The Official Tygers Page for 2007
The band was originally formed by Robb Weir (guitar), Brian Dick (drums), Rocky (real name Richard Laws, bass), and Jess Cox (vocals). Rapidly building a local following from gigging relentlessly, 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 (later of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) was added as second guitarist. Jess Cox then sought pastures new, and 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 there third album, the under-rated Crazy Nights. Poor production did not help the sound quality but this album still has some excellent tracks. Shortly after recording and just before the start of a european tour John Sykes decided to leave the band so the band approached 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 record company support was lackiing and were not prepared to promote the band unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (following the band's hit with "Love Potion No. 9"). The band 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.
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 old 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. 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. Robb wanted to keep the name alive and play for the fans. The new Tygers line up were 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 through Z-Records and in 2004 Noises in the Cathouse.
Later the same year, Richie Wicks left and was replaced by Italian vocalist Jacopo Meille from the Rock band Mantra.
2007 was a challenging and exciting time for the Tygers, the plan we set in August to raise the activity and profile of the band was met, however in order to get the fanbase back to its rightfull levels we are under no illusion that the product has to complement this ambition. The 5 track EP 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 2008.
So what will 2008 look like for the tygers and fans alike. The new album is now completed and is with Ben Matthews of Thunder who is undertaking the mixing duty once again after the fantastic job he did with the Back & Beyond EP. The album has 11 tracks and you will be delighted to hear that the album is classic British Hard Rock from start to finish. The album will be distributed by Cargo Records worldwide although this will be strategically carried out to maximise advertising and touring promotion. We want the album to be easily accessible to the fans through retail outlets and Cargo has the perfect infra-structure to meet this requirement.
In February, March & April we will be touring throughout the UK to promote the album with a quick four date excursion into Northern Italy. We are actively seeking further touring opportunities around the world as well as Festival appearances. It is our intention to continue touring throughout 2008 for maximum exposure for the album.
After the success of Back & Beyond we plan to bring out a further EP in November which will have the imaginative title of Back & Beyond 2 and will again cover three classic songs re-worked and re-arranged and a further two new songs that will take us into 2009. The songs so far being mentioned for the EP are Raised on Rock, Gangland and one other yet to be decided. We want to keep your interest now we have regained your attention and you will see the band growing not only through increased activity but through its willingness to listen and interact with its fans.
We ask that you check in regularly for up to date news, check out the website www.tygersofpantang.com and certainly come and see a show or two if we are playing close by. The band love to give value for money and spend a lot of time seeking out new talent to bring on tour. We also ask the venue to invite a local band so it will almost always be a three band bill. Also check out the webshop and grab yourself some merchandise or the EP etc.2008 will be a great year for Tygers of Pan Tang and fans of Rock
