Weapon UK, Motorcycle Display Team

Onwards & Upwards UK Tour 2018

‘Metallica opened its early live sets (and ‘Kill em all’ album) with ‘Hit the Lights’, a song that begins with a noisy two – chord flourish meant to evoke the opening of a concert. However, in a further illustration of NWOBHM’s important role in Metallica’s musical direction, the opening chords – drum fills and all – seem to have been lifted directly from Weapon’s ‘Set the Stage alight’, the 1980 release from the influential fledgling NWOBHM band.

(C) Metallica Biography ‘Damage Incorporated’ Published 2006

March 1980: Danny Hynes places an advert in the wanted section of the UK’s legendary Melody Maker. He is looking for a band, just as Jeff Summers places one looking for a singer! Danny auditions and is offered the job in Jeff’s band ‘Fast Relief’. After several weeks in the studio and a couple of gigs under their belts, Danny and Jeff decide to replace the rhythm section. Danny recommends his best friend and bassist, Baz Downes, who played in his former band ‘Snatch’. Jeff calls in Bruce Bisland the young up and-coming Scottish drummer. One rehearsal, a name change, and ‘Weapon’ are formed.

Weapon went on that year to support Motorhead on the 32 date ‘Ace Up Your Sleeve’ UK Tour, beginning on October 22nd 1980 at the Ipswich Gaumont (now the Regent Theatre). The band toured for the next 18 months before management/contractual problems arose, forcing the band to split. The boys remained and still are the best of friends, so much so, that in Summer 2005, they re-grouped to celebrate what would have been their 25th anniversary.

Since then the band have split again, and reformed, with a few changes of personnel. They had to change their name to Weapon UK (long story), and have played a number of live dates and released a new album, ‘Rising From The Ashes’.

Following a series of UK dates in March 2017 the band returned, yet again, to Scream Studios to re-record their 1980 hit ‘Set The Stage Alight’, with the new rhythm section. They also recorded their version of the Thin Lizzy song ‘The Rocker’, one of Danny’s favourites! The onto Norway for a couple of shows. With ‘The Rocker’ & ‘Set The Stage Alight 2017’ set for a worldwide digital release on the 28th October the band headed out on a series of UK gigs, climaxing with their ‘critically acclaimed’ appearance at ‘Grimm Up North – Rock & Metal Festival in Bury, Greater Manchester on Sunday 1st October.

Monday the 23rd October 2017 – Weapon UK sign a worldwide deal with Pure Steel Records GmbH. The story continues….

www.weapon-uk.com

With special guests Motorcycle Display Team + TBA

Motorcycle Display Team (MDT) is an alt rock and roll band that makes songs full of melodic vocal twists and driving rhythms you just have to dance to. To date they’ve released two EPs (‘The Crayon Masterpiece’ 2009 and ‘Letters of Last Resort’ 2015), one LP (Captatio Benevolentiae, 2012) and they have toured Ireland, the UK and beyond since 2008. MDT is praised for an honest, candid and energetic live act from which they wring every drop of pathos. They always impress at festivals, receiving some great reviews. Bowie, Zeppelin, Buckley, QOTSA and the Manics are artists that frequently crop up by comparison and the band are very happy to be placed in such company.

MDT’s style is broad, but they build songs using soaring vocals, melodic hooks and unexpected ticks, all woven together in tight rhythm and delivered with a wink and a snarl. Steve’s pen doesn’t discriminate. His lyrics tackle themes from kidnap to creationism, mental illness to misanthropy, patriotism to penis envy. The songs are often reflective of the trials of life but always engaging. All this weight is tempered with a dark sense of humour which runs vividly throughout the songs.

Licensed bar.