Biography — Still Square | French Heavy Metal Band History

Origins

Still Square, originally known as Square, was formed in December 1981 in the suburbs of Paris. The band emerged during a vibrant period for French heavy metal, alongside acts like Vulcain, Satan Jokers, ADX, Warning, and Demon Eyes.

The core of the band was forged around three creative forces: Guy Hoc on vocals, Jean-Pierre Napoletano on guitar, and Thierry Fronty on guitar. They were joined by Pascal Gilleront on bass and Fabrice Trovato on drums, completing a formidable lineup.

In 1985, the band released their debut album "Rock Stars" which quickly became a reference in the French metal scene. The album featured powerful compositions like "Les Cibles," "Vivre," "Apocalypse," and the title track "Rock Stars" — all showcasing the band's distinctive blend of melody and aggression.

Unfortunately, problems with their label, Black Dragon Records, led to the band's dissolution in 1988–1989, just as they were preparing material for a second album. The unfinished songs would not see the light of day for over two decades.

Rebirth

In 2000, the album "Rock Stars" was reissued on CD by Brennus Records (Brennus Music), this time under the name Still Square — the original name "Square" being unavailable for legal reasons. The reissue included 4 bonus tracks: "Vierge Ou Sorcière," "Crazy Trucker," "Hibernatus," and "Révoltés."

The positive reception of the reissue and the enduring passion of fans led the band to reform in 2007. Their reunion was sealed with a performance at the Paris Metal France Festival II in January 2008, where they received a triumphant welcome from the crowd.

Reignited by the experience, the band entered the studio to record a new album with engineer Brett Caldas-Lima (known for his work with Freak Kitchen, Shannon, and Kalisla). The result was "Laissez-les rêver" (Let Them Dream), released on March 12, 2010 — a collection of songs largely written during their original active period (1982–1987), finally given the production they deserved.

Five years later, in November 2015, Still Square returned with "Hard Rock'n'Roll" — 12 tracks of uncompromising hard rock energy. Around 2016, Jean-Pierre Napoletano stepped down from the band, being replaced by Jérôme Piat on guitar.

Members

Current Lineup

GH

Guy Hoc

Vocals

Founding member

TF

Thierry Fronty

Guitar

Founding member

JP

Jérôme Piat

Guitar

Replaced Napoletano in 2016

PG

Pascal Gilleront

Bass

Joined 2007

FT

Fabrice Trovato

Drums

Joined 2007

Former Members

JPN

Jean-Pierre Napoletano

Guitar

Former member (1981–2016)

Timeline

1981

Formation

Square is formed in December 1981 in the suburbs of Paris, bringing together Guy Hoc (vocals), Jean-Pierre Napoletano (guitar), and Thierry Fronty (guitar).

1985

Rock Stars

The band releases their landmark debut album "Rock Stars," establishing themselves as a force in the French heavy metal scene alongside Vulcain, ADX, and Satan Jokers.

1989

Disbandment

After conflicts with their label Black Dragon Records, Square dissolves in 1989, leaving material for a second album unfinished.

2000

Reissue & New Name

"Rock Stars" is reissued on CD by Brennus Records under the name Still Square, with 4 bonus tracks. The new name is adopted for legal reasons.

2008

Reunion

Still Square reunites and performs at the Paris Metal France Festival II in January 2008, marking their triumphant return to the stage.

2010

Laissez-les rêver

The comeback album "Laissez-les rêver" is released, featuring songs written during 1982–1987, produced by Brett Caldas-Lima.

2015

Hard Rock'n'Roll

Still Square releases "Hard Rock'n'Roll" — 12 tracks of powerful hard rock, cementing their legacy in French metal.