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 Legendary NWOBH metallers the Tygers of Pan Tang have been confirmed for this years installment of the Hard Rock Hell Festival which takes place in December at Prestatyn Sands, North Wales.
The band was originally formed by Robb Weir, Brian Dick, Rocky ,real name Richard Laws, and Jess Cox. After Rapidly building a local following from gigging relentlessly, they were first signed up by local independent label Neat Records before MCA gave them a major record deal.
After several singles, they released their first album Wild Cat in 1980. The album reached the 18 in Britain on the first week of its release. Subsequently John Sykes later of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake was added as second guitarist. Jess Cox then sought new pastures, and was replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill.
This line up released the Classic LP Spellbound in 1981. With Deverills arguably superior vocals and greater experience, the album was critically acclaimed and loved by the fans. Battling against the odds and a lack of record company support the band quickly recorded their third album, the under-rated Crazy Nights. Poor production did not help the sound quality but this album still has some excellent tracks. Shortly after recording and just before the start of a European tour John Sykes decided to leave the band so the band approached ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days flat before touring.
Tygers Of Pan Tangs fourth album The Cage was their most accomplished effort and things looked promising. Unfortunately the record company support was lacking and were not prepared to promote the band unless they agreed to play more cover recordings. The band tried to break free from their contract, but MCAs demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to free the band and the band broke up in frustration.
However, this was not the end of the band. During the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival, Jess Cox joined the band Blitzkrieg on stage, playing three old Tygers songs. The audience's response was so positive, a year later the band were invited, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tygers of Pan Tang and the 10th Wacken Open Air. Brian Dick and Rocky were unable to join the band, but the Tygers, now Jess Cox and Robb Weir, backed up by Blitzkrieg guitarist Glen Howes, bassist Gavin Gray and drummer Chris Percy, performed nevertheless a memorable show. Recording tapes of their performance gave rise to the Live at Wacken album.
Following this success the band regrouped and have been playing dates around the world bringing back those legendary sounds.
Next stop The Dragons Ball
The Tygers of Pan Tang join a bill which also features former member John Sykes, currently playing with Thin Lizzy who have been confirmed as one of the festivals two headliners, which opens up possibilities of Sykes jamming with the band on stage.
Sykes had previously revealed to Komodo Rock's Mike Elliott last year that he would be interested in playing some songs with the band if they were in the same place at the same time.
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