Fist (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in South Shields, England |
| Headquarters | South Shields , England |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, singles |
Fist is a heavy metal band from England, originating in South Shields, located in North East England, in 1978. They were among the pioneering groups of the new wave of British heavy metal movement during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
History
Initially formed in April 1978 under the name Axe, the band recorded a single track titled "S.S. Giro" before changing their name. By late 1979, they re-emerged as Fist, secured a contract with Neat Records, and launched their debut single "Name, Rank and Serial Number" in April 1980. The single gained significant airplay and sales, which led to a contract with MCA. Before the end of 1980, they released a follow-up single and their first full album, Turn the Hell On, while touring alongside UFO, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. Unfortunately, the album suffered from poor mixing quality and insufficient promotion by MCA, which had limited experience working with metal bands. This resulted in disappointing sales figures and MCA dropped the band in early 1981.
Following a period of minimal activity that included appearances on compilations, Fist underwent a lineup change in July 1981. They released their second album, Back with a Vengeance, through Neat Records in early 1982. This version of the band featured lead vocalist Glenn Coates (formerly of Hollow Ground), guitarist John Roach (Mythra), bassist Norman Appleby, along with original members Hill and Irwin. Although critics generally responded well—highlighting catchy hooks and a more refined production—the band faced challenges due to limited distribution and financial resources. Their performances were primarily local, and further personnel changes occurred before their official disbandment in 1985.
Despite modest commercial results, Fist received acclaim for steering clear of common NWOBHM lyrical stereotypes. Tracks such as "You'll Never Get Me Up (In One of Those)" tackled subjects like aviophobia, while "Throwing in the Towel" depicted the hardships faced by an aging boxer. The song "Name, Rank and Serial Number" has endured as a fan favorite within rock and metal circles.
In 2001, original vocalist Keith Satchfield revived Fist by collaborating with members from Hollow Ground and guest artists, culminating in the release of Storm in 2005. This record featured a heavier musical style but garnered mixed reactions due to its synthetic production approach. After limited touring and health-related setbacks, the band again became inactive without achieving notable commercial success.
Fist reunited once more in 2013 with founding members Harry "Hiroshima" Hill and Davey Irwin, along with Norman Appleby from the Back with a Vengeance lineup, and introduced new frontman Glenn S. Howes—an experienced performer associated with NWOBHM acts such as Blitzkrieg, Tygers of Pan Tang, and Avenger. This formation made its live debut at Bro Fest UK in 2014 to favorable reviews. They continued performing internationally while reportedly developing new material. In 2016, Steve East replaced Appleby on bass. The group’s final concert took place in South Shields on 1 April 2017 supporting Bernie Torme. Following this event, East and Howes announced their departures. The band persists with Irwin and Hill joined by former vocalist Glenn Coates and bassist Norman Appleby.
Legacy
Jack Butler-Terry from Metal Hammer observed that despite Fist's decline into relative obscurity, their modest catalog effectively demonstrates the core qualities of the NWOBHM era.
Albums
- Turn the Hell On (MCA, November 1980)
- Back with a Vengeance (Neat, 1982)
- Storm (Demolition, April 2005)
Singles
- "Name, Rank and Serial Number" / "You'll Never Get Me Up (In One of Those)" (Neat April 1980 / MCA July 1980)
- "Forever Amber" / "Brain Damage" (MCA August 1980)
- "Collision Course" / "Law of the Jungle" (MCA January 1981)
- "The Wanderer" / "Too Hot" (Neat November 1982)
Compilation appearances
- "Brain Damage" (from Brute Force, MCA September 1980)
- "S.S. Giro" / "Throwing in the Towel" (featured on Lead Weight, Neat May 1981)
- "Lost & Found" (included in 60 Minute Plus Heavy Metal, Neat November 1982)
Compilation albums
- Back with a Vengeance: The Anthology (Sanctuary, 2002)