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{{Use American English|date=November 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Short description|American rock band}}
{{About|the band||London After Midnight (disambiguation){{!}}London After Midnight}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
|Name = London After Midnight | name = London After Midnight
| image = London After Midnight Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2019 18.jpg
|Img = Sean_brennan.gif
| landscape = yes
|Img_capt = Sean Brennan
| caption = London After Midnight at ] 2019 in Germany
|Background = group_or_band
| alias =
|Origin = ], ]
| origin = ], U.S.
|Instruments =
|Genre = ]<br>]<br>]<BR>]<BR>] | genre = {{Hlist|]|]|]}}
| years_active = 1990–present
|Years_active = 1990&ndash;present
|Label = ] (North America)<br>Trisol Music Group (Germany/Europe)<br>Iron D (Russia) | label = ] (North America)<br />] (Germany/Europe)<br />Irond (Russia)
|URL = | website = {{url|londonaftermidnight.com}}
| current_members = Sean Brennan<br />''see also ]''
<br />
| past_members =
}} }}


'''London After Midnight''' is an American ] band from California. Formed in 1990 by songwriter and instrumentalist Sean Brennan, London After Midnight has a following worldwide, with a large fan base in the ].<ref>http://uk.music.yahoo.com/ar-287263-bio--London-After-Midnight{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, in interviews Brennan has shunned the use of this label and others to describe his music, calling it "artistically limiting".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londonaftermidnight.com/interviews.html|title=The official London After Midnight website: Interviews|website=Londonaftermidnight.com}}</ref>
'''London After Midnight''' (LAM) is a ] project formed in the 1990s by singer/songwriter/bandleader and multi-instrumentalist ]. LAM has retained and nurtured the political and socially aware element of the punk scene that died in the early 90s (listen to LAM songs like "Revenge", released in 1991, as an example or take note of the huge amount of literature handed out at concerts and online supporting animals rights and various progressive social and political causes). LAM can be defined as a passionate and political dark rock music entity as noted by virtually every magazine review. LAM has a large worldwide following, with many ] fans (LAM outspokenly shuns artistic limitations via labels such as "gothic", however) , .


== Ideology and themes ==
Brennan is known for his support of ], ] and ] issues, anti-corporate control of media, and progressive and ]. He voices this support through London After Midnight Internet outlets, such as their official website and music.


== History ==
Despite rejecting genre labels, LAM has been credited with reviving the faltering Gothic music scene in the early 90s (Dark Asylum magazine, New York City, 1995). writes ''"This is the worlds biggest goth band who reactivated the whole genre"''. LAM is also a controversial entity to some other bands, mainly due to their popularity and shunning of genre labels. ], UK goth author of "The Hexe FIles: The Goth Bible" writes that LAM is ''"the coolest band, establishing a big reputation and invoking an alarming amount of petty jealousies ... they don't just have the songs, image, the intelligence (lyrics hardly disposable), there's humor and passion squeezed into the torment and delightful tristes".''
London After Midnight formed in Los Angeles, California, and played at several clubs in the area starting in late 1990, with a debut concert at Los Angeles gothic rock club, Helter Skelter.


In the early days London After Midnight had various temporary members who joined Brennan when performing live, but did not perform on the albums. Tamlyn is credited on the first cassette recordings,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?release=1893974|website=Discogs.com|title=London After Midnight Demo liner notes, 1990}}</ref> co-authored the opening track "This Paradise" on 'Selected Scenes From The End of the World',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/London-After-Midnight-Selected-Scenes-From-The-End-Of-The-World/release/4668358#images/19397851|website=Discogs.com|title=Selected Scenes From The End Of The World liner Notes, 1992}}</ref> contributed an instrumental<ref>Outburn magazine, USA, Autumn 1999, page 32</ref> called "Ice" for the 1998 release of ''Oddities'' at Brennan's request, and an instrumental entitled "Perversion" on the 93' Ruins demo tape released as a preview of what was to become their second album, ''Psycho Magnet''.


=== Early performance lineups ===
Brennan is known for his support of ], ] and ] issues, anti-corporate control of media, and progressive, and ]. However, Brennan's music ranges from the intensely personal to broader issues ranging from racism, social and political issues, animal rights, etc. (the new London After Midnight music in particular, played in concert since 1998, is very political). wrote in 2000 that LAM's music is ''"very sensuous and unique...that creates an atmosphere of inexpressible haunting beauty"''. The lyrics are even sometimes presented with a sense of morbid wit - with songs like , an ]-esque tale.
After garnering a fanbase aided by the release of a self-titled demo, London After Midnight released their debut album '']'' in 1991. Special effects artist Nick Benson played bass guitar in an early lineup of the band, and participated in songwriting. In 1992 bassist Michael Areklett joined the lineup after the resignation of live bassist Rob Podzunas. Like Tamlyn, Michael Areklett appeared live as a recurring member, rather than a guest. Around this period, Douglas Avery also joined, replacing live drummer Ian Haas. Eddie Hawkins was part of the original live line up, but was replaced in 1990. John Koviak performed live on bass from 1990–1992.


==== Touring and releases ====
From :
In the earliest days the live band played mainly on the West Coast of the United States. Following the release of the self-titled debut, LAM gradually expanded their Californian fan base, eventually traveling to Mexico in 1994 (something few alternative acts were doing at the time)<ref>Music Connection magazine, USA, January 2001, page 51</ref> and progressing to tour the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, South America and further in the United States.
:'''Dark Entries''': '' "Tell me about some of your songs. Many of our readers are curious about "Your Best Nightmare". What was the inspiration for this unique song? To me it reminds me of Edward Gorey's writing. Has Edward Gorey ever appealed to your artistic sense?" ''


Brennan then expanded on the original demo release and recorded more songs for "Selected Scenes from the End of the World" released in late 1992.
:'''Brennan''': ''"At one point as a child I was very interested in drawing and Gorey was always a guilty pleasure with his morbid, cynical humor. "Your Best Nightmare" was actually a spoof of an Edward Gorey type story. Its a black comedy."''


Coinciding with the release of the follow-up album '']'' in 1996, London After Midnight headlined the ] in England, among other concerts in the UK, Europe, Mexico and the US. At this time, Brennan had begun to expand musically. The project continued on with a third album titled ''Oddities'' released in 1998, featuring a cover of a track named "Sally's Song" from the film '']''. This CD was different from other releases in that it featured acoustic and ethereal alternative mixes of songs, along with a few new tracks.


Around this time London After Midnight was garnering international press and was featured on the covers of many magazines, while co-headlining major concert festivals like the Zillo summer festival, with ] and Green Day. LAM has since toured the world extensively playing alongside other popular bands such as ], ] (who have cited LAM as an influence<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orkus-online.de/|title=Das Magazin für Dark Rock – Electro – Gothic – Dark Metal & more|author=Orkus|website=Orkus-online.de}}</ref>), ], ], and others, headlining and co-headlining to crowds of over 30,000 in Latin America, the US and Europe.
.]]


=== Recent times ===
London After Midnight has headlined and co-headlined concerts and major festivals with bands like ], ], ] (HIM often cites LAM as a favorite artist) , ], ], and many more, headlining and co-headlining to crowds of over 30,000 in Latin America, the US and Europe. London After Midnight maintains a strong underground and independent "personality" despite being popular sellers (charting in the top 10 European DAC charts with each of 3 CDs released, verified via ]) and a major draw at music festivals year after year.
]
The album, ''Violent Acts of Beauty'', was released in 2007. LAM has, however, re-released (in 2003) two of the past three releases in Europe and the Russian Federation, (which charted on the Deutsche Alternative Charts) adding previously unreleased bonus tracks.


In 2006, a new London After Midnight song was released on the '']'' motion picture soundtrack.


In February 2007, a teaser trailer for London After Midnight's fourth studio album '']'' was released on the band's official website and YouTube page. The trailer stated that the album was due for a spring/summer 2007 release. The album itself was released in fall 2007 (North America). To promote the new album, they played at various festivals in Europe (Greece, Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany) with bands such as ], Dope Stars, and Noctivagus.<ref> {{dead link|date=March 2020}}</ref>
In 2006 a new London After Midnight song was released on the "]" motion picture soundtrack (Trisol Records, Europe), which went to number one on the German Alternative Charts (DAC). LAM's new CD is scheduled for release in 2007.


== Live members ==
=== Current live band members ===
* Sean Brennan – songwriting, vocals, guitar, bass, cello, violin, keyboards, programming, drums (1989–present)
* Pete Pace – live drums (2008–present)
* Michael Areklett – live bass (2018–present)
* Jeremy Kohnmann – live guitar (2022-present)


===Discography=== === Former live members ===
* Tamlyn – keyboards, sounds, samplers, recorded on 'London After Midnight' demo, 1991,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/London-After-Midnight-London-After-Midnight/release/1893974|website=Discogs.com|title=London After Midnight – London After Midnight, 1991}}</ref> 'Selected Scenes From The End Of The World', 1994 (1&2)<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/London-After-Midnight-Selected-Scenes-From-The-End-Of-The-World/release/3604647|website=Discogs.com|title=Selected Scenes From The End Of The World, 1994}}</ref>(1989–2003)
:''Does not include original cassette releases, singles or compilations''
* Joe S. – drums (live and recorded for ''Violent Acts of Beauty'' & ''Saw II'' soundtrack) (2001–2008)
* Trouble Valli – live guitar (one concert only) (2008)
* Eddie Hawkins – live guitar (1989–1990, 2001–2008)
* Ian Haas – live drums (1988–1992)
* John Koviak – live bass/guitar (1989–1992)
* Douglas Avery – live drums (1992–1999)
* Rob Podzunas – live bass (1992–1992)
* Stacy – live guitar
* Michael Areklett – live bass (1992–2005)Rejoined on bass 2018-current
* William Skye – live guitar (1992–1999)
* ] – live guitar (2008–2019)
* Randy Mathias – live bass (2005–2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.londonaftermidnight.com/history.html|website=Londonaftermidnight.com|title=London After Midnight}}</ref>


== Discography ==
*] - '']'' USA self release cassette (revised CD released in 1995 in Europe, 1998 USA, and extended CD released in 2003 in Europe and Russian Federation)
=== Albums ===
*] - '']'' European release (1998 USA release and extended CD released in 2003 in Europe and Russian Federation)
* ''Selected Scenes from the End of the World'' (1992) (re-release with bonus tracks 2003 and 2008)
*] - ''Oddities'' European release (1998 USA release)
* ''Psycho Magnet'' (1996) (re-release with bonus tracks 2003 and 2008)
*] - ''] with the song ''Fear'' (European release)
* ''Violent Acts of Beauty'' (2007)


=== EPs ===
* ''Kiss'' (1995)


=== Demos ===
* ''London After Midnight'' (1991)
* ''Ruins'' (1993)


=== Other ===
* ''Oddities'' (1998) (re-release 2008) - compilation
* ''Selected Scenes from the End of the World: 9119'' (2019) - first album remix
* ''Live from Isolation'' (2020) - live
* ''Oddities Too'' (2022) - compilation


== Videography ==
* ''Innocence Lost...'' (1993), then re-released in 1998 with 2 new songs and extra footage


==External links== == References ==
{{reflist}}
*
*


== External links ==
]
*{{commonscatinline}}
*
*{{allmusic}}


] {{London After Midnight}}
{{Authority control}}
]

]
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Latest revision as of 22:17, 28 August 2024

American rock band This article is about the band. For other uses, see London After Midnight.
London After Midnight
London After Midnight at Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2019 in GermanyLondon After Midnight at Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2019 in Germany
Background information
OriginCalifornia, U.S.
Genres
Years active1990–present
LabelsMetropolis Records (North America)
Trisol Music Group (Germany/Europe)
Irond (Russia)
MembersSean Brennan
see also Live band members
Websitelondonaftermidnight.com

London After Midnight is an American rock band from California. Formed in 1990 by songwriter and instrumentalist Sean Brennan, London After Midnight has a following worldwide, with a large fan base in the goth subculture. However, in interviews Brennan has shunned the use of this label and others to describe his music, calling it "artistically limiting".

Ideology and themes

Brennan is known for his support of animal rights, pro-environmental and human rights issues, anti-corporate control of media, and progressive and liberal politics. He voices this support through London After Midnight Internet outlets, such as their official website and music.

History

London After Midnight formed in Los Angeles, California, and played at several clubs in the area starting in late 1990, with a debut concert at Los Angeles gothic rock club, Helter Skelter.

In the early days London After Midnight had various temporary members who joined Brennan when performing live, but did not perform on the albums. Tamlyn is credited on the first cassette recordings, co-authored the opening track "This Paradise" on 'Selected Scenes From The End of the World', contributed an instrumental called "Ice" for the 1998 release of Oddities at Brennan's request, and an instrumental entitled "Perversion" on the 93' Ruins demo tape released as a preview of what was to become their second album, Psycho Magnet.

Early performance lineups

After garnering a fanbase aided by the release of a self-titled demo, London After Midnight released their debut album Selected Scenes from the End of the World in 1991. Special effects artist Nick Benson played bass guitar in an early lineup of the band, and participated in songwriting. In 1992 bassist Michael Areklett joined the lineup after the resignation of live bassist Rob Podzunas. Like Tamlyn, Michael Areklett appeared live as a recurring member, rather than a guest. Around this period, Douglas Avery also joined, replacing live drummer Ian Haas. Eddie Hawkins was part of the original live line up, but was replaced in 1990. John Koviak performed live on bass from 1990–1992.

Touring and releases

In the earliest days the live band played mainly on the West Coast of the United States. Following the release of the self-titled debut, LAM gradually expanded their Californian fan base, eventually traveling to Mexico in 1994 (something few alternative acts were doing at the time) and progressing to tour the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, South America and further in the United States.

Brennan then expanded on the original demo release and recorded more songs for "Selected Scenes from the End of the World" released in late 1992.

Coinciding with the release of the follow-up album Psycho Magnet in 1996, London After Midnight headlined the Whitby Gothic Weekend in England, among other concerts in the UK, Europe, Mexico and the US. At this time, Brennan had begun to expand musically. The project continued on with a third album titled Oddities released in 1998, featuring a cover of a track named "Sally's Song" from the film The Nightmare Before Christmas. This CD was different from other releases in that it featured acoustic and ethereal alternative mixes of songs, along with a few new tracks.

Around this time London After Midnight was garnering international press and was featured on the covers of many magazines, while co-headlining major concert festivals like the Zillo summer festival, with The Cure and Green Day. LAM has since toured the world extensively playing alongside other popular bands such as Green Day, HIM (who have cited LAM as an influence), Rammstein, Soft Cell, and others, headlining and co-headlining to crowds of over 30,000 in Latin America, the US and Europe.

Recent times

Frontman Sean Brennan in 2008

The album, Violent Acts of Beauty, was released in 2007. LAM has, however, re-released (in 2003) two of the past three releases in Europe and the Russian Federation, (which charted on the Deutsche Alternative Charts) adding previously unreleased bonus tracks.

In 2006, a new London After Midnight song was released on the Saw II motion picture soundtrack.

In February 2007, a teaser trailer for London After Midnight's fourth studio album Violent Acts of Beauty was released on the band's official website and YouTube page. The trailer stated that the album was due for a spring/summer 2007 release. The album itself was released in fall 2007 (North America). To promote the new album, they played at various festivals in Europe (Greece, Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany) with bands such as Kirlian Camera, Dope Stars, and Noctivagus.

Live members

Current live band members

  • Sean Brennan – songwriting, vocals, guitar, bass, cello, violin, keyboards, programming, drums (1989–present)
  • Pete Pace – live drums (2008–present)
  • Michael Areklett – live bass (2018–present)
  • Jeremy Kohnmann – live guitar (2022-present)

Former live members

  • Tamlyn – keyboards, sounds, samplers, recorded on 'London After Midnight' demo, 1991, 'Selected Scenes From The End Of The World', 1994 (1&2)(1989–2003)
  • Joe S. – drums (live and recorded for Violent Acts of Beauty & Saw II soundtrack) (2001–2008)
  • Trouble Valli – live guitar (one concert only) (2008)
  • Eddie Hawkins – live guitar (1989–1990, 2001–2008)
  • Ian Haas – live drums (1988–1992)
  • John Koviak – live bass/guitar (1989–1992)
  • Douglas Avery – live drums (1992–1999)
  • Rob Podzunas – live bass (1992–1992)
  • Stacy – live guitar
  • Michael Areklett – live bass (1992–2005)Rejoined on bass 2018-current
  • William Skye – live guitar (1992–1999)
  • Matthew Setzer – live guitar (2008–2019)
  • Randy Mathias – live bass (2005–2018)

Discography

Albums

  • Selected Scenes from the End of the World (1992) (re-release with bonus tracks 2003 and 2008)
  • Psycho Magnet (1996) (re-release with bonus tracks 2003 and 2008)
  • Violent Acts of Beauty (2007)

EPs

  • Kiss (1995)

Demos

  • London After Midnight (1991)
  • Ruins (1993)

Other

  • Oddities (1998) (re-release 2008) - compilation
  • Selected Scenes from the End of the World: 9119 (2019) - first album remix
  • Live from Isolation (2020) - live
  • Oddities Too (2022) - compilation

Videography

  • Innocence Lost... (1993), then re-released in 1998 with 2 new songs and extra footage

References

  1. http://uk.music.yahoo.com/ar-287263-bio--London-After-Midnight
  2. "The official London After Midnight website: Interviews". Londonaftermidnight.com.
  3. "London After Midnight Demo liner notes, 1990". Discogs.com.
  4. "Selected Scenes From The End Of The World liner Notes, 1992". Discogs.com.
  5. Outburn magazine, USA, Autumn 1999, page 32
  6. Music Connection magazine, USA, January 2001, page 51
  7. Orkus. "Das Magazin für Dark Rock – Electro – Gothic – Dark Metal & more". Orkus-online.de.
  9. "London After Midnight – London After Midnight, 1991". Discogs.com.
  10. "Selected Scenes From The End Of The World, 1994". Discogs.com.
  11. "London After Midnight". Londonaftermidnight.com.

External links

London After Midnight
  • Sean Brennan
Studio albums
EPs and demos
Categories: