Audience

The Profile

Audience are an English art rock band formed in London in 1969 by Howard Werth, Keith Gemmell, Trevor Williams, and Tony Connor. Known for acoustic-led arrangements and prominent woodwinds, they released four studio albums between 1969 and 1972 on Polydor and Charisma, including the acclaimed The House on the Hill (produced by Gus Dudgeon, cover by Hipgnosis). The band reunited in the 2000s and was active again from 2004 to 2013.

Formed in London (1969) by Howard Werth, Keith Gemmell, Trevor Williams, and Tony Connor; early releases on Polydor, then Charisma Records; The House on the Hill produced by Gus Dudgeon with cover art by Hipgnosis; opened for Led Zeppelin; original run 1969–1972, reunion activity 2004–2013.

Two DeBaser reviews focus on Audience’s pivotal 1970–71 run, contrasting the freewheeling Friend's Friend's Friend with the polished, art-rock stature of The House on the Hill. Writers highlight Howard Werth’s forceful vocals, acoustic-led bite, and Keith Gemmell’s winds. References include Led Zeppelin support slots, Charisma Records, Gus Dudgeon’s production, and Hipgnosis artwork. Tracks cited range from Eye to Eye and Jackdaw to Raviolè and a cover of I Put a Spell on You.