where are they now? By Lee Walker
For this months ‘Where Are They Now?’ we have picked Jameson Raid. Described as being ‘cult heroes for the Midland rock circuit’ they are known as one of the many great NWOBHM bands that never quite fulfilled their potential. Taking their name from an incident in the Transvaal at the turn of 1895/96, the band originally date back to 1973, when bassist John Ace and guitarist Ian Smith, played together in a band called ‘Spectaté II’ while at school. The band soon went their separate ways. During this time Ace formed a covers outfit. When this split, Ace, together with the rhythm guitarist Stewart Harrod, persuaded Smith to return and added the drummer Phil Kimberley. Their first gig took place on 26 August 1975, under name ‘Notre Dame’. Roadie, Nick Freeman, was credited with recalling the events of the Transvaal from his school history books and proposing it to the band. With Hoi Polloi singer Terry Dark joining in December 1976, and Stewart leaving a few days later, Jameson Raid's most well-known line-up was complete. Jameson Raid released their first single, the ‘Seven Days Of Splendour’ EP in February 1979. Despite the musical press’s problems nailing down the bands sounds the EP was well received. In March 1980 the band, along with Magnum, played support to Def Leppard at the Birmingham Odeon on the latter's 'On Through the Night' tour. Later the same year EMI released the second of
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Firebrand Magazine