ELFIN HARP - from left to right: Wrennall, Ogrodzinski, Williams and Blackham Elfin Harp was a Brewood based progressive rock band formed in 1980 by Johnnie Wrennall (guitar) and Stefan Ogrodzinski (guitar and keyboards). After creating some dreamy and melodic instrumentals, they decided to recruit drummer Martin Blackham and vocalist Alison Williams to generate more song-based material. They performed live at Bishops Wood Village Hall over two tours although the latter performance in May 1981 became famous in Midlands prog circles for the near death of the band's lead guitarist, in quite literally, an electrifying finale. As Wrennall approached the microphone for the band's first encore, he was electrocuted with such force that he was propelled backwards in the air, landing splayed over Blackham's drum kit. Fans at first thought that this was all part of the show, marvelling at the use of pyrotechnics - a common feature of rock band performances at the time (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin), but it quickly became apparent that something had gone terribly wrong. Thankfully, Wrennall revived whilst the band's roadies ensured that the amps, PA and instruments were shut down safely. To this day, Wrennall exercises caution when approaching microphones and microphone stands. The band never recovered from the incident, and the original songs, much loved by fans at the time, have never been played in public since. Two decades later, Wrennall and Ogrodzinski did perform a special 20th Anniversary concert in an unpublicised location in Leicestershire together with two session musicians. Although the gig was a great success, the event was invitation only and not recorded. Despite the positive chemistry between the new members, the band decided, for geographical reasons, that it was impractical to continue. Of the original members, Williams married and, to this day, still performs locally in and around Staffordshire with her husband, Andrew, under the name "The Loveheart Billionaires". Blackham, also now married, emigrated to Israel, where he works as a television journalist with Israel First. Ogrodzinski went on to create a number of successful pharmaceutical and biotech businesses (BioStatus, OncoTherics, BioSuspensions) whilst Wrennall became an English teacher. Wrennall and Ogrodzinski remain close friends and still compose and record occasionally. With the recent resurgence in interest in 1980's progressive rock bands, rumours abound that Elfin Harp will reform to record a greatest hits album and maybe tour for one last gig. However, the band's founders remain silent on the matter.