THE NEXT was a proto-band headed up by drummer Zak Starkey, son of RINGO STARR and latter day member of THE WHO and OASIS. Starkey's first band, THE NEXT, was formed in 1978 in collusion with the two Seaton brothers, vocalist Geoff and guitarist Graham, who lived next door to Starr's Tittenhurst Manor home, and bassist Kerry Benford. At this juncture Starkey was a mere 12 years old. THE NEXT rehearsed at Tittenhurst's Lodge and performed at The Bridge House pub in Bracknell.

THE NEXT recorded two demo sessions at Startling Studios, four tracks in late 1979 and five songs during mid 1980. With the discover of another act branded as THE NEXT, the group briefly evolved into DEAD MEAT in late 1980, adding HEARTBREAKER guitarist Roger Lewis in the process. However, a split in the ranks saw Starkey, Lewis and Benford exiting to forge a new version of THE NEXT with keyboard player Martin Jowers, this band quickly morphing into MONOPACIFIC.

The Seaton siblings persevered as DEAD MEAT into late 1982, having introduced bassist Martin Cullen and drummer Adrian Metcalfe. Starkey sat in for this band for one gig at at The Bridge House when Metcalfe opted out to join THE NASHVILLE TEENS. A further evolution in 1982 toSOLID STATE with a fresh rhythm section of Derek Dickens on bass and Darren 'Thunderstick' on drums. In 1984 Graham Seaton took his leave to join up with Guildford's PANTHER.

Back with Starkey, his act THE NEXT placed a Melody Maker advert to locate a singer in late 1980. Ian Parry from Chesterfield answered but the tragic death of JOHN LENNON postponed these auditions. THE NEXT worked with AFTER DARK singer Steve Annets for a period until Ian Parry took over the role following an audition on April 26th 1981.

THE NEXT became MONOPACIFIC. IAN PARRY subsequently journeyed on to front AIRRACE and Dutch bands HAMMERHEAD and ELEGY and release solo product.