Long Hard Road, 1980-1985 Coffret

Description

An anthology of 5 CDs covering the period 1980-1985. Nightwing was part of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal." Includes new liner notes written by Rich Davenport (Classic Rock magazine). Nightwing was formed in 1978, just in time to fully take advantage of the emerging "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" scene that was sweeping the UK in the late 70s and early 80s. Founded by former Strife bassist Gordon Rowley, alongside keyboardist Kenny Newton, guitarists Eric Percival and Alec Johnson, and drummer Steve Bartley, the band released four studio albums and one live album between 1980 and 1985. This box set begins with their first album, *Something In The Air* (CD1). With a sound blending boogie and elements of progressive rock on a hard rock foundation, *Something In The Air* features the single "Barrel Of Pain" (written by Graham Nash) as well as a cover of "You Keep Me Hanging On." After building a cult following through tours with the band Gillan and notable appearances at the Reading Rock Festival, Nightwing released their second album, *Black Summer* (1982), on Gull Records (a label that notably hosted Judas Priest in their early days). The album is distinguished by its iconic cover created by the famous fantasy illustrator Melvyn Grant (known for his work with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest). Recorded at Amazon Studios in Liverpool and Morgan Studios in London, then mixed at Spindletop Studios in Los Angeles, the album includes eight tracks composed by guitarist Alec Johnson. Gull released their third album, *Stand Up And Be Counted* (CD3), in 1983. Driven by the single "Treading Water," the band still featured bassist Gordon Rowley, Steve Bartley, Alec Johnson, and Kenny Newton (organ and synthesizer), but now welcomed Max Bacon on lead vocals. Their fourth studio album, *My Kingdom Come* (CD4), was released in 1984 and again showcased an iconic cover, this time illustrated by the renowned artist Roger Dean (known for his collaborations with Yes and Asia). The album includes a cover of "Cell 151" by Steve Hackett. Nightwing recruited Dave Evans on vocals and Glynn Porrino on lead guitar after the departure of Max Bacon and Alec Johnson, which led them to record their first and only live album, "Night Of Mystery - Alive! Alive!" (CD5), drawn from concerts held in Yugoslavia and West Germany.