SPIDER - Raise the Banner 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Genuine 1st UK Pressing

Spider Raise the Banner album cover showing muscular warriors planting a Union Jack flag with 'Rock 'n' Roll' text on icy terrain under a moonlit sky, with mountains and a red-black gradient sky backdrop.

Raise the Banner (For Rock 'n' Roll), Spider’s third album released in 1986, was their boldest statement yet—a no-nonsense celebration of classic hard rock spirit. Packed with gritty riffs, shout-along choruses, and anthemic energy, the record sharpened their pub-rock edge while embracing a more polished, radio-ready sound. Tracks like “Gimme Gimme It All” and the title track raised fists and pint glasses alike. Though it didn’t crack the charts, Raise the Banner stands as a defiant tribute to the enduring power of loud, working-class rock ‘n’ roll.

"Raise The Banner" Album Description:

British Hard Rock enthusiasts were in for a treat as Spider unleashed their third full-length album, "Raise The Banner." The year was 1986, and the band was at the zenith of their musical prowess, ready to etch their name in the world of rock history.

Historical Prelude

"Raise The Banner" was conceived in the crucible of creative fervor during the band's residency in the United Kingdom. Spider, known for their electrifying stage presence and unbridled energy, embarked on a sonic journey that would redefine their musical narrative.

The Sonic Alchemy

The album, meticulously crafted, bore the indelible marks of the band's evolution. From the thunderous riffs to the soul-stirring vocals, each track was a testament to Spider's musical maturity. Collaborations with seasoned producers and musicians added layers of complexity, resulting in an opus that transcended conventional Hard Rock norms.

Behind the Studio Doors

As the studio lights flickered and guitars resonated, the creative process unfurled. Spider's synergy was palpable, with each member contributing their unique flair. Anecdotes of marathon recording sessions and spontaneous bursts of inspiration painted a vivid picture of the album's gestation.

The Unveiling

The album hit the shelves on [Release Date], captivating fans and critics alike. Its sonic tapestry resonated with audiences, cementing Spider's position as a force to be reckoned with in the Hard Rock panorama.

Critical Acclaim and Fan Frenzy

"Raise The Banner" garnered critical acclaim for its sonic diversity and lyrical depth. Fans, old and new, rallied around the album, creating a zeitgeist that echoed through concert halls and reverberated in the charts.

Spider band an Introduction

Spider was a British hard rock band formed in Liverpool in the late 1970s, often lumped into the NWOBHM scene despite leaning more toward boogie-infused, AC/DC-style rock. Known for their high-energy live shows and relentless gigging, they built a strong fanbase through the early '80s. Their albums Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies and Rough Justice showcased gritty riffs and pub-rock swagger. Though commercial success eluded them, Spider earned a solid cult following and toured with heavyweights like Uriah Heep and Gillan. Think no-frills rock ‘n’ roll with a pint in one hand and a Marshall stack in the other

Production and Recording Information

The album: "SPIDER - Raise the Banner" was produced by: Lone Pine Productions

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Janet Mulligan, Maurice Mulligan

Sound Mix Engineer: John Ravenhall

This album was recorded at: Ezee Hire Studios, London, September 1985

Mixed at: Yard Studios, Southall, Middlesex, November 1985

Mastered at PRT Studios

Album cover design: Ian Gibson

Album cover photography: Mick Gregory

Management: Maggi Farran

Music Genre:

British Hard Rock

Label & Catalognr:

PRT – N6556

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1986 UK

Musicians:
Col Harkness – Lead Vocals, Guitar
The driving voice and riff-master behind the album’s hard-edged sound and anthem-like delivery.
Dave "Sniffa" Bryce – Lead Guitar
Delivered blistering solos and punchy riffs that gave the album its sharp, rock ‘n’ roll bite.
Brian Burrows – Bass
Anchored the band’s rhythm section with gritty bass lines and tight groove throughout the album.
Rob E. Burrows – Drums, Percussion
Powered the band’s relentless energy with pounding drums and precise percussion.
The Swots (featuring Stephanié Cheesman) – Backing Vocals
Added extra vocal layers and harmonies, giving tracks a fuller, sing-along feel.
Guest Musicians
Paul Sadler – Piano
Brought melodic texture and depth to select tracks, adding contrast to the band’s harder edges.
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Raise The Banner (For Rock 'N' Roll)
  2. Gimme Gimme It All (Extended Version)
  3. I'm Not The Only One
  4. Need To Konw 'Bout You
  5. When You Hear That Song
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Bad Boys
  2. Mind, Heart, Body 'N' Soul
  3. Rock Tonite
  4. Games In The Park
  5. So Sorry
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of SPIDER - Raise the Banner
Spider Raise the Banner album cover showing muscular warriors planting a Union Jack flag with 'Rock 'n' Roll' text on icy terrain under a moonlit sky, with mountains and a red-black gradient sky backdrop.

The album cover for Spider – Raise the Banner (For Rock 'n' Roll) is a dramatic and fantasy-styled illustration inspired by iconic battle imagery. Dominating the scene are a group of muscular, barbarian-like warriors, clad in loincloths, boots, and minimal armor, hoisting a massive metallic pole bearing a stylized Union Jack flag.

Instead of the traditional flag pattern, the banner reads “ROCK 'N' ROLL” in large, white letters across the red and blue stripes. The figures appear mid-struggle, united in their forceful raising of the flag, reminiscent of the famous Iwo Jima photograph but set in a fantastical, icy realm.

Behind them, jagged snow-covered mountains rise into a dark, surreal sky illuminated by an oversized, full white moon. The entire background fades from a deep black to crimson red, intensifying the epic, almost mythical vibe.

At the top right, the Spider logo features a metallic chrome typeface with spider legs emerging from behind and a red-eyed spider illustration above. At the bottom, the title Raise The Banner is written in ornate red-and-silver gothic lettering.

The artwork, signed “E. Bason” in the bottom right, combines patriotic symbolism with raw fantasy aesthetics, making it a bold visual declaration of rock power.

Photo Of The Back Cover SPIDER - Raise the Banner
Back cover of Spider's Raise the Banner LP featuring full tracklist, credits, and individual band member portraits against a black background with red and blue accents.

The back cover of Spider – Raise the Banner is a bold and colorful layout that balances essential album information with band personality. Dominated by a deep black background, the content is framed with bright red and blue design accents, echoing the album’s patriotic themes.

Centered at the top is the band’s metallic chrome Spider logo featuring stylized arachnid legs and a red-eyed spider head. Beneath it, the tracklist is divided into two columns labeled Side 1 and Side 2, with five songs each, all in uppercase white text for contrast and legibility.

Flanking the tracklist are four portrait photos of the band members, each bordered in color. Sniffa, wearing a red tank top covered in white stars and red pants, flexes both arms in a power pose on the upper left. Brian Burrows appears in the upper right with long black hair, a thick moustache, and a sleeveless black shirt.

On the bottom left, Rob E. Burrows is shown in a sleeveless grey top, sporting a mullet and giving a calm, confident stare. Bottom right features Col Harkness with bright blond hair, wearing a teal jacket, yellow shirt, and blue scarf, standing with hands in pockets and a slightly rebellious pose.

Technical and production credits appear in red and white text in the lower center, crediting The Swots for extra background vocals, Paul Sadler for piano, and engineers Janet & Maurice Mulligan and John Ravenhall. Studio locations and mastering details are also included, along with sleeve illustration by Ian Gibson and photography by Mick Gregory.

A section at the bottom gives thanks to crew and friends, with playful nods like “The Reel Girls” and “all our friends & fans everywhere!” The catalog number and barcode appear in the top right corner, confirming this as the PRT Records N6556 UK release.

Photo Side One SPIDER - Raise the Banner
Side 1 label of Spider's Raise the Banner vinyl LP, showing tracklist, copyright info, and PRT branding with a silver spider logo design on a black background.

This is a close-up of the Side 1 label of the Raise the Banner vinyl LP by Spider, pressed in 1986 by PRT (Precision Records & Tapes Ltd) in England. The label features a silver-on-black design dominated by the band’s stylized SPIDER logo, with sharp metallic letters integrated with a spider graphic in the background.

Along the top rim is the PRT logo, positioned above the spider’s head. The right side includes catalog details: N 6556, matrix number N 6556-A, and “Made in England.”

The left side displays the format: Side 1, 33⅓ rpm, STEREO, and the copyright note “© 1986 Precision Records & Tapes Ltd.”

Centered at the bottom half is the tracklisting for Side 1:

  1. Raise The Banner (For Rock ’n’ Roll)
  2. Gimme Gimme It All (Extended Version)
  3. I’m Not The Only One
  4. Need To Know ’Bout You
  5. When You Hear That Song

All songs are credited to B. Burrows, C. Harkness, D. Bryce, and R. Burrows under “Copyright Control.” Beneath that, it reads: “Spider – A Lone Pine Production,” and notes that the record was marketed and distributed by Precision Records & Tapes Ltd.

The label’s outer rim contains a legal disclaimer in microtext: “Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this recording prohibited.”

Photo of Side Two SPIDER - Raise the Banner
Side 2 label of Spider's Raise the Banner vinyl LP, displaying tracklist, production credits, and PRT branding with a metallic spider logo on a dark background.

This image shows the Side 2 label of Spider’s 1986 LP Raise the Banner, pressed by Precision Records & Tapes Ltd in England. The label design continues the same visual style as Side 1: a metallic grey base with bold white text, featuring the iconic SPIDER logo at the top center with a spider motif in the background.

On the left, details read: Side 2, 33⅓ rpm, STEREO, © 1986 Precision Records & Tapes Ltd. To the right, catalog and pressing info: N 6556, matrix N 6556-B, Made in England.

The tracklisting for Side 2 is printed in bold uppercase letters:

  1. Bad Boys
  2. Mind Heart Body ’N Soul
  3. Rock Tonite
  4. Games in the Park
  5. So Sorry

Writing credits are attributed to B. Burrows, C. Harkness, D. Bryce, R. Burrows, except for track 1 (Bad Boys), which was written by Smilie, Earl, Duffy, Duffy. The note “Copyright Control” appears beneath the writing credits.

At the bottom, the label states: “Spider – A Lone Pine Production,” and confirms that the album was marketed and distributed by Precision Records & Tapes Ltd. The rim of the label contains the standard legal text prohibiting unauthorized use, copying, or broadcasting of the recording.