Country of origin: United Kingdom Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England (early); New York, United States (later) Status: Active Formed in: 1974 Genre: NWOBHM/Heavy Metal, Speed Metal Themes: Rock, Life, Social, War Current label: Silver Lining Music Years active: 1974-present Formed in 1974 in Newcastle by Gallagher brothers, bassist/lead vocalist John and guitarist Mark – accompanied at first by Paul Bowden on guitars. In December, they did their first show with Paul Sherrif on drums, who was later replaced by Mick Kenworthy. This line-up opened for The Stranglers and The Motors. In late-1977, Kenworthy was given his walking papers, making way for Sean Taylor. A year later, Bowden and Taylor quit. Next addition was drummer Rob Hunter in 1979 – as a trio, Raven recorded a demo that included “Don’t Need Your Money Honey” and “Wiped Out”. Tygers of Pan Tang’s manager Tom Noble set a contract with local label Neat Records for the group, which released both tracks on a single. The band’s first album Rock Until You Drop put the band on the map, as one of the leaders of the NWOBHM in 1981. In 1982, Wiped Out meant a step up in terms of technique, speed and aggression. Raven did their first shows in America, gigging alongside Anvil and Riot V. They later toured in the US, supported by Metallica, Exodus and Anthrax in 1983, in support of the new album All For One, which was released through Megaforce Records, whose owner Jon Zazula believed they were major label material and kept them touring until big record labels would start showing interest for the group. They subsequently signed with Atlantic Records. However, Atlantic Records dictated its own terms and forced the band to embrace a more commercial sound on the following record Stay Hard, which proved a hit on the strength of single/video “On and On”. Next record was produced by legendary Eddie Kramer but alienated the most hardcore fans with the slick, lightweight production and drastic shift in a more mainstream direction.