Masterswitch

Masterswitch was a British rock band in the late 1970s.

Band members

The Band consisted of four members:

• Jimmy Edwards (vocals, guitar)
• Stephen Wilkin (guitar)
• Mark Steed (Bass guitar)
• Martin Lee (drums)

Formation (1976)

Lifelong friends Ray and Martin and Dave Sumeray (who was the bass player with Ray & Martin in a band called Woodfog) placed an advert in the well circulated music magazine Melody Maker in an attempt to recruit bandmates at an open audition. An astounding number of enthusiastic musicians queued patiently waiting their turn to prove their worth, ultimately Jimmy's natural vocal flair, Steve's 'Wilkey Fingers' and, after Dave Sumeray decided to quit the band and the music business, Mark's conquering Bass prevailed to form Masterswitch.

1976–1978

In 1977 the band signed to 'Epic' record company and in the following year released their only professional release Action Replay/Mass Media Meditation. Despite obvious talent and the intelligent social commentary (notably 'That's Light Entertainment') Masterswitch only picked up a small cult following playing regularly at the famous Marquee Club in Soho. With legendary band The Clash grabbing all attention of Epic marketing combined with poor management and 'getting screwed over' Masterswitch split in 1978.

Jimmy Edwards and Mark Steed went to record as Jimmy and The Profiles and later Jimmy and Ray Simone went on to form Time UK with former The Jam drummer Rick Buckler. After three singles they split, although Jimmy and Buckler formed the short-lived Sharp with Buckler's ex-Jam bandmate Bruce Foxton.

2007–2008

Ray Simone, Mart Lee & Dave Sumeray had a reunion of Woodfog to see how it might go. They locked-in together very well considering they'd had a 34 year break. They have met together a few times since to possibly work on some new songs. No longer called Woodfog they now perform under their new name: Creatures of Habit.

Following a lengthy period of illness, Ray Simone died on June 18, 2012. There is currently discussion with a view to continuing the band in honour of Ray's considerable talents as a musician and songwriter.

2013

In 2013, following Ray's death, Mart and Dave decided to resurrect Woodfog. They recruited Paul Squires on drums (a one-time Woodfog roadie and occasional deputy drummer). Woodfog are currently rehearsing songs that are 40 years old. They will also be writing and performing new material.

Edwards died in January 2015.

Further reading

• Jimmy Edwards interview with Stewart Home: