Azizi

(c’83-’85) – Chris West (guitar / vocals) and Roy ‘Jonn Ross’ Villanis (guitar / bass / vocals)

West, from Old Woking, had played with Rick Wakeman and Patti Boulaye; while Villanis, who uses the stage name Jonn Ross, from East Horsley used to be with Cliff Richard as his piano and guitar tech, and worked with Kate Bush, Dickie Betts and Status Quo.

The duo headlined the Miss Woking Caberet in ’85, supported by China Heart and What The Curtains. Their sets included covers of “Every Breath You Take”, “Beat It”, “So Lonely” and “Sultans of Swing”. At one point, Azizi were gigging eight times a week – seven nights and Sunday lunchtimes, including appearances at The White Hart, Frimley.

Around the time Azizi wrapped up Villanis began working freelance for production companies on music video production and feature films including ‘A Handful of Dust” and ‘The Princess Bride’; after which he spent 20 years at Channel 4. He appeared on Jive Nation’s 1996 album “Under African Skies” which was recorded at Black Barn Studios, Ripley and released an album in 2017 titled “Sunfish”. West produced Lifespan‘s “Cities of Gold” demo, recorded at Too Much Music.

Azizi reformed in 2013 for a gig or two.

Video: