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Wolfsbane (band)

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Wolfsbane (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
Wolfsbane
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1984 in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Headquarters
Tamworth
,
England
ProductsStudio albums, live albums, compilation albums, EPs, demo tapes
Websitewww.wolfsbaneband.com

Wolfsbane is a heavy metal group from England, established in 1984 in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Initially active until 1994 and reuniting from 2010 onwards, the band’s discography comprises five studio albums, two live recordings, two compilation albums, two EPs, and three demo tapes. Wolfsbane is notably recognized for launching the career of vocalist Blaze Bayley, who subsequently replaced Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden and embarked on a solo path. The current members include Bayley on vocals, Jason "Jase" Edwards handling guitar duties, Jeff Hateley on bass, and Steve Danger behind the drums.

Early years (1984–1994)

Wolfsbane secured a contract with Def American Records, releasing their debut album Live Fast, Die Fast in 1989 under the production of Rick Rubin. Before this release, the band produced three demo recordings: Wolfsbane (1985), Dancin' Dirty (1987), and Wasted but Dangerous (1988). Their 1990 EP All Hell's Breaking Loose Down at Little Kathy Wilson's Place came out ahead of their 1991 album Down Fall the Good Guys, which featured their sole UK Singles Chart hit, "Ezy," peaking at No. 68.

Although Wolfsbane did not achieve significant commercial success with Def American, they maintained an active touring schedule throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s, sharing stages with prominent bands such as Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne, and Anthrax. Their status as an English band signed to a US label limited their commercial reach; consequently, Def American dropped them due to low sales figures. In 1993, Wolfsbane earned the distinction of being voted the UK’s best unsigned act and released the live album Massive Noise Injection through Bronze Records.

The band’s third studio effort, titled Wolfsbane, was issued in 1994 by Bronze Records. A special edition included the EP Everything Else. Later that year, Blaze Bayley departed to join Iron Maiden following Bruce Dickinson’s exit, which resulted in Wolfsbane disbanding.

After disbandment (1994–2007)

Following the breakup of Wolfsbane, Jason Edwards, Jeff Hateley, and Steve Danger collaborated with Jez 'Spencer' Housden to form Stretch in 1995. This new group released a six-track mini-album called World of Stretch under the Cottage Industry label.

Reunions and activities (2007–2021)

On 9 September 2007, Wolfsbane briefly reassembled for a short performance at Tamworth’s Rock of Ages Festival. This was followed by a UK tour supporting the Wildhearts in December 2007. They toured again in December 2009 as support for the Quireboys’ 20th Anniversary Tour.

Jason Edwards shifted his focus towards record production work, including producing and mixing the Wildhearts’ self-titled album and Blaze Bayley’s Promise and Terror. He also contributed to projects led by Ginger Wildheart and worked with German punk outfit Radio Dead Ones while performing with Ginger & the Sonic Circus and God Damn Whores.

Blaze Bayley left Iron Maiden to pursue solo ventures, initially forming Blaze and later the Blaze Bayley Band before returning exclusively to his solo career in 2012. During his Promise and Terror tour, internal conflicts caused key members to leave; soon after these events, Wolfsbane declared a full reunion with plans for a new album slated for 2011. Bayley has continued balancing his solo work alongside performances with Wolfsbane.

On 12 March 2011, Wolfsbane announced their EP Did It for the Money, which was released on 9 April coinciding with a headline concert at London’s Borderline venue. They also supported Saxon on tour during April 2011. On 7 October that year, they unveiled their fourth studio album titled Wolfsbane Save the World, made available through their official website and merchandise booths during forthcoming tours.

The band commenced a UK tour on 24 October 2011 with Manchester-based Obsessive Compulsive as support. Footage from this tour can be found on Wolfsbane’s official YouTube channel. On 15 December 2011, they released a music video for "Smoke and Red Light" from Wolfsbane Save the World, reflecting on their early days.

Starting on 17 October 2012, Wolfsbane embarked on an eleven-date UK tour featuring special guest Givvi Flynn at select performances where she joined them to perform "Illusion of Love". During this tour, an album entitled The Lost Tapes: A Secret History was made available for sale.

Genius and Upcoming Releases (2022–Present)

On 11 May 2021, Wolfsbane revealed they had commenced the songwriting process for their first album in almost ten years. In February 2022, lead vocalist Blaze Bayley announced that the band was putting the finishing touches on the album mixes, targeting a release date in June. The album, named Genius, was officially announced on 30 April 2022 and subsequently released on 5 June.

On 6 August 2024, Wolfsbane confirmed they are currently recording a new studio album.

Current lineup

  • Blaze Bayley – lead vocals
  • Jason Edwards – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
  • Jeff Hateley – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Danger – drums

Past members

  • Amanda "Poo Poos" Hemmings – drums (1984)
  • Jason Lee Farrow – drums (1984)
  • Jon Buckingham "Stakk Smasher" – drums (1985–1986)

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

EPs

Demo recordings

  • Wolfsbane (1985)
  • Dancin' Dirty (1987)
  • Wasted But Dangerous (1988)

External links

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