1980s

"Punkadelic acid rockers"? Musically defying all description, Inner City Unit remains one of the most unique offshots to the Hawkwind family tree. Founded by Hawkwind's Nik Turner, ICU combined the talents of Dead Fred Reeves on keyboards, Judge Trev Thoms on guitar, and Dino Ferari on drums, the latter two previously with Steve Took's bands. ICU took a hiatus while Reeves and Turner returned to Hawkwind, then reformed in the early 80s with Steve Pond on guitar and Micky Stupp on drums. Both Pond and Reeves supported Robert Calvert during the singers live shows in the mid 80s.

Founded: 1979

Location: London, England

Website: Inner City Unit

One of Germany's most idiosyncratic rock bands, the slow burn rock of Jane remained a constant through most of their career.

Founded: 1970

Location: Hannover, Germany

Website: jane, offizielle Homepage der deutschen Rockband

Led by Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull was the first group from the progressive era to score resounding chart success. Originally their music was based in rhythm and blues, but punctuated with Anderson's flute playing and larger-than-life stage persona. By Thick As A Brick, the band would provide the ultimate concept album: one song spread over both sides of the album, housed in a newspaper-facsimile record jacket. By the mid-70s, the bands work become more formulaic, but fan favorites were just around the corner, as the folk-roots of Songs For The Wood would attest.

Founded: 1967

Location: London, England

Website: Jethro Tull

Founded: 1972

Location: Hilversum, The Netherlands

Website: kayak