Tygers of Pan Tang

• Originally formed by Robb Weir, Brian Dick, Richard Laws and Jess Cox they rapidly built a local following from gigging relentlessly and made their first signing with 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 No:18 in Britain on the first week of its release.
  

• John Sykes was added as second guitarist while Jess Cox sought pastures new and was replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill. This line up released the classic album: Spellbound in 1981. 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 there third album, the under-rated Crazy Nights. Shortly after recording and just before the start of a European tour John Sykes decided to leave the band so they approached ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser.
  

• Tygers Of Pan Tang's fourth album The Cage (1982) 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 (following the band's hit with "Love Potion No. 9"). The band tried to break free from their contract but MCA's 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. They were invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tygers of Pan Tang and the 10th Wacken Open Air. Jess Cox and Robb Weir, backed up by members of the band Blitzkrieg performed a memorable show. Recording tapes of their performance gave rise to the Live at Wacken album.
  
  

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• In 2001, Robb Weir decided to reform the band, despite being the only original member. Robb wanted to keep the name alive and play for the fans. The new Tygers line-up were Dean Robertson (lead guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums) who remain to this day and are now the longest ever serving members of the band together with Robb. They released Mystical through Z-Records and in 2004 Noises in the Cathouse.
  

• Later the same year, Richie Wicks left and was replaced by Italian vocalist Jacopo (Jack) Meille from the band Mantra.

• 2007 was a challenging and exciting time for the Tygers, the plan set was to raise the activity and profile of the band however, in order to get the fanbase back to its rightful levels the product had to complement this ambition. The 5 track EP Back & Beyond was very well received by both the fans and the Industry alike and the two new tracks: Bury the Hatchet and Live for the Day were the perfect taster of what is to come in 2008/09.

• Animal Instinct (x2) was completed with Ben Matthews of Thunder having undertaken the mixing duty once again after the fantastic job he did with the Back & Beyond EP. The album has 11 tracks of classic British Hard Rock from start to finish with distribution in the hands of Cargo Records.
  

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• We ask that you check in regularly for up to date news, check out the website www.tygersofpantang.com and certainly come and see a show or two if we are playing close by. The band love to give value for money and spend a lot of time seeking out new talent to bring on tour. We also ask the venue to invite a local band so it will almost always be a three band bill. Also check out the webshop and grab yourself some merchandise or the EP etc.