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Tank (band)

From Alfawiki
Tank
IndustryMusic
Founded1980 in England
FounderAlgy Ward
Defunct1989 (first disbandment)
FateReformed in 1997; multiple lineups including Tucker/Evans-led and Algy Ward-led factions; active as of 2023
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Europe, Japan, Australia
Key people
Algy Ward (founder, deceased 2023), Mick Tucker, Cliff Evans
ProductsHeavy metal music albums and live performances
Number of employees
Multiple band members over time
Websitewww.tankofficial.com

Tank (commonly presented as TANK) is a heavy metal group originating from England, established in 1980 by Algy Ward, who was previously associated with The Damned. The initial lineup emerged during the new wave of British heavy metal era and was frequently likened to Motörhead because of their three-piece configuration featuring bass-playing vocalists and a metal sound influenced by punk.

Following disputes over legal and artistic directions, Ward fronted one faction of the band until his passing on 17 March 2023, while guitarists Mick Tucker and Cliff Evans continued to lead a separate iteration.

History

Their inaugural album from 1982, Filth Hounds of Hades, garnered acclaim from both punk and metal circles as well as critics, eventually becoming recognized as a defining release of the NWOBHM period. Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic described it as "Tank's finest work" and a must-have for enthusiasts of 1980s metal.

Despite this promising launch, Tank faced challenges in sustaining commercial success due to frequent personnel shifts and ultimately dissolved in 1989. The band saw a revival under Ward's leadership in 1997, performing across Europe and Japan, with five tracks featured on the Japanese compilation Metal Crusade '99.

Their comeback album Still At War arrived in 2002, followed by announcements in 2006 regarding the forthcoming Sturmpanzer. By December 2008, a refreshed lineup was introduced, including guitarists Tucker and Evans, original drummer Mark Brabbs, bassist Chris Dale, and vocalist Doogie White (formerly of Rainbow). This ensemble released War Machine in October 2010. Subsequent drummer changes occurred when Dave Cavill was succeeded by Mark Cross in 2011.

In 2012, Tank unveiled a live DVD recorded in Poland and revealed the return of ex-drummer Steve Hopgood along with their new album War Nation, produced by Phil Kinman and launched through Metal Mind Productions on June 4.

In 2013, Ward initiated his own version of Tank, issuing Breath of the Pit, featuring all instruments performed by himself. He intended to release Sturmpanzer in 2015. Concurrently, the Tucker/Evans-led Tank planned their third studio album titled Valley of Tears, initially scheduled for June but postponed to September 2015.

Ward announced the completion of Sturmpanzer in early 2016; however, its release was delayed until November 2018.

In June 2019, the Tucker-Evans lineup embarked on their inaugural Australian tour, co-headlining alongside Girlschool and Raven, stepping in for Venom Inc. due to health complications.

Algy Ward died on 17 May 2023.

Members

  • Mick Tucker (1983–1989, 1997–present) – guitar
  • Cliff Evans (1984–1989, 1997–present) – guitar
  • Karl Wilcox (2024–present) – drums
  • Marcus von Boisman (2023–present) – vocals
  • Gavin Kerrigan (2025–present) – bass

Former members

  • Algy Ward (1980–1989, 1997–2008, 2013–2023; deceased 2023) – vocals and all instruments (2013–2023); vocals and bass (1980–1989, 1997–2008)
  • Peter Brabbs (1980–1983; deceased 2025) – guitar
  • Mark Brabbs (1980–1983, 2009) – drums
  • Graeme Crallan (1984–1985; deceased 2008) – drums
  • Michael Bettel (1985; deceased 2003) – drums
  • Gary Taylor (1985–1989) – drums
  • Steve Clarke (1989) – drums
  • Steve Hopgood (1997–2001, 2012–2014) – drums
  • Bruce Bisland (2001–2007) – drums
  • Dave "Grav" Cavill (2008–2011) – drums
  • Mark Cross (2011–2012) – drums
  • Doogie White (2008–2014) – vocals
  • Chris Dale (2008–2014) – bass
  • ZP Theart (2013–2017) – vocals (2014–2017), live vocals (2013–2014) (touring)
  • Barend Courbois (2014–2017) – bass
  • Bobby Schottkowski (2014–2023) – drums
  • David Readman (2017–2023) – vocals
  • Randy van der Elsen (2017–2023) – bass
  • Gav Gray (2023–2025) – bass

Studio Albums

Singles

  • "Don't Walk Away" (1981)
  • "(He Fell in Love with a) Stormtrooper" (1982)
  • "Turn Your Head Around" (1982)
  • "Crazy Horses" (1982)
  • "Echoes of a Distant Battle" (1983)

Compilation and Live Releases

  • Armour Plated (1985)
  • The Return of the Filth Hounds Live (1998)
  • War of Attrition (live '81) (2001)
  • The Filth Hounds of Hades - Dogs of War 1981–2002 (2007)


Albums

  • War Machine (2010)
  • War Nation (2012)
  • Valley of Tears (2015)
  • Re-Ignition (2019)

Albums

  • Breath of the Pit (2013)
  • Sturmpanzer (2018)


See also

External links

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