Q are a British neo-progressive rock band founded by Mike Holmes (guitars) in 1982 following the dissolution of his original band The Lens. Although the band have never enjoyed major commercial success, IQ have built up a loyal cult following over the years and are still active as of 2009. Bassist John Jowitt and ex-keyboardist Martin Orford have also been members of Jadis. From 1982, the line-up consisted of Peter Nicholls (vocals), Mike Holmes (guitar), Martin Orford (keyboards), Paul Cook (drums), and Tim Esau (bass). Vocalist Peter Nicholls left in 1984 to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned in 1990. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. In early 2005 member Paul Cook left the band, and was replaced on drums by Andy Edwards. On July 20th 2007 Martin Orford announced he was leaving IQ and was replaced by Mark Westworth from prog-rock band Darwin's Radio.
Despite his departure, Martin continues to run the band's label GEP and is still closely involved with the band, although he announced in late 2008 that he will leave the music business entirely and hand over the reins of GEP to someone else (as yet unnamed) in early 2009.
