WAYSTED Waysted Self-Titled 1984 Dutch Pressing Rare Vinyl Album with Leo Lyons Production and Mez Cover Art #vinylrecords

WAYSTED's Self-Titled Debut: A Blast of Unbridled Energy Amidst the NWOBHM

Album Description:

In the heart of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) explosion of the early 1980s, a new band emerged, ready to unleash their own brand of hard rock fury upon the world. Formed by Pete Way, the legendary bassist of UFO, WAYSTED quickly gained notoriety for their raw, unfiltered sound and energetic live performances. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1983, cemented their place in the annals of heavy metal history.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

WAYSTED's debut album arrived at a pivotal time in the evolution of heavy metal. The NWOBHM movement had taken the world by storm, with bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon leading the charge. WAYSTED's music drew inspiration from these pioneers, but they also infused their sound with elements of punk and hard rock, creating a unique sonic identity.

The album opens with the anthemic "Won't Get Out Alive," a raucous declaration of defiance and rebellion. Tracks like "The Price You Pay" and "Rock Steady" showcase the band's knack for crafting catchy, hard-hitting riffs and infectious melodies. The album also features the blues-inflected "Hurt So Good," which highlights vocalist Fin Muir's powerful pipes.

WAYSTED's debut album is a testament to their musical exploration. It's a raw, unpolished gem that captures the energy and spirit of the NWOBHM era. The band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles helped them stand out from the pack and carve their own niche in the heavy metal landscape.

Controversies and Production Team

WAYSTED's career was not without its share of controversies. The band's reputation for hard living and wild antics, both on and off stage, often overshadowed their musical accomplishments. However, their music spoke for itself, and their debut album is a testament to their talent and passion.

The album was produced by the renowned Eddie Kramer, who had previously worked with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Kiss. Kramer's expertise helped to capture the raw energy of WAYSTED's live performances and translate it onto tape. The album was recorded at the legendary Morgan Studios in London, which had hosted countless iconic recording sessions.

Musicians and Legacy

WAYSTED's debut album features a lineup of talented musicians. In addition to Pete Way on bass and Fin Muir on vocals, the band included guitarist Neil Shepard and drummer Andy Parker (formerly of UFO). This lineup proved to be a powerful combination, and their chemistry is evident on every track.

Album Fact Sheet: WAYSTED - Waysted (Self-Titled)

Music Genre:

Hard Rock

Album Production Information:

The album: "WAYSTED - Waysted (Self-Titled)" was produced by: Leo Lyons

Album cover design: Mez

MEZ Full-name "Mez Meredith" is a renowned visual artist and illustrator celebrated for contributions to the heavy metal music album covers.

Record Label & Catalognr:

RoadrunneR 125 505

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1984 Made in Holland

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: WAYSTED - Waysted (Self-Titled)

Fin Muir - Vocals
Neil Shepard (Neil Shepherd) - Guitars
Pete Way - Bass

Pete Way A Life of Rock 'n' Roll Excess and Musical Brilliance. Peter Frederick Way, born 1950, in Enfield, England, was a force of nature in the rock music world. A founding member and bassist of the legendary band UFO, Way's thunderous basslines and charismatic stage presence helped define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

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Way's passion for music ignited in his teenage years. He started playing bass guitar in local bands, honing his skills and developing his signature style. In 1968, he co-founded Hocus Pocus with Phil Mogg, a band that would eventually evolve into UFO.

UFO and Beyond:

With UFO , Way achieved international fame. Their energetic live shows and albums like "Phenomenon" (1974) and "Lights Out" (1977) solidified their status as hard rock icons. Way's driving basslines were a cornerstone of their sound, complementing Michael Schenker's blistering guitar solos.

However, Way's tenure with UFO was marked by periods of turbulence and departure. He left the band in 1982, embarking on a solo career and forming the band Waysted . He also played with Ozzy Osbourne, Fastway, and the Michael Schenker Group.

Waysted and Solo Endeavors:

Waysted, a project close to Way's heart, allowed him to explore different musical avenues. Their albums like "Vices" (1983) and "Save Your Prayers" (1986) showcased a heavier, more aggressive sound, reflecting Way's punk influences.

Way also released several solo albums, including "Amphetamine" (1996) and "Acoustic Animal" (2000), demonstrating his versatility as a musician. His solo work allowed him to experiment with different genres and collaborate with various artists.

Return to UFO and Legacy:

Despite his numerous side projects, Way's heart always remained with UFO. He rejoined the band several times throughout his career, contributing to albums like "Walk on Water" (1995) and "You Are Here" (2004). His final stint with UFO lasted until 2008.

Pete Way passed away on August 14, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of iconic basslines, electrifying performances, and a reputation as a true rock 'n' roll rebel. His musical contributions continue to inspire generations of musicians, and his name remains synonymous with the spirit of hard rock and heavy metal.
Andy Parker - Drums

Complete Track-listing of the album "WAYSTED - Waysted (Self-Titled)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "WAYSTED - Waysted (Self-Titled)" is:

Track-listing Side One:
Won't Get Out Alive 2:45
The Price You Pay 5:48
Rock Steady 3:37

Track-listing Side Two:
Hurt So Good 4:18
Cinderella Boys

Front Cover Photo Of WAYSTED - Waysted Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

This album cover of Waysted's 1984 self-titled LP features a provocative and visually striking design. It displays a close-up photograph of a woman's torso, glistening with gold body glitter and partially clothed in a ribbed, off-white crop top that ends just above the nipples, suggesting exposure while remaining technically clothed. The woman’s skin has a golden hue, amplified by dramatic lighting and reflective shimmer.

Superimposed across her torso is the band’s name, Waysted, written in jagged, neon red letters that appear as if projected onto her body. The dynamic typography leans forward with an energetic, rebellious motion, enhancing the raw, edgy vibe of the design. Below, a cream-white rose lies against her abdomen, partially obscured by lace fabric, creating a stark contrast between sensuality and softness.

The use of shadow, glitter, and contrast in color draws attention to texture and form, making this cover both bold and unmistakably rooted in the glamorized visual aesthetic of 1980s hard rock.

Photo Of The Back Cover WAYSTED - Waysted Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

The back cover of Waysted’s 1984 self-titled LP combines bold visual design with detailed production credits. The layout is split between two main visual elements and vibrant red text against a black background. On the left, a stylized photo shows a reclining woman’s legs in high-heeled red shoes, dramatically lit from above. The band’s name, Waysted, appears in glowing red letters projected onto her thigh, echoing the front cover’s aesthetic and reinforcing the band’s edgy image.

At the top center, the track listing is divided into two columns—Side One includes "Won’t Get Out Alive", "The Price You Pay", and "Rock Steady"; Side Two features "Hurt So Good" and "Cinderella Boys". Beneath that, red type credits Leo Lyons as the album’s producer and lists numerous special thanks, including nods to members of Iron Maiden and the band’s close associates.

To the right is a bordered color photo of the band: four members standing close together. From left to right, a blond-haired member in a leather jacket, followed by three others in sleeveless shirts and rock attire, one holding a white bass guitar and a bottle. Their casual, confident poses suggest camaraderie and streetwise charisma.

Below the photo are credits for travel, tour management, and financial oversight, as well as a credit for Mez, who handled both photography and artwork. This layout balances raw rock attitude with professional production clarity, typical of hard rock releases in the 1980s.