SAMSON Band Description:
Samson is a British heavy metal band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. The band is known for their energetic and hard-hitting sound, which is characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs and thunderous drumming.
Samson was formed in 1977 by guitarist and songwriter Paul Samson, who had previously played with the band Scrapyard. The original lineup also included vocalist Bruce Bruce (later known as Bruce Dickinson), drummer Barry Graham (Thunderstick), and bassist Chris Aylmer. The band quickly gained a following on the London club circuit and signed a record deal with the independent label Gem Records.
In 1979, Samson released their debut album, "Survivors," which featured the single "Vice Versa." The album was well-received by fans and critics alike and helped establish Samson as one of the leading bands in the NWOBHM movement. The band followed up with the albums "Head On" (1980) and "Shock Tactics" (1981), both of which further solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.
One of the most notable aspects of Samson's sound was the powerful vocals of Bruce Dickinson, who would later go on to achieve worldwide fame as the lead singer of Iron Maiden. Dickinson's high-pitched screams and dramatic stage presence added a new dimension to Samson's music and helped them stand out from other bands in the genre.
Despite their success, Samson experienced several lineup changes over the years, with Paul Samson being the only constant member. In 1984, Dickinson left the band to join Iron Maiden, and was replaced by Nicky Moore. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including "Before the Storm" (1982), "Don't Get Mad, Get Even" (1984), and "Joint Forces" (1986), but their popularity began to wane as the heavy metal scene evolved.
In the late 1980s, Samson disbanded and Paul Samson went on to work as a producer and session musician. However, the band's influence continued to be felt in the heavy metal scene, with many younger bands citing Samson as an inspiration. In particular, their impact on Iron Maiden, who had taken over as one of the biggest bands in the genre, was clear, as Bruce Dickinson continued to perform several Samson songs in his live shows with Maiden.
In 1999, Samson reunited with Bruce Dickinson for a one-off concert in London, which was later released as the live album "Live at Reading '81." The band continued to perform sporadically over the years, with various members returning for live shows and recordings. In 2002, Paul Samson was diagnosed with cancer and passed away the following year, bringing an end to the band's original lineup.
Despite their relatively short period of prominence, Samson remains an important band in the history of heavy metal, particularly in the UK. Their combination of powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and high-energy stage shows helped pave the way for future generations of heavy metal bands, and their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern groups.
