Nightwing -

Nightwing was an English symphonic/hard-rock band from London that released the 1980 album Something in the Air on Ovation Records, followed by three further albums and a live disc on Gull between 1982 and 1985, plus a fifth studio album on PGP RTB in 1988.

Members: Gordon Rowley (bass, vocals), Alec Johnson (guitar, 1979-84), Eric Percival (guitar, 1979-80), Kenny Newton (keyboards, 1979-85, 1996), Steve Bartley (drums, 1979-96), Paul Elson (drums, 1980), John Mylett (drums, 1980), Berington Van Campen (keyboards, guitar), Max Bacon (vocals, 1982-83), David Evans, (vocals, 1983-85, 1996), Glynn Porrino (guitar, 1984-present), Kenny Beswick (keyboards, vocals, 1985-87, 1996), Tony Reid (guitar), Barrie Roberts (drums)

Background

Nightwing formed in August 1980 from Gordon Rowley and Friends, a 1978 project that bassist-vocalist Gordon Rowley started with keyboardist Kenny Newton. The 1978 lineup played several dates with guitarist Eric Percival and drummer Pete Livens while Rowley awaited American work permits.

Rowley played bass and sang with Merseyside hard-rockers Strife on their 1975–78 albums Rush and Back to Thunder. Newton played keyboards in Nutz on Hard Nutz and Live Cutz. Rowley left England after the initial dates and worked as a recording engineer at Graham Nash’s Rudy Records in Los Angeles.

Newton and Rowley reconvened in England and recorded a demo of the Graham Nash track “Barrel of Pain.” Ovation personnel heard the tape and signed Rowley to a long-term recording contract with Ovation Records. Rowley released “Barrel of Pain” through Ovation in June 1980 (b/w “Nightwing”). Ovation executives requested an album follow-up from Rowley.

Rowley brought Newton and Percival into the recording lineup. Drummer Paul Elson joined the first Nightwing tour and played on three tracks for the forthcoming album. By September, guitarist Alec Johnson and drummer Steve Bartley entered the lineup for Something in the Air.

Discography: