Tailgunner (band)
| Tailgunner (band) | |
|---|---|
 Tailgunner in August 2024. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | England |
| Genres | Heavy metal |
| Years active | 2022 - present |
| Labels |
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| Members |
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| Past members |
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| Website | tailgunnerhq |
Tailgunner are an English heavy metal band conceptualised in 2018 and officially formed by January 2022 by bassist Tom Hewson. The band released their debut album, Guns for Hire, in 2023. In addition to Hewson, the current line-up consists of lead vocalist Craig Cairns, drummer Jani Pasanen, and guitarists Zach Salvini and Rhea Thompson.
History
[edit]Bassist Tom Hewson formed the band Tailgunner over a period of two years, starting in 2018. He utilized social media and demos he had created, reaching out to musicians across Europe and jamming with various players to assemble the group. The band's name was inspired by the Iron Maiden song of the same title.[1][2]
Tailgunner's musical influences are rooted in classic NWOBHM bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Motörhead.[3] It is also important to note that although Tailgunner's origins date back to 2018, they identify as having officially formed as Tailgunner on New Year's Day of 2022.[4] The band's 2022 EP Crashdive featured former members of the band Midnight Prophecy, including drummer Sam Caldwell, guitarist Zach Salvini, and vocalist Craig Cairns. The EP was produced by Olof Wikström of Enforcer.[5] In 2022, Tailgunner also undertook their 'Hell's Vagabonds' UK tour, which took place between June and July.[6]
In 2023, the band underwent significant changes. Guitarist Patrick Vond Der Vollering was fired after four years with Tailgunner, with Tom Hewson citing alleged issues such as Patrick's refusal to properly learn songs and a lack of commitment to the band.[3] Rhea Thompson had initially stepped in to support live gigs in May 2023 and was officially made a permanent member as a co-lead guitarist in August 2023.[7] Hewson expressed that the change was beneficial, with Rhea's energetic stage presence and commitment revitalizing the band from the former's standpoint.[3]
In addition, on July 6, 2023, Tailgunner supported KK's Priest for the band's live debut in Wolverhampton, alongside ex-Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno. This was a notable event in the band's history.[8]
The band's debut album, Guns for Hire, was released on July 14, 2023 via Fireflash Records, and charted at #50 on the UK independent album charts.[9][10][11]
By January 2024, drummer Sam Caldwell parted ways with Tailgunner due to personal circumstances,[12] and in February 2024, Finnish drummer Jani Pasanen was announced as Caldwell's replacement. Pasanen joined the band just in time for their 'Guns for Hire' tour, which included dates supporting U.D.O. and Riot V across the UK and Europe.[13][14]
This was a significant period for the band, as they were also preparing for more live shows, including an August 2024 tour alongside Armored Saint in the UK.[15][16]
Discography
[edit]Extended plays (EPs)
[edit]Crashdive - 2022
Studio albums
[edit]Guns for Hire - 2023
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Torres, Cristóbal (June 30, 2022). "TAILGUNNER: "Heavy metal is our life, our greatest love and our reason to exist"". Metal-Rules.com.
- ^ Eikenkötter, Dennis (January 3, 2022). "Interview: Tailgunner - November 2021". Reflections of Darkness.
- ^ a b c "Interview: Tailgunner with Thomas "Bones" Hewson (bass) : MetalBite - Heavy Metal Magazine". MetalBite.
- ^ "Tailgunner's statement on their origins". Facebook.com.
- ^ "The Moshville Times - EP Review: Tailgunner – Crashdive". The Moshville Times. December 5, 2022.
- ^ "Tailgunner Concert Map by tour: Hell's Vagabonds UK Tour June / July 2022 | setlist.fm". www.setlist.fm.
- ^ "TAILGUNNER Announce New Guitarist RHEA THOMPSON". bravewords.com.
- ^ "KK's PRIEST Announce Debut UK Show With Special Guests PAUL DI'ANNO And TAILGUNNER". bravewords.com.
- ^ "TAILGUNNER Release Under The Gun Mini-Documentary (Video)". bravewords.com.
- ^ "Tailgunner release debut studio album 'Guns for Hire'". metalforces.com.
- ^ "Official UK Charts data for Tailgunner's 'Guns for Hire'". officialcharts.com.
- ^ "Message from TAILGUNNER". Facebook.
- ^ Deaux, Jon (February 13, 2024). "TAILGUNNER - welcome new drummer Jani Pasanen; to support U.D.O. and RIOT (V) this spring".
- ^ Deaux, Jon (February 13, 2024). "TAILGUNNER - welcome new drummer Jani Pasanen; to support U.D.O. and RIOT (V) this spring".
- ^ "Gig Review : Armored Saint with Tailgunner: The Rescue Rooms, Nottingham". August 15, 2024.
- ^ "Armored Saint, Tailgunner - Manchester Rebellion 14/08/2024 ⋆ Ave Noctum". August 20, 2024.