Ethos

Ethos was a progressive rock band formed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1973, emerging from members of earlier local bands like Atlantis, Senturies, and The Herd. Known as one of Indiana's best-known progressive rock outfits, Ethos blended the orchestral and complex style of early 70s British prog bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson with a distinctly American vibe. The core lineup included Wil Sharpe (guitar, vocals), Brad Stephenson (bass, vocals), Michael Ponczek (keyboards), and Mark Richards (drums), with other members contributing over time. They released two albums on Capitol Records in the mid-1970s, *Ardour* (1976) and *Open Up* (1977), showcasing a range from epic, melodic rock pieces to folk-influenced passages, and were noted for their sophisticated musicianship and atmospheric soundscapes reminiscent of early progressive rock classics.

Ethos toured nationally to promote their albums and gained a loyal following among progressive rock fans, though they remained somewhat under the mainstream radar. After the band's breakup, members went on to various other musical projects; Wil Sharpe moved into production, Brad Stephenson collaborated with former Yes guitarist Peter Banks, and Dan Owen worked with ex-Genesis members and the band Happy The Man. Ethos’s albums have been reissued on CD, maintaining their legacy as a distinctive American voice in the 70s prog rock scene.