Reactor (1982-1983)

In 1982 "Reactor" was born. The New Line-up for 1982: Kevin Birch: Lead Vocals, Synthesizers and Guitar. Paul Gains: Synthesizers, Guitar, Saxaphone and Backing Vocals. Kevin Dyke: Bass Guitar, Bass Synthesizer and Backing Vocals. As well as the latest in electronic instruments the group also invested heavily in the latest automated computer lighting, which involved running a heavyweight computer on-stage to control both the drums and percussion and all the lighting information. ( about 10,000 Watts of lighting effects ! ) The software and interfacing of the computer system was developed by Kevin Birch, and 9 years later on ( 1990 ), a production version would be manufactured by him. ( MMS Midilight )

Reactor's 'Nuclear Fallout' Photo (1981)

The band had a very sucessful period using technology so ahead of its time, but it was all too brief. Their management never really understood the new grounds that they were breaking, and indeed, after a few months of relatively lean work, the financial burdens were beginning to show. A last ditch attempt was made to rescue the band by changing managers to "Sphinx Management" in Rotherham, but it was too late and the band folded in April 1983. Kevin would carry on as a solo performer, calling himself "Kevin Keys", his story continues to this day.

Kevin Keys Homepage

Kevin Keys 1983-1998

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Last Updated 16th November 1998