Nightwing (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Gordon Rowley, Kenny Newton, Eric Bert Percival |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Rock music albums and live performances |
Nightwing is a British rock ensemble established in 1978 under the name "Gordon and Friends" by bassist Gordon Rowley (previously with Strife), keyboardist Kenny Newton, and guitarist Eric Bert Percival. The initial roster comprised Rowley, Percival, Newton, and Paul Ellson.
Over time, the band's membership has undergone numerous changes, including prominent figures like vocalist Max Bacon (prior to his tenure with Bronz), who subsequently became part of the supergroup GTR, as well as Dave Evans (formerly associated with Days of Grace). Founding members Rowley and Newton remained central, alongside guitarists Alec Johnson and Glynn Porrino, plus drummer Steve Bartley. Seán Pugh briefly joined as an additional keyboardist and vocalist during the Something in the Air tour but exited due to overlapping responsibilities within the group.
Nightwing ceased activity in 1987, after which Rowley and Bartley formed the brief project Razorback before regrouping in the 1990s. Their most recent release, 8472, came out in 2008 on Timeline Records, and the band continues to perform live.
Formation, Something In The Air and Black Summer
Following a heart attack that prompted his departure from Strife, Gordon Rowley opted to establish his own band rather than join Rainbow. This decision led to the creation of Nightwing with keyboardist Kenny Newton and guitarists Eric Percival and Alec Johnson. Early sessions featured various drummers including Paul Ellson and Steve Bartley. Their debut album, Something in the Air, was released in 1981 and included the single "Barrel of Pain", penned by Graham Nash. Steve Bartley became the permanent drummer for their subsequent tour and contributed to the 1982 album Black Summer, which gained significant popularity across Eastern Europe, resulting in an extensive touring schedule.
Max Bacon, Stand Up and Be Counted and My Kingdom Come
In 1983, Nightwing recruited lead singer Max Bacon for their third studio effort, Stand Up and Be Counted, featuring the track "Treading Water". The following year’s album, My Kingdom Come, contained a rendition of "Cell 151" originally by Steve Hackett of Genesis. Hackett also co-produced the single "Night of Mystery" and provided guitar work. The album’s artwork was created by famed artist Roger Dean, recognized for his contributions to Yes and Asia. Shortly before embarking on tour, Max Bacon departed to form the supergroup GTR alongside Hackett and Steve Howe, while Alec Johnson also left, leaving Nightwing without both a lead vocalist and guitarist.
Dave Evans, Glynn Porrino, Night of Mystery - Alive! Alive! and Nightwing VI
For the tour supporting My Kingdom Come, Nightwing brought on Dave Evans as lead vocalist and Glynn Porrino on lead guitar. During this period, they recorded their sole live album, Night of Mystery - Alive! Alive!, capturing performances from shows in Yugoslavia and West Germany.
In 1986, they released their fifth studio record (sixth overall), titled Nightwing VI, which featured cover art along with saxophone contributions from Porrino. This marked their final studio album until 1996 and last complete release until 2008. Following internal disputes, Dave Evans and Kenny Newton exited after its completion. Keyboard parts on this album were provided by Kerry Beswick. The band toured throughout 1986 and 1987 as a quartet consisting of Rowley, Bartley, Porrino, and Beswick before ultimately disbanding later that year.
1996 Reunion, Natural Survivors, 2006 Reunion and 8472
Following Nightwing's disbandment in 1987, Gordon Rowley and Steve Bartley collaborated with Del Bromham from Stray to form Razorback; however, the recordings from this project were never officially published.
In 1996, Rowley reassembled Nightwing with Glynn Porrino, Kenny Newton, and drummer Barry Roberts to produce fresh material. Included was "Mercenary Man," a track initially performed by Bartley’s former group The Skeleton Crew and later recorded by Razorback. This song, along with two additional new pieces—one composed by Porrino and an instrumental by Rowley—were incorporated into a reissue of Nightwing VI, renamed Natural Survivors, which featured revamped cover art.
An additional track from these sessions, titled "Out in the Cold," was omitted from the reissued album but was featured on the 79 to 86 compilation. Nightwing reunited once more in 2006 with members Rowley, Percival, Bartley, Beswick, Porrino, Roberts (providing extra percussion), and Tony Reid (handling lead vocals and guitar). This ensemble produced their most recent album, 8472, which was released in 2008.
Discography
- Something in the Air (1981)
- Black Summer (1982)
- Stand Up and Be Counted (1983)
- My Kingdom Come (1984)
- A Night of Mystery – Alive! Alive! (live album) (1985)
- Nightwing VI (reissued in 1996 as Natural Survivors, featuring select Razorback session tracks re-recorded) (1986)
- Nightwing (compilation – Long Island Records) (1996)
- 79 to 86 (live compilation) (2006)
- 8472 (2008)