Stampede (band)

Last updated

Stampede
Origin London, England
Genres Hard rock, heavy metal
Years active1981–1983; 2009–present
Labels Polydor, Rock Candy Records
MembersReuben Archer
Laurence Archer
Chris Clowsley
Rob Wolverson
Colin Bond
Steve Greystone
Past members Frank Noon
Alan Nelson
Eddie Parsons
Mark Stanway

Stampede are a British hard rock band formed in 1981 by songwriting partnership Reuben Archer and Laurence Archer. The band signed to Polydor Records, emerging as part of the new wave of British heavy metal scene. Stampede disbanded in 1983, and guitarist Laurence Archer went on to play with UFO and Phil Lynott's Grand Slam, amongst other projects. [1] The band reformed 26 years later in 2009, and a new studio album titled 'A Sudden Impulse' was released on 9 May 2011 on the Grind That Axe label, [2] a subsidiary of Rock Candy Records.

Contents

History

Pre-Stampede (Lautrec, Lionheart & Wild Horses)

Stampede emerged from the partnership of Reuben Archer (vocalist, songwriter) and stepson Laurence Archer (guitarist, songwriter). Their first major project being the 1977 hard rock band Lautrec, for which they recruited Steve Holbrook of Frome on keyboards, and Simon Riddler of Shepton Mallet on bass. The drummer was Clive Deamer of Frome, who later played in Portishead and Robert Plant's Strange Sensation, as well as session work for many other important projects. [3]

Prior to a Saxon support tour, Deamer left to finish an apprenticeship and was replaced by Steve Jones. The band completed two support tours with Saxon and released a single on the Street Tunes Label: "Shoot Out the Lights" / "Mean Gasoline", now reputed to be one of the rarest 45s of the NWOBHM era. [4] auctioning on eBay for £1800.[ citation needed ]

In 1980, with no major deal in place, Reuben joined Lionheart, a new supergroup headed by ex-Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton. [5] Within 4 months with no record deal in the offing, Reuben took the offer to join Wild Horses with Jimmy Bain, late of Rainbow. The band required a guitarist to partner John Lockton and a new drummer, so Reuben suggested Laurence Archer on guitar and Frank Noon of Lionheart on drums. This completed the final line-up of Wild Horses. However, the project never took off and a disillusioned Reuben, Laurence and Frank left to form Stampede. [5] They recruited Alan Nelson (ex-Wildfire) on keyboards and Bristol-based bass player Colin Bond (formerly of Stormtrooper) to complete the original Stampede line-up.

Stampede (1981–1983)

Days of Wine & Roses EP and The Official Bootleg (1981–1982)

Under management from Roulette Music and with an advance from Polydor Records, Stampede went into Cave Studios in Bristol to record six tracks. The tracks were taken up by Polydor Records who consequently signed the band in 1981 for a major deal, immediately releasing four of the new tracks on an EP called Days of Wine and Roses.

The band continued to play residencies at the London Marquee Club and various other venues in and around London, and were booked for the Mildenhall and Reading Festivals of 1982. Before these festival dates, drummer Frank Noon left Stampede to join Bernie Tormé, [6] and was replaced by Bristol-based Eddie Parsons who stayed with the band until the end. [6] Prior to the Festivals, Reuben broke his hip and left thigh running to catch a bus with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson,[ citation needed ] and only just made it out of hospital to appear onstage at the festivals on crutches. Prior to the Mildenhall Festival, Stampede decided to remain a four piece when keyboardist Alan Nelson left to pursue other things. It was felt that Bond's bass style and Taurus pedals more than filled out the sound, and that was how the band remained until their demise.

Polydor recorded the Mildenhall and Reading Festival sets of 1982 putting the live album out as Stampede: The Official Bootleg. [6]

Between 1982 and 1983, Stampede also recorded a BBC show for Tommy Vance, a Capital Radio show with four tracks for Fluff Freeman's Rock Show, and a BBC In Concert show at the Paris Theatre with contemporaries Girlschool.[ citation needed ]

Hurricane Town and "The Other Side" (1983)

In 1983, Stampede followed up the Official Bootleg with a studio album, entitled Hurricane Town, [6] recruiting Magnum's Mark Stanway for keyboard duties. At this time Polydor also released a 7" single called "The Other Side".

Hurricane Town was promoted by a support tour with Gary Moore, before which the band went off to Portugal to play a week’s residency as warm up for the tour, which was extended after the Christmas of 1983.

Disbandment

After Hurricane Town a second studio album was scheduled and Stampede commenced writing material, however, when singer Reuben returned to hospital to have all the metalwork removed from his hip and thigh, he caught a virus during the operation and became seriously ill. Due to this and the fact that rock and metal were having a hard time due to the onslaught of punk and new wave, plus with little support from Polydor, Stampede decided to split. [6]

Reuben formed his own design company and Colin Bond went off to work with Meat Loaf, while Laurence joined Phil Lynott and Mark Stanway in Grand Slam. [6] When Lynott died Laurence joined Brit rockers UFO, before retiring from music to work in the film industry. [7]

Reunion

In 2006, Rock Candy Records re-released Stampede's last studio offering Hurricane Town (originally released by Polydor Records in 1983). The album consisted of all the original tracks re-mastered, and four bonus tracks from the Lautec catalogue, and featured a 16-page colour booklet with sleeve notes by journalists Malcolm Dome, Dante Bonutto and Derek Oliver, along with a foreword by Reuben Archer.

On 2 January 2009, Reuben called Colin Bond and Laurence Archer with a view to reunite Stampede, and the first gig was staged at London's Embassy Club in Mayfair on 25 May 2009. After several gigs they made the unanimous decision to commence recording a new album. [7]

This was easier said than done as it soon transpired that the availability of each band member was impossible to schedule, and when Laurence became unavailable during a period in the recording schedule due to work commitments, Reuben brought in guitarists Rob Wolverson and Chris Clowsley to finish the job. Laurence and Reuben had written and recorded 5 tracks and Reuben with Rob and Chris along with original bassist Colin Bond and new drummer Steve Graystone completed the album. [8] The album, entitled A Sudden Impulse was recorded at Track 21 Studios in Weston-super-Mare, Dartington Hall Studios in Devon, and Mad Hat Studios in Wolverhampton. [9]

With the new album nearly completed Stampede's first live appearance was in 2010 at Birmingham's Meltdown Festival where they were main support to headliner Blaze Bayley.

The new album was released on Rock Candy Records on 9 May 2011 to much critical acclaim, [10] [11] the single "Having Fun" being released a month prior to the album.

Stampede have since been announced for more live dates throughout 2011, including Festival appearances at Devon Rox in Exeter and Hard Rock Hell V in Prestatyn, and are currently scheduled to record the second comeback album for release in 2012. [12] On 29 September 2012 in Wolverhampton, Stampede played at the Denim and Leather NWOBHM festival at the Slade Rooms alongside Praying Mantis, Weapon, Gaskin and Agincourt. [13]

Current members

Stampede today consists of original founding members Reuben and Laurence Archer and Colin Bond, along with new additions Chris Clowsley (guitar) and drummer Stevie G (Steve Graystone). In 2010, during the recording of new studio album A Sudden Impulse, Laurence became unavailable for recording for a period of time due to work commitments. As a result, the band brought in guitarist Rob Wolverson for outstanding writing and recording duties. [14]

Discography

  1. "Days of Wine and Roses"
  2. "Moving On"
  3. "Photographs"
  4. "Missing You"
  1. "Missing You"
  2. "Moving On"
  3. "Days of Wine and Roses"
  4. "Hurricane Town"
  5. "Shadows of the Night"
  6. "Baby Driver"
  7. "The Runner"
  8. "There and Back"
  1. "I've Been Told"
  2. "Love Letters"
  3. "Casino Junkie"
  4. "The Other Side"
  5. "Turning in Circles"
  6. "Hurricane Town"
  7. "Girl"
  8. "The Runner"
  9. "Mexico"
  1. "The Other Side"
  2. "The Runner"
  1. "I've Been Told"
  2. "Love Letters"
  3. "Casino Junkie"
  4. "The Other Side"
  5. "Turning in Circles"
  6. "Hurricane Town"
  7. "Girl"
  8. "The Runner"
  9. "Mexico"
  10. "Midnight at the Moulin Rouge" (Lautrec - bonus track)
  11. "Red Light Ruby" (Lautrec - bonus track)
  12. "Mean Gasoline" (Lautrec - bonus track)
  13. "Shoot Out the Lights" (Lautrec - bonus track)
  1. "Send Me Down an Angel"
  2. "Jessie"
  3. "Having Fun"
  4. "Make a Change"
  5. "Hard Rock Hell"
  6. "This Road"
  7. "Homeward Bound"
  8. "Shame on You"
  9. "Natural Disaster"
  10. "Humble Pie"
  11. "Flaming Gold"
  12. "Recharged" (bonus track)
  13. "Flaming Gold" - Acoustic version (bonus track)

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thin Lizzy</span> Irish rock band

Thin Lizzy are an Irish hard rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Thin Lizzy initially consisted of bass guitarist, lead vocalist and principal songwriter Phil Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell and organist Eric Wrixon, although Wrixon left after a few months. After Bell left at the end of 1973 the band soon switched to twin lead guitarists: Scott Gorham, who remained with the band until their break-up in 1983, and Brian Robertson, who was replaced in 1978 by Gary Moore. Moore was replaced in turn by Snowy White in 1980, and John Sykes in 1982. The line-up was augmented by keyboardist Darren Wharton in 1980. The singles "Whiskey in the Jar" (1972), "The Boys Are Back in Town" (1976) and "Waiting for an Alibi" (1979) were international hits, and several Thin Lizzy albums reached the top ten in the UK. The band's music reflects a wide range of influences, including blues, soul music, psychedelic rock and traditional Irish folk music, but is generally classified as hard rock or sometimes heavy metal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Lynott</span> Irish musician (1949–1986)

Philip Parris Lynott was an Irish musician, songwriter, and poet. He was the co-founder, lead vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter for the hard rock band Thin Lizzy. He was known for his distinctive pick-based style on the bass and for his imaginative lyrical contributions, including working class tales and numerous characters drawn from personal influences and Celtic culture.

<i>Johnny the Fox</i> 1976 studio album by Thin Lizzy

Johnny the Fox is the seventh studio album by Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy, released in 1976. This album was written and recorded while bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott was recovering from a bout of hepatitis that put him off the road halfway through the previous Jailbreak tour. "Don't Believe a Word" was a British hit single. Johnny the Fox was the last Thin Lizzy studio album on which guitarist Brian Robertson featured as a full member of the band, as the personality clashes between him and Lynott resulted in Robertson being sacked, reinstated, and later sacked again.

<i>Chinatown</i> (Thin Lizzy album) 1980 studio album by Thin Lizzy

Chinatown is the tenth studio album by Irish band Thin Lizzy, released in 1980. It introduced guitarist Snowy White who would also perform on the next album as well as tour with Thin Lizzy between 1980 and 1982; he replaced Gary Moore as permanent guitarist. White had previously worked with Cliff Richard, Peter Green and Pink Floyd. Chinatown also featured eighteen-year-old Darren Wharton on keyboards, and he joined Thin Lizzy as a permanent member later that year.

<i>Renegade</i> (Thin Lizzy album) 1981 studio album by Thin Lizzy

Renegade is the eleventh studio album by Irish band Thin Lizzy, released in 1981. Though not his first appearance, this was the first album in which keyboard player Darren Wharton was credited as a permanent member, becoming the fifth member of the line-up. As such, he made a contribution as a songwriter on the opening track "Angel of Death". However, even though he had officially joined the band, his picture was omitted from the album sleeve. Renegade was the second and final album to feature guitarist Snowy White. By his own admission, White was more suited to playing blues than heavy rock and he quit by mutual agreement the following year. He went on to have a hit single with "Bird of Paradise" in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel Witch</span> English heavy metal band

Angel Witch are a British heavy metal band which formed in London in 1976. Despite never achieving major success, they are known for being integral part of the early 1980s new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) movement, and have been acknowledged as an influence by many bands of the then-emerging thrash, speed, doom and extreme metal genres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Sykes</span> British guitarist

John James Sykes is an English guitarist, best known as a member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang. He has also fronted the hard rock group Blue Murder and released several solo albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atomkraft</span> British heavy metal band

Atomkraft are an English speed metal band from Newcastle. Atomkraft were part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. They formed in 1979, disbanded in 1988, and reformed in 2005. Atomkraft's "Total Metal" approach draws inspiration from fellow NWOBHM bands such as Motörhead and Venom, punk rock bands such as The Dickies, and early Exodus or Slayer. Lead vocalist/bassist Tony Dolan also fronted Venom for a number of years in the late 1980s and 90s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimmy Bain</span> Scottish bassist (1947–2016)

James Stewart Bain was a Scottish musician, best known for playing bass guitar in the bands Rainbow and Dio. He also worked with Kate Bush and Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, co-writing on his solo albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tygers of Pan Tang</span> British heavy metal band

Tygers of Pan Tang are an English heavy metal band who are part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. They formed in 1978 in Whitley Bay, England, and were active until 1987. The band reformed in 1999 and continue to record and perform. The name is derived from Pan Tang, a fictional archipelago in Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné fantasy series whose wizards keep tigers as pets.

Balance was an early 1980s American hard rock band. based out of New York City, United States, and fronted by Peppy Castro, formerly of Blues Magoos. They are best known for their top 40 1981 hit, "Breaking Away".

White Spirit were an English heavy metal band from Hartlepool, best remembered for guitarist Janick Gers who went on to play with Ian Gillan, Bruce Dickinson, and ultimately, Iron Maiden. Other original members of the band were Bruce Ruff (vocals), Malcolm Pearson (keyboards), Phil Brady (bass) and Graeme Crallan (drums), with a later lineup including Brian Howe (vocals), Mick Tucker (guitars) and Toby Sadler (bass). Pearson and Tucker revived the band in 2022.

Lionheart is a British hard rock band formed in late 1980, originally featuring singer Jess Cox, guitarist Dennis Stratton, guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann, and bassist/vocalist Rocky Newton, and drummer Frank Noon. The band split up in 1986 but reformed in 2016 with a line-up featuring Stratton, Mann, Newton, plus vocalist Lee Small and Clive Edwards on drums.

<i>Dedication: The Very Best of Thin Lizzy</i> Compilation album

Dedication: The Very Best of Thin Lizzy is a compilation album released by rock group Thin Lizzy in 1991. The only previously unreleased track was "Dedication", which was reconstructed after band leader Phil Lynott's death, using an old 8 track demo recording of a Grand Slam song originally recorded around 1985 and written by guitarist Laurence Archer. This track was the subject of a High Court case, as following Lynott's death Thin Lizzy released this track as a lost Thin Lizzy track, removing Archer's guitar and the writing credit from the track. Archer is now credited for writing this track.

A II Z were an English heavy metal band founded in 1979 in Manchester, England, by the guitarist Gary Owens. The original line-up consisted of David Owens (vocals), Gary Owens (guitar), Cam Campbell (bass), Karl Reti (drums). For a short time they were one of the forerunners of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. They disbanded in 1982.

Wild Horses were a British rock band, active from 1978 to 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Slam (band)</span>

Grand Slam are an Irish rock band originally formed in 1984 by Phil Lynott, after the breakup of his earlier ensemble Thin Lizzy. Grand Slam was active for a year, and Lynott died in 1986, but the band was revived in 2016 by original member Mark Stanway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Stanway</span> British keyboardist

Mark Stanway is an English musician. He was the keyboard player for the hard rock band Magnum from 1980 until the end of 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurence Archer</span> British guitarist and songwriter

Laurence Archer is a British guitarist and songwriter notable for his work with British rock bands UFO and Phil Lynott's Grand Slam. He wrote many of Grand Slam's songs together with Phil Lynott and Mark Stanway, some of which were released as Thin Lizzy songs. Archer was also a member of British band Wild Horses, Stampede, Lautrec, Medicine Head and Rhode Island Red with Gary Leiderman on bass, Manolo Antonana on drums and frontman/actor/writer Mike Dyer.

<i>Things We Like</i> 1970 studio album by Jack Bruce

Things We Like is an instrumental jazz album by Scottish musician Jack Bruce.

References

  1. ↑ "MusicMight :: Artists :: LAURENCE ARCHER". Rockdetector.com. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  2. ↑ "Stampede". Stampederock.com. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  3. ↑ Michael G. Nastos. "Get the Blessing | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  4. ↑ MacMillan, Malc. The N.W.O.B.H.M. Encyclopedia. P Verlag,16 Nov 2001
  5. 1 2 Archived 22 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 420. ISBN   0-7535-0257-7.
  7. 1 2 "Stampede Biography". Stampede Official Website. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  8. ↑ Stampede Official Press Pack, May 2011
  9. ↑ sleevenotes, A Sudden Impulse. Rock Candy Records 2011
  10. ↑ Dome, Malcolm. Review in Classic Rock, June 2011.
  11. ↑ Russell, Xavier. Review in Classic Rock Presents AOR Magazine, June 2011.
  12. ↑ Steve Goldby. "Stampede Announce More Live UK dates And Release Promo Video For 'Send Me Down An Angel'". Metaltalk.net. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  13. ↑ "Denim and Leather NWOBHM Festival". Nwobhmgigs.co.uk. 2012. Archived from the original on 20 September 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  14. ↑ "Reformed Stampede To Release New Studio Album In April - Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. 21 January 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.