A Neon Rome started as a poem by Neal Arbick (vocals), an abstract piece about a fictional rock band (called A Neon Rome) whose music became 'like heroin' to their fans. Neal planned on expanding the poem into an entire novel, when one night he had an even better idea, to create the band itself. It was 1984.The first to join the band was rhythm section John Borra (bass) and Ken Burchell (drums). With the addition of guitarist Kevin Nizel, the band moved to Toronto in '85.The band started to turn heads with their live shows. Neal was the exciting front man and was a cross between Jim Morrison, Patti Smith and Iggy Pop.At this point Ken left the band and Neal, Kevin and Johnny continued as a three piece (guitar, bass and vocals). They created a new eerie, mystical sound inspired by mistakenly playing a Psychic T.V. record on 33 instead of 45. Kevin developed a strange 'sitar' way of playing his guitar. John (now freed of playing with a drummer) created long beautiful bass lines, both punchy and melodic.The sound was hypnotic. Bernard Maiezza (Slightly Damaged) became a fan of the band. He and friend Ian Blurton (Change Of Heart) soon joined A Neon Rome. Bernard brought his eno/hawkwind inspired keyboard styling and Ian brought his splashy, rocking drum style. The band now mixed its eerie sound with driving rhythms.The band drew references as a cross between The Sex Pistols, The Doors and Velvet Underground. A Neon Rome became famous for exploding on stage; wild antics and dynamic performances became the hallmark of the Neon Rome experience.In a few months, the band was promoted to house band at Elvis Monday playing to a strong, ever-growing following. It landed some choice shows such as opening for The Jesus and Mary Chain.Soon the band was approached by a manager who quickly put them in the studio to start recording what would become their first album.Once in the studio one thing became apparent: the band had few 'songs'. Most of their music had no set verses or chorus, the band just played off each other. So the album was 'jammed" - recorded live off the floor. Then additional tracks were added later.After a particularly crazy Elvis Monday at The Beverly, Ian quit the band and Ken rejoined shortly after. A Neon Rome was soon filling the larger clubs as well as developing followings from Montreal to St. Catherines. Their shows became evermore elaborate events, and began to grab the attention of local rock press. In press interviews Neal mixed Buddhist and Yoga philosophies into his thoughts on music which only increased the mystique of the band.Their first record caught the ear of Frances New Rose Records; New Heroin came out in Europe in March of 1987 to rave reviews in the English press. Sounds, NME and Melody Maker all gushed over the record: "A gnawing originality. feels magnificent, like being ravaged by white sleet and crimson noise." (Melody Maker) The whole darn mess would be utterly deplorable were it not so bloody brilliant! Not so much awesome but awe-all. (Sounds)Shortly after this, New Heroin was released in Canada on Elliot Lefkos Rightside Records.But all was not well within the band. Kevin Nizel had left the band. Crawford Teasdale joined as guitarist. By this time A Neon Rome started on their second record All the Children Are In.Bruce McDonald, then a young filmmaker, started production on a feature film about the group. His idea was to take the band on a tour of Northern Ontario towns, much like the Sex Pistols touring the southern U.S. The idea was to film the tour with a loose story written by the now famous, Don Mckellar.It seemed nothing would stop the band now; they played sold out shows, the press acclaimed, "Give A Neon Rome a hit single and the world is theirs!"But at this time singer Neal Arbick become disillusioned with the band's success. Over the next few months he shaved his head and would go for long periods fasting and on vows of silence. He would sing, but he wouldnt talk.An actor was hired to play Neal in the movie because he would not give up his vow of silence. The band played fewer and fewer shows. On the eve of the completion of the second record Neal left the band to start a spiritual quest.***
Of note:The movie Bruce MacDonald made "Roadkill" went on to win best picture at the Toronto's Festival of Festivals in 1989 and since has become a cult classic.Kevin Nizel when on to form Toronto's Pure (Love Bomber).Ian Blurton went on to become a renowned guitarist, song writer and producer. His band Change of Heart became a true pioneer of Canada's Indie scene.Bernard joined Change of Heart from 1990-1998 for a string of critically acclaimed albums including 1993's "SMILE", and signing with Virgin Records in 1995 for 2 critically acclaimed albums "Tummysuckle" and "Steel Teeth".John Borra went on to become one of Toronto's most in-demand bassists playing on nearly forty recordings, including Scott B Sympathy, Groovy Religion, Change Of Heart, and the John Borra Band.Create or get your
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