Spock's
Beard
Spock's Beard is a progressive rock band formed in 1993 in Los
Angeles by brothers Neal and Alan Morse. Neal (keyboards/vocals)
and Alan (guitars) were joined by fellow musicians Nick
D'Virgilio (drums), Dave Meros (bass), and veteran keyboardist
Ryo Okumoto.
The Beard play a brand of progressive rock with pop music
leanings, drawing much influence from Genesis and the Beatles.
They are also well known for their intricate multi-part vocal
harmonies and use of counterpoint much in the vein of Gentle
Giant. They've released records like the acclaimed 'The Kindness
Of Strangers' and 'V' before releasing the epic concept album
'Snow', which also marked the departure of leader and main
composer Neal Morse for a solo career as a Christian artist.
After the departure of Neal Morse, the frontman role was taken
on by Nick D'Virgilio. This Spock’s Beard v2.0 has released two
more studio albums: 'Feel Euphoria' and 'Octane', with another
album to be released soon on InsideOut Music.
Their album Feel Euphoria has a harder-rocking and more
experimental sound than the Neal Morse-led band, relying on Alan
Morse's guitar to a greater extent.
In early 2005,
after a long writing and recording process, Spock's Beard
released Octane, their second album after the departure of Neal
Morse. This was seen by many fans as a return to a more bright
and epic sound after the previous songwriting differences in
Feel Euphoria.
With a touring schedule that covers much of Europe and the US,
they have played to their legions of fans at major prog
festivals around the world. Their live show has been well
documented on DVDs and live CDs such as 2005’s “Gluttons For
Punishment” recorded during their European "Octane" tour.
Spock’s Beard is getting ready to release their much anticipated
new album in the coming months. They will be playing tracks off
of this upcoming album at RoSfest, as well as all of the
favorites. Get ready for an evening of stellar music, and brace
yourself for the greatness of The Beard at the RoSfest stage.
