An AOR edged Progressive Rock outfit that enjoyed a reasonable amount of success in the late 80s and developed a strong cult following. IT BITES arose during 1982 from a collection of school friends wanting to put a band together and the liaison eventually led to a deal with Virgin Records. Originally the band, performing on the Lake District working men's club circuit, included saxophonist Howard Smith. Cumbrian born band leader FRANCIS DUNNERY, previous to IT BITES having been a member of WAVING AT TRAINS, attracted attention with his handmade instrument the Tapboard, an assemblage comprising an egg timer and a shower hose amongst other items. This unique piece of kit was employed to full effect on IT BITES 1988 album 'Once Around The World'.

Having released a multitude of singles and four albums between 1986 and 1991, not to mention having undertaken a good deal of touring, the group split after the departure of Dunnery for a solo career. The frontman was very, very briefly a member of YES, he was credited with backing vocals on the 1989 ANDERSON, BRUFORD, WAKEMAN, HOWE album, before releasing his first solo album, 1991's 'Welcome To The Wild Country'.

Dunnery went on to spend time in ex-LED ZEPPELIN singer ROBERT PLANT's solo band and played a part in the recording of the vocalist's 1993 album 'Fate Of Nations'. IT BITES did attempt to continue without him - keyboard player John Beck taking over vocals - under the new name of NAVAJO KISS and then SISTER SARAH, but with little success.

Dunnery has since issued a rather Poppy solo album on Atlantic in America before going the independent route with subsequent output.

IT BITES bassist Dick Nolan appeared on GENESIS keyboard player Tony Banks' BANK STATEMENT album in 1989. Beck subsequently toured with the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT and formed part of JOHN WETTON's touring band.

In 2004 John Beck assembled KINO comprising fellow ProgRock heavyweights ARENA vocalist / guitarist John Mitchell, drummer Chris Maitland of PORCUPINE TREE repute and bassist Pete Trewavas of MARILLION. The 'Picture' album emerged from KINO in February 2005 through Inside Out Music. Bob Dalton would be announced as joining the reformed KARNATAKA in mid 2005. The drummer also filled in for an absent Chris Maitland on KINO live dates in December.

IT BITES, now fronted by John Mitchell, reformed in July 2006.