Elixir

Biography

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Elixir (1983-present): a Heavy Metal band from UK.

riginally formed by Steve Bentley (guitars), Kevin Dobbs (bass), Nigel Dobbs (drums) and Phil Denton (guitars) in November 1983, Elixir became notable for being associated with the NWOBHM movement. After brief stints under the name of Purgatory and Hellfire the members finally decided on naming the band Elixir. According to the biography on the band's website the name was chosen when Bentley closed his eyes, and put his finger on a word in a dictionary at random. In need of a vocalist Elixir recruited singer Sally Pike, but after recording a four song demo tape and playing two gigs together, she left the band by the end of the year. In 1984, Pike was replaced by Paul Taylor, and later the same year guitarist Norman Gordon joined the band to fill the vacant spot left by Steve Bentley, who departed after the band had completed their second demo tape.

In 1986, the band recorded their first album The Son of Odin.

Elixir recorded their second album, initially called Sovereign Remedy in 1988 with Mark White on the bass and former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr. Stevie Hughes replaced Burr for the band's live commitments through 1989. At the end of the year, Phil Denton quit the band and was replaced by Leon Lawson for several live shows before the band came off the road. Their second album was released by the 'Sonic' label as Lethal Potion in 1990. In 2004, the album was re-released as Sovereign Remedy on the 'TPL' label, as it was originally intended, with all the tracks, the original mix and new artwork.

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In 2001 the band reverted to the Paul Taylor, Phil Denton, Norman Gordon, Kevin Dobbs and Nigel Dobbs line up and, in 2003, recorded their third album The Idol, which was made up of material the band had written in the 1980s. With rising popularity, the band toured around various countries such as Greece, Germany and the United States.

Elixir recorded their fourth album Mindcreeper in 2006, which was released by 'Majestic Rock'.

Elixir released the album All Hallows Eve on 31 October 2010 on their own 'CTR' label.

Between 2006 and 2012, Elixir organized six editions of the "British Steel Festival", appearing on the bill at each event. From 2008 onwards, the festival was held at the Camden Underworld.

Elixir disbanded in 2012, with members Paul Taylor and Phil Denton going on to form the metal/rock band Midnight Messiah. Clive Burr died a year later, due to complications related to MS.

After writing new material in 2018, guitarist Phil Denton approached the other members of the band with a view to recording a new album. Paul Taylor, Norman Gordon and Nigel Dobbs all agreed to re-form the band, but bassist Kevin Dobbs did not wish to be involved in the project. The resulting album, Voyage of the Eagle, was released in 2020 with Luke Fabian on bass.

On March 7, 2020 Elixir performed at Burr Fest, a charity gig in London, in aid of MS sufferers in memory of Clive Burr. Kevin Dobbs performed at Burr Fest as a farewell gig with the band before being replaced by Mark Mulcaster.

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