Flag bearers of the NWOBHM scene since the late 1970s and still delivering the goods now include Kev Riddles (Angel Witch/Tytan), John Gallagher (Raven), Rob Weir (Tygers of Pan Tang) and Barry Graham Purkis (aka Thunderstick). Purkis is best known for his time drumming with Samson and an early Iron Maiden line up.
“Samson were one of the first bands to release an album that was considered to be New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. And that was the ‘Survivors’ album” explained Purkis.
“We were looking for support acts to come out with us and guitarist Paul Samson knew a band from south London that he was good friends with, he recommended Angel Witch, so they were put on the bill”.
“We were thinking about a third band, I said ‘Well the band I played with prior to joining Samson was a band called Iron Maiden. Would you be interested in them?’ And Paul said, ‘Yeah, sure.’
Fast forward to August 2023 and Thunderstick, fronted by lead vocalist Raven Blackwing, are releasing a new single ‘Go Sleep With the Enemy (I Dare Ya)’.
Raven Blackwing explained “We wanted to show that the material on the new album follows an altogether weightier vein. Releasing a single from the album that people already know and love when we play it live seemed a perfect way of introducing everyone to our new direction.”
(Single taken from the 2017 album ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’).
Purkis adds “The new single is a tale of infidelity and the wrath of a woman spurned. I wanted to re-visit this particular track by way of demonstrating the heavier aspects of the new band that make up the forthcoming album. I felt this track was the ideal vehicle to do that.”
“With the new album now completed and ready for an October release, the collection of songs on it are the strongest Thunderstick have ever recorded.”
“I’m so lucky to have found the musicians that I now work with especially Raven, of whom I consider to be one of the finest rock singers around. She is the ‘real deal’ both in terms of voice and stagecraft.”
Upcoming live dates:
British Steel Festival Fismes, France, 7th October.
Legends of Rock, Ilfracombe, 10th November.
Thunderstick 2023 line-up:
Raven Blackwing (vocals), Pete Pinto and Dave Butters (guitars), Rex Thunderbolt (bass) and Thunderstick/Barry Graham Purkis (drums).
For further info/releases/photo/video contact:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderstickofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThunderstickUK
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thunderstick.official/
Roulette Records: http://www.rouletterecords.co.uk/
Link to 2020 interview with Raven:
Thanks to Darren Johnson at Crow Flies Communications.
Check out the full interview with Thunderstick at:
Alikivi August 2023
ALIKIVI : NORTH EAST UK CULTURE 