on electronic music, ambient soundscapes, and the broader progressive rock movement would resonate for decades to come.

The band's swan song came with their only studio album, "Listen Now," released in 1977. This collection of reimagined Roxy Music classics and original compositions showcased the group's ability to deconstruct and rebuild familiar songs into something entirely new. Tracks like "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "East of Asteroid" demonstrated their mastery of electronic manipulation and atmospheric textures, while their interpretation of "Third Uncle" became a template for post-punk bands throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The album's experimental approach to rhythm and melody, combined with its sophisticated use of synthesizers and tape effects, established 801 as pioneers in what would later be recognized as ambient and electronic rock.

The group's formation in 1976 represented a convergence of some of Britain's most innovative musicians. At its core was Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music's guitarist, who served as the project's creative catalyst and primary songwriter. Manzanera's vision was to create a platform for musical experimentation that transcended the commercial constraints of his main band. Joining him was Brian Eno, the former Roxy Music synthesizer player who had already begun establishing himself as a solo artist and producer. Eno's presence brought an intellectual rigor and experimental edge that would define the band's sound.

The rhythm section featured Lloyd Watson on bass and Simon Phillips on drums, both accomplished session musicians who provided the solid foundation necessary for the group's more adventurous sonic explorations. Francis Monkman, formerly of Curved Air, contributed keyboards and additional electronic textures, while Bill MacCormick, brother of Quiet Sun's Robert Wyatt, added bass on certain recordings. This lineup represented a who's who of Britain's progressive and art-rock scenes, each member bringing their own distinctive approach to the collective sound.

801's musical style defied easy categorization, blending elements of progressive rock, electronic music, and ambient soundscapes into something uniquely their own. Their approach was characterized by intricate arrangements, sophisticated use of technology, and a willingness to deconstruct traditional song structures. The band's sound was simultaneously cerebral and visceral, combining Eno's ambient sensibilities with Manzanera's guitar-driven rock instincts. Their music featured complex polyrhythms, layered synthesizer work, and innovative use of studio effects that pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be.

The group's live performances were legendary affairs that showcased their ability to transform studio creations into dynamic concert experiences. Their 1976 performances, including a notable appearance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, demonstrated their capacity to create immersive sonic environments that transported audiences into otherworldly realms. These concerts were as much about atmosphere and texture as they were about traditional rock performance, establishing a template for art-rock shows that prioritized experience over mere entertainment.

801's influence extended far beyond their brief active period, inspiring countless musicians in the post-punk, new wave, and electronic music movements. Their approach to rhythm programming and electronic manipulation can be heard in the work of bands like Talking Heads, Devo, and later electronic artists like Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada. The ambient textures they pioneered alongside Eno's solo work helped establish the foundation for entire genres of electronic music that would emerge in the 1980s and beyond.

The band's legacy is particularly significant in the context of British art rock's evolution during the mid-1970s. They represented a bridge between the experimental impulses of early progressive rock and the more streamlined, technology-driven sounds that would dominate the following decade. Their sophisticated use of electronics and unconventional song structures influenced a generation of musicians who sought to push rock music into uncharted territories.

Today, 801 is remembered as a crucial link in the chain of British experimental music, a supergroup whose brief existence produced work of lasting significance. Their single album continues to be discovered by new generations of listeners, serving as both a historical document of 1970s innovation and a blueprint for contemporary electronic music. While their time together was short, their impact on the trajectory of popular music remains immeasurable.