History & Biography Around the same time that Tokyo Blade (Elixir's third gig was opening for Tokyo Blade in London) was doing its best to confuse the masses and sabotage its own career with as many name, monicker and member changes as possible, London's Elixir, under the guise of its previous monickers, stepped in and put up a worthy and fierce challenge for the befuddlement crown. Elixir just made the tail-end of the NWOBHM era and picked its latest monicker in November of 1983. The act discontinued distillation and refinement in 1990, returned in 2001, disintegrated in 2012 and, of course, came back in 2019. Legend has it that the new monicker was picked when early guitarist Stevie Bentley randomly placed his finger somewhere in a dictionary and landed near 'elixir.'
The band first announced itself through Demo 1984 and Demo 1985. Second guitarist Phil Denton had answered an advertisement and was the last member to join the existing membership of Kevin and Nigel Dobbs and guitarist Steve Bentley. Female singer Sally Pike was out and Phil Denton would join in 1984. Pike recorded an early demo with the act. Several demo songs appeared on the band's debut full-length of 1986. The Son Of Odin was self-released through Elixir Records, but over the years has been reissued regularly by the usual array of recyclers. There was not a song called Thor on the album. The album, not featuring any sons, did feature two brothers, Kevin and Nigel Dobbs. Demo 1989 contained a song called Last Rays Of The Sun and, indeed, the band issued an album called Lethal Potion before disbanding. This record was originally to be called Sovereign Remedy (which could be an elixir). The latter named album, with its original mix and different running order, was reissued (with bonus tracks) by TPL Records in 2004. Of note, was the drumming of Clive Burr (ex-Iron Maiden) on this record. Also, heard here was bassist Mark White. Burr played one concert with the band before focusing on Desperado. Phil Denton had quit the band and was replaced by Leon Lawson for several concerts in 1989. Taylor initiated the band Hair Of The Dog with former Treason guitarist Cullen Reavley.
Elixir returned in 2001 and released The Idol through its own Cold Town/CTR imprint. Much of the material stemmed from the act's first incarnation. The Dobbs brothers were back. The band played at Keep It True II in 2004. Drummer here was former member Stevie Hughes who had earlier replaced Clive Burr. Nigel could not make it. The band had been invited the year before and could not make it at all. Elixir also played at The Headbangers Open Air. Live was recorded partly at The Ruskin Arms in London. Elixir organised six editions of the British Steel Festival, appearing on the bill at each event, before disbanding. The act disbanded in 2012, having played as far away as Bulgaria and The USA, and a couple of members went on to Midnight Messiah. Farewell gigs were announced for England and Belgium. The Voyage Of The Eagle album was released on Dissonance Productions, which also worked with the likes of Tokyo Blade. Kevin Dobbs was gone and a Luke Fabian was the guest bassist. Mark Mulcaster was the band's next bassist. The band recruited second guitarist Vinny Konrad in 2025. Phil Denton had retired in 2024.
The band, Demon and Stone Angels, had a 2026 gig. The band was also booked for the Horns Up festival in Greece. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its debut full-length, The Son Of Odin, UK-based heavy metal veteran act Elixir was touring Europe throughout 2026. The act was to play The Son Of Odin in its entirety. Belgium's Heavy Sound Festival included Angel Witch, Raven, Girlschool, Tytan, Elixir and Existance in 2026. Lee Aaron was headlining. The group was also booked for the Rage Of Armageddon IX where Leatherwolf was headlining over in the USA.
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