HellsBelles

HellsBelles
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1984
Defunct	1987 (initially)
Fate	Reformed in 1998
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Music albums and singles

HellsBelles (initially known as Hell's Belles) is a British heavy metal group that was active between 1984 and 1987, and then from 1998 onwards. They are linked to the later phase of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM).

1980s – Hell's Belles

During the 1980s, the band received extensive radio exposure on BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show, BBC Radio Derby, and the pirate station Alice's Restaurant Rock Radio. Their live performances and recorded material were well-covered in metal-focused publications such as Kerrang! and Metal Forces.

Hell's Belles fused elements of punk rock with classic heavy metal, a style that would later be adopted by groups like Metallica. The punk aspect was introduced by drummer Garry Maloney (formerly of Discharge and The Varukers) and guitarist Pooch (Peter Purtill), who had also played with Discharge. Bassist Gareth Holder came from the punk outfit The Shapes. Vocalist and guitarist Paul Quigley added influences from heavy metal and classic rock, having been part of NWOBHM band SwingFire and later establishing London-based acts A.M., RAAM, and glam rock band BellaDonna.

In 1984, Anthony 'Spiv' Smith, previously with Brute Force, took over drumming duties from Maloney, who returned to Discharge for subsequent projects.

Quigley also featured in promotional videos for Bronze Records' band Girlschool, which helped raise his profile.

The group issued one studio album titled Hell's Belles in 1986 along with the single "Barricades," both released under Castle Communications’ Raw Power label. Their tracks also appeared on compilations such as Metal Killers Kollection volumes 1 & 2, 'Rock Legends,' and 'Rock Classics.'

Keyboard contributions on the "Barricades" single and the album tracks "Strangelove" and "Looks Like Love" were provided by guest musician Lyndsay Bridgwater, who had toured with Ozzy Osbourne. Interestingly, Metallica’s James Hetfield utilized lyrics reminiscent of Quigley’s work in their popular song "Enter Sandman," indicating the band's influence on prominent metal artists. Members of Discharge similarly drew creative inspiration from Quigley’s output.

Following the release of their 1986 album, bassist Holder departed and was succeeded by Jon Archer; however, this lineup disbanded shortly thereafter.

2000s – HellsBelles

In 1998, Paul Quigley revived the band under the name 'HellsBelles' (spelled as a single word without an apostrophe). The reformed group released singles including "Abyssinian Demesne" and "(Why Did They Kill) Joe Hill" in 2011, followed by "Gone but Not Forgotten" in early 2013.

Current members

Paul Quigley 'The Belle Lord' – vocals, guitar, keyboards
Caddavirr – bass
O'Jeopardoso – guitar
St Eval Denies – drums

Original members

Paul Quigley – vocals
Peter "Pooch" Purtill – guitar
Gareth Holder – bass

Other members

Anthony "Spiv" Smith – drums
Jon Archer – bass
Lyndsay Bridgwater – keyboards (featured on LP Hell's Belles; formerly with Ozzy Osbourne, Blizzard of Oz, Budgie)

External links