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.

Band members

Brian Marks

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John Austin

Guitarist John went to Abu Dhabi doing a residency with his girlfriend singer Joanne, they played on the same bill as Tina Turner, they got married over there and Circuit called it a day.

Tony Dilger

Bass player Tony was a mountaineer, his hands were like hams, the thing is he solo climbed [without ropes] and Brian didn't have a replacement and was always concerned Tony wouldn't turn up for gigs.

Geoff Bates

Drummer Geoff had a busy jazz style which he learned from playing with his dad who was a jazz pianist.

Brendan Day

Brendan has a prolific history starting with jazz-funk outfit Tsunami, recording “As It Is” at Polydor studios, London in 1979. During 1981 and early 82 he played and recorded with the Circuit. 

In1982 he became a founder member of Grand Alliance, managed by Miles Copeland (The Police). Recording an album for A+M the band toured extensively in the U.S.A. alongside ZZ Top, Joan Jett and INXS. In 1986 he toured England and Europe with Pete Haycock promoting his albums “No Speak” and “Guitar and Son”.

Around this period he also played on two tracks for Jan Ackermann’s “Noise of Art” album.

In this same year Brendan joined the Steve Gibbons Band touring England, Scandinavia, and Europe, recording three albums.

Brendan has still got it.  He plays from time to time with a band in Hayfield, Derbyshire call Eric and the Frantics  - a band he's been playing on and off with for over 20 years. Playing some charity gigs with Steve Rawlins (ziggeratz/cutthroat studios hillgate just round the corner from strawberry ) so sad the place is lying dormant. 

Pheonixphythian
26/2/11

Gigs included

Portland Bars,   Piccadilly
The Devonshire,  Ardwick
The Grey Horse,  Romiley
Pips Disco,  Central Manchester
The Royal Hotel,  Hayfield, High Peak
Liberal Club,  Marple
Con Club  High Lane, Stockport

Brendan Day [drums, later played with Pete Maclaine
and The Clan] and Brian Marks [vocals] of "The Circuit" in pensive mood prior to recording at "Strawberry Studio" August  1982.

Photos: courtesy of Johnny Martindale

TONY, GEOFF, BRIAN AND JOHN

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

The group followed Spandau Ballet into the studio just after they'd recorded their chart topping hit "Gold" and were given a first listen ...

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