Results for Tygers of Pan Tang
On this page:
 
Artist:

Tygers of Pan Tang

Formed:
1978 in United Kingdom

Disbanded:
1982

  • Genre: Rock
  • Active: '70s, '80s, '90s
  • Major Members: Brian Dick, Jon Deverill

Biography

Hailing from tiny Whitley Bay in the Northeast of England, the Tygers of Pan Tang (whose name originated from a Michael Moorcock novel called Stormbringer) were formed when aspiring singer Jess Cox met guitarist Robb Weir at the local pub in November 1978. Weir, along with bassist Rocky and drummer Brian Dick, had recently formed a band combining the lessons of early-'70s heavy metal legends such as Black Sabbath and Deep Purple with the do-it-yourself ethos of punk -- an emerging style eventually dubbed the new wave of British heavy metal. After much rehearsing and gigging in the surrounding area the foursome recorded a number of demos at Impulse Studios, whose owners Neat Records released their first single "Don't Touch Me There" in September 1979. Relentless touring across Britain would follow, supporting such childhood heroes as the Scorpions and Budgie, as well as NWOBHM peers like Iron Maiden and Saxon. They also signed a deal with MCA and entered London's Morgan Studios in June to record their proper debut, Wildcat, which went straight into the British charts at number 18 upon its released in July 1980. Looking to beef up their sound, the band added virtuoso guitarist John Sykes just in time for their biggest gig ever at that year's Reading Festival. Yet, despite this promising start, singer Cox decided to quit the group at year's end, citing the ever-popular "musical differences" and going on to form the short-lived Lionheart with recently ousted Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton. Ex-Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill was drafted to replace him and the revitalized Tygers of Pan Tang kicked off 1981 firing on all cylinders. Widely considered their best album, Spellbound hit the streets in April 1981, and was followed by another bout of touring which kept them nipping at the heels of NWOBHM powerhouses Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard. Things began to unravel when MCA forced the band to write and record a follow-up in only three weeks, resulting in the uneven Crazy Nights, released in November 1981. European dates in support of Ian Gillan followed, but guitarist Sykes quit abruptly to join Thin Lizzy upon their return to England (eventually achieving even greater success with Whitesnake and Blue Murder). The band soldiered on with new six-stringer Fred Purser, whose more commercial leanings were heard on 1982's disappointing The Cage album. Everyone seemed to be giving up on the Tygers, including their management, which dropped the band just prior to a sold-out tour of Japan. After a brief attempt at self-management, the group decided to call it quits later that year, and a 1983 greatest-hits set seemed to close the book on the Tygers of Pan Tang. Surprisingly, Deverill and Dick would resurrect a glammed-up version of the band in 1985 with guitarists Steve Lamb and Neil Shepard, and bassist Dave Donaldson. They released two albums: 1985's The Wreck-Age and 1987's Burning in the Shade (featuring Shepard's replacement Steve Thompson on guitar), both of which went absolutely nowhere and prompted another, apparently final split. 1986 also saw the release of the original band's 1980 Impulse Studio demos by Neat Records, under the title First Kill. In 2001 the Tygers released Live at Wacken, which was mostly recorded at the independent European metal festival of the same name. Live at Nottingham Rock City followed the same year. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide

Representative Albums:

Spellbound, Leg of the Boot, First Kill

Similar Artists:

Angel "Mambo" Jr., Helix & Fury, Harem Scarem, Mama's Boys, Riverdogs, Pretty Maids, Helix, Child's Play, Angel, Saxon, Saraya, Hanoi Rocks, Lita Ford
 
 
Wikipedia: Tygers of Pan Tang

Tygers Of Pan Tang is a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band originating from Whitley Bay in the North-East of England, formed in 1978. The name of the band derives from an elite group of warriors in Michael Moorcock's Elric stories called the Tigers of Pan Tang.

Biography

Early days, 1978-1983

The band was originally formed by Jess Cox (vocals), Robb Weir (guitar), Richard "Rocky" Laws (bass), and Brian Dick (drums). Rapidly building a local following, they were first signed up by local independent label Neat Records before MCA gave them a major record deal. After several singles, they released their first album Wild Cat in 1980. The album reached the #18 in Britain on the first week of its release.

Subsequently John Sykes (formerly in Streetfighter, later in Badlands, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder) was added as second guitarist. Jess Cox then had a fall out with the others and quit, to be replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill. This lineup released Spellbound in 1981. With Deverill's arguably superior vocals and that much more experience, the album increased their following.

However, Sykes quit after the third album Crazy Nights to audition for Ozzy Osbourne. He was rapidly replaced by ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days flat before touring.

Tygers Of Pan Tang's fourth album The Cage (1982) was their most accomplished effort and things looked promising. Unfortunately, the band then had a major disagreement with MCA, who were not prepared to promote them unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (following the band's hit with "Love Potion No. 9"). They subsequently tried to break free from their contract, but MCA's demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to free the band and the band broke up in frustration.

John Sykes however achieved major success with Thin Lizzy and then Whitesnake, and as a guitar virtuoso in Japan.

Reformation, 1985-1987

In 1985, Jon Deverill and Brian Dick reformed the band with Steve Lamb ex-Sergeant (guitar), Neil Sheppard (guitar), and ex-Warrior and Satan member Clin Irwin (bass). Dave Donaldson (bass) later replaced Clin Irwin. Meanwhile, Robb Weir and Jess Cox formed spin-off band Tyger-Tyger.

Also: Jess Cox Band. TX45 (Tyne Tees Television) - 1984/5 Jess Cox (Vocals) Dave Donaldson (Bass) Paul Atkinson (Drums) Colin Faddy (Keyboards) Mick McNight (Guitar)

The reformed Tygers of Pan Tang released The Wreck-Age in summer 1985 through Music for Nations, and Burning in the Shades in 1987, through Zebra Records. Unfortunately their last album received bad reviews and they disbanded again. Various compilations and live albums were produced by the band's two first labels, Neat Records and MCA.

Latter days, 1999-present

However, this was not the end of the band. During the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival, Jess Cox joined on stage with the band Blitzkrieg, playing three old Tygers songs. The audience's response was very positive, and a year later, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tygers of Pan Tang and the 10th Wacken Open Air, the band was invited again to play on the main stage. Brian Dick and Rocky were unable to join the band, but the Tygers (now Jess Cox and Robb Weir, backed up by Blitzkrieg guitarist Glen Howes, bassist Gavin Gray and drummer Chris Percy) performed nevertheless a memorable show. Recording tapes of their performance gave rise to the Live at Wacken album.

In 2001, Robb Weir decided to reform the band, despite being the only original member. The other musicians were Tony Lidell (vocals), Dean Robertson (lead guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums). They released Mystical through Z-Records. They toured in several festivals, but eventually got fired by Z-Records in 2002, the reason given being an unexpected lack of sales.

The band went on to produce a split album with Girlschool and Oliver/Dawson Saxon on Communique Records, and in 2004 a brand new album, Noises in the Cathouse, with new singer Richie Wicks.

Later the same year, Richie Wicks left and was replaced by Italian vocalist Jacopo Meille. Jon Devrill went on to work as an actor under the name of John Deville, and as of October 2007 was performing in 'The Sound Of Music' at the London Palladium with Television star Connie Fisher.


Members

Current members

  • Jacopo Meille - Vocals
  • Robb Weir - Guitars
  • Dean "Deano" Robertson - Guitars
  • Brian West - Bass
  • Craig Ellis - Drums

Past members

Vocals

  • Jess Cox
  • John Deverill
  • Tony Liddell
  • Richie Wicks

Guitars

  • Steve Lamb
  • Neil Shepherd
  • John Sykes
  • Fred Purser
  • Mick Procter

Bass

  • Richard "Rocky" Laws
  • Clin Irwin
  • Dave Donaldson

Drums

  • Brian Dick

Discography

Albums

Singles

  • "Don't Touch Me There" - 1979
  • "Rock 'N' Roll Man" - 1980
  • "Suzie Smiled" - 1980
  • "Euthanasia" - 1980
  • "Don't Stop By" - 1981
  • "Hellbound" - 1981 - #48 UK
  • "The Story So Far" - 1981
  • "Love Don't Stay" - 1981
  • "Do It Good" - 1982
  • "Making Tracks" - 1982
  • "Paris By Air" - 1982 - #63 UK
  • "Rendezvous" - 1982 - #49 UK
  • "Love Potion No.9" - 1982 - #45 UK
  • "Lonely at the Top" - 1983

See also

External links


This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

 
 

Join the WikiAnswers Q&A community. Post a question or answer questions about "Tygers of Pan Tang" at WikiAnswers.

 

Copyrights:

Artist. Copyright © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ® , a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Tygers of Pan Tang".  Read more

Search for answers directly from your browser with the FREE Answers.com Toolbar!  
Click here to download now. 

Get Answers your way! Check out all our free tools and products.

On this page:   E-mail   print Print  Link  

 

Keep Reading

Mentioned In:

 |  More >More >