Post by dreamy on Aug 8, 2005 1:19:20 GMT 10
This turned out to be a controversial move within the band– Manny "I stopped [producing] because I wanted to learn. I'd done five albums and felt that the band was in a sort of rut, and I wanted someone else to produce the album. The record company recommended Jeff Baxter. Another guy who wanted to do it was Bruce Fairburn who went on to do Aerosmith, that was one decision I wish had gone the other way." A lot of Zal Cleminson went into the album with songs like Hearts Grown Cold and Showdown At The Border. Zal was also heavily involved in Talkin' To One Of The Boys, So naturally he was hacked off, when in Britain the album went nowhere, with a bullet. But another far more serious development also caused the guitarist to want to quit, In early 1980 the boys got a devastating piece of news which came totally out of the blue: Mountain was heavily in debt and about to go bust. So for weeks on end, instead of rehearsing, Pete and Dan were on the telephone full-time talking to moneymen and just desperately trying to pick themselves off the floor. Zal just wanted to play – day and night - and couldn't deal with all the financial hassles getting in the way of rehearsals. So he left to form his own band, Tandoori Cassette, which never took off.
Completing the dozen, The Fool Circle was out in February 1981 – It was Naz's first release on NEMS - and made the album charts but only at number 60. The band once more recorded as a 4-piece – with ex-Spirit keyboardist John Locke filling out the sound on a few tracks - and the music veered away from the commercial, sometimes American-rock of Malice In Wonderland, and instead was a mixed bag of rock, reggae and blues, with some socially aware political lyrics thrown in as well. Pete now reflects: "The Fool Circle was a different kind of turn for us I guess. We wrote that kind of separately - Dan and I wrote half of it and Manny did the rest."
After The Fool Circle a respected young guitar slinger and songwriter from Glasgow who had played in Cleminson's band Zal, of five months, was recruited. His name was Billy Rankin and around the same time John Locke was keen to join up, and so the next album release – the very high energy live double-album 'Snaz recorded in Vancouver in May 1981 - featured what Dan and Pete now call the Nazareth 6-piece orchestra. As before, it was Naz's take on rock classics such as J.J. Cale's 'Cocaine' and Z.Z. Top's 'Tush' that helped to make the album a massive international seller.
The band also recorded a live video in Houston Texas on the tour, a great live show, with added interviews from the band.
2XS sold well in the States and Europe extending the band's already extensive touring schedule even further. 2XS amazingly wasn't even released in Britain thanks to legal hassles with their new label NEMS. With Locke out, the 5-piece produced Sound Elixer another eclectic set taking in soul and funk as well. After the tour to promote the album ,Billy decided to leave the band to persue a solo career, he released two solo albums 'Growing up to fast' featuring the US top forty hit 'Baby Come Back' single. and Crankin'.
Nazareth was now back to their original 4-piece line-up.
In 1984 they landed a UK record deal with Vertigo and released The Catch, a Full UK tour followed, including a support slot at the Milton Keynes bowl with Status Quo. In 1985 the band's by now ex-manager Jim White attempted to release Sound Elixir in England on his Sahara label until a court ruling went against him.
In 1986 Nazareth put out there rockiest album in years 'Cinema' It was a welcome return to form for the band. But it wasn't to last!
In 1989 came the controversial Snakes and Ladders – out on Vertigo in Europe but not released in England. Events and weird scenes that surrounded the production of that album eventually led to Manny Charlton leaving in 1990 after twenty-two years with the band. At the start of 1990, after a tour of Russia, tensions in the band were high due to the lack of label support or promotion...long time member Manny Charlton left the band. For the first time in Nazareth's 22-year career the bands 4 original members were no longer together.
With the departure of Manny the band agreed there was only one logical choice to fill Manny's post Billy Rankin. Billy accepted and rejoined Nazareth as Lead guitarist.
After Rehearsals and a few warm up gigs in Scotland the Band were back on the road, with tours in America, Russia and Europe.
Soon after they entered the studio and began writing new material for the new album that was to become NO JIVE.
Touring throughout 1992 to promote the album, including their first UK dates for 8 years, The album sold well, with virtually no airplay!
NAZ was back and stronger than ever. In 1994 the band were back in the studio again to record MOVE ME, with a new deal with Polydor things were looking good.
During that year Billy, Pete and Dan undertook 2 short unplugged tours of the UK,where songs like 'Simple Solution' and 'Shapes Of Things' were given the acoustic treatment. These shows are particularly memorable for their intimate nature and humour content.
Unfortunately as the band were due to start rehearsals for the forthcoming Move me tour, Billy once again left, due to band politics.
A young Scots Guitarist by the name of Jimmy Murrison, who was playing with Pete's son Lee in the band 'Trouble in Doogie land' was contacted by Pete and asked if he would like to join the band, (Pete had seen Jimmy play Many times and was very impressed) Jimmy accepted' and became the new Guitarist for Nazareth.
It was also decided to add a keyboard player to the band once again, so they contacted their old friend Ronnie Leahy . Ronnie had played with Pete and Dan in The Party Boys from time to time.
Ronnie accepted the offer to join.
So now back as a five piece, the band started rehearsing for another world tour to promote the Move me Album.
Revitalized and rocking' 1995/96 saw the band touring the world in support of MOVE ME. The tour has taken the band to Russia (twice), Europe, Brazil, USA, and Canada. Upon returning from their RussiaManaz Part I Tour, the long awaited break Naz had been looking for happened, a signing to a major label! SPV has picked the band up for a three record deal! It seems both SPV & CASTLE recognised the fact that NAZ still draws well at concerts and that their back catalogue has sold well, not to mention their two latest CD's kick some serious ass. After the MOVE ME World Tour ended, the boys headed home to Scotland for a well-earned rest. The band didn't rest too long before they began rehearsing new material for their 20th studio album! They began recording in March of 1997. Darrell said "the new stuff is heavier than No Jive, but it wouldn't be a Nazareth album without a ballad." The band began a world tour in July of 1997 to Sweden, Czech Republic, Canada and US.
The boys re-entered the studio to remixed the new (Boogaloo) album.
BOOGALOO-the long awaited new album featuring the new members Jimmy Murrison and Ronnie Leahy. was released in1998 the year that also saw them celebrating 30 years in the Rock Business, quite an accomplishment in the world of rock n roll.
The release of Boogaloo in Europe on SPV. saw critics begin raving about Boogaloo - it seemed Nazareth were beginning to be noticed once again by the industry. The success of Boogaloo in Europe and the success of The Double Trouble Tour (with Uriah Heep) led to a signing with the major US label, CMC International.
After several months on the road, the band headed home for a short break. They regrouped to embark on a longer and bigger tour of US/Canada to support the growing success of Boogaloo.
As the Naz machine began climbing to the top again, tragedy struck! On April 30, 1999 founding member and drummer Darrell Sweet died suddenly from a major heart attack.
The band had just arrived at the venue for the first show of their Boogaloo Tour when Darrell fell ill. As Darrell stepped off the bus with paramedics - he collapsed and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Shattered - the band understandably cancelled the tour and headed home to Scotland. The future was in limbo for a few months as the families, band, and crew tried to digest what had happened. But after several band meetings, it was decided that Darrell would have wanted them to continue on.
In fine tribute to Darrell, the band selected Lee Agnew, Pete’s eldest son, to fill the drumming duties for Nazareth. Lee was a natural choice as he is a very talented and accomplished drummer, already knew the music, learned tips from Darrell and he knew all the guys already.
After a few months of rehearsing - the band got ready for their first ever tour without Darrell. They amazed everyone - they played better and stronger than ever. Lee had won the hearts and support of Naz fans everywhere. The band enjoyed how well they were playing and the audience acknowledged this everywhere they played! (Darrell is surely smiling with pride!).
Over the last few years Nazareth have carried on touring around the world, A UK tour with their old mates URIAH HEEP, in March 2001 saw the bands first British shows for many years ending with a great gig at the Astoria in London to a sell out audience. On October the 20th 2001 they Played to a packed house at the Garage in Glasgow, this show was recorded for a new live album and DVD titled Homecoming. It was a great night of rock'n'roll and one the fans will treasure forever!
2002 was yet another busy one for the band, with extensive tours of the States and Europe culminating in a triumphant show in Dunfermline at Christmas when they topped the bill at their annual charity concert.
Sadly that was to be the last time keyboardist Ronnie Leahy appeared with the band, Ronnie decided to hang up his road shoes and retire from touring.
So, once again Nazareth were back to being a four piece, they changed the set list around and did what has always been the way of Nazareth. They took hold of the challenge that change brings, regrouped, and filled 2003 with a live schedule, which would leave many new bands gasping.
In 2004 saw the band head out to the USA, Russia ,Israel and Europe,plus a welcome return to the UK for some shows at the end of the year..
2005 will be a busy time for the band again,with yet more tours scheduled throughout the year...
Taken from: www.nazarethdirect.co.uk/mainindex.htm
Completing the dozen, The Fool Circle was out in February 1981 – It was Naz's first release on NEMS - and made the album charts but only at number 60. The band once more recorded as a 4-piece – with ex-Spirit keyboardist John Locke filling out the sound on a few tracks - and the music veered away from the commercial, sometimes American-rock of Malice In Wonderland, and instead was a mixed bag of rock, reggae and blues, with some socially aware political lyrics thrown in as well. Pete now reflects: "The Fool Circle was a different kind of turn for us I guess. We wrote that kind of separately - Dan and I wrote half of it and Manny did the rest."
After The Fool Circle a respected young guitar slinger and songwriter from Glasgow who had played in Cleminson's band Zal, of five months, was recruited. His name was Billy Rankin and around the same time John Locke was keen to join up, and so the next album release – the very high energy live double-album 'Snaz recorded in Vancouver in May 1981 - featured what Dan and Pete now call the Nazareth 6-piece orchestra. As before, it was Naz's take on rock classics such as J.J. Cale's 'Cocaine' and Z.Z. Top's 'Tush' that helped to make the album a massive international seller.
The band also recorded a live video in Houston Texas on the tour, a great live show, with added interviews from the band.
2XS sold well in the States and Europe extending the band's already extensive touring schedule even further. 2XS amazingly wasn't even released in Britain thanks to legal hassles with their new label NEMS. With Locke out, the 5-piece produced Sound Elixer another eclectic set taking in soul and funk as well. After the tour to promote the album ,Billy decided to leave the band to persue a solo career, he released two solo albums 'Growing up to fast' featuring the US top forty hit 'Baby Come Back' single. and Crankin'.
Nazareth was now back to their original 4-piece line-up.
In 1984 they landed a UK record deal with Vertigo and released The Catch, a Full UK tour followed, including a support slot at the Milton Keynes bowl with Status Quo. In 1985 the band's by now ex-manager Jim White attempted to release Sound Elixir in England on his Sahara label until a court ruling went against him.
In 1986 Nazareth put out there rockiest album in years 'Cinema' It was a welcome return to form for the band. But it wasn't to last!
In 1989 came the controversial Snakes and Ladders – out on Vertigo in Europe but not released in England. Events and weird scenes that surrounded the production of that album eventually led to Manny Charlton leaving in 1990 after twenty-two years with the band. At the start of 1990, after a tour of Russia, tensions in the band were high due to the lack of label support or promotion...long time member Manny Charlton left the band. For the first time in Nazareth's 22-year career the bands 4 original members were no longer together.
With the departure of Manny the band agreed there was only one logical choice to fill Manny's post Billy Rankin. Billy accepted and rejoined Nazareth as Lead guitarist.
After Rehearsals and a few warm up gigs in Scotland the Band were back on the road, with tours in America, Russia and Europe.
Soon after they entered the studio and began writing new material for the new album that was to become NO JIVE.
Touring throughout 1992 to promote the album, including their first UK dates for 8 years, The album sold well, with virtually no airplay!
NAZ was back and stronger than ever. In 1994 the band were back in the studio again to record MOVE ME, with a new deal with Polydor things were looking good.
During that year Billy, Pete and Dan undertook 2 short unplugged tours of the UK,where songs like 'Simple Solution' and 'Shapes Of Things' were given the acoustic treatment. These shows are particularly memorable for their intimate nature and humour content.
Unfortunately as the band were due to start rehearsals for the forthcoming Move me tour, Billy once again left, due to band politics.
A young Scots Guitarist by the name of Jimmy Murrison, who was playing with Pete's son Lee in the band 'Trouble in Doogie land' was contacted by Pete and asked if he would like to join the band, (Pete had seen Jimmy play Many times and was very impressed) Jimmy accepted' and became the new Guitarist for Nazareth.
It was also decided to add a keyboard player to the band once again, so they contacted their old friend Ronnie Leahy . Ronnie had played with Pete and Dan in The Party Boys from time to time.
Ronnie accepted the offer to join.
So now back as a five piece, the band started rehearsing for another world tour to promote the Move me Album.
Revitalized and rocking' 1995/96 saw the band touring the world in support of MOVE ME. The tour has taken the band to Russia (twice), Europe, Brazil, USA, and Canada. Upon returning from their RussiaManaz Part I Tour, the long awaited break Naz had been looking for happened, a signing to a major label! SPV has picked the band up for a three record deal! It seems both SPV & CASTLE recognised the fact that NAZ still draws well at concerts and that their back catalogue has sold well, not to mention their two latest CD's kick some serious ass. After the MOVE ME World Tour ended, the boys headed home to Scotland for a well-earned rest. The band didn't rest too long before they began rehearsing new material for their 20th studio album! They began recording in March of 1997. Darrell said "the new stuff is heavier than No Jive, but it wouldn't be a Nazareth album without a ballad." The band began a world tour in July of 1997 to Sweden, Czech Republic, Canada and US.
The boys re-entered the studio to remixed the new (Boogaloo) album.
BOOGALOO-the long awaited new album featuring the new members Jimmy Murrison and Ronnie Leahy. was released in1998 the year that also saw them celebrating 30 years in the Rock Business, quite an accomplishment in the world of rock n roll.
The release of Boogaloo in Europe on SPV. saw critics begin raving about Boogaloo - it seemed Nazareth were beginning to be noticed once again by the industry. The success of Boogaloo in Europe and the success of The Double Trouble Tour (with Uriah Heep) led to a signing with the major US label, CMC International.
After several months on the road, the band headed home for a short break. They regrouped to embark on a longer and bigger tour of US/Canada to support the growing success of Boogaloo.
As the Naz machine began climbing to the top again, tragedy struck! On April 30, 1999 founding member and drummer Darrell Sweet died suddenly from a major heart attack.
The band had just arrived at the venue for the first show of their Boogaloo Tour when Darrell fell ill. As Darrell stepped off the bus with paramedics - he collapsed and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Shattered - the band understandably cancelled the tour and headed home to Scotland. The future was in limbo for a few months as the families, band, and crew tried to digest what had happened. But after several band meetings, it was decided that Darrell would have wanted them to continue on.
In fine tribute to Darrell, the band selected Lee Agnew, Pete’s eldest son, to fill the drumming duties for Nazareth. Lee was a natural choice as he is a very talented and accomplished drummer, already knew the music, learned tips from Darrell and he knew all the guys already.
After a few months of rehearsing - the band got ready for their first ever tour without Darrell. They amazed everyone - they played better and stronger than ever. Lee had won the hearts and support of Naz fans everywhere. The band enjoyed how well they were playing and the audience acknowledged this everywhere they played! (Darrell is surely smiling with pride!).
Over the last few years Nazareth have carried on touring around the world, A UK tour with their old mates URIAH HEEP, in March 2001 saw the bands first British shows for many years ending with a great gig at the Astoria in London to a sell out audience. On October the 20th 2001 they Played to a packed house at the Garage in Glasgow, this show was recorded for a new live album and DVD titled Homecoming. It was a great night of rock'n'roll and one the fans will treasure forever!
2002 was yet another busy one for the band, with extensive tours of the States and Europe culminating in a triumphant show in Dunfermline at Christmas when they topped the bill at their annual charity concert.
Sadly that was to be the last time keyboardist Ronnie Leahy appeared with the band, Ronnie decided to hang up his road shoes and retire from touring.
So, once again Nazareth were back to being a four piece, they changed the set list around and did what has always been the way of Nazareth. They took hold of the challenge that change brings, regrouped, and filled 2003 with a live schedule, which would leave many new bands gasping.
In 2004 saw the band head out to the USA, Russia ,Israel and Europe,plus a welcome return to the UK for some shows at the end of the year..
2005 will be a busy time for the band again,with yet more tours scheduled throughout the year...
Taken from: www.nazarethdirect.co.uk/mainindex.htm