Gun
A group who emerged in the summer of 1989 with a debut album, TAKING ON THE WORLD, which saw them acclaimed as one of Scotland's most invigorating modern rock bands. Gun comprised Mark Rankin (vocals), Scott Shields (drums) ‘Baby’ Stafford (guitar) and the Gizzi brothers, Giuliano ‘Joolz’ (guitar) and Dante (bass). Backed up by a spectacular live show, singles like Better Days, Money (Everybody Loves Her) and Inside Out all reached the UK charts when the zeitgeist was more geared to dance music than unrepentant rockers. Following their support to Simple Minds at Wembley Stadium, the group were also the personal choice of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to support the Rolling Stones on their 1990 Urban Jungle UK tour. However, the sight of the Stones' intimidating audience saw Stafford depart to go solo, believing he could never surpass his heroes. Gun recruited Alex Dixon (ex-Midnight Blue) in his stead and pressed on with a second album, GALLUS, which arrived in 1992 (its title a Glaswegian term which loosely translates as 'dead cool'). Proffering three further hits in Steal Your Fire, Higher Ground and Welcome To The Real World, it also boasted a tougher, more muscular songwriting approach. However, when SWAGGER was unveiled in 1994 the group had slimmed down to a four piece, replacing Shields on the drumstool with Mark Kerr. Recorded in the more rural setting of Wales over a two week period, it continued its predecessor's back to basics approach with its rock foundation shot through with the vigour and excitement of punk. Arguably the worst item contained on it, a rock version of Cameo's funk classic Word Up, was the first single to be lifted from SWAGGER. It rewarded the group with its biggest single success (Top 10), and at least opened up the group's more wholesome material for discovery by a new legion of fans. The best of which included Don't Say It's Over, co-written with Jim Vallance, and even a rap track, Something Worthwhile.