Roger Chapman returned with Zipper, followed by a substantial spring European tour, and sang on two tracks from Box of Frogs' Strange Land. Elsewhere, Rob Townsend rejoined the re-formed Blues Band, Poli Palmer worked on Kevin Ayers' As Close As You Think, and Jim Cregan remained prominent in Rod Stewart's band on Every Beat of My Heart.
Kevin Ayers released As Close As You Think in the UK in June 1986. Poli Palmer engineered the album, programmed the Fairlight and played synthesizer, extending his mid-1980s studio work beyond the Shortlist and his own Human Error project.
Rod Stewart released Every Beat of My Heart with Jim Cregan on guitar and backing vocals. Cregan also co-wrote “Red Hot in Black,” continuing his central role in Stewart’s band during the mid-1980s. Music Week announced the Warner Bros. album for 23 June.
The Blues Band regrouped after their brief 1983 split, with former Family drummer Rob Townsend returning alongside Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness, Dave Kelly and Gary Fletcher. The reunion began the group's long second phase.
