Please note:
This bio is not written by Tony Martin. But everything here has an interview with Tony Martin.
Or the various other people involved that backs up each story.
This bio is not written by Tony Martin. But everything here has an interview with Tony Martin.
Or the various other people involved that backs up each story.
Early Years
Anthony Martin Harford was born April 19 1957. In the quite Hall Green corner of Birmingham. Tony grew up in a family that liked to sing and he was 7 when his dad bought him his first guitar. (Which he still has this guitar). I read in a 2006 interview that at age 11 Tony was playing in a tree. When he fell out of it, breaking his leg. Which gave him some time to learn his guitar craft. When he was 14 he took first girlfriend to see Sabbath. In attempting to impress said girlfriend, told her if Ozzy fell out he could get up there and sing every note. About 15 years later that wasn't far from the truth. During his high school years came his famous name. He decided to change his stage name to create some separation from his family life. The Martin last name came from bass player Roland Martin. Which was in a Cabaret music cover band. Formed with Roland, and Tony's older cousin Dave. Tony joined the band with the two being somewhat older. Dave and Tony were intrigued by Roland's name for some reason. So all the guys decided to have Martin as their last name. Dave Martin, Roland Martin, and Tony Martin. Leading to the package being billed as The Martins. The first step to turning professional was playing guitar for a band name Orion. In which he did background vocals. Orion had a bit of punk infused with the rock music.
Wrexham Blues
Orion's biggest day was sharing a bill with Twisted Sister and Motorhead. July 24 1982 At the Football Club Ground of Wrexham, North Wales. Motorhead were big at the time and were in the middle of their Iron Fist tour. It was a 20,000 seat gig that only 3,000 showed up. Both Lemmy and Dee Snyder both have said the gig was horrible. The grounds were losing money and the whole festival was a money raiser. With only over 3,000 tickets, it didn't live to it's promise. The festival didn't return again. The festival got a radio special which played a couple of songs from each band. No copies of these tapes have came to light.
Sounds magazine did have a multi-page article on the one-off festival. In it they remarked that Martin looked like Catweazle. A children's TV character that lived in a water tower. Which ran on UK's ITV in 1970 and 1971. (The show is on DVD if you wanna check it out. Some of it pops up on youtube). When the Orion guys saw it they called him Tony The Cat and it stuck. Tony doesn't go by this name. But it gets used from time to time. In his early Black Sabbath publications it appears often.
Sounds magazine did have a multi-page article on the one-off festival. In it they remarked that Martin looked like Catweazle. A children's TV character that lived in a water tower. Which ran on UK's ITV in 1970 and 1971. (The show is on DVD if you wanna check it out. Some of it pops up on youtube). When the Orion guys saw it they called him Tony The Cat and it stuck. Tony doesn't go by this name. But it gets used from time to time. In his early Black Sabbath publications it appears often.
Legend
Tony Martin with Legend
(If you can't find him, Tony is on the far left). Next up would be his turn into the vocal frontman. Tony went in to audition for the guitarist spot. Instead they asked him if he could sing. He said sorta, that lead to him singing a few things. The band turned around and offered him the singer spot. Legend went into an American melodic sound. Going so far as recording demos and receiving a Radio One session but that's was as far as it went. Tony said he does still have these Legend recordings. So maybe some day we'll get to hear it.
Forming An Alliance
The Alliance formed out of the disbanding of Space Race. Featuring Ace Kifford, Bassist and founding member of The Move. And drummer Berry Scrannage who played with Glenn Tipton's pre priest band The Flying Hats. Also a try out for the Ozzy Osbourne solo band. Through these two Martin first meet Albert Chapman. Who would become The Alliance and Tony's manager. Later on to play a role in the Black Sabbath call to Martin. Albert fired both Ace and Berry. Leaving only Tony which meant finding a new band. Recruiting some unknown yet promising musicians. Guitar player Arian Dawson, bassist Tim Kelly, drum beater Mitch Archer, and keyboardist Eddie George. Dawson brought up the name The Alliance for this new venture. Michael Chetwood shortly later would replace Eddie. The band hit a major break when they got the chance to record a couple songs for Tommy Vance's radio program 'Friday Night Rock Show'. Strangers, Trying To Forget, and No Broken Hearts. Signing a deal with Warner Bros records resulting in three other recorded songs Victories Mine, Keep In Touch, and an untitled instrumental song. Some other songs from these demos are Put A Littie Faith In Me, Ready Or Not, Reaper, and Here I Am. These last 4 songs have a story behind how they made their way to the public. More on that later. Things were off to a good start but began going slow. Eventually the process came grinding to a halt. The other guys starting to get regular jobs and having kids. Ending up where Tony was the only one entering the studio every day to rehearse and record. So while The Alliance was was fading out Chapman floated Tony Martin's name around. The biggest feeler came from Bernie Marsden. The former Whitesnake guitarist was forming a band named Alaska. But Chapman decided to convince The Alliance to have another go. Misha Calvin would be brought into the band. But it was unclear what his place would be. He was a deserter of the Yugoslavian army and lived in the UK. But no one took The Alliance serious at this point and Tony decided to go his own way. The Alliance would try to reform once Tony moved on. Recruiting original Judest Priest singer Al Atkins. After he said no that was the end. No official release has ever graced the public. But in 1993 Tony received a copy of this CD in the mail. Calvin 'stole' the demos recorded by The Alliance and released them under Misha Calvin : Evolution. Listing the song credits as Martin/Calvin. He erased all the guitar tracks and recorded his own. No one from The Alliance got any money out of the project, not even Tony. The other guys didn't receive any mention.
To Be Or Not Tobruk
1981 Tobruk was in it's third line up with vocalist Stuart 'Snake' Neale, guitar players Nigel Evans, Mick Newman, Martin Gregory, keyboardist Jem Davies, bassist Mick Brown, and drummer Eddie Fincher. With Parlophone Records giving the band it's second chance at success. Album sales were very disappointing and Snake left. Tony was recruited to record some demos. Just this one last chance to capture some fame. Eddie Fincher left the day before the studio time was booked. So they did the demos with a drum machine. Chapman came to Tony and said something like the band was crap. And for Tony it's time to move on. It was the final straw and the band broke up. The Tony Martin demo tapes have not been officially released yet. Most likely won't although Phoenix Music released a compilation album with some rare tracks. So one will never know.
Killed By A Snake
After a phone call from Adrian Vandenburg. Tony's next venture would take place in Holland, At Adrian's home Tony was Invited out to have a jam and writing session. To get a feel of how an 'alliance' with the two would go. Things went so well that the two decided to head down to a club. And do a gig of some cover tunes. In a very close call they were heading down the famed Autobahn. In the midst of figuring out how the car tape player works, the car hits the center reservation. They both walked away from the accident. But the musicians kept true to their guns. Having to borrow the car from Adrian's dad they raced to make the gig. In a picture took by Martin himself shows Adrian getting a call from David Coverdale to join Whitesnake. So this project was curtailed before it began.
Into The Shining Light
Black Sabbath Bev Beven Tony Martin Geoff Nicholls Tony Iommi
Sabbath is with Glenn Hughes on the Seventh Star Tour. Tony Martin's name comes up to replace Glenn. Albert Chapman being the champion behind the idea. But Ray Gillen comes into Iommi's eye. Things go in Ray's favour as him being closer and not needing a work visa. Around March 1987, Ray Gillen was laying down vocals for the 'Eternal Idol' album. He leaves the band overnight saying later on he felt Sabbath wasn't going anywhere. The band was in a middle of it's most indecisive period. (Ray would go on to form Badlands with Ozzy Osbourne guitar player Jak E. Lee.) Sabbath had an near complete album and the singer is gone. There was no choice but to have the vocals redone. Tony Martin was asked by Chapman to go for a ride. Not telling Martin where they were going. They knock on the door and there is Tony Iommi. Tony was on his way to landing an audition. They travel down to London with Martin being filled in along the way. He was gave the lyrics to The Shinning. Re-recorded the vocals and within hours he was in Black Sabbath. And in just 7 days he completely redone all the vocals. He had to sing every note and melody identical to Ray because it was too late to change anything. The album at this point had already cost an arm and a leg to do. Martin had to be spot on the mark. Some Kind Of Women & Blackmoon are different stories. Blackmoon was at first gonna be a instrumental because no one could finish the lyrics. Until the very end when Martin and Nicholls were able to do it. It's original working title was Gypsy Warning. Also the song was the only one where Nicholls played bass on a Sabbath record. Biggest difference between this version and what was used on Headless Cross is the guitar is heavier and the keyboards are very low. Some Kind Of Women bass parts are from Dave Spitz. It was left out because it didn't fit in with everything else Tony Martin wrote and recorded the lyrics so the song could be included on the 12in LP single of the 'The Shining'.
For the gigs coming up Geezer Butler was suppose to join. Both Martin and Iommi had a talk with him. But upon hearing that Patrick Meehen was involved with Sabbath again he said no. Sabbath was to play in Plymouth on July 18th. But canceled due to lack of attendance of the show. Or perhaps a lack of bass player. (This would happen again). There are several pictures of this time with Tony Iommi, 'Richard Cole', Tony Martin, Bev Bevan, & Geoff Nicholls. Richard Cole was only Sabbath's road manager. Who was placed in the pictures because at the time Sabbath had no bass player. Dave Spitz joins up in time to do the shows booked. The first being on July 21st, 1987. A music festival in Athens, Greece. Which (until 2005) was their only show in Greece in their history. This was Tony Martin's first live performance with Black Sabbath. The band came on and Martin went out front as planned. But upon the first vocals of Children Of The Grave he went fuck! Running to Iommi and Geoff saying he forgot the words. But after hitting the chorus all the words came along fine. The rest of the gig did as well too. After Greece, Sabbath played Sun City in South Africa and there are several pictures of this show. Bev Bevan objected to playing Sun City. (For a good reason which would hurt Sabbath). Terry Chimes (The Clash) comes into Sabbath to play drums. The show was great except for one problem. This was before Apartheid fell, so Sabbath took a lot of shit in the press. Every band pretty much boycotted playing there. Tony Iommi in an interview said their manager Patrick Meehan told him that Sun City wasn't actually in South Africa. Altogether There were 6 shows played in Sun City. Jul 25-26, August 1-2, and Aug 8-9. There is a rumor of a gig in a pub around Sun City. Just Sabbath popping in for jam with the house band. But it's just a rumor.
For the gigs coming up Geezer Butler was suppose to join. Both Martin and Iommi had a talk with him. But upon hearing that Patrick Meehen was involved with Sabbath again he said no. Sabbath was to play in Plymouth on July 18th. But canceled due to lack of attendance of the show. Or perhaps a lack of bass player. (This would happen again). There are several pictures of this time with Tony Iommi, 'Richard Cole', Tony Martin, Bev Bevan, & Geoff Nicholls. Richard Cole was only Sabbath's road manager. Who was placed in the pictures because at the time Sabbath had no bass player. Dave Spitz joins up in time to do the shows booked. The first being on July 21st, 1987. A music festival in Athens, Greece. Which (until 2005) was their only show in Greece in their history. This was Tony Martin's first live performance with Black Sabbath. The band came on and Martin went out front as planned. But upon the first vocals of Children Of The Grave he went fuck! Running to Iommi and Geoff saying he forgot the words. But after hitting the chorus all the words came along fine. The rest of the gig did as well too. After Greece, Sabbath played Sun City in South Africa and there are several pictures of this show. Bev Bevan objected to playing Sun City. (For a good reason which would hurt Sabbath). Terry Chimes (The Clash) comes into Sabbath to play drums. The show was great except for one problem. This was before Apartheid fell, so Sabbath took a lot of shit in the press. Every band pretty much boycotted playing there. Tony Iommi in an interview said their manager Patrick Meehan told him that Sun City wasn't actually in South Africa. Altogether There were 6 shows played in Sun City. Jul 25-26, August 1-2, and Aug 8-9. There is a rumor of a gig in a pub around Sun City. Just Sabbath popping in for jam with the house band. But it's just a rumor.
Alas after all this the final production was completed and the album was released in November 1987. There were just a few shows played for the Eternal Idol tour in 1987. With Jo Burt replacing Dave Spitz. The final show was to be December 28, 1987 at the Hammersmith Odeon. It was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Although other reasons were explained. This would have been a chance for the world to get a soundboard recording of this tour, (Bootleg of course).
May 29, 1988 with Geoff Nicholls on Bass, and Terry Chimes there was a charity show in the UK at the Tops Spots Club. Sabbath only played three songs : Heart like a Wheel, Neon Knights, & Paranoid. Which was broadcast over the radio, but only the audience recording has surfaced so far. But with an appearance as unique as this any recording is gold. Soon after Tony Martin did some work with John Sykes in Blue Murder. He helps him write some songs but he never intends to join the band. The most noted song to come of this is the Blue Murder song 'Valley of the Kings'. Blue Murder also has Sabbath members Cozy Powell and Ray Gillen in at dfferent times.
May 29, 1988 with Geoff Nicholls on Bass, and Terry Chimes there was a charity show in the UK at the Tops Spots Club. Sabbath only played three songs : Heart like a Wheel, Neon Knights, & Paranoid. Which was broadcast over the radio, but only the audience recording has surfaced so far. But with an appearance as unique as this any recording is gold. Soon after Tony Martin did some work with John Sykes in Blue Murder. He helps him write some songs but he never intends to join the band. The most noted song to come of this is the Blue Murder song 'Valley of the Kings'. Blue Murder also has Sabbath members Cozy Powell and Ray Gillen in at dfferent times.
Consumed By The Force
Forcefield is a melodic rock band formed by Ray Fenwick and drummer Cozy Powell. Ray is known for playing in Ian Gillan's solo band. Guitarist John Ackkerman is a guitar player known for his work in Focus. The Black Sabbath connection exist in Tony Martin, Cozy Powell, Neil Murray, and Lawrence Cottle. Cottle and Murray share bass duties on the album. As well as in Sabbath's Future. Martin was a life long fan of Focus so he was thrilled to be working along side John.
This Forcefield album proves how talented and vocal range spanning that Tony Martin is. The album is top notch with some of his best vocals PERIOD!!! Shows directly that he can handle melodic rock as well. The main song to listen to is I Lose Again. A great piece of music that belongs in Tony Martin's top ten!
About To Get Headless
Black Sabbath promo shot Tony Martin Cozy Powell Tony Iommi
Minus the charity gig of 1988 Iommi basically has pulled Sabbath off the road and puts it up on blocks. New record label, new management, and some new personal. With Cozy Powell on board the future had to be sorted out. After much debate the Black Sabbath name carries on and Tony Martin is to march on with the band. Enter the studio the newly formed line up records Headless Cross. Which was recorded from August to November of 1988. Here Tony Martin really first caught an eye of how fast Iommi came come up with riffs. He told the band would go through boxes of older Iommi riffs and he would write new ones faster than they could listen to the tapes. So the tapes went back in to the box and they would work on the new ones. Compared to a lot of the albums this is made with the least bit of hassle. Iommi And Powell lead the band as album producers and primary song writers. Tony Martin is the primary lyric writer with great keyboards added in by Geoff Nicholls. To most this is the best known Tony Martin piece of work. Incredible vocals followed with smart witted words. Really an album that put Black Sabbath back on the radar. (For a greater detail on all the happenings behind the album http://edtradernet.weebly.com/still-headless.html ).
With the addition of Neil Murray on bass, the band hits the road. With the goal in mind of putting some pride back into the band. And regaining all the lost fans. Neil at this time was most known for playing for Whitesnake. But since then he has lots of credits to his name. He works the world over till this day. The tour actually on the band's side went well. Any problems were from outside the band. The band toured Europe, Japan, England with ease. Once in North America it all had to be cut short. To save a financial crisis from happening. But it was in Russia where Martin really understood where he was. He was IN BLACK SABBATH. It didn't fully set in till he was on stage with Cozy, Neil, and Iommi around him. He was always so concerned to get the songs right that fact kinda bounced around in his head!
Bring On The TYRs
After Sabbath getting back on its feet with the awesome Iommi-Martin-Powell-Nicholls-Murray line up they jumped in the studio and recorded TYR. It's a loosely firm concept album about Viking/Norse mythology. Not in the concept is Feels Good To Me. As Martin said was made to be a
single from the start. So the music video is made as is a CD single from the song. To have an example of how great Tony was live in with the band. Short versions of Sign Of The Southern Cross and Heart Like A Wheel make their way in the setlist. With Martin pulling these off effortlessly. There will be a brief split from Sabbath over a Dio reform. But it will be brief.
single from the start. So the music video is made as is a CD single from the song. To have an example of how great Tony was live in with the band. Short versions of Sign Of The Southern Cross and Heart Like A Wheel make their way in the setlist. With Martin pulling these off effortlessly. There will be a brief split from Sabbath over a Dio reform. But it will be brief.
Solo Alliances
Back Where He Belongs
While Sabbath was with the Dio line up in 1992 both Cozy Powell and Tony Martin released solo albums. But not before they both spent some time working on the Dehumanizer album. Things with Dio didn't go so well at first. So Iommi called Tony Martin to rejoin. Tony Martin was working on his solo album album, and said he couldn't. Tony Martin released Back Where I Belong on Polydor Records. Which is a more soft rock, English rock pop album. Cozy Powell basically re-forms his old band 'Hammer' as some say while others say he just formed 'a' band. Billy Sheehan and Steve Lukatherand join him and The Drums Are Back is released. A couple of months later problems with Dio and again a call to Tony Martin. Martin was free at the time so he re-record the Dehumanizer material that existed. Due to the change in vocalists, some lyrics and vocal melodies were re-done and new music was written. Tony Iommi was happy with the work being done with Martin. But Warner Bros records pressured Iommi to get Dio back. Mostly due to the amount of money and press that was involved and already done in advance. A tour for Cozy's new album begins to take shape. Billy and Steve are soon gone and Neil Murray joins Cozy. None other than Tony Martin Comes on board next. Margo Parga is an unknown and he is picked to be the new guitarist. Like the Sabbath Martin era tours this stays in the same areas. Germany and so forth. They play songs from Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Solo albums. If There's a Heaven is released as a single and in November 1992 they performed the song on Thomas Gottschalk's Late Show on German television channel RTLI. Martin was still with Ernest Chapman. After the release Chapmen retained all the rights to this album and he has refused to re-release this. But Martin has expressed interest in re-releasing it with bonus tracks. One song that was left out was Party In The Parking Lot. With Ten Years After's Alvin Lee on guitar. The tour dates for this fusion of careers as followed day/month/year
17/11/92 Ludwigsburg Scala
18/11/92 Frankfurt Sinkkasten
19/11/92 Heidelberg Schwimmbad
20/11/92 Krefeld Kulturfabrik
21/11/92 Karlsruhe Subway
22/11/92 Mühltal Steinbruchtheater
24/11/92 Übach-Palenberg Rockfabrik
17/11/92 Ludwigsburg Scala
18/11/92 Frankfurt Sinkkasten
19/11/92 Heidelberg Schwimmbad
20/11/92 Krefeld Kulturfabrik
21/11/92 Karlsruhe Subway
22/11/92 Mühltal Steinbruchtheater
24/11/92 Übach-Palenberg Rockfabrik
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November 1992 If There Is A Heaven performed on Thomas Gottschalk's Late Show. German television channel RTLI
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Back With A Purpose
It's been clear how Tony Martin felt about being set out in order to have Dio
revein. That Sabbath had regain a lot of ground. It was heading in the right
direction. Joining him in that mind frame was Neil Murry and Cozy Powell. But he didn't just set around waiting by the phone. Tony filled his Polydor deal with the Back Where I Belong album. Joining Cozy Powell and Neil Murray on the road performing songs off that album. As well as some Rainbow, Sabbath, and Whitesnake hits. And it was Iommi back on line to get Tony back. A little hesitant but Martin comes on board. Geezer most noted that he was happy that he didn't have to heavily take control of the lyric front. Iommi and Butler just expressed that it was time to do more modern lyrics and to lean away from the devil and myths. Which Martin agreed to do. Weither or not anything Tony Martin did during his 1991 brief return was used is up in the air. Iommi went into great detail on the band's working relationship during a Kerrang Magazine article. That he and Geezer would come up with riffs. And Martin would come up with words and a vocal melody almost as soon as the music was played. And the first melody would usually be the one the carried through the whole song's life.
When the tour time came the worse thing that could ever happen to a singer happens. Tony Martin catches a throat infection. Martin tries to the worlds end to do the tour and doesn't miss a single show. IRS records sets up the band to do an official concert VHS/CD entitled Cross Purposes Live. And Martin does a ver;y good show for this recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in England. ( For a more detailed look at the Cross Purposes album http://edtradernet.weebly.com/the-hand-that-rocks-the-purpose.html ).
revein. That Sabbath had regain a lot of ground. It was heading in the right
direction. Joining him in that mind frame was Neil Murry and Cozy Powell. But he didn't just set around waiting by the phone. Tony filled his Polydor deal with the Back Where I Belong album. Joining Cozy Powell and Neil Murray on the road performing songs off that album. As well as some Rainbow, Sabbath, and Whitesnake hits. And it was Iommi back on line to get Tony back. A little hesitant but Martin comes on board. Geezer most noted that he was happy that he didn't have to heavily take control of the lyric front. Iommi and Butler just expressed that it was time to do more modern lyrics and to lean away from the devil and myths. Which Martin agreed to do. Weither or not anything Tony Martin did during his 1991 brief return was used is up in the air. Iommi went into great detail on the band's working relationship during a Kerrang Magazine article. That he and Geezer would come up with riffs. And Martin would come up with words and a vocal melody almost as soon as the music was played. And the first melody would usually be the one the carried through the whole song's life.
When the tour time came the worse thing that could ever happen to a singer happens. Tony Martin catches a throat infection. Martin tries to the worlds end to do the tour and doesn't miss a single show. IRS records sets up the band to do an official concert VHS/CD entitled Cross Purposes Live. And Martin does a ver;y good show for this recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in England. ( For a more detailed look at the Cross Purposes album http://edtradernet.weebly.com/the-hand-that-rocks-the-purpose.html ).
Long Over due the public get their second concert film of Black Sabbath. In 1978 their Hammersmith gig was filmed and made it's way to be purchased. It had releases through the years but it was hard to find. (Released to wide DVD release in 2002). This show was edited and two songs were deleted. Later in 1982 gigs in the USA on the Mob Rules tour were filmed. But the reels were lost in time. It would be here in 1994 that the next film would be. 4-13-1994 Hammersmith Apollo (Odeon) London, England was filmed. Released in 1995 as Cross Purposes Live. A CD/VHS double pack. Two songs and trims were edited out of this film as well. Tony had a throat infection so this doesn't support his best voice. But with that this is still a stellar performance. Beating out most Dio and Ozzy shows. Under some people Tony Martin is perceived to be lacking stage presence. For those people this should be great evidence against that theory. And with the setlist this should be on held in the same light as Live Evil and Reunion. The Wizard, Symptom Of The Universe, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Into The Void make their way back in for the bands 25 anniversary year. Including the only tour to play the ending part of Symptom.
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Headed South
Three dates were set for Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; & Burenos Aires, Argentina. Before the concert dates Bobby Rondinelli hired a new manager. Which to extended his contract a considerable pay raise was insisted. Those demands were not answered by Gloria Butler. So it was brought up that Bill Ward might want to rejoin. At the rehearsals Martin has said he and Bill got on good. Bill has ecohed this same feeling.
It's Forbidden
With Iommi-Martin-Powell-Nicholls-Murray the band set afire some positive vibes. It would be later proven that the engines were cooled too much. Iommi came to the conclusion that he needed to get the guys he could trust. That could just plug in and play without all the hassle. Powell and Neil were those two so he invited them back. Within days they rejoined. Geoff Nicholls keeping his post on what was to be his last Sabbath studio album. Nicholls, Iommi and Martin said in '94 that they wanted the next album to be raw and ultra-heavy. No over production or a lot of overdubs. Where they just play and there's the album. The band worked up the demos and everyone seemed happy with these tapes. Tony Martin has said he perferred the demos of the songs better. "In rehearsal they sounded killer" I think is the quote I read him say. Martin would go on to tell Venessa on Headbanger's Ball that he just sang what popped in his head. Just whatever lyrics or melodies would just fly out. 'Vocal Vomit' was the term he used. But non the less once they went in the studio and in just 8 days it was done. Making it the 3rd fast album after Black Sabbath & Paranoid. To me it has the same sort of sound as the first four Sabbath albums.
The tour was cut a few weeks short in order for Iommi to have Carpel Tunnel surgery. At first a doctor in America told him it was his neck that needed surgery. A specialist in England discovered it was the common wrist damage that needed repaired. This was to be the last round for Tony Martin. Sabbath played Bangkok and thus this line up up ended. Through 1996 Iommi said he was taking a beak from Sabbath to do a solo album. An interview with Iommi in 1996 he said that Tony Martin was still in the band. But as we know the Ozzy era reunion took place. Although the Tony Martin era didn't make the same impact on the world as Ozzy or had the same success as Dio. Tony Martin has his league of fans and this isn't the end for him.
The tour was cut a few weeks short in order for Iommi to have Carpel Tunnel surgery. At first a doctor in America told him it was his neck that needed surgery. A specialist in England discovered it was the common wrist damage that needed repaired. This was to be the last round for Tony Martin. Sabbath played Bangkok and thus this line up up ended. Through 1996 Iommi said he was taking a beak from Sabbath to do a solo album. An interview with Iommi in 1996 he said that Tony Martin was still in the band. But as we know the Ozzy era reunion took place. Although the Tony Martin era didn't make the same impact on the world as Ozzy or had the same success as Dio. Tony Martin has his league of fans and this isn't the end for him.
Italian Project
Aldo Giuntini's career began at the start of the 80's when he founded Cryin' Earth. A Progressive Rock group who played their own brand of refined and complex music. Including a legendary concert at International Film Studios. Attended by some of the most respected progressive music experts, was Giuntini's farewell to CE .His decision brought him to move into the newly-born Italian Heavy Metal scene. From 1984 to 1987 he mainly concentrated on perfecting his distinctive sound going on to build up a new band called Sky Divers. But soon he realized that the only way to develop his ideas unadulterated was to make his name as a solo artist. In 1988 he met producer Dario Mollo, a talented sound engineer with a good experience in mixing and recording Heavy Metal bands and an accomplished guitarist in his own right. The Mollo/Giuntini liaison was vital to the creation of Aldo Giuntini's first solo album Project Vol. I Giuntini spent two years writing material and working tirelessly on getting just the right sound for the project. Then in 1990 producer Kit Woolven made his appearance after being favourably impressed with Giuntini's first monitor mix released in the framework of "The Project". The only thing needed was a top-notch English language vocalist to give the music the international appeal it deserved. After two more years and endless auditions, Charles Bowyer turned up at the start of 1992: the long wait finally paid off and Bowyer came over from London, with his warm voice and impeccable singing technique that blended perfectly with Giuntini's guitar sound. The album shifts from the heady, radio-oriented sounds of the Power Rock number "Price of Love", through the epic "When the Dream Has Died", to the Speed Metal "Masquerade" and the more experimental "2099". (Good luck finding this one.) In 1995 Aldo began working on tracks for his new album and in 1996 he approached Tony Martin. Martin was impressed by Aldo's demos and the two musicians decided to pool their talents. Following a further two years of hard work, II is released. With an even bigger sound than previous album plus a remarkable range of ideas on the writing front. the outcome of the artistic alliance between the two musicians. Apart from the singer, the line-up of the band remains unchanged, as also does the solid effectiveness ad flair of the Woolven/Mollo partnership. The album Quickly went out of print and was hard but not too hard to find. Album re-released in 2006 by Frontiers Records so it's on
internet selling sites for the 20$ range.
internet selling sites for the 20$ range.
Out Of The Cage
Back in 1981, Italian born guitar player Dario Mollo started his musical career with Crossbones. Which at one time included Don Airey of Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne. After the band ended Dario put his attention to producing and formed 'Damage Inc Studio' in Northern Italy's Liguria. The studio lies just outside of the French/Italian border town of Ventimiglia, a stones throw from Menton, Monaco and Monte Carlo. Dario's main mentor to the production side of music was Kit Woolven, producer of many bands including, Thin Lizzy, Cradle of Filth, and UFO. In 1996 Dario began writing a new set of songs, and a unnamed project began to breathe. Drawing on his previous years of work, his many valuable hours of studio time, and his now perfected technique, he teamed up with Don Airey and some friends to record the album now known as The Cage. Not too long later Aldo Giuntini entered Dario's record studio to record his 'Project II'. Mollo saw the talent of Tony Martin and with 'The Cage' almost completed, the album needed a voice. Well Dario's studio happened to have Giuntini Project II and Dario saw Martin was that voice. And Dario Mollo/Tony Martin : The Cage came to be. The two quickly jelled for a great partnership. Tony Martin wrote lyrics and melodies for the amazing tracks that Dario had already assembled. Released in limited copies by 'Dreamcatcher Records'. For the fans of Tony Martin this was an album that showcased Martin's voice and song writing. Proving that he just wasn't a bought singer for Iommi to use at will. The album is to me Martin's best work and deserves to be in the same league as Back in Black, Paranoid, Zeppelin 4, and all the other great albums. Extremely hard to find from time to time but man was it worth it once I first heard it. I took my original out of the case, kept the plastic. Made a copy on my computer and scanned the booklet and back cover. Put the CD & book back in the case and the case back into the plastic and sealed it. So after all these years it's only been opened once for ten minutes. Luckily for some 3,000 copies were found a couple years ago so internet sell sites had some for sale.
A Cross Of Sins
Rondenelli is a band which started in the 80's and is composed by Rondenelli brothers Bobby & Teddy. Bobby is most famous out of the two starting out his career in Rainbow and has since took over drum duties for Blue Oyster Cult. Even drummed for Aerosmith while there drummer was hurt/sick. Now Rondenelli first started out with Ray Gillen on vocals. (Gillen and Tony Martin have chased each other it seems.) In 2002 with Boddy on drums and Teddy on guitar Our Cross Our Sins began to take shape. Neil Murray came onboard to do the bass. Singer was need so Bobby Called Tony Martin and he flew over to New York. The lyrics and melodies were already set in stone so Martin was just a hired hand to record them. In fact the bros, Murray, Martin were never in the studio at the same time. To me this album isn't all that great. No real melodies or lyrics stand out. Two things stand out from this period. Tony was going through a divorce, and he was able to visit the Twin Towers site Ground Zero to pay his respects. The album was released on MTM records which set up a relationship between MTM and Martin. So that's the best thing to come of this. No tour took place and the album is out of print. I'd say this is for Tony Martin fans who want everything. And this is the ONLY Martin related album that doesn't stand out for me. Naughty Dragon is an alright track and made this album least worth having. As is Bulls Eyes, which is the best hard rocker on the album.
Caged In
Dario is one of those who work/record new music all the time. By August 2001 The Cage II was ready. Tony set off to Dario Mollo's studio Damage Inc. In Italy to finish recording THE CAGE II vocals. Another smooth partnership and album to make. May 22 2002 Cage II is released in Europe and Japan. Which has a considerable bigger release and promotion than I. A very good album which is way easier to find (even today) than I
A Trade Off
2001 Rolf Munkes formed his second band Empire. Releasing the first album Hypnotica. With some seasoned players in bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath), singer Lance King (Balance of Power), singer Mark Boals (Malmsteen), keyboard player Don Airey (Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore) and drummer Anders Johansson (Malmsteen, Hammerfall). 2003 saw Trading Souls with Tony Martin, Neil Murray - Bass, Don Airey - Keyboards, Gerald Kloos & Andders Johansson- Drums. The album and lyrics were written prior to Tony joining. He has express some dis-pleasure with the album. Not getting on top of the material properly. But some really good tunes come from this album. Did You Ever Love Me is head above shoulders the rest. A very catchy good song. Back In To The Light is an upbeat near Bon Jovi song.
In 1999 three original Whitesnake members Micky Moody, Bernie Marsden, and Neil Murrey came together for a tour under the band name Company of Snakes. With Stefan Berggren on vocals and John Lingwood on drums. The shows where such a success they released a live CD titled Here They Go Again. February 25th 2002 they released Burst The Bubble. Sometime between February 2002 and October 2003 the three original band members decided to change the band's name to M3. With this live release 'M3' incorporate Jimmy Copley (Paul Rogers & Tony Iommi) on drums, Mark Stanway (Magnum & Grad Slam) on keyboards and Tony Martin. This live release consist of eleven live original Whitesnake songs. One of the many thing I really like about this release is that Tony does not try to copy David Coverdale. Tony sings every song a Tony Martian would do them. The band's sound is utterly amazing. If you are a eighties hard rock fan or Whitesnake fan then this is an absolute must have! Classic Snake Live Vol. 1 is the best live album of 2003. In 2004 Martin was fired from M3. Tensions flared along some long train rides to dates in Russia. In an argument Bernie pushed Tony into a chair and the cusses just elevated. In a long detailed statement Tony gave on his now defunct official website. He went into great detail on the final weeks leading up to the final argument.
Brothers And Dragons
The Bailey Brothers who are most noted for hosting Music TV in Europe. But have a band by the name of Bailey's Comet. They released an album under Frontiers Records but their singer didn't want to tour. So Martin joins the guys for a small tour.
Summer 2004 sang for the band Twin Dragons. Featuring Clive Bunker former Jethro Tull drummer. Tony just sang for them as a guest in Italy. Performing some Black Sabbath songs. Nothing really happened beyond this. One audience DVD is out there thou.
Summer 2004 sang for the band Twin Dragons. Featuring Clive Bunker former Jethro Tull drummer. Tony just sang for them as a guest in Italy. Performing some Black Sabbath songs. Nothing really happened beyond this. One audience DVD is out there thou.
Whole Lotta Martin
Tony joined this Arena Rock Tribute Band which did some decent sized shows through Europe. Covering song like Enter Sandman, Highway Star, and Paranoid. Comprised of singers Matt Moreton (the singer of a Freddie Mercury tribute band), Carl Sentence (Geezer Butler Band). And no that is not AC/DC-Dio's Simon Wright. But Tony didn't stay in long and soon after Doogie White took his place. He left over the fact that the people running it decided they were no longer interested. Leaving the band to pay for it's own tour cost. To me this was under Tony's skill level. Not a good move for him, becoming a butt for cover band jokes.
Raising A Scream
After laying low and singing on other people's bands and project (also divorced and spending more times as a dad to his kids) Tony started to write 'Scream'. The original idea was a trio of albums Clean, Mean, and Scream but Scream singled out. The album was made at Tony's house with Tony playing drums, bass, violin. Joe Harford which is Tony's son played guitar while Geoff Nicholls laid down the keyboards. He also helped to craft Raising Hell, Field Of Lies, Bittersweet, Where Ever You Go. 'Gone but the music lives' on is a saying said about those who have passed away. Much like Elvis and Jimi the saying is true for Cozy Powell. As Tony Martin was with Cozy in 1992 he had him record some drum tracks so he could write around them. There is 22 tracks in all from what Tony has said. One drum track that was also used during the demos for Dehumanizer had become Raising Hell. Much like the other Tony Martin albums this is made without much hassle (well with him as writer, plays 3/4 of it himself, producer, what hassle could there be) November 2005 Scream is released by MTM Records and distributed by NEH Records in the US. MTM is celebrating 10 years and the album is printed on a special gold disc. A couple gigs were played before the offical Scream tour. The first show Tony is joined by his son, Jean Lucia - keyboards, Jamie Mallender - Bass, and Danny Needham - Drums. The second gig had David Pisvejc replacing Needham. And John Taylor stepped in for Jean. Once the Scream tour began Geoff Nicholls and Danny Needham are firmly in place.February 2006 the band got to play in front of 14,00 people. At the Heroes Of Rock Festival. Also joining in is Fabio Cerrone who played guitar in the band Twin Dragons with Tony. Mallender had played with the Bailey's when Martin sang for them. Jaime Mallender commented that the band really played The Shinning, Scream, and Eternal Idol well. The tour basically last from 2005-2007. With some shows in 2008. And band goes on to make a special TV appearance. Playing three songs for World Stars on NTV, Luzhniki Arena, Moscow. Then in 2006 Tony and band played with Helloween on the track Headless Cross at the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany. And also performed a warm up club show at the WOM Discothek Hechingen. Four songs from his gig was released on the festival's DVD of that year. Rolf Munkes makes a guest appearance on the track Raven Ride for the DVD. He also performed on the song Breath. Once Fabio leaves Rolf joins the band full time.
Project Continues
In 2002 Tony Martin flew off to Italy to work with Aldo Guintini on Project III. They record 12 songs but It's in 2006 before they get released. When I first heard this I was like Tony went back to signing like he did on The Cage albums. Because in the recent years Tony has been singing in a bit higher key. And his singing on The Cage albums is my favorite of his. But once you learn the songs were recorded in 2002 it evens out if you know what I mean. With the same backing band this is a continuing of II and is just as good. For those who think Tony sound a lot like Dio you should check out Closes Thing to Heaven. it's the closes to sounding like Dio he ever has. This is giving a wider release than II and is easy to find on amazon.com, ebay, and other mail order CD sites.
It's a Fantasy
Phenomena is the product that comes from Tom Galley. It starts back in 1983, when Tom Galley hooked up with his brother Mel Galley of the band Trapeze which featured Glenn Hughes. Mel had also had a stint as Whitesnake's guitar player. (see the the M3 section for more info on him) So the first band consisted of Tom Galley writer, producer, guitar, Tom's brother Mel on guitars, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/Trapeze) on vocals, Don Airy on keyboards and the future Sabbath rhythm section Neil Murray and the late Cozy Powell. The brothers released 3 albums that were between 1985 and 1992.
Phenomena (1985)
Phenomena II: Dream
Runner (1987)
Phenomena III: Innervision (1992)
With the following line ups:
Phenomena:
Vocals: Glenn Hughes
Guitar: Mel Galley, John Thomas
Bass: Neil Murray
Drums: Cozy Powell, Ted McCenna
Keyboards: Don Airey, Richard Bailey
Phenomena II - Dream Runner:
Vocals: Ray Gillan, Glenn Hughes, John Wetton, Max Bacon
Guitar: Kyoji Yamomoto, Mel Galley,
Scott Gorham, John Thomas
Bass: Neil Murray, John Wetton
Drums: Michael Sturgis, Toshihiro Miimi
Keyboards: Leif Johansen, Richard Bailey
Phenomena III - Inner Vision:
Vocals: Keith Murrell
Guitar: Brian May, Mel Galley, Scott Gorham
Drums: Michael Sturgis
Keyboards: Leif Johansen
Tom, Mel, and Glenn all return for Psycho Fantasy in 2006. The one thing is that most of the album was recorded in 2004. This albums line up is :
Vocals: Glenn Hughes, Tony Martin, Keith Murrell, Lee Small, Matt Morton, Joy Strachan
Backing vocals: Pete Howerth, Keith Murrell
Drums: Orlin Radinsky
Guitars: Mel Galley, Andy Shortland, J.J. Marsh
Bass: Richard Lymn
Keyboards: Ian Rowlands, Tom Brown
Strings & arrangements: Rumen Boyadgiev
Psycho Fantasy is a nice mix of progressive AOR, hard rock and heavy metal. Glenn Hughes proves once again that he is the voice of rock. He handles most of the softer duty. Tony sings on two of the more upbeat rockers in Chemical High and God Forgives. In unfortunate news Mel Galley died of cancer in early 2008.
Phenomena (1985)
Phenomena II: Dream
Runner (1987)
Phenomena III: Innervision (1992)
With the following line ups:
Phenomena:
Vocals: Glenn Hughes
Guitar: Mel Galley, John Thomas
Bass: Neil Murray
Drums: Cozy Powell, Ted McCenna
Keyboards: Don Airey, Richard Bailey
Phenomena II - Dream Runner:
Vocals: Ray Gillan, Glenn Hughes, John Wetton, Max Bacon
Guitar: Kyoji Yamomoto, Mel Galley,
Scott Gorham, John Thomas
Bass: Neil Murray, John Wetton
Drums: Michael Sturgis, Toshihiro Miimi
Keyboards: Leif Johansen, Richard Bailey
Phenomena III - Inner Vision:
Vocals: Keith Murrell
Guitar: Brian May, Mel Galley, Scott Gorham
Drums: Michael Sturgis
Keyboards: Leif Johansen
Tom, Mel, and Glenn all return for Psycho Fantasy in 2006. The one thing is that most of the album was recorded in 2004. This albums line up is :
Vocals: Glenn Hughes, Tony Martin, Keith Murrell, Lee Small, Matt Morton, Joy Strachan
Backing vocals: Pete Howerth, Keith Murrell
Drums: Orlin Radinsky
Guitars: Mel Galley, Andy Shortland, J.J. Marsh
Bass: Richard Lymn
Keyboards: Ian Rowlands, Tom Brown
Strings & arrangements: Rumen Boyadgiev
Psycho Fantasy is a nice mix of progressive AOR, hard rock and heavy metal. Glenn Hughes proves once again that he is the voice of rock. He handles most of the softer duty. Tony sings on two of the more upbeat rockers in Chemical High and God Forgives. In unfortunate news Mel Galley died of cancer in early 2008.
20 Years Later
Ok, it's kinda hard to write this because of the way it ended. But Mid 2009 it was announced that Tony Martin being billed as Tony Martin's Headless Cross would tour the United States. His band with Nicholls, Mallender, Needham, Harford, & Munkes put together and rehearsed a killer set with never before played live songs from Eternal Idol & Headless Cross. Save for the dates in South America, the tour was pulled at the last minute. But those special dates down south saw the bringing of songs like Blackmoon, Feels Good To Me, Lost Forever, and many more. Truly a celebration of all the great Martin era Black Sabbath albums. It wasn't known why at first but Tony Martin later on explained it here.
Heavy Sides
March 31 2007 Tony Martin join Candlemass at their 20th Anniversary show at Stockholm's Kolingsborg. Tony Performed 'Witches'. Later on the song was recorded with Martin on vocals as a demo. But this didn't go anywhere! The concert was released on DVD Candlemass 20th Anniversary.
2007 Tony hooks up with Cozy Powell guitarist Mario Parga to record the ballad Spirit of Night. From Parga's instrumental rock guitar album Entranced.
Back in September 2010 it was announced that Martin had contributed guest vocals to "Victims Of The Modern Age", the new album from Dutch composer/multi instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen's Star One project. According to the official ArjenLucassen.com newsletter, "Arjen has been a big fan of Tony Martin's voice for a long time, and is proud to have him singing one of the five tracks that will appear on CD2 of the special-edition" version.
Wolfpakk, a band that truly meshes together all the best feel good and sound good rock/metal styles. The brainchild of Michael Voss of Mad Max and Casanova. And Crystal Ball's Mark Sweeney. Both vocalist complete this album with a whole host of world known stars. With Tony Martin sharing in on Ride The Bullet. A very hard yet commercial tune.
Ira Imperium (The Damned) is the song that Tony Martin imprints his talents on. For the band Arrayan Path. Nominated for IMPALA’s European Independent Album of the Year Award.
Blind Faith, the new album from Phenomena features Tony Martin vocals's for Liar.
2007 Tony hooks up with Cozy Powell guitarist Mario Parga to record the ballad Spirit of Night. From Parga's instrumental rock guitar album Entranced.
Back in September 2010 it was announced that Martin had contributed guest vocals to "Victims Of The Modern Age", the new album from Dutch composer/multi instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen's Star One project. According to the official ArjenLucassen.com newsletter, "Arjen has been a big fan of Tony Martin's voice for a long time, and is proud to have him singing one of the five tracks that will appear on CD2 of the special-edition" version.
Wolfpakk, a band that truly meshes together all the best feel good and sound good rock/metal styles. The brainchild of Michael Voss of Mad Max and Casanova. And Crystal Ball's Mark Sweeney. Both vocalist complete this album with a whole host of world known stars. With Tony Martin sharing in on Ride The Bullet. A very hard yet commercial tune.
Ira Imperium (The Damned) is the song that Tony Martin imprints his talents on. For the band Arrayan Path. Nominated for IMPALA’s European Independent Album of the Year Award.
Blind Faith, the new album from Phenomena features Tony Martin vocals's for Liar.
A Cage In It's Third
To my personal want, another great album was set to be released. The Cage project is an example of what good rock music should be. And once receiving this in the mail I was more than pleased. Comprised of the same backing band it proves the adage 'third times the charm'. Hitting Youtube in late 2011 the first Cage music video Wicked World set up the taste in many of people's mouth. This song has one of Dario's heaviest riffs. Tony sporting his new look with the classic sunglasses covered eyes. If I had to pick one song to sum up what The Cage is all about would be Still In Love With You.
Saddle Them Silver Horses
This band was formed in 2010 with Gianluca Galli on guitar, Andrea Castelli on bass and Matteo "Bona" Bonini on drums. Through non-other than Dario Mollo they contacted Tony and it went from there. April of 2011 the first set of demos was posted on line. Giving us a first taste of what this band's sound will be. When asked the band told this would be a 70's bluesy Led Zeppelin style band. Which it does but it also has that folk acoustic feel. Things were really on the upside as Warner-Chappell of Warner Brothers Music gave them a publishing deal. In 2012 Tony traveled to Italy to properly record the album. In fact quite a bit of the experience was filmed. Seeing life at various points on line. One song of note would have to be Suddenly Lost. Tony remarked that the song has been around since his first solo album. But it never really fit in anywhere. It's a very good ballad that words can't properly express how good it is. Piano flavored acoustic guitar song with love lost lyrics. And it has the mandatory electric guitar solo. Whose holding On To You also is a ballad mostly acoustic guitar song. With soaring vocals that have a wide note range. German 7 US Media Group was set to handle the distribution of the album.Things turned ugly as they tried to release it without proper contracts in place. Furthermore Tony has dropped any promotion of this project. It took awhile but the album is now available.
Crosses And Cages
After the release of The Third Cage Tony Martin began to reform his Headless Cross Band. Retaining Danny Needham and Geoff Nicholls. And recruritng the great Dario Mollo and underrated bass player Magnus Rosen. The first gig had to be cancelled. But a friend happened to be the owner of The Asylum in Birmingham. 7-27-2012 the new band took stage. Surprisingly this show covered more of his entire career and projects.
The setlist :
1. Liar, 2. The Meaning of Evil, 3. Scream, 4. Dying for Love, 5. Lost Forever, 6. Ancient Warrior, 7. Sweet Elyse, 8. Bass solo / Guitar solo, 9. Raising Hell, 10. Still In Love With You, 11. Oh My Soul, 12. Terra Toria, 13. Eternal Idol 14. I Witness, 15. The Law Maker, 16. The Gates of Hell / Headless Cross, 17. The Shining.
The concert was filmed and the release is pending.
The setlist :
1. Liar, 2. The Meaning of Evil, 3. Scream, 4. Dying for Love, 5. Lost Forever, 6. Ancient Warrior, 7. Sweet Elyse, 8. Bass solo / Guitar solo, 9. Raising Hell, 10. Still In Love With You, 11. Oh My Soul, 12. Terra Toria, 13. Eternal Idol 14. I Witness, 15. The Law Maker, 16. The Gates of Hell / Headless Cross, 17. The Shining.
The concert was filmed and the release is pending.
Gold Duet
Hailing from Germany we have female vocalist Layla Milou. it was known in 2012 that a special duet was planned between her and Tony Martin. Seen as her world wide breakout Bloody Valentine was released as a single and music video. The song is a hollowed melodic ballad. Tony Martin's appearance fits really well and gives him a dynamic new to fans as well. It was very successful as it earned Tony a gold disc for the number 1 German download. Could there be more in the future with these two???
The Future
Black, an band formed with Magnus Rosen, did not go anywhere passed one song. But You Never Know!
The long talked about solo album Book Of Shadows, errr now called THORNS, is finished.
Plus Tony has made close to a dozen cameos with multiple artist!
The long talked about solo album Book Of Shadows, errr now called THORNS, is finished.
Plus Tony has made close to a dozen cameos with multiple artist!