Ophiuchus (band)

Ophiuchus
Ophiuchus in 1987. Left to Right - Pete Causer, Pat D'Arcy, Myke Vince, Jon Cousins, Xavier Tutein
Background information
Origin	Castle Combe, England
Genres	Progressive Folk, Alternative rock, Folk-rock
Years active	1986–1991. 2010.
Labels	Ophiuchvs Recordvs [4] Probe Plus[5]
Associated acts	Random Gender, The Onset, Red Jasper, Warm Jets, Wicca Man
Members	Jon Cousins Pat D'Arcy Simon Cousins Martin Sawyer Craig 'Ed' Grimshaw Simon 'Bud' Millais Pete Causer Xavier Tutein Myke Vince Glenn Wardle Mike Slater Mike Badger Dave Woodward Andy Hargreaves Steve Carvey Dave Clifford George Laidlaw Gary Price Paul 'Wil' Wilson Jack 'WestWayy' Cousins
Notable instruments
Hammered Dulcimer Northumbrian pipes

Ophiuchus are a folk/roots rock group from Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England, formed in 1986 by twin brothers - guitarist Jon and bassist Simon Cousins, with saxophonist Pat D'Arcy and photographer, graphic designer Martin Tom Sawyer.

A variety of musicians have performed with the band, including drummer Ed Grimshaw (later of the Warm Jets) and the legendary La's co-founder Mike Badger. The main line-up (1987–1989) was: Jon Cousins (lead vocals/guitar/tin whistle) and Pat D'Arcy (saxophones), with Pete Causer (melodeon/flute/bodhrán), Xavier Tutein (bass), and Myke Vince (drums)

The band released the double A-side, "Serpent And The Bearded King"/"Song For Pym" (produced by Climax Blues Band guitarist Pete Haycock) on their own label, Ophiuchvs Recordvs, and an album on Liverpool's Probe Plus label.

Ophiuchus performed their last concert at the Ashton Court Festival in 1991.

In 2010, after a break of nearly 21 years, the original line-up of the band reformed to perform a number of 'Ophiuchus Reunion' concerts - including an appearance at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury Festival.

"Coming from, what I can gather, roots in punk and mummers plays, this seven-piece are something to watch out for. The folk roots are there with accordion and dulcimer weaving an intriguing pattern for a honking sax to blare over ... this rustic rock and harmony is well worth searching for."
Simon Jones (Folk Roots)

Wiltshire based progressive folk group Ophiuchus were formed in 1986 by twin brothers Jon and Si Cousins, and Pat D'Arcy. The nucleus of the group developing from the garage/folk rock band Random Gender - originally formed in 1982 by Jon Cousins (guitar), Si Cousins (bass), together with school friends Eddie Deedigan (guitar) and Myke Vince (drums).