Dare (band)

Dare (band). Dare is a hard rock band formed in Northern Ireland in 1985 by keyboardist and vocalist Darren Wharton, best known for his earlier work with Thin Lizzy. The band's sound, often categorized within the AOR and melodic rock genres, is characterized by atmospheric keyboards, melodic guitar work, and Wharton's distinctive vocals. They have maintained a consistent cult following across Europe and Japan since their late-1980s debut, navigating changes in the musical landscape while continuing to record and perform.

History

The band was formed in 1985 by Darren Wharton after the dissolution of Thin Lizzy, where he had been a member since 1980. Signing with A&M Records, Dare released their debut album, Out of the Silence, in 1988, which was produced by veteran producer Mike Shipley. The album garnered critical acclaim within rock circles and achieved notable success in Japan. Their sophomore effort, Blood from Stone (1991), featured a heavier, more guitar-oriented sound but was released as the grunge movement, led by bands like Nirvana, began to dominate, impacting its commercial reach. Following a hiatus, Wharton revived the band in the late 1990s, subsequently releasing albums through the independent label Legend Records and maintaining a steady touring schedule, particularly across Germany and the United Kingdom.

Musical style and influences

Dare's musical style is firmly rooted in melodic rock and AOR, drawing clear influence from Wharton's tenure with Thin Lizzy, particularly in the lyrical and melodic sensibilities. Their early work is noted for its layered keyboard textures and anthemic choruses, akin to contemporaries like FM and Strange Behaviour. The Blood from Stone album showcased a deliberate shift towards a harder, more blues-inflected hard rock sound, incorporating elements reminiscent of Bad Company and Whitesnake. Throughout their career, their music has consistently emphasized strong melodies, atmospheric production, and emotionally resonant songwriting, setting them apart within the European rock scene.

Band members

The longstanding core of Dare is frontman Darren Wharton. The lead guitarist since 1998 has been Vinny Burns, known for his work with Ultravox and Ten. The rhythm section comprises bassist Nigel Clutterbuck and drummer Marc Roberts, both of whom have been with the band for multiple album cycles. Keyboardist and guitarist Kev Whitehead rounds out the current lineup. Former key members include original guitarist James Ross and bassist Shelley, who played on the early albums, while noted session musician Brian Cox contributed to the recording of Out of the Silence.

Discography

Dare's discography is anchored by their debut, Out of the Silence (1988), considered a classic of the genre. This was followed by the heavier Blood from Stone (1991) on A&M Records. Their post-reformation albums, released primarily on Legend Records, include Calm Before the Storm (1998), Belief (2001), Beneath the Shining Water (2004), Arc of the Dawn (2009), Sacred Ground (2016), and Road to Eden (2022). They have also released several live albums and compilation collections, such as The Power of Nature (2010), documenting their enduring concert presence.

Awards and recognition

While not achieving mainstream chart dominance, Dare has received consistent recognition from specialist rock media and a dedicated international fanbase. Their debut album, Out of the Silence, was voted "Album of the Year" by the readers of the renowned Japanese music magazine Burrn! in 1988. The band has frequently been featured in European rock publications like Fireworks Magazine and Classic Rock. Their sustained career and quality of output have earned them a respected position within the melodic rock community, often highlighted at festivals such as Rockingham and Frontiers Rock Festival.

Category:Hard rock musical groups from Northern Ireland Category:AOR musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1985