Formed in 1981 by Brian Marks, The Circuit was a successful experiment into reggae jazz rock fusion.  Members:  Brian Marks (vocals and flute), John Austin (guitar), Tony Dilger (bass) and Geoff Bates/Brendan Day (drums).

They gigged around the North West of England.

They recorded tracks at "Strawberry Studios" in
Stockport, also Alan Cheethams "Blue Fox Studio"
High Lane and "Parish Bowman Studio" Middleton,
which was later bought by Peter Hook of New Order.

Everyone in the music business knew of Alan Cheetham, ex Hollies and Merseybeats manager, he had a huge reputation. In 1962 Brian Epstein contacted him and invited him to check out a new group in Liverpool with a view to co-management. Alan took up the offer and caught the next train to Lime Street.

He was impressed with the group but he and Brian Epstein didn't hit it off so he returned to Manchester the next morning. Hence Alan Cheetham became known as "The man who turned down the Beatles".

He believed in the Circuit letting them rehearse for free at his studio in High Lane.

He trawled recordings around London without success, The Circuit weren't Punk, New Wave or New Romantic, musical forms which dominated the 1980's.

John Austin sprinkling the magic dust onto a newly recorded track after an epic session at "Strawberry Studio" Stockport 1982.

TONY, GEOFF, BRIAN AND JOHN

The group entered a Battle of the Bands competition
which they won, this created a lot of work around the
Greater Manchester area.