White Spirit was born in and around Hartlepool in the late 1970s. Classed as New Wave of British Heavy Metal probably more due to their timing rather than musical style which, although decidedly hard rock was not exactly heavy metal.
It was, however, skilful, well arranged and showed many influences. The manic guitar of the young Janick Gers (something of a Ritchie Blackmore clone back then and Malcolm Pearsons swirling keyboards gave the band a sometimes “proggy” sound which was also melodic at times. Think Rush, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple and you’d be about right.
Even without a record deal, White Spirit were a big draw in their “homeland” of the North East and their first foray in to the recording world was a single – Backs to the Grind – in 1980. Then White Spirit started to get around a bit and was on the bill of the legendary Metal Barn Dance at Bingley Hall in Stafford before going on to that year’s Reading Festival.
Next it was time to cut a debut album which they did for MCA. It would prove to be their only album, but what a platter it was. Right from the opening riff of Midnight Chaser you know you’re on to something a bit special especially when Blackmore, I mean Gers, cuts loose on the solo. Fantastic. Classic cut after classic cut follows. Red Skies (White Spirit’s answer to War of the Worlds sort of) is a bit of a mini-epic and the remainder hold you in sway between some inspired drumming, those well placed keyboards and of course Gers showing the talent that would see him snapped up by Ian Gillan and Iron Maiden where he remains to this day.
Although well touted the album did not sell well. MCA lost interest and White Spirit lost momentum particularly when Gillan came a-calling for Gers. A replacement was drafted in (Mick Tucker) and even a new singer – Brian Howe later to be employed by Ted Nugent and Bad Company – though it never happened for them and a short career came to nought save the one truly outstanding album.
An album I had in the far away days of vinyl which has long since disappeared. Wish I still had it. Did manage to (fortunately) bag a copy of the CD re-issue a few years ago. It came with a bonus disc of demo tracks, singles and alternative cuts. Amazing.
It was issued by Castle Music/Sanctuary Records which are “no longer” so getting your hands on a copy will be a challenge for you. A few are around on Amazon though they are certainly not cheap.
Bit of a shame that such a fine band has only the one hard to find offering to their name. It still sounds fresh every time I listen to it.
Couldn’t even find a proper video of White Spirit on YouTube so here’s a “static” one of Red Skies for your aural delectation.