REACTOR
1982 – 1983
In 1982 "Reactor" was born, pioneering high-energy electronic synthesizer setups and groundbreaking automated computer stage lighting.
The New Line-up for 1982
Kevin Birch
Lead Vocals, Synthesizers, & Guitar
Developer of the original on-stage computer software & automated stage light controller.
Paul Gains
Synthesizers, Guitar, Saxophone, & Backing Vocals
Kevin Dyke
Bass Guitar, Bass Synthesizer, & Backing Vocals
Cutting-Edge On-Stage Technology
As well as the latest in electronic instruments, the group also invested heavily in the latest automated computer lighting, which involved running a heavyweight computer on-stage to control both the drums and percussion and all the lighting information.
The software and interfacing of the computer system was developed by Kevin Birch. 9 years later (1990), a commercial production version would be manufactured by him — MMS Midilight.
Reactor's 'Nuclear Fallout' Photo (1981)
The End of Reactor & Solo Transition
The band had a very successful period using technology so ahead of its time, but it was all too brief.
Their management never really understood the new grounds that they were breaking, and indeed, after a few months of relatively lean work, the financial burdens were beginning to show.
A last ditch attempt was made to rescue the band by changing managers to "Sphinx Management" in Rotherham, but it was too late and the band folded in April 1983.
Kevin would carry on as a solo performer, calling himself "Kevin Keys", and his story continues...