Combo Audio

Combo Audio was an American new wave group from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois best known for their song "Romanticide".

The band were a support act for Duran Duran in 1984.

Background information
Combo Audio was formed as a vehicle for songs written by John Kellogg and collaborator Rick Neuhus that evolved into a band. Several of their songs began to be played on local radio stations before their first gig. The group signed with local indy start up label Secret Records formed as a vehicle for Combo Audio music.

Produced by Dana Walden and the group, the first single "Romanticide" was produced and released. "Romanticide" received 'Top Single Pick' in Billboard as a result and received further airplay on college radio and major stations in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

Following creative differences original bassist Tom Broske was replaced by Angus Thomas. Ken Adamany who managed Cheap Trick showed interest and engaged to manage the group. The group signed with EMI America and produced an EP released in late 1983.

Several years of nearly non-stop touring in mostly the Midwest United States followed. The group played in concert clubs and university shows and other large venues. They co-billed with or shared stages with the Talking Heads, U2, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, The Tubes, JoBoxers, Berlin, Missing Persons, Stray Cats and INXS.

In 1986, Kellogg and Thomas revamped a new version of the group with drummer David Suycott and other additional players. The group performed live in 1986 and 1987 with these additional players.