Updated: 01/03/25

C E IV (pronounced ‘see ee four’) are an alternative / ambient rock band. They formed in Glasgow, Scotland in the winter of 1983/1984, born out of the band members' common interests in music and the UFO and alien phenomena.

The band based their name on the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek’s terminology categorising UFO case reports.  A 'Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind', or CE4, being the abduction of a human, by alien or unknown entities.

The founding and core members throughout the years were Brian McMullan senior (guitar, vocals) and Brian McMullan junior (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). Brian Snr sadly passed away in March 2022. They were a father and son partnership passionate about the music and the subject matter and were equally involved in the writing of music and lyrics, as well as the recording and production of their albums at their home studios.

The strong interest in UFOs heavily influenced song writing from the band's inception and continues to this day with several projects underway in 2025.

Lyrics reflect the experiences and emotions felt by the UFO witness, while the music and sound effects provide the right mood and ambience through diverse styles and arrangements, allowing the listener to relate to the phenomena, perhaps even regressing on their own experience.

The band have released a number of albums and singles under their own label, including Abduction (1988), Visions (1992), One Dream (1995), Cradle Hill (Come Touch The Sky) (2009), and have more recently written music for events, podcasts and other projects.

Over the years, C E IV performed at various venues throughout the UK, from local clubs in Glasgow in the early days, through to large international UFO conferences. Life-size alien mannequins accompanied the band on stage, and along with lighting and smoke effects, helped create an eerie atmosphere, leaving a long-lasting impression on the audience. Live vocals, guitar, drums and keyboards, incorporating sampled sound effects, combined to produce C E IV’s unique sound. Additional musicians would join both Brians on stage when needed.

Numerous articles about C E IV have appeared world-wide in UFO books, magazines, newspapers and websites, including enthusiastic reviews in the music press. Media interest is ever present with radio and television appearances, including performances, interviews, and their songs and music used in various UFO related programmes.

As keen ufologists, the band would participate in skywatches, attend meetings to discuss the subject, and write articles for various UFO publications.  They researched and investigated the phenomenon through dialogue with witnesses, often working alongside investigation groups, and established strong links with UFO organisations abroad.

C E IV will continue to write and produce UFO related songs and music, and as of 2025 have several projects on the go. Brian Jnr continues to represent the band and attends various UFO and paranormal related events and skywatches around the country.