The ARK Appreciation Pages

ark . eology . org
   

Lineage

Here lies the story of ARK, firstly in the form of the ARK family tree, followed by a brief biography. Thanks to Andy Harris regarding the missing blanks on the early days of Damascus and Kite, plus the corrections to the the initial ARK lineups. If there is any gaps you can fill in, additional material or stories that would interest or amuse, please email me at barbie@missbarbell.co.uk.

The ARK Family History
DAMASCUS #1 [198?]
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Jim Grey Steve Shilvok Dave Cooper
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals keyboards bass guitar drums
   
       
DAMASCUS #2 [198?]
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Nash Andy Harris Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals keyboards bass guitar drums
       
DAMASCUS #3 [198?]
Ant Short Pete Wheatley   Andy Harris Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals   bass guitar drums
       
DAMASCUS #4 [198?]
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Andy Harris Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar drums
       
KITE [1986]
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Andy Harris Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar drums
       
ARK #1 [1986] Following several ideas for a new name, in 1986 the band settled on ARK. The band then set about building up the following the had with several gigs around the West Midlands.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Andy Harris Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar drums
       
ARK #2 [1986-1988] Having spent several seesions in the recording studio, the band were able to fund the release of their first few cassette only singles, as well as their first appearance on vinyl with the 7" single Communications.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris John Jowitt Dave Robbins
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
 
       
ARK #3 [1988-1989] Won a Battle of The Bands competition at Edwards No.8 in Birmingham, and found themselves in the studio recording their first album, The Dreams Of Mr Jones.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris John Jowitt Gary Davis
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
 
       
ARK #4 [1989-1990] Further recording session saw the release of the 12" EP New Scientist, together with the 2 cassette albums, Stand Alone & Archives, both of which were collections of studio demos, that never made previously made it onto record.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris John Jowitt Richard Deane
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
       
ARK #5 [1990-1991] Played several show around the UK, and began writing with a view to recording their first proper album.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Gel Newey Richard Deane
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
 
       
ARK #6 [1991-1995] Following a session at Rich Bitch recording studio, the band recorded what was to be the basis of the Cover Me With Rain EP. However, prior to release, the band sent in a tape to Tommy Vance for his 'Rock Wars' feature on the Friday Rock Show on Radio One. The highest recorded number of votes (curiously all from the Midlands) gained the band a Radio One session. 4 tracks, plus a jingle, were recorded in Maida Vale. As the session was aired, the Cover Me With Rain EP was also released, helping to increase the fan base. Following numerous trips around the UK and mainland Europe, the band recorded their final album, Spiritual Physics. Sadly the band split on 13th March 1995 at the Flapper & Firkin in Birmingham.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Gel Newey Paul Rodgers
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
 
       
ARK #7 [1995] In early 1995 Paul left the band and was replaced for the farewell tour by Hugh Edwards. The band played their last gig on 13th March 1995 at the Flapper & Firkin in Birmingham. The final night featured several ex-members joining the band on stage for one last time.
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris Gel Newey Hugh Edwards
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums
   
       
ARK #8 [2009-] In 2008/9 the guys got back in contact with each other and discussed the possibility of doing some reunion gigs. After some rehearsals together in 2009, a plan came together to record some classic tracks and do some gigs. Now to see if they've Finally Made It!
Ant Short Pete Wheatley Steve Harris John Jowitt Tim Churchman
vocals & flute lead guitar & backing vocals guitar synthesizer bass guitar & backing vocals drums