The TRANS-AM story
Formed in early 1981 (which made us part of the NWOBHM era) from an amalgamation of York bands. The initial line-up comprised Andy Neal (Vocals), Chris Percival (Lead Guitar) Lol Ruderham (Rhythm Guitar) IJ Greensmith (Bass) and Doc Simpson (Drums). The band were all regulars at The Grob & Ducket - York's no 1 pub for the HM Rock Brigade, and they played their debut gig at York Tech College.
Chris Percival (aka 'Fistiver Testicle') left in 1981 and was replaced by Zeff Stewart who had been with successful York punk recording band CYANIDE in the late 70’s. Despite Zeff's punk background, he was a massive fan of Michael Schenker (UFO) and could play many of Schenker's solos note perfect. The band had immediately gone up a notch with the arrival of Zeff. The new line-up played their first gig at The Barge in York, supported by the Dipshits '.
Andy Neal left in the same year and auditioned for TYGERS of PAN TANG, but, narrowly lost out to John Deverill, despite impressing with his near perfect imitation of former Tygers vocalist Jess Cox!
Cambridge undergraduate, Tim Heap was drafted in to replace Andy, but, was quickly replaced in early 1982 by Dave Wilson, a 'Grobs' regular. During 1982/3 the band played extensively in the North-east, and built up a hardcore local following. The band played a mixture of cover versions (by UFO, Y&T, MSG, AC/DC, Girl, Def Leppard, & Motorhead ), plus their own material. Support slots with TERRAPLANE (who later changed their name to THUNDER), ROCK GODDESS, GEDDES AXE & PET HATE were played at Middlesborough Rock Garden and a demo tape was recorded at Pollen studios.
In 1983 Dave Wilson left and was replaced by female vocalist Michelle Morris, and the band continued to gig throughout that year.
How we became 'MAINEEAXE'.
In 1984 when the band were on the verge of disbanding after Michelle and Lol had left, the remaining three members (Doc, IJ and Zeff) were asked to go into the studio to put down some of their material. The tapes were heard by record company Powerstation who introduced vocalist Mick Adamson ex-FLIGHT and BULLDOG BREED. The band were signed on the understanding that they change their name to MAINEEAXE, which was disliked by the three original members, but,reluctantly accepted.
Their debut album ‘Shout it Out’ was recorded at Fairview, Hull, and was engineered by Roy Neave, who had worked on the first DEF LEPPARD EP on the Bludgeon Riffola label, ('Getcha Rocks Off', 'Overture' & 'Ride Into The Sun') which was also recorded at Fairview. Two singles; ‘Gonna Make You Rock’, and ‘The Game’ were released, and the band received a lot of airplay on Radio One, including Tommy Vance’s ‘Friday Rock Show’. The album and singles were then released in France, Spain, Canada and Australia, with tracks on compilation albums released in France and Japan. In 1990 'Shout It Out' was re-released on CD by German label Steamhammer, and as an import in Japan. 'Shout It Out' is to be re-released on Cherry Red Records on 16th August, 2010 !!!!!
Towards the end of 1984, whilst waiting to record their second album, the band were offered a support slot with METALLICA on the French leg of their European tour, but, owing to record company politics the band were unable to accept the offer.
At that time, Harrogate HM band SYAR were in the middle of recording their debut album with Powerstation, and were having problems with the vocals. To avoid aborting the project, Powerstation went behind Doc and IJ's back and deviously persuaded Stewart and Adamson to merge MAINEEAXE with SYAR, and the recording of the album was completed and released under the MAINEEAXE name.
The merged unit, (minus Doc and IJ), then went onto release a further EP and single, and tour with MAGNUM, with the TRANS-AM era and influence
coming to an unhappy and arguably premature ending.
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