Argent (band)

Guitarist and vocalist Russ Ballard also developed strong melodies and hit singles, writing a string of FM staples.

[3][5] Their next album, In Deep, contained two more hits in "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" and "It's Only Money".

1974's Nexus was dominated by Rod Argent's writing, with Ballard only contributing 3 of the album's 9 songs.

Uninspired by this change and seeking a vehicle for his prodigious songwriting, Ballard left after the album's release to pursue a successful career as a solo artist.

The original Argent lineup reunited at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London on 25 July 2010, and undertook a short five-date concert tour in December 2010, with gigs in Frome, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Leamington Spa, and London.

[citation needed] Argent also reunited for a five-show tour from January to February 2012, before performing one last show at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury as part of a benefit concert, on 2 June 2013, supporting the Zombies, on a bill that also included Marillion members Steve Hogarth and Steve Rothery.

Argent recorded the original version of "God Gave Rock and Roll to You", written by Russ Ballard, which was covered by Kiss in 1991 under the name "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II", and featured prominently at the end of the film Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.

[12][13] The American band Phish play an instrumental version of "Hold Your Head Up", usually as a transition into a "joke song" by drummer Jon Fishman.

[citation needed] The band Jellyfish opened most of their shows with an abbreviated version of "Hold Your Head Up".