Spear Of Destiny
Formed from the ashes of Theatre Of Hate in early 1983, Spear Of Destiny took their name from the mythological weapon which pierced the body of Christ, and was supposedly acquired over the years by Attila The Hun, Napoleon and Hitler. This helped the band to attract quite a volume of destructive commentary in the press. The original line-up featured mainstay Kirk Brandon (b. 3 August 1956, Westminster, London, England; vocals/guitar), Chris Bell (drums), Lasettes Ames (saxophone) and Stan Stammers (ex-Theatre Of Hate; bass). They signed to CBS, but maintained their own label design, Burning Rome, which had appeared on previous Theatre Of Hate releases. The first single Flying Scotsman arrived in 1983, and was featured on THE GRAPES OF WRATH alongside the relentless single The Wheel. Critical response to the group was divided. By July, Bell and Ames had left, for reasons described by Bell as personal and religious. Brandon and Stammers brought in former Theatre Of Hate saxophonist John Lennard (b. Canada, ex-Diodes) and Nigel Preston (ex Theatre Of Hate, Sex Gang Children). A third line-up added Alan St Clair (guitar) and Neil Pyzor (ex-Case; keyboards, saxophone), Dolphin Taylor (ex- Tom Robinson Band and Stiff Little Fingers; drums) and Nicky Donnelly (ex-Case; saxophone). It was this formation which recorded ONE EYED JACKS, arguably the band's best album, and the singles Rainmaker, Liberator and Prisoner Of Love, the latter signalling a change in direction which would be more fully realized on the follow-up album. When WORLD SERVICE arrived, there was considerable disappointment from fans and critics alike. Having built an enviable reputation as a lyricist of considerable vigour, tracks like Mickey seemed grotesque and clumsy. Further personnel changes became commonplace, and by 1987 and OUTLANDS the line-up comprised Pete Barnacle (drums), Volker Janssen (keyboards) and Chris Bostock (bass) alongside Brandon. The summer of that year saw Brandon incapacitated for six months with an ankle injury that left him unable to walk, an affliction from which he still carries a limp. However, the band were soon back in the charts with Never Take Me Alive, and a support tour with U2. Their 1988 singles So In Love With You and Radio Radio saw them switch from Epic to Virgin. By December 1990, old colleague Stan Stammers returned on bass, alongside new drummer and guitarist Bobby Rae Mayhem and Mark Thwaite. 1991 opened with Brandon touring once more under the joint Theatre Of Hate/Spear Of Destiny banner.