Ariel (Australian band)

Ariel
OriginMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
GenresProgressive rock, pub rock, pop rock
Years active1973–1977
LabelsEMI, Harvest, CBS, Image, Avenue Records, RareVision
Past members(see below)
Websitehttp://www.mikeruddbillputt.com

Ariel were an Australian progressive rock band fronted by Mike Rudd and Bill Putt, who formed the band in 1973 after the breakup of their previous group Spectrum (which also performed under the alter-ego Indelible Murtceps). The original Ariel line-up was Mike Rudd (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Bill Putt (bass), Tim Gaze (guitar), John Mills (keyboards) and Nigel Macara (drums). Gaze and Macara were recruited from seminal Australian progressive rock band Tamam Shud. The band released three studio albums and two live albums between 1973 and 1977, during which there were several line-up changes, with Rudd and Putt the only permanent members. Other members of Ariel included guitarists Harvey James and Glyn Mason and keyboard player Tony Slavich.