Here’s one to get your pre-orders in for and look forward to eagerly. In February 2025, a seven disc box set of Gillan material is slotted for release.
Gillan of course being the eponymously named band fronted by Ian Gillan which had a short but spectacular career over the prime years of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene.
Whether Gillan were “truly” NWOBHM is debatable – though who cares whether they were or were not because they were a great band.
We all know the history don’t we? After leaving Deep Purple in rthe early 1970s, Ian mooched around a bit before forming the Ian Gillan Band in 1975 with a jazz-fusion style. That wasn’t a success and he then formed Gillan around 1978 moving away from the jazzy stuff to a heavier style.
Much success would follow over what would be a shortish stint before it all fell apart – apparently over money though as the cliché goes “recollections may vary”.
However the quality of the music can’t be disputed. All top notch stuff – all of which can be enjoyed in this upcoming box set.
It includes the following:
Gillan (The Japanese Album) Released in 1978
Mr. Universe – Released in 1979
Glory Road Released in 1980
Future Shock – Released in 1981
Double Trouble Released in 1981
Magic– Released in 1982
Live From Reading ’80
Also a 32-page booklet and an interview with Ian Gillan.
Such a great line-up too: Mick Underwood on drums, John McCoy on bass, Colin Towns of Keyboards with Bernie Torme on guitar until he left after Future Shock to be replaced by Janick Gers from White Spirit (who if I recall correctly were support to Gillan on I think the tour for Glory Road, am sure I saw them then). Gers of course went on to Iron Maiden where he remains to this day.
Here’s the old, cheesy video for No Laughing in Heaven form the Future Shock album.
Gillan 1978-1982 is due for release on 14 February 2025 with a reasonable price of around £35. Not bad for seven CDs eh?
My pre-order is in – is yours?
>> GILLAN 1978-1982 BOX SET ON AMAZON <<
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