Satsuma Nightmare were formed in 1984 by Alan Stocker (keyboards) and Bill Henderson (keyboards and guitar) with the intention of irritating people as much as possible with a fusion of Tangerine Dream/Hawkwind styled music. With the addition of vocalist/guitarist Jon Humphries this lineup proceeded to do just that with a series of live performances in Leicester. These live dates included supporting The Michael Nyman Band and Jon Otway. With Bill and Jon then leaving in 1986 (work related rather than "artistic differences"!), there it should have ended.

However, at the end of 1994 a new Satsuma Nightmare emerged, still with Alan Stocker on keyboards, although a whole new lot under computer control, and a new guitarist Jon Angell.

A new member, Helen Parish, joined in 1995, playing her first gig with the band at The Shed, Leicester. Helen plays guitar and keyboard.