Demon is a hard rock band, formed in Leek, Staffordshire, England in 1979, and considered one of the pioneering leaders of the influential New Wave of British Heavy Matal movement. Founded by vocalist Dave Hill and guitarist Mal Spooner, the band’s lineup continually evolved over the years with Dave Hill remaining the only constant member. Demon’s early music embraced dark, occult themes, which were apparent on their first two albums, Night of the Demon (1981) and The Unexpected Guest (1982). By 1983, the band’s sound began to incorporate other elements including progressive rock and socially conscious lyrics. They began to add a more melodic edge to their sound by the time they released The Plague (1983) and British Standard Approved (1985). Unfortunately, founding guitarist Mal Spooner died in 1985 but Dave Hill chose to continue with Demon, releasing a series of albums - including Breakout (1987), Taking the World by Storm (1989), and Blow Out (1992). Demon split up in 1992, but Dave Hill decided to revive the group in 2001 with a new lineup. Later albums include Spaced Out Monkey (2001), Better the Devil You Know (2005), Unbroken (2012), Cemetery Junction (2016), and Invincible (2024). Guitarist John Waterhouse - who played with Demon from 1985 until 1992 – died on October 12, 2025, at the age of 75.
