National Health
This group was formed in August 1975 by Phil Miller (guitar) and Dave Stewart (organ), former members of Hatfield And The North. Amanda Parsons (vocals), Alan Gowen (synthesizer), Mont Campbell (ex-Egg; bass) and Bill Bruford (ex- Yes and King Crimson; drums) completed the group's original line-up, but the following year Neil Murray joined in place of Campbell who had opted for session work. National Health continued the quintessential English progressive rock style forged by Soft Machine, Caravan and Matching Mole, but despite judicious live appearances, failed to reap the same commercial rewards. Pip Pyle replaced Bruford prior to the recording of NATIONAL HEALTH, but further changes in the unit's line-up preceded OF QUEUES AND CURES. Such instability doomed the group's commercial progress, although they remained a popular live attraction until the end of the decade. Stewart subsequently enjoyed a successful solo career recreating classic '60s singles with singers Colin Blunstone and Barbara Gaskin, in turn confirming the demise of National Health as a serious proposition. Despite continued interest from the Continent, the group was then disbanded.