Artist Bio
Tygers of Pan Tang – History and Future Aspirations
July 2008
The band was originally formed in 1978 by Robb Weir (guitar), Brian Dick (drums), Rocky (real name Richard Laws, bass), and Jess Cox (vocals). Rapidly building a local following from relentless touring, they were first signed up by local independent label Neat Records who released the debut single Don’t Touch Me There before MCA gave them a major record deal after the single entered the UK charts at number 15. The Band released their first album Wild Cat in 1980 which reached number 18 in Britain on the first week of its release.
Also in 1980 John Sykes (later of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) was added as a second guitarist to compliment the musical direction the band wanted to pursue. Jess Cox was replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill. This line up released the Classic LP Spellbound in 1981. With Deverill's arguably superior vocals and greater experience, the album was critically acclaimed and loved by the fans. Battling against the odds and a lack of record company support the band quickly recorded a third album the under-rated Crazy Nights. Two albums in a year is unheard of today as it left no time for promotion and sales on crazy nights suffered. The frustration became apparent within the band and shortly after recording Crazy Nights and just before the start of a European tour John Sykes decided to leave. The band approached ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days before the tour began.
The bands fourth album The Cage (1982) was their most accomplished effort and the future looked promising. Unfortunately again the record company intervened and were not prepared to promote the band unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (this followed the band's worldwide hit with "Love Potion No. 9"). The band tried to break free from their contract to concentrate on there own material, but MCA's demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to the asking price and the band broke up in frustration.
However, this was not the end of the band. During the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival, Jess Cox joined the band Blitzkrieg on stage, playing three Tygers songs. The audience's response was so positive, a year later the band were invited, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tygers of Pan Tang and the 10th Wacken Open Air.
In 2001, Robb Weir decided to reform the band, despite being the only original member. Robb wanted to keep the name alive, play the music he loves and play for the fans. The new line up was Dean Robertson (lead guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums) who remain to this day and are approaching the longest ever serving members of the band together with Robb. They released Mystical in 2001 and Noises in the Cathouse 2004. Shortly after the Noises from the Cathouse release Richie Wicks left the band and was replaced by a fantastic unknown Italian vocalist Jacopo Meille from the band Mantra.
In 2007 the band signed to a new management company who set a very ambitious plan for the next two years. This plan was for the Tygers of Pan Tang to return to that Classic British Hard Rock sound that made them stand apart from the mainstream in the early 80s. It was also essential that the plan included a heavy Touring schedule to promote new product and re-establish the band with the fans that had long since lost touch. To showcase the new line up and musical Direction a promotional EP was produced. Although intended for the Industry only, fan pressure ensured another 500 were printed to meet demand. The 5 track EP called Back & Beyond was very well received by both the Fans and the Industry alike and the two new tracks Bury the Hatchet and Live for the Day were the perfect taster of what is to come in the future from the Tygers.
2008 sees the band embark on a full UK tour and aim to promote the new album Animal Instinct in as many countries as possible. Animal Instinct was released in May 2008 and included 11 new tracks including the two from the EP. The bands influences of early 80s Hard Rock can be heard on every track and the sound has returned to the Spellbound/ Crazy Nights style with a 2008 production quality. There has been so much interest in the band over the last six months with the revival of Hard Rock from fans around the world and the band make further steps forward every week. The band is continuing to rebuild the profile and fans from the past are returning in numbers.
www.tygersofpantang.com
Tygers of Pan Tang are represented by Simon Morton of Little Monster (Artist) Management Limited
Email : simon.morton4@btopenworld.com
