There are at least 5 artists under this name. An NWOBHM / Heavy Metal band from Oxford, UK, a female gospel group, a Hip-Hop MC/producer, a hardcore band, and a Southampton-based rock band.
Virtue started way back in 1981 when brothers Matt (guitar, vocals) and Tudor (vocals) Sheldon began sharing musical ideas after school, influenced by established artists such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but it wasn't until 1984 when they got things off the ground with a demo called "Virtue - Defenders". Although it wasn't widely circulated the brothers recruited new band members Boz Beast (guitar), Darren Prothero (Bass) and Simon Walters (Drums) and began working thier way around the local clubs; Although still too young the boys appeared at the door with their gear and demanded to play, and it worked! Eventually in 1985 they recorded the phenomenal "We Stand to Fight" 7" Single, a powerful, epic, proto-Power Metal affair with brilliant musicmanship all around, unique vocals and brilliant guitar work (including some great duels) made this a cut above the rest of the NWOBHM crowd, especially considering they were so young. The single was so impressive it even had the mighty EMI label sniffing around, but unfortunately nothing went passed the planning stages.
Towards the end of 1986 they recorded the "Fool's Gold EP" which sadly never saw the light of day, however the demos have been tracked down and released, the material on the demo is moving into more thrashier territory with extremely complex guitar work and drumwork. The highlight of the demo is undoubtably "Seek and Destroy" (not a Metallica cover) which contains one of the best guitar showdowns I've ever heard, up there with Megadeth's Hangar 18, itis quite hard to believe this was just a 3 track demo! It's a real shame the band fell through after such strong work, as they were up there with Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, Blitzkrieg and other heavy, powerful acts that made it big. It's a classic tale of what happened to many, many excellent bands of the NWOBHM era.
Luckily Matt Sheldon purveyed with the music scene and formed The Shock with fellow guitarist Boz Beast (aka Boz Bozlee) and ex-Virtue bassist Bob Duffy; After that didn't work out Tudor and Matt now run an IT company, but with any luck the lads will get round to a fully fledged Virtue reunion...
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Virtue, a sophisticated trio recognized as women of high standard and impeccable grace are known within the music industry for their beauty and cutting edge style. Looks are not deceiving when it comes to these three. If their beauty draws you to them, the depth of their message will satisfy your soul. Hailing from New Orleans, LA, the group promotes a message of faith, hope, and positive self image through their music and personal lifestyles. We need to let women know that its time to stand up for what is right. We have to dress, talk, and act like women who are mothers, sisters, wives and even girlfriends. Speaking of girlfriends, the members of Virtue are not only biological sisters, but also friends. They affectionately refer to themselves and their close knit girlfriend circle as H.A.G.G.S. Don't be alarmed, though, it's not because they don't think highly of themselves or their friends. It's actually quite opposite. HAGGS is a term of endearment reserved solely for the Honorable Ambitious Gifted Gorgeous Sista who upholds the belief that it is time to stop being mundane and do something great. In addition to their gospel music projects, Virtue is also establishing the Virtuegirl network that seeks to mentor other young women toward positive personal enrichment. Often compared to the soulful styling of En Vogue and Destinys Child, the group comprised of sisters, Ebony Trotter Holland, Karima Trotter Kibble, and Heather Trotter Martin, continue to remind us that they are dedicated to leadership by example. The Dove and Stellar Award nominees have 5 successful projects to their credit with the 6th album, Testimony, scheduled for release on June 20th.
Virtue/Mr. Tyson/DJ ear.2.ear (n. Steve Tyson), began experimenting with producing, mixing, and spinning since youth, but didn?t actively pursue it until he attended Franklin & Marshall College. Alongside his partner in rhyme TRE dMC (n. David Dennis), they have won a variety of open mics and hip-hop competitions, as well as opened for musical icons Dana Leong, The Spooks, Talib Kweli, and more. In 2006, Mr. Tyson established the independent music imprint JusListen Entertainment. His debut LP ?The Virtuous Lyricist? was released on November 11, 2008. The collaborative mixtape from Mr. Tyson & TRE dMC ?JusListen Ent. presents? The Awakening? was released June 9, 2009. Mr. Tyson?s second mixtape ?Let The Story Begin? will be released the summer of 2010.
Virtue (JusListen Entertainment.)
www.reverbnation.com/JusListenEntertainment
Virtue is also a hardcore band from Van Nuys, California.
www.myspace.com/virtue123
Virtue is also a Hip-Hop artist from Calgary, AB
Virtue is also a Southampton, UK based rock band.