Strangeways -

Strangeways were a Scottish hard-rock band that released a 1984 self-titled album on Bon Aire, followed by the 1987–89 RCA albums Native Sons and Walk in the Fire.

Members: Ian James Stewart (guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards), Jim Drummond (drums, percussion, vocals), Dave Stewart (bass, vocals, 1984-2000), Tony Liddle (lead vocals, 1984-85), Terry Brock (lead vocals, 1986-89, 2010-present), Charles Bowyer (lead vocals, 1989-90)

Background

Strangeways formed in Glasgow in 1984 from China White, a group built around guitarist Ian James Stewart and bassist David Stewart. Ian Stewart previously played in Fast Lix with singer–bassist Stevie Doherty, drummer Gary Groves, and keyboardist Dave Valentine. China White paired the Stewart brothers with singer–guitarist Doherty and drummer Davie Edgar, an ex-Dolphins member. The group worked from an eight-track studio in Yoker, where members developed original material and provided recording space for Glasgow groups Scheme and Abel Ganz.

China White cycled through several drummers as Doherty and Ian Stewart continued their songwriting partnership. The Stewart brothers moved to London around 1984 in search of a recording contract and circulated demos among industry contacts. Carl Leighton-Pope and Clive Corcoran, who worked with Saga through the Bon Aire organization, offered the musicians a deal with Bon Aire Records.

Producer Kevin Elson recorded initial material with Doherty on vocals. Doherty left the project, and Tony Liddell replaced him after an earlier stint in Sergeant with guitarist Rob Weir. Liddell brought the musicians a song called “Strangeways,” which supplied the group name. Drummer Jim Drummond also joined the London lineup, completing the quartet of singer Liddell, bassist David Stewart, drummer Drummond, and guitarist Ian Stewart.

Strangeways entered Powerplay Studios in Zurich with Elson to record the self-titled debut for Bon Aire Records.

Discography: