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Dare (band)
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Dare is an English rock band from Oldham, fronted by former Thin Lizzy keyboard player Darren Wharton. They formed in 1985 and have released eleven albums to date, ten studio and one live. Their most recent album was originally due to be released in 2019, although it was later delayed with Road to Eden announced by the band in January 2022.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Early days

[edit]

Dare was formed in 1985 by former Thin Lizzy keyboard player Darren Wharton after Phil Lynott had dissolved the band.[2] By 1987, Dare had gained a local following in Oldham and were signed with a four-year deal by A&M Records.[3]

The band's debut album, Out of the Silence, was released in 1988.[2] It was recorded in Los Angeles at singer Joni Mitchell's private studio in Beverly Hills.[3] The lineup consisted of Darren Wharton (vocals/keyboards), Vinny Burns (guitars), Martin "Shelley" Shelton (bass), James Ross (drums), and Brian Cox (keyboards).

The follow-up album Blood from Stone was released in 1991,[2] by which time Nigel Clutterbuck had replaced Shelton on bass and Greg Morgan was on drums. Showcasing a much harder edge than the band's debut, the album was produced in Los Angeles by sound engineer Keith Olsen.[3] Wharton has since commented negatively about the change in style, stating that while he is "very proud of that album,...we should have stuck to our guns musically and not try and jump on the heavy metal band wagon." He added, "Blood from Stone was written to please the rock press of the world."[4] As of 2023 Blood from Stone was being re-recorded by the band.

Although Blood from Stone peaking at No. 48 in the UK Albums Chart[5] and the band enjoying minor success elsewhere in Europe, album sales flagged and the band was dropped by A&M (which had been acquired by PolyGram).[3] By that time, Dare had released five singles which had charted in the UK Singles Chart: "Abandon" (No. 71, 1989), "Nothing Is Stronger Than Love" (No. 95, 1989) and "The Raindance" (No. 62, 1989) from Out of the Silence, and "We Don't Need a Reason" (No. 52, 1991) and "Real Love" (No. 67, 1991) from Blood from Stone.[5]

Lineup reshuffle

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A third album was not released until 1998—Calm Before the Storm, produced by Wharton.[2] By that time, Vinny Burns, Brian Cox and Nigel Clutterbuck had departed; instead the band consisted of Andrew Moore on guitars, Martin Wilding on bass, and brothers Julian Gardner on drums and Simon Gardner on keyboards. Also listed as "additional musicians” were Kevin Whitehead on drums and Richard Dews on acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Two of the members who left, Cox, went on to play with D:Ream before becoming a particle physicist and science communicator,[6] while Burns, after a brief stint touring with Asia, played with groups including Ultravox and Ten, as well as releasing a solo album The Journey in 1999. He eventually returned to Dare in 2008. Clutterbuck likewise returned to Dare in 2014.

Calm Before the Storm marked another change in style towards a mellower sound with Celtic influences. Wharton has since commented on the emergence of this sound, stating, "I think that was mainly a part of my Thin Lizzy roots. Out of the Silence was quite Celtic in some of its stuff. You know, "The Raindance" and "King of Spades". You know, I spent my early career with Thin Lizzy, so that rubbed off me a great deal, working with Phil Lynott and Scott Gorham. And those Irish roots and the Celtic roots, where I live in Wales... You know, it's a very similar type of genre of folk music."[7] A year after its release, Calm Before the Storm was reissued in the UK on Wharton's own label, Legend Records. The edition featured alternate cover art, a rearranged track list, remixed sound, and the addition of a previously unreleased bonus track, "Cold Wind Will Blow".

The band's next album, Belief, was released in 2001 and continued the style introduced on the previous album. By this time Dews was credited as a full-fledged member of the band, alongside Wharton, Moore and Gardner. The leadoff single, "White Horses", was playlisted by Sir Terry Wogan on the UK's largest national radio station, BBC Radio 2. Tours throughout Europe and Scandinavia were to follow, including a 12 date tour with Asia in the UK.

In the summer of 2004, the band released their fifth album, Beneath the Shining Water. The single "Sea of Roses" once again received considerable airplay on Radio 2. The supporting tour was captured on the band's first live album, The Power of Nature: Live in Munich, released the following year in both CD and DVD editions, the latter of which included a series of interviews with Wharton in which he chronicles the history of the band. The live release would be the final Dare album to feature Andrew Moore on guitars. In 2008 Belief and Beneath the Shining Water were released as a double CD though Warner Music/ADA in the U.S.;[3] this edition again featured a bonus track, a re-recording of the Blood from Stone song "Real Love".

Return of Vinny Burns

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In October 2009, Arc of the Dawn was released. Without Moore the band was reduced to a three-piece, with Wharton on vocals and keyboards, Dews on guitars and backing vocals, and Whitehead on drums. However, founding member Vinny Burns would return to the band for the subsequent tour. This lineup was retained for Calm Before the Storm 2; released in 2012, the album is a re-recording of the band's third album Calm Before the Storm with a slightly altered track listing.

Dare released Sacred Ground in July 2016.[3] The album is often referred to as studio album number seven, given that Calm Before the Storm 2 was re-recording; a "7" also features prominently on the cover artwork. Dews had left the band by this time, leaving Burns as their sole guitarist once more, while Nigel Clutterbuck had also returned on bass. The band was joined in live shows by Marc Roberts on keyboards. The album topped the Amazon Rock Charts in the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy, and received predominantly positive reviews, albeit usually genre-specific. A typical example might be MelodicRock.com, which[8] commented that "the album features some of Wharton's most mature song writing to date. Thought provoking and passionate, whilst still retaining a dark rock edge". It continues, "the return of the masterful Vinny Burns on guitar is certainly a stroke of brilliance. Vinny's guitar takes the songs to the next level, delivering the rock edge that fans have wanted. Yes, tempo is far more 'up' than recent work and like past Dare albums, it does take several listens to get to know the tunes. The similar pacing makes it a little harder to separate the songs initially, but as always with Dare, it is all about mood. And no one does mood better than Darren Wharton and Vinny Burns". The summation concludes, "there are no fillers here – 11 great tracks of keyboard and guitar framed music; this is a wonderful album that takes a step back from the Celtic influences of recent times and a huge step back towards straight ahead moody AOR".[8]

In an interview for metalcovent.com in August 2016, Wharton commented, "I've got a new album almost ready to go for next year, so. So it won't be 4 years 'til the next one".[7] Tour dates and venues during 2017 included the Oslo Hard Rock Café in Norway, the Rockingham Festival at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Winter Storm in Scotland, and the H.E.A.T festival in Germany. The band continued to tour into 2018 and by September of that year had played Hard Rock Heaven (UK), Row Club (Athens, Greece), and Melodic Rock Festival (Sweden). The band had also co-headlined five UK shows with FM.

On 4 May 2018, the band announced Out of the Silence II, an anniversary special edition of their debut album. Much like Calm Before the Storm 2 before it, the album is a complete re-recording of the original with the band's current lineup, and features a special extended version of their song "King of Spades" incorporating the instrumental section from Thin Lizzy's "Róisín Dubh: A Rock Legend", in tribute to Phil Lynott. The album was released on 29 June 2018, with pre-sales having started on 18 May.[9] On 9 May 2018, the band announced the launch of a new official website. On 30 November 2018, Dare announced initial European tour details for 2019, which by 6 January 2019 had expanded to 22 dates in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.[10] A new Dare album was scheduled for release in 2019,[11] but as of July 2020 this had not happened, but was pending according the Dare FaceAche page. Dare continued to tour into 2020 with their first appearance being on the King's Call Cruise (4–5 January). Other confirmed dates for 2020 were at the Cascais Rock Fest on 25 Jan (with Cutting Crew and The Stranglers), and at the Rock of Ages Festival, Germany 31 July – 2 August.[12] However, in line with official guidance/regulations, all 2020 show were halted from March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Christmas wishes post to fans on Dare's official Facebook page, on 24 December 2020 Wharton commented that the band would "hopefully see you all next year [2021] with our brand new album".[13] On 25 August 2021, on Dare's official Facebook page, a Christmas headline show at Holmfirth Picturedrome (4 December) was announced. At the same time the band gave an update on the pending new album: "In the coming weeks we'll be announcing the brand new DARE album, title and release date, plus full UK tour dates for 2022. The new album will be released on CD & Vinyl." On 8 October an initial date for 2022 was announced (Chester Live Rooms; 4 March), with additional dates to follow.[14]

Road to Eden and beyond

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The latest Dare album, Road to Eden, was finally announced by the band on 10 January 2022, with a release date by Legend Records of 1 April 2022. An initial track from the album (the lead track), "Born in the Storm", was announced at the same time.[15]

Dare circa 2016; band members remain as of 2024

The lineup for the album remained unchanged from the preceding releases, consisting of Wharton, Burns, Whitehead and Clutterbuck, with Marc Roberts once again handling keyboard duties on the supporting tour. The UK leg was announced on 10 January and consisted of 12 headlining shows, kicking off in Leeds on 6 October and concluding in Newbury on 29 October.[16] Additional dates were later added, these including an appearance at Cambridge Rock Festival.

Dates for 2023 included an appearance at the Great Rock and Blues Festival at Butlins, Skegness (13 January), Hard Rock Hell's spring break (9 March), H.E.A.T. Festival in Germany (15 April), the Rocknytt Cruise in Sweden (21-22 April), and a 12-date co-headline UK tour with FM and Tyketto.[17] 2023 dates also included the Firevolt festival (previously Firestorm but changed due to being the name of another festival) in Manchester on 13 August and a joint-headline tour of Spain with FM in October. Additionally, on 17 June Darren and Vinny Burns and Nigel Clutterbuck did an evening of the very best of Dare, unplugged, at the Barnoldswick Music and Arts Center, and on Thursday 16th and Friday 17 November repeated the show over two nights.[18] In September 2023 Wharton announced the band were engaged in re-recording the Blood from Stone album, as well as writing songs for a new Dare studio album.[19]

The band continued to tour during 2024 ending the year with a return to Barnoldswick Music and Arts Center in October for four sold out unplugged shows, and a full band Christmas show at Holmfirth Picturedrome on 8 December.[20] The band continued to tour into 2025, with the now 'traditional' Christmas show at Holmfirth Picturedrome confirmed on 10 April for the 14 December.[21]

Band members

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Current members

[edit]
  • Darren Wharton – vocals, keyboards, keytar (1985–1992, 1998–present)
  • Vinny Burns – guitar (1985–1992, 2008–present)
  • Nigel Clutterbuck – bass (1989–1992, 2014–present)
  • Marc Roberts – keyboards (live) (2006–present)
  • Greg Morgan – drums (1991-1992, 2023–present)

Past members

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  • Brian Cox – keyboards (1986–1992)
  • Richard "Richie" Dews – guitar (1991–2014)
  • Brian Drawbridge – bass (1998–2000)
  • Julian Gardner – drums (1998–2002)
  • Simon Gardner – keyboards (1998–2002)
  • Gavin Mart – drums (2002–2006)
  • Andrew "Andy" Moore – guitar (1998–2006)
  • James Ross – drums (1985–1989)
  • Martin "Shelley" Shelton – bass (1985–1989)
  • Mark Simpson – keyboards (1986)
  • Ed Stratton – drums (1985)
  • Kev Whitehead – drums (*2009-2023) (* first credit)
  • Martin Wilding – bass (1998)

Discography

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Studio albums

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Out of the Silence (1988)

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Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted (Track lengths altered on 2008 remaster).

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Abandon"Wharton, Vinny Burns4:38
2."Into the Fire" 4:53
3."Nothing Is Stronger Than Love"Wharton, Burns4:42
4."Runaway" 4:27
5."Under the Sun" 6:13
6."The Raindance" 5:24
7."King of Spades" 4:44
8."Heartbreaker"Wharton, Burns3:38
9."Return the Heart" 5:09
10."Don't Let Go"Wharton, Burns5:57

Blood from Stone (1991)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Wings of Fire" 5:00
2."We Don't Need a Reason" 3:38
3."Surrender" 3:40
4."Chains"Wharton, Burns4:04
5."Lies"Wharton, Burns4:43
6."Live to Fight Another Day"Wharton, Burns3:56
7."Cry Wolf"Wharton, Burns4:07
8."Breakout"Wharton, Burns4:09
9."Wild Heart"Wharton, Burns3:50
10."Real Love" 4:04
Japan bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Walk on the Water"5:06

Calm Before the Storm (1998)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Walk on the Water" 6:53
2."Some Day"Wharton, Richard Dews4:45
3."Calm Before the Storm" 8:16
4."Rescue Me"Wharton, Dews5:19
5."Silence of Your Head" 6:26
6."Rising Sun" 4:08
7."Ashes" 6:01
8."Crown of Thorns"Wharton, Dews5:02
9."Deliverance" 4:23
10."Still in Love with You" (Thin Lizzy cover)Phil Lynott6:18
Japan bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Run to Me"5:00
Reissue bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Cold Wind Will Blow"5:03

Belief (2001)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Silent Thunder" 5:49
2."Dreams on Fire" 4:29
3."White Horses (Lions Heart)" 4:06
4."Belief" 6:07
5."Run Wild Run Free" 4:32
6."We Were Friends" 6:42
7."Falling"Wharton, Dews4:29
8."Where Will You Run To" 3:45
9."Take Me Away" 5:03
10."Promised Land" 4:47
11."Phoenix"Wharton, Dews4:14

Beneath the Shining Water (2004)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted (Tracks 1 -10 length, original release).

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Sea of Roses" 4:37
2."Days Gone By" 4:13
3."Silent Hills" 4:00
4."Beneath the Shining Water" 4:49
5."The Battles That You've Won" 4:00
6."Allowed to Fall" 4:12
7."I'll Be the Wind" 3:59
8."Where Darkness Ends" 4:36
9."Storm Wind" 4:24
10."Last Train"Wharton, Dews4:17
Reissue bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Real Love" (re-recording)4:02

Arc of the Dawn (2009)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Dublin" 5:15
2."Shelter in the Storm" 4:34
3."Follow the River" 3:36
4."King of Spades" (re-recording) 4:26
5."I Will Return" (re-recording of "Return the Heart") 4:44
6."Emerald" (Thin Lizzy cover)Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, Brian Downey, Lynott4:38
7."When"Wharton, Dews4:34
8."The Flame" (Cheap Trick cover)Bob Mitchell, Nick Graham4:37
9."Still Waiting" 4:20
10."Kiss the Rain"Wharton, Dews4:14
11."Remember" 5:04
12."Circles" 4:11

Calm Before the Storm 2 (2012)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Walk on the Water" 6:42
2."Someday"Wharton, Dews4:13
3."Calm Before the Storm" 6:40
4."Crown of Thorns"Wharton, Dews5:00
5."Precious"Wharton, Burns4:22
6."Silence of Your Head" 5:21
7."Rescue Me"Wharton, Dews4:40
8."Ashes"Wharton, Dews5:08
9."Rising Sun" 3:49
10."Cold Wind Will Blow" 4:31
11."Deliverance" 3:39

Sacred Ground (2016)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton.

No.TitleLength
1."Home"4:44
2."I'll Hear You Pray"4:20
3."Strength"4:16
4."Every Time We Say Goodbye"4:01
5."Days of Summer"3:44
6."On My Own"3:15
7."Until"3:58
8."All Our Brass Was Gold"3:48
9."You Carried Me"4:11
10."Like the First Time"4:18
11."Along the Heather"4:01

Out of the Silence II (2018)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Abandon"Wharton, Burns4:50
2."Into the Fire" 4:43
3."Nothing Is Stronger Than Love"Wharton, Burns5:06
4."Runaway" 4:38
5."Under the Sun" 5:55
6."The Raindance" 5:03
7."King of Spades" (extended version) 6:30
8."Heartbreaker"Wharton, Burns3:40
9."Return the Heart" 4:54
10."Don't Let Go"Wharton, Burns6:23

Road to Eden (2022)

[edit]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton.

No.TitleLength
1."Born in the Storm"4:44
2."Cradle to the Grave"4:21
3."Fire Never Fades"3:51
4."Road to Eden"4:07
5."Lovers and Friends"3:43
6."Only the Good Die Young"4:37
7."I Always Will"4:24
8."Grace"3:44
9."The Devil Rides Tonight"3:49
10."Thy Kingdom Come"4:30

Live albums

[edit]

The Power of Nature: Live in Munich (2005)

[edit]

The track listing stated on the packaging is incorrect. For instance, it lists 10 tracks when in fact there are 11 on the disc. Several tracks are also incorrectly named. The track listing below reflects the actual content.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Darren Wharton.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Sea of Roses" 4:47
2."Storm Wind" 5:04
3."Where Darkness Ends" 4:43
4."Silent Hills" 4:22
5."Some Day"Wharton, Dews5:48
6."Silent Thunder" 6:19
7."Abandon"Wharton, Burns5:24
8."Into the Fire" 5:22
9."Return the Heart" 5:53
10."King of Spades" 5:41
11."White Horses" 5:19

Darren Wharton's Renegade

[edit]

In September 2023 Wharton announced the formation of a new band, Darren Wharton's Renegade. He confirmed that this new band would not impact on the activities of Dare, stating at the time that Dare were already adding live dates for 2024, were engaged in re-recording the Blood from Stone album, as well as writing songs for a new Dare studio album.[22]

The new band, named after Wharton's second album with Thin Lizzy, was created to celebrate the music of Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott and live shows will feature songs from the Renegade, Chinatown and Thunder & Lighting albums, plus all the greatest hits of Thin Lizzy. Renegade consists of Darren Wharton on lead vocals, Vinny Burns and Andy Moore on lead guitars, Nigel Clutterbuck on bass guitar, and Greg Morgan on drums.[22] Renegade commenced touring shortly after their formation with final scheduled gigs for 2024 being Planet Rockstock on 28 November, Eleven on 29 November, and Winterstorm on 30 November.[23] The band continued to tour in to 2025.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dare (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dare is a British hard rock and AOR (album-oriented rock) band formed in 1985 in , [Greater Manchester](/page/Greater Manchester), , by keyboardist and vocalist , formerly of . The band blends melodic rock with prominent keyboard elements, drawing influences from 1980s acts like Journey and , and has maintained a consistent output of albums over nearly four decades. Fronted by Wharton, who serves as lead singer, primary songwriter, and producer, Dare's lineup has evolved but typically features guitarists, bassists, and drummers supporting his vision. The band's debut album, Out of the Silence, was released in 1988 through Polydor Records, showcasing grandiose, keyboard-driven anthems that established their melodic style. Follow-up Blood from Stone (1991) achieved moderate commercial success, with the title track reaching number 48 on the UK Singles Chart, alongside other charting singles like "The Raindance" (number 62 in 1989) and "We Don't Need a Reason" (number 52 in 1991). After a hiatus in the mid-1990s, Dare returned with self-produced efforts starting from Calm Before the Storm (1998), marking Wharton's expanded role in production at his own studio. Subsequent releases include Belief (2001), Beneath the Shining Water (2004), Arc of the Dawn (2009), Sacred Ground (2016), and more recent works like Out of the Silence II (2018) and Road to Eden (2022), the latter praised for its live-performance-friendly tracks. Dare has built a dedicated following in the melodic rock community, with Sacred Ground topping Amazon's charts in the UK, Germany, , and , while also reaching number 12 in the . The band remains active as of 2025, performing live, releasing music through independent labels like Legend Records, including the compilation The Best of Dare in 2025, and emphasizing Wharton's enduring commitment to AOR traditions.

History

Formation and early years (1985–1988)

Dare was formed in 1985 in , , by keyboardist and vocalist following his departure from , where he sought to establish himself as the frontman of his own group. Wharton, motivated by his experiences in , assembled the band to pursue a melodic rock sound influenced by acts like Journey and Magnum. He quickly recruited guitarist , a session player he had met through industry connections, marking the core of the band's early creative force. The initial lineup featured Wharton on vocals and keyboards, Burns on guitar, Brian Cox on keyboards, Martin "Shelley" Shelton on bass, and James Ross on drums, though early configurations saw some fluidity as the group honed its material. The band focused on songwriting during this period, producing demos that showcased Wharton's emotive melodies and Burns' technical guitar work. By 1987, Dare had built a strong local following in the area through live performances and these recordings, attracting attention from major labels including A&M, RCA, and MCA. Ultimately, they signed a four-year deal with , providing the resources to professionalize their output. With the label's support, Dare entered Joni Mitchell's Bel Air Studio in to record their debut album, Out of the Silence, produced by Terry Manning and released in October 1988. The album captured the band's AOR sensibilities with soaring choruses and keyboard-driven arrangements, highlighted by the single "The Raindance," which peaked at number 62 on the UK Singles Chart. Initial promotion included UK tours and radio play, receiving positive reception for its polished production and accessible hooks that resonated with AOR enthusiasts.

Blood from Stone and lineup changes (1989–1992)

Following the success of their debut album Out of the Silence, Dare returned to the studio in 1990 and early 1991 to record their sophomore effort, Blood from Stone, in with producer , known for his work with acts like and Scorpions. The sessions marked a shift toward a harder-edged melodic rock sound, influenced by label pressures at to align with the era's demand for more aggressive styles akin to or . Released in September 1991 via , the album peaked at number 48 on the but achieved only modest commercial performance overall, falling short of the debut's momentum. Standout tracks like the anthemic title track "Blood from Stone" and the radio-friendly "We Don't Need a Reason" highlighted Vinny Burns' dynamic guitar work and Darren Wharton's soaring vocals, blending hard rock riffs with accessible melodies. To promote the release, Dare embarked on a tour spanning the UK and parts of Europe, performing material from both albums to enthusiastic but limited audiences amid a shifting rock landscape. The band's lineup during this period included Wharton on vocals and keyboards, Burns on guitar, Brian Cox on keyboards, Nigel Clutterbuck on bass, and Greg Morgan on drums. However, internal tensions began to surface, exacerbated by A&M's creative directives and the broader post-1991 decline in popularity for melodic as and alternative scenes gained traction. Keyboardist Brian Cox departed in 1992 to pursue studies in physics at the , citing a longstanding interest in science over music. Guitarist followed soon after, leaving due to irreconcilable creative differences with the band's direction under label influence. These exits, combined with disappointing sales, led A&M to drop Dare from their roster in late 1992. Faced with mounting challenges and no immediate path forward, Wharton announced the band's hiatus later that year, effectively putting Dare on indefinite hold after just two albums and a brief but turbulent rise in the late 1980s hard rock scene.

Hiatus (1993–1997)

Following the release of their second album Blood from Stone in 1991, Dare entered an official hiatus as the record failed to achieve commercial success, largely due to label pressures to adopt a harder-edged sound that clashed with the band's melodic style, compounded by the broader industry shift toward grunge. Produced by Keith Olsen and released on A&M Records, the album yielded minor European hits like "We Don't Need a Reason" and "Real Love," but overall sales were disappointing, leading to the band's dismissal after A&M's acquisition by PolyGram. Frontman Darren Wharton later reflected on the mismatch, stating, "I wasn’t the kind of singer for that music… it wasn’t where our hearts lay," highlighting the creative tensions that contributed to the break. During the hiatus from 1993 to 1997, there was no official band activity, with members turning to individual pursuits amid the dormant melodic rock scene. Wharton relocated to North Wales, experimented with a solo career by signing a short-lived deal with Phonogram, and collaborated on a Thin Lizzy tribute project after reconnecting with guitarist Richard Dews. Guitarist Vinny Burns, who had already departed in 1992 following internal disputes, joined progressive rock outfit Asia for their 1992–1993 tour and recordings before becoming a key member of the newly formed hard rock band Ten from 1995 to 2001, contributing to their debut album and subsequent releases. By the mid-1990s, a growing resurgence of interest in melodic rock and AOR among dedicated fans began to create opportunities for veteran acts, prompting Wharton to reflect on past challenges like lineup instability and label interference, ultimately leading to informal discussions about a reunion in 1997. This fan-driven revival, fueled by independent labels catering to the genre, aligned with Wharton's desire to return to Dare's original melodic roots, culminating in the band's and the recording of their third album, Calm Before the Storm, which was released in 1998 on MTM Music after demos caught the label's attention. Wharton noted of the comeback process, "The album sounded horrible [in early mixes], but the songs were great," underscoring the determination to recapture the band's early promise.

Reformation and new beginnings (1998–2004)

After a five-year hiatus, Dare reformed in 1998 under the leadership of founder and frontman , who assembled a new lineup to revitalize the band. This included guitarists Richie Dews and Andrew Moore, bassist Martin Wilding, and drummers Kevin Whitehead and Julien Gardner. The reformation culminated in the release of their third studio album, Calm Before the Storm, on the independent German label MTM Music. Self-produced by Wharton in his newly established home studio—a move funded by a modest advance that afforded greater creative autonomy—the album returned to the band's melodic rock foundations while incorporating atmospheric, Celtic-tinged elements that reflected Wharton's personal influences. Calm Before the Storm garnered positive critical acclaim within AOR and melodic rock circles for its mature songwriting, emotive delivery, and soaring melodies, with reviewers noting its role in reestablishing Dare's presence in the . The album's low-budget production, while initially a constraint, allowed for a more intimate and controlled sound compared to the major-label era. Building on this momentum, Dare shifted fully to independent releases, enabling Wharton to helm production without external pressures. In 2001, the band issued their fourth album, , again self-produced by Wharton and featuring a similar lineup with contributions from Dews on . Continuing the atmospheric direction, emphasized lyrical depth and Celtic flourishes, earning praise for tracks like "Dreams on Fire" and "Run Wild Run Free" that showcased the band's evolving maturity. Critics highlighted its seamless blend of heartfelt ballads and anthemic rock, solidifying Dare's appeal to dedicated fans. The period concluded with the 2004 release of Beneath the Shining Water, Wharton's third consecutive self-produced effort, backed by a core group including Moore on guitar and bass, Dews on , and Gavin Mart on . The album was lauded for its refined songcraft, emotive vocals, and lush arrangements, with standout tracks such as "Sea of Roses" receiving airplay on rock radio and further acclaim as one of Dare's most beautiful works. Throughout 1999–2004, the band undertook European tours, performing at festivals and venues that helped nurture a loyal in AOR communities, where their consistent output and Wharton's steadfast vision resonated deeply.

Mid-career developments (2005–2018)

Following the stability gained from their reformation, Dare maintained a steady output of recordings and live performances throughout the mid-2000s to late , solidifying their position in the melodic rock scene. In 2005, the band released The Power of Nature: Live in , a live album and DVD capturing their performance at the 2004 Deep Impact Festival in , showcasing the energy of their touring lineup with tracks from earlier albums like Beneath the Shining Water. This release highlighted the band's commitment to live work, drawing enthusiastic crowds despite challenging weather conditions during the show. Dare's studio activity resumed in earnest with Arc of the Dawn in 2009, an original album produced entirely by frontman Darren Wharton, featuring melodic AOR tracks like "Dublin" and "The Flame" that blended the band's classic sound with contemporary production polish. Three years later, in 2012, they followed with Calm Before the Storm 2, a re-recorded version of their 1998 album, again under Wharton's production guidance, which allowed the band to revisit and refine early influences while updating the arrangements for modern audiences. This era saw Wharton's production role expand significantly, as he handled keys, vocals, and oversight for all releases, enabling tighter, more layered soundscapes. The band closed the period with Sacred Ground in 2016, Wharton's production emphasizing atmospheric rock ballads and majestic anthems, and Out of the Silence II in 2018, a complete re-recording of their 1988 debut issued via Legend Records to mark its 30th anniversary. These works reflected thematic shifts toward more introspective lyrics exploring personal reflection, loss, and resilience, as evident in tracks like "I'll Hear You Pray" and "Until" on Sacred Ground. Complementing their creative experiments, Dare sustained international tours, including planned dates in around 2011 and appearances at UK festivals like Hard Rock Hell, which helped cultivate a growing online fanbase through dedicated communities and digital streaming.

Recent years (2019–present)

In early 2022, Dare released their tenth studio album, Road to Eden, on 1 April through Legend Records. The record includes the title track "Road to Eden" and other original compositions produced by frontman . That same year, the band announced intentions to re-record their 1991 sophomore album Blood from Stone. A of the album was released in 2022 as a CD. In September 2023, Wharton announced that the band was re-recording Blood from Stone, but as of November 2025, this version has not been released. In 2023, Wharton formed Darren Wharton's Renegade as a side project alongside Dare, delivering live performances of new material and Thin Lizzy-inspired songs, including a string of UK tour dates in 2024 such as appearances at The Met in Bury. The band also initiated writing sessions for an upcoming Dare studio album, though no release timeline has been set as of late 2025. On 27 June 2025, Dare issued The Best of Dare, a double-CD compilation curated by Wharton and the group, spanning 40 years of highlights from albums like Out of the Silence and Road to Eden. Throughout 2025, the band remained active with events including the sold-out "Dare Matinee" acoustic performance at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, alongside planned European tour dates such as multiple shows in and appearances at festivals like Time to Rock.

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Dare, as of 2025, consists of founder on vocals and keyboards, who has led the band since its inception in 1985 and serves as the primary songwriter. , previously known for his tenure with , provides the creative core and rhythmic foundation through his multifaceted role. Vinny Burns handles guitar duties, having returned to the band in 2008 after contributing as a key collaborator during its early years; his melodic solos and songwriting input remain integral to Dare's sound. Nigel Clutterbuck joined on bass in 1989, delivering the steady that anchors the band's arrangements and supports live performances following his return in 2014. Marc Roberts provides live keyboard support, having been added to the roster in the to enhance the band's onstage keyboard layers and harmonic depth during tours. Greg Morgan manages drums and percussion (1991–1992, 2023–present), bringing long-standing stability to the rhythm section following his return in 2023 for recent engagements including 2025 performances.

Former members

Dare's former members primarily consist of key contributors from the band's formative years, with several departures occurring amid creative shifts and personal pursuits that influenced the group's early trajectory. Founding keyboardist Brian Cox joined in 1985 and remained until 1992, providing keyboards for the debut album Out of the Silence (1988) and the follow-up Blood from Stone (1991). He left to pursue higher education in physics, eventually becoming a prominent professor and science communicator. Original guitarist Vinny Burns served from 1985 to 1992, contributing guitar work to the first two albums before departing following a dispute during a European tour. He rejoined the band in 2008, marking his initial tenure as a former period. Bassist Martin "Shelley" Shelton was a founding member from 1985 to around 1990, playing on Out of the Silence and exiting amid early lineup adjustments driven by creative differences. Drummer James Ross participated in the late 1980s, including live performances and the debut album, before being replaced during the period of instability that led to the band's hiatus. Brief session contributors and short-term replacements, such as drummer Greg Morgan on Blood from Stone and various touring musicians in the 1990s, filled gaps during this reshuffle but did not achieve long-term status. Guitarist Richard Dews contributed from 1991 to 2014, playing on multiple mid-career albums. Drummer Kevin Whitehead served from 2006 to 2023, supporting tours and recordings until the recent rhythm section change. These early exits contributed to a temporary disbandment from 1993 to 1997, highlighting the challenges of maintaining cohesion in the band's initial phase.

Musical style

Genre classification

Dare is primarily classified as a melodic and (AOR) band, characterized by its polished production and emphasis on catchy, radio-friendly melodies. The band's sound incorporates prominent layered keyboards, driven by frontman Wharton's background as Thin Lizzy's keyboardist, alongside soaring, emotive vocals that deliver anthemic choruses. Guitar harmonies, often featuring aggressive solos from , add a dynamic edge, creating a symphonic and progressive undertone that distinguishes their work within the AOR spectrum. Throughout their career, Dare's style has drawn comparisons to 1980s AOR contemporaries such as FM and Foreigner, sharing a British melodic sensibility with accessible, harmony-rich structures but avoiding the heavier metal or shifts that defined some peers. Their debut album Out of the Silence (1988) exemplifies this early radio-friendly pop-rock approach, blending upbeat tracks with keyboard-driven accessibility. Over time, Dare evolved toward more atmospheric and mature compositions, particularly from the late 1990s onward, incorporating Celtic-infused elements and influences akin to or Genesis, while maintaining an accessible rock core free from extreme genres like heavy metal. This progression is evident in later works like Calm Before the Storm (1998), which introduced softer, folk-tinged melodies alongside their signature anthemic style.

Key influences

Dare's music is profoundly shaped by frontman Darren Wharton's formative years as a keyboardist in from 1978 to 1983, where he contributed to the band's signature dual guitar harmonies and Celtic-infused melodies, elements that carried over into Dare's early work and lent a distinctive melodic rock edge. This tenure not only honed Wharton's songwriting but also instilled a blend of drive with atmospheric keyboards, evident in Dare's debut album's optimistic and layered sound. Additional rock influences include the polished AOR production styles of Journey and Toto, which informed Dare's emphasis on soaring hooks and radio-friendly arrangements during their initial releases, while progressive acts like Yes and Genesis inspired the intricate keyboard elements and expansive compositions in Wharton's arrangements. Wharton's classical training further enriched this palette, introducing orchestral textures and symphonic depth to the band's sound, particularly in keyboard-driven passages that evoke a grandeur reminiscent of 1980s stadium rock acts like — a connection reinforced by producer Mike Shipley's involvement, known for his work on Def Leppard's anthemic albums. Following the band's hiatus in the mid-1990s, Dare's drew from Wharton's personal experiences, including to and reflections on past band dissolutions, shifting focus toward emotional introspection and authenticity over commercial pressures, resulting in albums like Calm Before the Storm that prioritize heartfelt narratives. Critics and fans alike praise this evolution for distinguishing Dare within the melodic rock revival, where their fusion of Celtic roots, AOR sheen, and progressive subtlety sets them apart from more formulaic contemporaries, fostering a loyal niche following that values their unwavering commitment to melodic integrity.

Discography

Original studio albums

Dare's original studio albums span from their debut in the late 1980s to their most recent release, showcasing the band's evolution within the melodic rock genre. The following catalogs these primary full-length releases, including key details on release, label, chart performance, track count, and production.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelUK Peak Chart PositionNumber of TracksProducer(s)
Out of the Silence1988A&M-10Mike Shipley, Larry Klein
Blood from Stone1991A&M#4810Keith Olsen
Calm Before the Storm1998MTM Music-10Darren Wharton
Belief2001Self-released (Legend Records)-11Darren Wharton
Beneath the Shining Water2004MTM Music-10Darren Wharton
Arc of the Dawn2009Legend-11Darren Wharton
Sacred Ground2016Legend-11Darren Wharton
Road to Eden2022Legend#4 (Rock Albums)10Darren Wharton

Re-recorded albums

In the mid-2010s, Dare began re-recording select albums from their catalog to modernize their sound while preserving the essence of the originals, aiming to introduce classic material to newer audiences through updated production techniques and additional content. These efforts reflect a broader mid-career trend toward revitalizing early works, often incorporating enhanced guitar tones, refined arrangements, and bonus tracks not available in prior editions. The band's first such project was Calm Before the Storm 2, released in 2012 on Legend Records as a re-recording of their 1998 album Calm Before the Storm. Produced by frontman , it features beefed-up guitars and overall production to align with contemporary AOR standards, breathing new life into the melodic rock tracks. Special editions include previously unreleased bonus tracks, enhancing its appeal for longtime fans. The album was issued on CD and maintains the original's atmospheric and ballad-heavy style with improved clarity. Following this, Out of the Silence II arrived on 29 June 2018 via Legend Records, marking a full of Dare's 1988 debut Out of the Silence in honor of its 30th anniversary. Wharton described the process as giving the songs "a new life," resulting in a rockier, harder-edged sound compared to the original's softer AOR leanings, with updated arrangements that emphasize the band's evolving influences. Released as a CD, it honors the foundational album's legacy while adapting it for modern playback and live performance contexts. In 2023, Dare announced plans to re-record their 1991 sophomore album Blood from Stone, with production underway on Legend Records and a release pending as of November 2025. This project continues the band's strategy of refreshing high-impact early material, potentially addressing past licensing challenges that limited the original's availability, though specific production details remain forthcoming.

Live recordings

Dare's only official live to date is The Power of Nature: Live in Munich, released in 2005 by MTM Music as both a CD and DVD. Recorded on July 24, 2004, during the band's European tour supporting their 2004 studio Beneath the Shining Water, the performance took place at the Deep Impact Open Air Festival in , . The setlist comprises 10 tracks drawn primarily from the band's early , including live renditions of "Sea of Roses," "Storm Wind," "Where Darkness Ends," and "Silent Thunder." This release captures the band's post-reformation vitality from the late , emphasizing dynamic audience engagement and extended guitar and keyboard solos that extend beyond studio versions. As of 2025, no additional official live s have been issued, though fan-recorded bootlegs—such as the 1989 concert at in —remain popular among AOR enthusiasts and circulate via online forums and video platforms.

Compilations

Dare's discography includes a focused retrospective compilation that encapsulates their melodic rock legacy. The primary release in this category is The Best of Dare - 40 Years of Music, a double-CD collection issued by Legend Records on June 27, 2025. Curated by frontman and the band, this 34-track set spans selections from their original studio albums released between 1988's Out of the Silence and 2022's Road to Eden, highlighting fan favorites and career-spanning highlights without new recordings. The compilation, catalogued as LGD2025, celebrates the band's 40 years of activity and provides an accessible entry point for new listeners into their catalog of powerful vocals and soaring melodies. The track listing is as follows: CD 1:
  2. Born in the Storm
  4. Sea of Roses
  5. I'll Hear You Pray
  7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
  9. Until
  10. Remember
  11. Emerald
  12. Road to Eden
  13. Lovers and Friends
  14. The Battles That You've Won
  15. Beneath the Shining Water
  16. Strength
  17. Where Darkness Ends
  18. Circles
CD 2:
  1. Walk on the Water
  2. Abandon
  3. Into the Fire
  4. Wings of Fire
  5. We Don't Need a Reason
  6. Silent Thunder
  8. Days of Summer
  9. I Will Return
  10. King of Spades
  11. Chains
  13. We Were Friends
  14. Heartbreaker
  15. Under the Sun
  16. The Raindance
Prior to this release, Dare had not issued any major official compilations, though digital singles collections appeared sporadically in the via streaming platforms.

References

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