LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Forgotten Masterpiece You Never Bought (But Definitely Should Have)

Front cover of Limelight's 'Ashes to Ashes' album featuring the band performing on stage in black and white, with red gothic-style 'Limelight' logo above and white lowercase album title below.

Limelight, a NWOBHM band from Mansfield, England, crafted their sonic masterpiece, "Ashes to Ashes," in the vibrant 1980s. Led by the Scrimshaw brothers, Mike and Glenn, alongside drummer Pat Coleman, the trio's unique blend of vocals, guitars, and experimental elements defined the album. "Ashes to Ashes" stands as a testament to Limelight's brief yet impactful journey, leaving an enduring mark on the world of British Heavy Metal.. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

"Ashes to Ashes" Album Description:

In the world of British Heavy Metal, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) stands as a pivotal movement that birthed some of the most iconic bands in the genre. Among these luminaries is Limelight, a band hailing from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, that etched its name in the metal archives with their distinct sound. This article delves into the creation history of Limelight's second and final full-length album, "Ashes to Ashes."

The Genesis of Limelight:

Limelight emerged during the musical landscape of the 1980s when NWOBHM was at its zenith. Formed in Mansfield, the band consisted of talented musicians who would leave an indelible mark on the metal scene. The Scrimshaw brothers, Mike and Glenn, joined forces with Pat Coleman to create a musical entity that would resonate with the raw energy and rebellious spirit characteristic of NWOBHM.

The Lineup:

Limelight's lineup for "Ashes to Ashes" showcased a trio of skilled musicians, each contributing their prowess to shape the album's sonic identity:

1. Mike Scrimshaw (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Taurus Pedals): As the driving force behind Limelight, Mike not only commanded the stage with his vocals but also demonstrated his mastery over various instruments, including the guitar and keyboards. The inclusion of Taurus Pedals added a distinctive layer to the band's sonic palette.

2. Glenn Scrimshaw (Lead Guitar, Mellotron, Vocals): Glenn, the other half of the Scrimshaw duo, brought his guitar virtuosity to the forefront. His contributions on the Mellotron, an unconventional choice for a metal band, added a progressive and atmospheric dimension to Limelight's sound.

3. Pat Coleman (Drums, Percussion, Vocals): Pat's percussive prowess provided the rhythmic backbone for Limelight. His dynamic drumming style and vocal harmonies contributed to the band's multifaceted musicality.

The Album: "Ashes to Ashes":

Released as Limelight's second and final full-length album, "Ashes to Ashes" encapsulated the essence of NWOBHM. The album's title track, along with other standout songs like [insert song names], showcased the band's ability to seamlessly blend powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and experimental elements, setting them apart in a crowded metal landscape.

Production & Recording Information

The album: "LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes" was produced by: David Moffitt and Limelight for Future Earth Records.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Nick Bradford, Richard Whaley, Corinne Simcock

Remixed by Richard Whaley

This album was recorded at: Matrix Studios London and The Lodge, Suffolk

Sound Engineer: Steve Stewart

Album cover photography: David Moffit

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8309

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1984 Belgium

Musicians:
  • Mike Scrimshaw - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Keyboards,, Taurus Pedals
  • Glenn Scrimshaw - Lead Guitar, Mellotron, Vocals
  • Pat Coleman - Drums, Percusssion, Vocals
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Ashes To Ashes
  2. Metal Man
  3. Walk On Water
  4. Don't Look Back
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Knife In Your Back
  2. Going Home
  3. Mamma (I Don't Wanna Lose Ya)
  4. Man Of Colours
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes
Front cover of Limelight's 'Ashes to Ashes' album featuring the band performing on stage in black and white, with red gothic-style 'Limelight' logo above and white lowercase album title below.

Front cover of Limelight's 1984 album “Ashes to Ashes.” This black-and-white photograph captures a raw, live moment of the band mid-performance.

In the foreground on the left, Mike Scrimshaw is focused intently on his instrument, a double-neck guitar slung low, his platinum blond hair wild and unkempt. He's wearing a dark T-shirt featuring a white logo. To the right, Glenn Scrimshaw is mid-strum, his expression intense, eyes nearly shut as he plays. His guitar strap has a distinctive pattern, and his shoulder-length hair frames his face.

In the background, mostly obscured by the drums, sits Pat Coleman, partially visible but immersed in his drumming, with long dark hair and wearing a light-colored shirt. The lighting casts dramatic shadows across their faces and instruments, enhancing the gritty atmosphere of the live performance.

Above the photo, the band's name Limelight is emblazoned in large, ornate red gothic letters, with swooping curves extending from the "L" and "T". Below the image, the album title ashes to ashes is printed in lowercase white type with medieval-style serifs, adding a timeless, solemn feel to the design.

Photo Of The Back Cover LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes
Back cover of Limelight's 1984 album Ashes to Ashes with tracklist for both sides, red gothic band logo, and detailed production credits at the bottom against a black background.

Back cover of Limelight's 1984 LP “Ashes to Ashes.” Set against a solid matte black background, this design is minimal yet powerful. At the top center, the band's logo "Limelight" appears again in a bold red gothic font with dramatic flourishes.

The left half of the cover lists Side 1 track titles in white serif font:
1. Ashes to Ashes (G. Scrimshaw) – 3'40"
2. Metal Man (M. Scrimshaw) – 3'52"
3. Walk On Water (M. Scrimshaw) – 4'12"
4. Don’t Look Back (M. Scrimshaw) – 8'12"

On the right, Side 2 continues the tracklist:
1. Knife In Your Back (G. Scrimshaw) – 3'20"
2. Going Home (M. Scrimshaw) – 6'08"
3. Mamma (I Don’t Wanna Lose Ya) (G. Scrimshaw) – 3'53"
4. Man Of Colours (M. Scrimshaw) – 7'42"

Below the tracklists, centered, the band lineup is presented in fine white type:
Mike Scrimshaw – Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Taurus Pedals
Glenn Scrimshaw – Lead Guitar, Mellotron, Vocals
Pat Coleman – Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Recording credits follow, noting sessions at Matrix Studios in London and The Lodge in Suffolk. Engineers include Nick Bradford, Richard Whaley, Corinne Simcock, and Steve Stewart. The cover photo is credited to David Moffitt.

Bottom right features logos for Mausoleum Records and Future Earth Records, with distribution and contact details printed in small type at the bottom margin.

Photo Side One LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes
Side One label of Limelight's 1984 LP Ashes to Ashes on Mausoleum Records, with blood-red logo, track titles and credits on a dark stormy background with yellow lightning.

Side One label of Limelight's 1984 vinyl LP “Ashes to Ashes,” released on Mausoleum Records (catalog number SKULL 8309-A).

The label background is visually striking, featuring a moody, storm-like sky in grey and purple tones with a jagged bolt of yellow lightning cutting across the surface. At the top, the iconic Mausoleum Records logo appears in bold, blood-red dripping letters, with “Records” set below in gothic typeface. The overall effect is dark and theatrical, fitting for a NWOBHM release.

On the left is the catalog number and side designation: SKULL 8309-A Side 1. To the right, format details appear as SABAM-T.M. 33 T.

Centered below is the artist and title: LIMELIGHT - “ASHES TO ASHES” in all caps. The tracklist includes:
1. Ashes To Ashes (G. Scrimshaw)
2. Metal Man (M. Scrimshaw)
3. Walk On Water (M. Scrimshaw)
4. Don’t Look Back (M. Scrimshaw)

At the bottom edge, the production credit reads: Produced by Limelight & David Moffitt for Future Earth Records. The fine-print copyright ring encircles the label, warning against unauthorized reproduction and lending.

Photo of Side Two LIMELIGHT - Ashes to Ashes
Side Two label of Limelight's 1984 album Ashes to Ashes on Mausoleum Records, featuring track titles and credits printed over a stormy purple background with yellow lightning and blood-dripped red logo.

Side Two label of Limelight's 1984 LP “Ashes to Ashes,” issued by Mausoleum Records under catalog number SKULL 8309-B.

The visual theme continues from Side One, with a dramatic stormy sky as the background, rendered in brooding purple and grey hues. A jagged yellow lightning bolt cuts through the center, creating a sense of power and tension. The Mausoleum Records logo appears at the top in bold, distressed red lettering, as if dripping blood, while the word "Records" sits below in an ornate gothic font.

On the left, the label indicates SKULL 8309-B Side 2, while to the right appears SABAM-T.M. 33 T.—denoting the rights society and playback speed.

Centered in the lower half, the album title and artist are printed in white uppercase text: LIMELIGHT - “ASHES TO ASHES”. Beneath it, the Side 2 tracklist is clearly laid out:
1. Knife In Your Back (G. Scrimshaw)
2. Going Home (M. Scrimshaw)
3. Mamma (I Don’t Wanna Lose Ya) (G. Scrimshaw)
4. Man Of Colours (M. Scrimshaw)

At the bottom edge, a credit line reads: Produced by Limelight & David Moffitt for Future Earth Records. The outermost ring repeats copyright restrictions, emphasizing the prohibition of unauthorized copying, hiring, or broadcasting.

Mausoleum Vinyl Records Discography

MAUSOLEUM Records: Belgian keepers of a vast vinyl legacy. Founded in 1980, their catalog spans heavy metal, hard rock, and punk. Discover rare gems, cult classics, and legendary artists. Dive into their discography and unearth the sonic treasures waiting to be spun.