Sparta

Mansfield Melodic Rockers SPARTA formed in 1980. Initially known as Xerox with a line-up of vocalist Sid Hopper, guitarist Tony Foster, bassist Tony Warren and drummer Gary, with the addition of the three ex-Barbarians Reders brothers, Karl, Snake (a.k.a. Steve) and Radge (Paul), the band became SPARTA. Hopper became a coal miner.In their time the band supported the likes of Diamond Head, Budgie, Savage and Praying Mantis and all the band's singles were self financed. SPARTA also contributed the track 'Lords Of Time' to the 'Scene Of The Crime' compilation album. The second single, 'Angel Of Death' came in a wraparound poster sleeve. SPARTA also recorded a track for a proposed Ebony Records compilation, but the label collapsed prior to its release...Karl Reders quit following the singles and an unreleased album. His position was taken by Trevor Morgan, a vocalist who uniquely boasted an artificial arm! Morgan was jailed for a hit and run driving offence and not too surprisingly fired from the band. SPARTA then enlisted singer Mark Henshaw, recording further demos before he left. The band soldiered on as a trio before Warren emigrated to Canada. SPARTA's last line-up saw Karl Reders returning. SPARTA finally dissolved in 1992. Ex-SPARTA singer Mark Henshaw forged an alliance with XL guitarist Andy Wilson in 1995 to cut the Storm Tree EP 'Play That Funky Music'...The original band members now operate the Boogie club act Smoking Barrels...If you have any contributions you would like to add (information, pictures, ect.), it would be greatly appreciated! Request a song and I may put it up!