Savage (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England |
| Founder | Chris Bradley |
| Headquarters | Mansfield , England |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, singles |
Savage is a heavy metal group originating from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, established in 1978 and associated with the new wave of British heavy metal. Their most renowned track, "Let it Loose," played a significant role in shaping early 1980s metal and was famously covered by Metallica. This song also inspired the title of their first album, Loose 'n Lethal (1983).
History
The band was initially created in 1976 by bassist Chris Bradley along with other members but officially reformed in 1978 with Bradley joined by guitarists Andy Bradbury and Andy Dawson, and drummer Simon Dawson. After several lineup changes, including Wayne Renshaw replacing Bradbury and Dave Lindley taking over drums from Simon Dawson, this formation contributed to compilations like Scene of the Crime (which included "Let it Loose") and released the double A-side single "Ain't No Fit Place" / "The China Run". Shortly thereafter, Mark Brown from Tyrant succeeded Lindley on drums.
In 1980, Savage produced their debut demo tape. By the following year, "Let it Loose" had garnered attention for its fast-paced thrash metal style. The band signed with Ebony Records in 1982, making their first appearance on the compilation Metal Fatigue. Encouraged by favorable critiques, they self-funded a double A-side single under Ebony's label, culminating in their debut album Loose 'n Lethal released in 1983. Despite receiving critical acclaim, limited support from their label posed challenges.
In 1984, Savage departed from Ebony Records to join Zebra Records, a division of Cherry Red Records. They issued the EP We Got the Edge and subsequently launched their sophomore album Hyperactive, which presented a distinctly altered musical approach. Although reviews were positive, the absence of strong management and insufficient label promotion restricted commercial achievements. The band dissolved in 1986 but reunited in 1995 during the grunge era, releasing Holy Wars, which was well received by critics. Later albums included Babylon (1998) and Xtreme Machine (2001). Following a break due to personal circumstances, they returned in 2011 with Sons of Malice, featuring original members Chris Bradley and Andy Dawson alongside Kris Bradley and Mark Nelson. The group resumed performing at festivals.
Bass guitarist Chris Bradley died after an extended illness on 6 November 2025.
Albums
- Loose 'n Lethal (Ebony Records, 1983)
- Hyperactive (Zebra Records, 1985)
- Holy Wars (Neat Records, 1995)
- Babylon (Neat Records, 1996)
- Xtreme Machine (Neat Records, 2001)
- This Ain't No Fit Place (Best of compilation, Sanctuary Records, 2002)
- Sons of Malice (Minus2Zebra & Infestdead Records, 2012)
- 7 (Minus2Zebra, 2015)
Singles
- "Ain't No Fit Place" / "The China Run" (Ebony Records, 1982)
- "We Got the Edge" (Zebra Records, 1984)
- "Cardiac" (Black Dragon, 1986)
Compilation appearances
- Scene of the Crime (Suspect Records, 1981) – tracks: "Let it Loose" and "Dirty Money"
- Metal Fatigue (Ebony Records, 1982) – track: "Ain't No Fit Place"