Glenn's Biography: Glenn's first real band was called Axiss and was his duty to sing (even though he played guitar). He confesses.
"I had no idea how to sing, I was crap, the other guys where much better guitarists than me, so I was roped into singing. I was very, very young."
However, he got the opportunity to play in some other good bands such as Chase, The Ladykillers and Kickout.
There was a great scene in the (early eighties) in the North East U.K especially in Glenn's home town of South Shields with the likes of Fist, Phasslane, Hellenbach Saracen, Hollow Ground and Mythra to name a few, riding high on the NWOBHM scene. As a result Axiss got to support Fist a number of times. At the same time Glenn was roadying on a regular basis for Saracen. Saracen included vocalist Louie "flash in the pan" Taylor who went onto (Blind Fury) and phenomenal guitarist Steve Dawson (now works with Marshall). The influence of Saracen, Fist and Satan on Glenn was immense and essentially inspired Glenn to become a serious musician. Its fun for Glenn to think back to all the bands he was in:
"I played with some great muso's and had some excellent times, there was also some embarrassing moments as well like, I think we have all had em. Like playing at the Old 29 In Sunderland (a small pub, now demolished). I was in a band (The Ladykillers) with drummer Stiddy (Later with Wildhearts). Ginger (Wildhearts) was there as well. We thought we where like Ratt or Kiss or something. I was young and daft. Some of the hairstyles and clothes I wore, hey it was the eighties ya na". "I'll also never forget how good the Newcastle and Sunderland Mayfair were, great times!".
As he started to "grow up" Glenn started to take things a little more seriously and now concentrated mainly on the guitar. It wasnt really until the late eighties that Glenn came into his own. Temporarily hooking up with Kevin Wynne (Tyson Dog) Glenn soon learned that he was ready to move up and take the next step.
In 1987 the guys from the band The Fiend introduced Glenn to Lead Vocalist Brian Ross. Brian had revived his legendary metal band Blitzkrieg in response to the renewed interest in the band due to the Metallica cover version of their title song. The original band had split however, Brian had recorded the "Time of changes" album with guests and session players. Glenn had a lot of respect for Brian due to Blitzkrieg and his conbtribution to Satans classic, the amazing and influential "Caught in the Act" album. It didnt take long for Brian and Glenn to hit it off personally (still a good friend to this day). After a bit of time finding the right guys for the job, a new line up was secured. A mini album was released "10 Years of Blitzkrieg".
Glenn says
"I'm more than happy with my contribution to that album. I set out my style/direction and still think Nocturnal Vision and The Sentinel are some of the best 'Krieg songs to be played live, they rock!".
Sadly, this line up didnt last and Glenn moved on.
This period in Glenn's history is what he calls "my experimental years". Forming/joining a number of gigging bands over a period of 5 years, including a short stint with doom thrashers The Reign. In 1994 however, with newly found writing partner/colleauge Mark Hancock (drums), Anazazi was formed. Anazazi was a combination of metal/punk/beatlesque and sometimes industrial vibes and featured Glenn back on lead vocals as well as guitar. This was a great source of enjoyment for Glenn and Mark however, as Mark puts it,
"Hey it was fun, we gigged our arses off". "Our heart and soul was really with our EARTHROD project (more on that later) but you have to try new things sometimes".
Then Glenn got a call from Brian Ross in 1997 asking him to come back to Blitzkrieg. Brian had kept it together however, the band was going through changes and a new line up was necessary. Glenn happily agreed to re-join and with Mark Hancock on the drum stool and 2nd lead guitarist Martin Richardson, The Krieg's new album "Mists of Avalon" was written, then recorded in 1998. (all bass was done by the songwriters).
This line up then gigged/toured. Don't forget the now legendary gigs at the Wacken Festival in 1998 in Germany and the March Metal Meltdown USA in 1999.
Glenn says:
"I am really proud of Mists. To me it shows maturity and depth in my songwriting. It may not be the heaviest sounding album (sack the engineer) however, it continues to influence Blitzkrieg's songwriting to this day".
As luck would have it, Glenn's then friend and label boss Jess Cox was putting the Tygers Of Pan Tang back together for a "re union show" with original main guitarist Rob Weir. Original 2nd Lead guitarist John Sykes (Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake) was asked but didnt want to do it, so Glenn offered his services. Glenn was auditioned and got the job! Glenn put his notice in with Blitzkrieg and began rehearsing with Tygers for a scheduled one off headline at the Wacken Festival 1999 (Germany). At the time, this show was the highlight of Glenn's career. Headlining a major metal fest, in front of thousands of people, with a band he adored as teenager. It was heavy metal heaven.
"I didnt think it could get any better than that at the time".
There was a live album as a result "Live at Wacken", which a lot of Tygers fans still rate to this day, due to its raw honesty. After the show the "re union" Tygers sadly disbanded however, Glenn's came in for a lot of praise from his peers for his performance.
Glenn says:
"Thats probably the most important thing for me, gaining the respect of people I respect!"
Glenn then began to concentrate on the project which he and Mark Hancock had been working on for a while inbetween. This project was initially experimental and called EARTHROD. By the time it was finished there was two albums worth of hard hitting metal all written, performed and recorded by Glenn and Mark. Glenn did all the lead vocals as well as the guitars.
Glenn says: "I had learned how to sing properly by this time however, Mark pushed me to do things I didnt think I could do, he's a star!".
The first c.d was "Screaming in Digital" and then came the more experimental "Acts of God". Earthrod was perfect for Glenn, blending practically every heavy metal influence Glenn had absorbed over the years and also bringing out a few more experimental darker/gothy influences as well. The reviews for the Earthrod albums were excellent and it gains what you could call a "healthy cult following".
After laying low for a while and concentrating on family duties for a few years, Glenn decided to start playing a little more seriously again. This included temporary stints with friends Martin ( Hairy) Harrison (Energetic Krusher/Fist), Sean Jefferies, (Fallen Skies), Sean Taylor (Satan/Pariah) and Alan Hunter (Tyson Dog/Pariah). Glenn says:"They are all great lads and musicians and it was a pleasure to be in a band with them".
In 2004 Glenn was offered the lead guitar position in N.W.OB.H.M band Avenger. This included founder member Mick Moore and original drummer Gary Young. Glenn worked very hard through 2004/2005, taking the lead on re consolidating the band's sound/identity and also helping a great deal with the organisation of the band. (Glenn introduced and initiated 2nd guitarist Liam Thompson to the band). Its safe to say that Glenn's hard work contributed highly to Avenger's resurrection in 2005. This hard work was mainly noticed by peers however, Glenn's performance once again came in for a lot of praise from the fan's.
Glenn toured with Avenger in June 2005 in support of excellent American hard rockers Y&T. This culminated with a magical last show at The Astoria in London. Glenn also played festivals summer 2005 including, the amazing Headbangers Open Air in Germany and at Glenn's last show with Avenger, the fantastic Metal Maniacs Festival in Holland.
During summer 2006, Glenn formed Judas Priest tribute band JUDAS BEAST. This time Glenn was to leave the guitar at home and adopt the role of lead vocalist. He was an instant hit with his full on Metal Halford/Owen's screamer vibe. This had been a dream of Glenn's for many years and confirmed his standing as a frontman as well as a lead guitarist/songwriter.At this time EARTHROD are are searching for drummer who can help take the band to the next level. The 'Rod marches on.
