Spider (British band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Liverpool, England |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Rock music, albums, singles |
Spider was a rock group originating from Liverpool, England, established in 1976 and associated with the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM). Their style, often likened to that of Status Quo, featured lively boogie rock rhythms. Throughout their ten-year tenure, Spider issued three studio albums: Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies (1982), Rough Justice (1984), and Raise the Banner (For Rock 'n' Roll) (1986). The band ceased activities in 1986.
Career
The band Spider came together in 1976, consisting of four young men from Wallasey, including a pair of brothers, none of whom had prior experience in musical groups.
Following the release of "Children of the Street" on Alien Records, Spider maintained a rigorous schedule, performing approximately 20 shows each month, including opening for Uriah Heep during their Winter Tour in 1980.
Their peak period occurred in 1982. Toward the end of 1981, they recorded sessions for BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show. Tony Wilson, the producer, introduced the band to Maggi Farren, who helped them secure a recording contract with Creole Records as well as a supporting role on Slade's 1981 Winter Tour.
Spider's single "Talkin' 'bout Rock 'n' Roll," released through Creole, received airplay on BBC Radio 1. They commenced work on their first album, Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies, under Creole; however, after RCA presented a last-minute offer, the group signed a six-year agreement with RCA.
In 1982, Spider frequently sold out shows at the Marquee Club and served as support for Alice Cooper during his British Special Forces Tour. On 29 August, they performed at the Reading Festival and toured with Gillan around the time their album was launched.
Currently, guitarist Dave Bryce is active with London-based rock ensemble AWOL.
On 22 July 2022, Spider’s Facebook page announced the passing of lead vocalist Colin Harkness at age 62.
Band members
- Colin Harkness – lead vocals, guitar (deceased July 2022)
- Dave "Sniffa" Bryce – guitar, backing vocals
- Brian Burrows – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Rob E. Burrows – drums
Albums
| Year | Album title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies | 12" vinyl |
| 1984 | Rough Justice | 12" vinyl |
| 1986 | Raise the Banner (For Rock 'n' Roll) | 12" vinyl |
| 2007 | Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies | CD |
| Rough Justice | CD | |
| 2011 | The Singles Collection | CD box set |
| 2012 | The Complete Anthology | CD box set |
Singles
- 1977: "Back to the Wall"
- 1980: "Children of the Street"
- 1980: "College Luv"
- 1981: "All the Time"
- 1982: "Talkin' 'Bout Rock 'n' Roll"
- 1982: "Rock 'n' Roll Forever Will Last"
- 1982: "Amazing Grace Medley" (included free with "Rock 'n' Roll Forever Will Last")
- 1983: "Why D'Ya Lie to Me"
- 1984: "Here We Go Rock 'n' Roll"
- 1984: "Breakaway"
- 1986: "Gimme Gimme It All"