Haxem Stratos

Haxem Stratos are a South African indie group first formed in 1983 in Alberton, Gauteng, by John Herrera (lead guitar and background vocals).

History
The name "Haxem Stratos" first appeared on an A4 poster drawn and put up in September 1984 in Alberton up by John Herrera. Herrera said that the name had no special meaning and was decided upon after trying out at least 5 other names and then deciding on the one that sounded most "Cool". The band was set to sign for an undisclosed record label but a deal never materialized. The only known song produced by Haxem Stratos was called "The First Time" but an official recording was never made. The failure to find any other recording deals after the initial failure led them to disband in May of 1986 after several live perfomances as a cover band in thier home province.

The band performed many songs by popular artists of the era including John Cale ("not JJ Cale!"), David Bowie, Iggy Pop & the Stooges, the Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols and the early Dr Feelgood. During live performances they noteably never performed any of thier own material.