Twelfth Night

The Profile

Twelfth Night are an English neo‑progressive rock band formed in 1978. Starting as an instrumental trio (Andy Revell, Clive Mitten, Brian Devoil), they rose with vocalist Geoff Mann, releasing Live at the Target, Smiling at Grief and the landmark Fact and Fiction (1982). Mann left soon after; he was later ordained and died in 1993. The group continued with Andy Sears and has reunited in later years.

Formed in 1978 in England by Andy Revell (guitar), Clive Mitten (bass/keys) and Brian Devoil (drums); early releases were largely instrumental before Geoff Mann joined as vocalist. Key titles include Live at the Target (1981), Smiling at Grief (1981) and Fact and Fiction (1982). Part of the early 1980s UK neo‑prog scene alongside Marillion, IQ, Pendragon and Pallas. Mann left after Fact and Fiction and died in 1993; the band later reconvened.

Two detailed reviews celebrate Twelfth Night’s Fact and Fiction, highlighting Geoff Mann’s theatrical delivery, dark Cold War-era themes, and the band’s blend of neo-prog and new wave textures. The histories recount their 1978 formation, instrumental origins, and key releases with Mann before his departure. Tracks like We Are Sane and Creepshow are singled out as genre classics. Overall sentiment is highly favorable.