Doris Brendel

Doris Brendel, a singer of rare talent and pedigree, released her latest band album, Pigs Might Fly, in September 2023 on Sky-rocket Records recorded in conjunction with producer and multi-instrumentalist Lee Dunham. The daughter of famed classical pianist Alfred Brendel, her distinctive vocals were the driving force behind 1990s alt-rockers The Violet Hour, who were signed to Sony when they released their now revered, classic album ‘The Fire Sermon’ in 1991.

Various projects followed in the consequent years. A collection of recordings with ‘Violet Hour’ producer Pete Brown; an acoustic project featuring a collection of female singers including Sam Brown; A rock project called ‘Holy Cow’ funded by Polygram; a song writing project with producer Dave Beeson; even some dance records signed by Virgin and London Records respectively. Alongside these projects came a number of sessions and show band engagements.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Brendel made time for a dedicated album project, with the result of the exceptional ‘the Last Adventure’. This coincided with the re-release of the ‘Fire Sermon’ along with her back catalogue. This was closely followed by the highly acclaimed ‘Not Utopia’ released in 2012, and the first project with guitarist and producer Lee Dunham, followed by ‘Upside Down World’ in 2015, 'Eclectica' in 2017 and 'Mass Hysteria' in 2020.

2024 has seen the 5th instalment of a series of solo 'acoustic' albums - a mixture of serious songs and satire - recorded between band albums. Her work with producer Lee Dunham reflects her multi-faceted personality with an eclectic collection of songs popularly described as 'Progressive Pop'. 'Pigs Might Fly' received rave reviews across the board. Think Janis Joplin or Skunk Anansie getting down with the Beatles and Muse.

Brendel has worked with some notable people over the years, including Alvin Lee, Gary Moore, Sam Brown, Joe Brown, Herbie Flowers, and has toured extensively with Marillion as well as Nils Lofgren, John Farnham and Steve Marriott. She was also offered to sing with Pink Floyd on the Great Gig in the Sky tour, which she had to turn down due to already contracted tour commitments. Over the last few years she has completed several European tours - both with Wishbone Ash and also with Marillion’s Fish, as well as singing backing vocals for him live and on Fish’s acclaimed double-album ‘Weltschmerz’ .

Brendel and Dunham are currently recording a Blues album and Brendel is planning to continue writing acoustic albums.



Doris Brendel is one of the most accomplished and exciting live singers on the scene. Apart from first-class musicianship, she puts on incredibly visual shows, with outlandish steam-punk costumes and even laser gloves….