Atomic Forest was a popular Indian psychedelic and hard rock band from Mumbai, active in the early-1970s, formed by Neel Chattopadhyaya, with Keith Kanga, Valentine Lobo and Madhukar C. Dhas. The band's lineup changed over the years, as members left and others took their place. It was thought that they had recorded a single album, Obsession '77 However, since 2011, two LPs have been reissued by Now-Again Records, Obsession,[1] and Disco Roar (a rediscovered first-album).
Background
Atomic Forest only recorded one album, which was not released until after the band had dissolved, in 1981.[2]Obsession 77 was re-released in January 2011 by Now-Again Records, a Los Angeles-based label. It caught the attention of collectors[3] as it was the only psychedelic rock album that was ever produced in India.[4]
The group also featured in Abhimanyu Kukreja's rockumentary, Evolution of Indian Rock.[5] The band is also famously known for performing with English rock band Led Zeppelin.[6]
Members
Original Atomic Forest Line-up
Neel Chattopadhyaya: Original lead guitarist and founder of the group
Madhukar C. Dhas: Original frontman and vocalist
Keith Kanga: Original bass player
Valentine Lobo: Original drummer
First Phase of Subsequent Members
Glen Gilbanks: Vocals
Keith Kanga: Bass guitar
Jerry DeMoss: Drums
Abraham Mammen: Lead guitar
Second Phase of Subsequent Members (around 1976)
Dheena Chandra Dhas: Vocals
Abraham Mammen: Lead guitar
Jerry DeMoss: Drums
Keith Kanga: Bass guitar
Third Phase of Subsequent Members (until around 1979-80)
Dheena Chandra Dhas: Vocals
Jimi: Lead guitar
Ritchie: Bass guitar
Cedric: Drums
This lineup later changed names around 1980, to become the band "Hope", and they were the backing band for the rock opera "Tommy" in which Dheena also acted.
Other Members
Bosco Monsorate: Guitar
Rajneesh Duggal: Role unknown.
Dhanraj Skau: Role unknown.
Zubin Balaporia: Role unknown.
Bunty Duggal: Role unknown.
Nandu Bhende: Sang for the band for a short period.
Notes
Keith Kanga: Stopped playing after finger paralysis, continued exclusively as the band's manager.