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Album Production information:
Produced by Gerry Bron and Ken Hensley.
Gerry Bron was a prominent British music producer and manager, best known for his contributions to the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on 1 September 1933, in Hendon, Middlesex, England, Bron played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists and bands.
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Bron began his journey in the music industry in the early 1960s when he co-founded the music management and publishing company, RAK Music. The company represented several notable songwriters, including Jonathan King, who achieved success with hits like "Everyone's Gone to the Moon". RAK Music quickly gained a reputation for its ability to spot and nurture talent.
In the late 1960s, Bron expanded his endeavors into record production, establishing himself as a highly respected producer. He worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including progressive rock, folk, and hard rock. Some of his earliest notable production credits included albums by Manfred Mann, including their breakthrough hit, "Mighty Quinn", and The Move's album "Shazam".
One of Bron's most significant collaborations was with the influential
progressive rock band, Uriah Heep
. He signed them to his management company and produced many of their albums, including "Demons and Wizards", "The Magician's Birthday", and "Sweet Freedom". These albums helped solidify Uriah Heep's place in the progressive rock genre and contributed to their global success.
As a producer, Bron was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in artists. He had a knack for capturing the essence of a band's sound and translating it into successful records. His production style often emphasized strong melodies, powerful instrumentation, and lush vocal harmonies.
In addition to his work with Uriah Heep, Bron produced albums for other notable acts, such as Colosseum, Osibisa, and Hawkwind. He also played a pivotal role in the career of British folk-rock legend, Al Stewart, producing some of his most successful albums, including "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages".
Throughout his career, Bron maintained a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In 1972, he founded his own record label, Bronze Records, which became renowned for its roster of talented artists. The label achieved significant success with bands like Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and The Damned.
Tragically, Gerry Bron passed away on June 19, 2012, at the age of 78. His contributions to the music industry left an indelible mark, and his work as a producer and manager continues to inspire aspiring musicians and industry professionals to this day. His dedication to nurturing talent and his ability to create timeless music remain a testament to his lasting influence on the music industry.
Gerry Bron did have his own record company. In 1972, he founded Bronze Records, which became an influential label in the music industry.
Bronze Records was known for its diverse roster of artists and its commitment to promoting unique and innovative music. The label signed a wide range of acts spanning various genres, including rock, folk, and punk. Some of the notable artists signed to Bronze Records included Uriah Heep, Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Damned, Girlschool, and Juicy Lucy.
Under Bron's leadership, Bronze Records achieved significant commercial success. The label released a string of hit records and albums that resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Motörhead's albums, such as "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill," became iconic within the heavy metal genre, while Manfred Mann's Earth Band achieved chart success with their covers of songs like "Blinded by the Light" and "Davy's on the Road Again."
Bronze Records' commitment to fostering talent and embracing new sounds was instrumental in its success. The label's reputation for quality music and its ability to identify promising artists made it a sought-after destination for both established and emerging acts.
Gerry Bron's ownership of Bronze Records allowed him to exert greater creative control over the production and distribution of his artists' music. This autonomy enabled him to further shape and influence the careers of the musicians under his wing.
Although Gerry Bron passed away in 2012, Bronze Records' legacy endures as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to championing exceptional talent. The label played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape of its time and continues to be remembered as an influential force in the industry.
Sleeve design Chess Creative Services.
Cover Illustration Chris Achilleos.
Chris Achilleos is a renowned painter and illustrator, born on 30 October 1947, in Famagusta, Cyprus. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he established himself as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
From an early age, Achilleos displayed a keen interest and natural talent for art. He studied at the Hornsey College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive artistic style. Inspired by the works of renowned fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta and Roy G. Krenkel, Achilleos began to create his own imaginative and captivating artworks.
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In the early stages of his career, Achilleos primarily focused on book covers, producing stunning illustrations for popular science fiction and fantasy novels. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to create intricate and dynamic compositions, quickly made him a sought-after artist in the publishing industry. Some of his notable book cover illustrations include works for authors such as Michael Moorcock, Isaac Asimov, and Robert E. Howard.
Achilleos's talent extended beyond book covers, leading him to venture into other areas of art and illustration. His artwork graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Heavy Metal and Playboy, where his captivating and often provocative images garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
In addition to his contributions to the world of literature and magazines, Achilleos made a significant impact on the music industry. He created iconic album covers for various renowned bands, including Uriah Heep, Saxon Helloween. His ability to capture the essence of a band's music and translate it into visual form made him a favorite among musicians and fans alike.
One of Achilleos's notable contributions to the realm of album cover art is his work for the band Uriah Heep. His collaboration with Uriah Heep resulted in the creation of the mesmerizing cover illustration for their album "Fallen Angel." Released in 1978, the German gatefold 12" LP vinyl version of the album showcased Achilleos's talent for capturing the essence of the band's music through captivating fantasy art.
Chris Achilleos's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful artist. His distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and a sense of dynamic energy, continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts to this day.
Throughout his career, Achilleos has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the world of art. He has been honored with the British Fantasy Award for Best Artist, as well as receiving the World Fantasy Award for Best Artist and the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist.
Chris Achilleos's impact on the world of fantasy and science fiction art cannot be overstated. His captivating and imaginative illustrations have left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing and inspiring generations of artists and fans. With a career spanning several decades, Achilleos's legacy continues to grow, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the realm of fantasy and science fiction.
Photography Fin Costello.
Fin Costello is a renowned pop and rock photographer who has made a significant impact on the music industry with his captivating images of numerous bands and artists. Known for his work in the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene, Costello has captured iconic moments and immortalized the essence of some of the most influential bands in history.
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Born with a passion for photography, Fin Costello developed a keen eye for capturing the raw energy and emotion of live performances. His journey in the world of music photography began in the late 1960s when he started photographing emerging rock bands and artists in his hometown. With dedication and a genuine love for the music, he quickly established himself as a sought-after photographer.
Costello's breakthrough came in the 1970s when he started working with some of the biggest names in rock and metal. His unique ability to capture the intensity and personality of the musicians made him a trusted photographer among bands and their management. His portfolio grew rapidly, and he became known for his exceptional talent in capturing dynamic live performances and intimate behind-the-scenes moments.
Among the notable bands and artists Costello has photographed, the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre holds a special place in his career. His collaborations with bands like Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, and King Diamond have resulted in some of his most iconic and widely recognized images. Through his lens, he has managed to capture the essence of these artists, immortalizing their stage presence and capturing the spirit of their music.
Over the years, Fin Costello's work has been featured in numerous music magazines, album covers, and promotional materials, establishing him as one of the most respected photographers in the industry. His images have graced the pages of publications such as Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, and Metal Hammer, among others, contributing to his widespread recognition and acclaim.
Beyond his work in the music industry, Costello's passion for photography extends to other genres as well. He has explored various styles and subjects, showcasing his versatility as a photographer. However, it is his contributions to the rock and metal scene that have left an indelible mark on music history.
Throughout his career, Fin Costello's photographs have not only captured the moments that defined an era but also preserved the spirit and energy of the artists who have shaped the landscape of popular music. His dedication, artistic vision, and technical prowess have made him an influential figure in the world of music photography.
Today, Fin Costello's photographs continue to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts and artists alike. His body of work stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of rock and metal music. Whether it is a high-energy live performance or an intimate portrait, Costello's photographs serve as a window into the soul of the musicians he has captured with his lens, immortalizing their artistry for generations to come.
Recorded and mixed at Roundhouse Recording Studios London April-August 1978.
Engineer Peter Gallen, John Gallen.
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