Samson - Mr Rock And Roll 12" Vinyl EP Photo gallery

Samson’s Mr Rock and Roll, released in 1984 on Thunderbolt Records, captures the raw energy and uncompromising spirit of the NWOBHM movement. Known for their gritty riffs and powerful stage presence, Samson helped shape the heavy metal landscape of the early 1980s. This album, with its striking artwork and straightforward four-track set, delivers a punchy mix of driving rhythms and hard-edged vocals. Reissued under license from Laser Records, Mr Rock and Roll stands as both a collector’s gem and a snapshot of the era’s fierce underground metal scene.

 

High Resolution Photos of samson mr rock and roll

Mr Rock and Roll Album Description:

This album "SAMSON - Mr Rock and Roll" is a 12" EP 45Rpm

The 12" mini-LP, "Mr. Rock and Roll," by the Samson band, was released in 1984. Samson was a British heavy metal band formed in 1977, and they were part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. The band was known for their heavy sound, high-energy performances, and the powerful vocals of their lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, who later went on to join Iron Maiden. "Mr. Rock and Roll" was the last studio recording released by the band before they disbanded.

Musical Style and Themes:

"Mr. Rock and Roll" is a six-track album that showcases the band's heavy metal style. The songs are fast-paced, with driving guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and Dickinson's soaring vocals. The lyrics focus on themes common in heavy metal music, such as rebellion, love, and the struggle for individual freedom. The album's title track, "Mr. Rock and Roll," is an ode to the power of rock music, with lyrics that exalt the rebellious spirit of the genre.

The album's opening track, "Danger Zone," sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its fast-paced rhythm and powerful vocals. The song is about the dangers of living life on the edge, with lyrics that warn of the perils of taking risks. The second track, "Pyramid to the Stars," is a love song that uses the metaphor of a pyramid to describe the heights to which the singer's love has taken him.

The album's third track, "Rock Me," is a classic heavy metal anthem, with lyrics that celebrate the power of rock music to unite and inspire people. The song features a catchy chorus and a guitar solo that showcases the band's musical prowess. The fourth track, "Thunderburst," is a thunderous instrumental that showcases the band's instrumental skills.

The album's fifth track, "Hunters," is a dark and moody song about the struggle for individual freedom. The lyrics describe a world in which conformity is the norm, and those who refuse to conform are hunted down and persecuted. The final track, "Take Me to Your Leader," is a sci-fi themed song about an alien invasion. The song features a catchy chorus and a guitar solo that demonstrates the band's versatility.

Legacy and Influence:

Although "Mr. Rock and Roll" was not a commercial success, it remains a cult classic among heavy metal fans. The album's powerful sound, high-energy performances, and Dickinson's soaring vocals continue to inspire new generations of heavy metal musicians. The album's influence can be heard in the music of bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Judas Priest. 

Album Front Cover Photo
The album front cover of Samson’s 'Mr Rock and Roll' features a bold, angular design set against a black background. Large block letters in vivid orange, pink, and white form the words 'MR ROCK ’N ROLL,' arranged in a three-dimensional, perspective style, giving the impression of a neon sign or marquee extending outward. The typography is dramatic, with 'MR' in orange at the top, 'ROCK' in orange descending diagonally, and '’N' in pink with an angled apostrophe leading into 'ROLL' in pink outlined with white below. The band’s name, Samson, appears at the bottom in ornate, Gothic-style white lettering. In the upper right corner, the Thunderbolt Records logo is placed inside a small triangle with the words 'MAGNUM MUSIC GROUP' beneath it. Blue and magenta brushstroke textures frame the central design, adding depth and energy to the composition. The cover communicates a mix of raw rock power and graphic boldness characteristic of the NWOBHM era.

The front cover of Samson’s album Mr Rock and Roll bursts with bold, three-dimensional typography. A black background provides contrast for large, angular letters that seem to leap outward, as if illuminated like a neon sign.

At the top, MR appears in orange, followed by ROCK descending in the same color. A vivid pink ’N juts forward, flowing into the word ROLL, also in pink but edged in white for extra depth and clarity.

The band’s name, Samson, is styled in ornate white Gothic lettering at the bottom. A small triangular logo for Thunderbolt Records, with the note “Magnum Music Group,” sits in the upper right corner.

Dynamic brushstroke textures in blue and magenta surround the typography, creating movement and visual energy. The overall impression is one of dramatic intensity, perfectly reflecting the raw power of the NWOBHM aesthetic.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Samson’s 'Mr Rock and Roll' album has a stark black background with vivid hot pink typography. In the top left, a smaller version of the angular, three-dimensional logo from the front cover—'MR ROCK ’N ROLL'—appears in orange, pink, and white. On the right, the catalog number 'THBE-1003' is printed in pink at the top. Below, two sections are clearly labeled: 'SIDE ONE' lists the tracks 'MR ROCK & ROLL' and 'PRIMROSE SHUFFLE,' while 'SIDE TWO' lists 'TELEPHONE' and 'LEAVIN’ YOU.' At the bottom, in fine pink text, there are licensing and reissue details, including Thunderbolt Records, Laser Records, and Magnum Music Group information, along with an address at Shepperton Studio Centre, England. The design is minimal, with the bold pink lettering standing out against the black background, giving it a raw, no-nonsense presentation characteristic of NWOBHM sleeve art.

The back cover of Mr Rock and Roll by Samson is dominated by a deep black background, making the vivid pink typography stand out dramatically.

In the top left, a smaller version of the three-dimensional MR ROCK ’N ROLL logo from the front cover is reproduced in orange, pink, and white. The catalog number THBE-1003 appears in pink in the upper right corner.

Track listings are split into two bold sections: Side One features “Mr Rock & Roll” and “Primrose Shuffle,” while Side Two contains “Telephone” and “Leavin’ You.” Each title is printed in the same hot pink block font for clarity.

At the bottom, smaller pink text details licensing and reissue information: the album was reissued by Thunderbolt Records under license from Laser Records, with contact details for Magnum Music Group and Shepperton Studio Centre in England. The straightforward, stripped-down design reflects the direct, uncompromising energy of Samson’s music.

Close up of Record Label
A close-up of the Side 2 record label of Samson’s 'Mr Rock and Roll' single, released on Thunderbolt Records. The label is a cream background with bold black print. At the top, the Thunderbolt logo is prominently displayed in large, blocky black letters with a jagged design. Above it, the text reads 'A Magnum Music Group Company.' On the left, it states 'STEREO 45 RPM.' On the right, the catalog number 'THBE1003(B)' is shown, along with copyright years 1978 and 1984. Centered below the spindle hole is the album title 'Mr. Rock & Roll,' followed by the Side 2 track listing: '1. Telephone (E. McCoy)' and '2. Leavin’ You (P. Samson).' At the bottom, 'Samson' is credited in bold, with publishing noted as 'Publisher: 1, 2 Lightning.' Around the outer edge runs a fine circular copyright text warning about reproduction and broadcasting. The simple, high-contrast design highlights the raw directness of NWOBHM era vinyl pressings.

This close-up shows the Thunderbolt record label for Side 2 of Samson’s Mr Rock and Roll. The label is printed on a cream background with bold black text.

At the top, the striking Thunderbolt logo dominates, rendered in jagged block letters, with “A Magnum Music Group Company” printed above. To the left, it reads STEREO 45 RPM, while the right-hand side lists the catalog number THBE1003(B) and the years ©1978 and ©1984.

Centered beneath the spindle hole, the title Mr. Rock & Roll appears, followed by the track listing: “Telephone” (E. McCoy) and “Leavin’ You” (P. Samson). At the bottom, the band name Samson is credited prominently, with publishing details noted as Publisher: 1, 2 Lightning.

A thin ring of fine print circles the outer edge, reserving rights for the producer and prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or broadcasting, completing the no-frills, practical design typical of 1980s independent metal labels.

Samson: A Powerful Presence in the NWOBHM Scene - A Look at Their Impactful Vinyl Discography

SAMSON - Thank You And Goodnight
Thumbnail of SAMSON - Thank You And Goodnight album front cover

Metal Masters METALP 102 , 1985 , United Kingdom

SAMSON's "Thank You And Goodnight" is a live LP that captures the band's raw and energetic performance at the Reading Festival in 1984. The album showcases SAMSON's distinctive sound and powerful stage presence, which made them one of the most popular bands of the British heavy metal scene in the 1980s. Thank You And Goodnight 12" Vinyl LP

SAMSON - Survivors
Thumbnail of SAMSON - Survivors album front cover

LASER LAP 1 , 1979 , United Kingdom

Survivors is the debut album by Samson, released in 1979. Featuring Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals, it showcases a raw and heavy sound with standout tracks like The opening track, "It's Not as Easy as It Seems", sets the tone for the album with its pounding drums and driving guitar riffs

Survivors 12" Vinyl LP
SAMSON - Mr Rock And Roll
Thumbnail of SAMSON - Mr Rock And Roll album front cover

Thunderbolt , 1984 , England

"Mr. Rock and Roll" is a six-track mini-LP by the British heavy metal band, Samson. Released in 1984, the album features fast-paced rhythms, thunderous drums, and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals. Although not a commercial success, it remains a cult classic and continues to inspire new generations of heavy metal musicians.

Mr Rock And Roll 12" Vinyl Mini-LP
SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics
Thumbnail of SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics album front cover

Capitol Records ST-13467 , 1986 , USA

"Head Tactics" is a collaborative LP by Samson and Bruce Dickinson. Released in 1986, it features nine tracks of hard-hitting heavy metal with Dickinson's powerful vocals adding an extra dimension to the already impressive instrumentation. It's a must-have for fans of the genre.

Head Tactics 12" Vinyl LP
SAMSON - Head On
Thumbnail of SAMSON - Head On 12" LP album front cover

GEM GEMLP 108 , 1980 , England

"Head On" is the second studio album by British heavy metal band Samson, released in 1980 on Gem Records. The album features a classic heavy metal sound with driving riffs, powerful vocals, and impressive guitar work. Notable tracks include "Hard Times," "Nice Girl," and "Take Me to Your Leader." Featuring future Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

Head On 12" Vinyl LP
SAMSON - Don't Get Mad
Thumbnail of Don't Get Mad 12" LP album front cover

Polydor 817 551 , 1984 , Germany

Released in 1984, "Samson Don't Get Mad, Get Even" is a classic heavy metal album by the British band Samson. Featuring fast guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals, the album includes popular tracks like "Are You Ready" and "I Can't Take It," showcasing the band's signature sound. The album remains a favorite among fans of British heavy metal.

Don't Get Mad 12" Vinyl LP