It Bites

It Bites, an English rock band, was formed in Egremont, Cumbria, in 1982. The original lineup included drummer Bob Dalton, bassist Dick Nolan, guitarist/singer Francis Dunnery, and keyboard player John Beck. Initially playing gigs at nightclubs around Cumbria, the band split up in 1983 but reunited in 1984 after relocating to London. Their demo tape secured a management deal with Martyn Mayhead (at WEA Records) and a recording contract with Virgin Records. In March 1986, It Bites released their first single "All in Red", followed by the hit single "Calling All the Heroes" in June 1986, which reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album The Big Lad in the Windmill was released later that year and charted at number 35. The band toured extensively with acts like Go West, Cardiacs, and Marillion, and played major European outdoor festivals including the Montreux Jazz Festival. Despite critical acclaim for their blend of progressive rock and pop fusion, It Bites disbanded in 1990. They reformed in 2006 with new frontman John Mitchell, recording two further studio albums before going into hiatus circa 2014.