Mirage, a Maltese rock group, holds a unique place in the island’s musical history. Active from 1977 to 1987 and then reuniting in 2011, the band’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep passion for music. Formed by four teenage students at St Aloysius College in Birkirkara, the group originally called themselves Brainstorm. Influenced by progressive rock bands like Yes and Rush, the original line-up consisted of Robert Longo on guitar, Jon Vella Zarb on bass, Denis Vella on keyboards, and Joe Zammit on drums.
In 1982, Mirage released their debut cassette album, For Absent Friends, recorded at Rodo Studios in Ħaż-Żabbar. The same year, they staged a grand concert at the Republic Hall of the Mediterranean Conference Centre. During this period, Mirage invested in one of Malta's most advanced P.A. sound systems, which they made available for hire to other bands. This venture eventually led Jon Vella Zarb and Denis Vella to form The Sound System Co. Ltd., offering professional sound services throughout the rest of the decade.
The band underwent lineup changes over the next two years. Twanny "Najju" Muscat, formerly of The Rifffs, replaced Joe Zammit, who left to join Fog. Additionally, Mike Spiteri joined as the lead singer. This new formation released a double A-side single featuring the songs In An Empty House and Factory Girls, recorded at Smash Studios in Fgura. These tracks marked a shift from progressive rock to the synth-pop sound prevalent in the 1980s. That same year, Mirage won the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija with Kompjuter, a song written specifically for them by composer Ray Agius and lyricist Alfred C. Sant.
By the end of 1986, Mirage saw further changes with Laurence Baldacchino on drums and Mario Ellul as lead singer. Mario Ellul, born on 8 September 1963, studied at De La Salle College in Cottonera and at the New Lyceum in l-Imsida. During his time at the New Lyceum, he joined Xandir Malta as a student worker and soon became a full-time producer-director. At Xandir Malta, Ellul produced and directed some of the most innovative Maltese programs and TV shows, including Arzella and Mill-Garaxx. In the early 1990s, Ellul left Xandir Malta and joined BPC, where he was responsible for building a new TV studio in Ħamrun for Audiovision, a subsidiary of BPC. He attended a TCV Direction Course in London during this period. Ellul was also a popular singer, actor, and stage director, known for his performances in musicals and TV series. His contributions to Malta's music and television industry were substantial until his untimely death from heart failure in 2004.
This final line-up of Mirage, including Ellul, released their second cassette album, Garage Technology, in 1987, recorded at Robert Longo's Padded Cell Studio in Gwardamangia. To promote the album, Mirage embarked on The Thin Line Tour, performing at various venues across the Maltese islands.
Despite going into hiatus in 1987, Mirage reunited for a one-off gig, with Mike Spiteri, in May 2002 during the 50th anniversary celebrations for Kinnie. The bond between the founding members remained strong, with Robert, Denis, and Jon often meeting to jam. In 2011, they decided to reunite the band with new members. They made a couple of short appearances: in 2016 at The Farsons Beer Festival and in 2017 during the annual Simon’s Pub Music Marathon. Their first headlining gig in years took place at The Garage on September 15, 2017, supported by Colourblind.
In 2019 Mirage played again at The Garage on the 29th March alongside X-Tend and later on in the year they were one of the opening acts for the Dream Theatre concert in Valletta. On June 7, 2022, the band returned to their roots at St Aloysius College for a spectacular gig celebrating 45 years of Mirage. In the lead-up to this concert, Mirage re-released For Absent Friends and Garage Technology on Bandcamp on May 14, along with two collections of previously unreleased tracks: Chapter 3, featuring songs intended for a third album, and Four On The Floor, showcasing more commercially styled songs.
The current lineup of Mirage includes Robert Longo on guitar, Denis Vella on keyboards, Jon Vella Zarb on bass and vocals, and Jon’s sons Andrew on guitar and vocals, and Michael on drums and vocals. The blend of original members with new blood ensures that Mirage’s legacy continues, blending the nostalgia of their early years with a fresh, contemporary sound.
Mirage's journey is a testament to their enduring love for music and their ability to adapt and thrive through decades of change. Their story is not just one of a band but of a musical evolution that continues to inspire and entertain.
For more information and links to their music visit the band's page on melodija.eu
all photos property of Mirage, except Mirage - The Real Comeback Show poster property of the author
bibliography: M3P and Mirage.
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