Wikipedia

Fury UK

Fury UK was an English heavy metal band based in Manchester, England. Between 2007 and 2012 the band played a series of important festival appearances such as Bloodstock Open Air[1] and Hammerfest[2] in the UK, and Prog Power Metal Festival[3] in Belgium, toured extensively with some of the biggest names such as Saxon,[4] Iced Earth[5] and Michael Schenker.[6] Meanwhile, the band released three albums, one EP and one DVD. The band received plenty of critical praise,[7] not least from renowned music writer Dom Lawson in his review of 3rd album 'A Way of Life' for Classic Rock magazine.[8] In May 2012 the band went on long term hiatus when bassist Luke Appleton was recruited by American heavy metal band Iced Earth,[9] following which Fury UK members Chris Appleton and Martin McNee formed a new band called Absolva, announcing their debut album 'Flames of Justice'.[10]

Fury UK
OriginManchester, England
GenresHeavy metal
Years active2002 (2002)–2012
LabelsRocksector
MembersChris Appleton
Luke Appleton
Martin McNee
Websitewww.furyuk.com

Band chronology

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Early history

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The band was first formed around 2002 by Chris Appleton, lead guitarist and lead vocalist, whilst still in his early teens. The line-up was re-shaped several times over the early years, whilst still nothing more than a local band, playing local gigs. During this time the band released a series of demo CDs such as the EP "Hear No Evil / Alarms" and the demo album "My Tomorrow".[11] Up until mid-2007 the band's notable gigs were a support slot with Diamond Head in Newcastle[12] and a short tour supporting the Irish band Glyder towards the end of 2006.

2007

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Fury UK signed to independent record label Rocksector Records in 2007. The band's first official release was the album "Face of Adversity", launched in October 2007.[13] The line-up at that time was Chris Appleton (lead vocals/ lead guitar), Marc Dawson (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Adam Galloway (drums). Shortly after the release of the album various issues/disagreements came to a head, and as a result both Dawson and Galloway left the band. Replacements were quickly found in the form of drummer Martin McNee and bass guitarist/backing vocalist, Adam Cropper. This new line-up recorded a 3 track EP entitled "Salvation"[14] which included the songs "Salvation", "Manslaughter" and "Lost in Forever", released in February 2008. During this period the band played their first three support gigs with the former Iron Maiden and Wolfsbane singer, Blaze Bayley.

2008 to 2009

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By this time the band was being lauded as one of the standard-bearers of traditional British metal[15] In March 2008 Fury UK played the Monsters Of Mosh festival at Jilly's Rockworld in Manchester, on stage before Tokyo Dragons, Blaze Bayley and Breed 77. In August 2008 the band made their first appearance at the Bulldog Bash biker festival in Stratford-upon-Avon, a show which was headlined by The Wildhearts. Immediately after that show Adam Cropper left the group and was replaced immediately on bass guitar and backing vocals by Chris Appleton's brother Luke initially on a temporary basis. Only six days after Luke joined, the band played Bloodstock 2008 Open Air Festival, headlined by Nightwish, Opeth and Dimmu Borgir. Luke was made a permanent member a month later, just as they played at the Rock Of Ages Festival in Birmingham on 7 September alongside Blitzkrieg, Steve Grimmett and more.[16]

After the good ending to 2008 Fury UK seemed to really gain momentum and 106.1 Rock Radio held up the band as "future classics" as determined by public vote. In 2009 a second album "VR" was released in July again on Rocksector Records.[17] The band also played support on a 20 date UK tour[18] with Blaze Bayley, and a 7 date UK tour with Michael Schenker. The band was referred to and praised in author and former-Blaze Bayley drummer Larry Patterson's book tracing the history of the Blaze Bayley band.[19]

Fury UK also played a second appearance at the Bulldog Bash[20] (headlined by UFO and Motorhead) and at Hellfire Festival at Birmingham NEC,[21][22] headlined by Saxon. Additionally at Hellfire Festival Luke Appleton deputised on bass guitar with Blaze Bayley. Fury UK also played tour dates in Greece (including the infamous attack by local youths in Agrinio)[23] and Switzerland towards the close of 2009.

2010

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The band took a break at the beginning of 2010 before playing Wizzfest in Belgium and Hammerfest,[24][25] in North Wales (Iced Earth headlining). They were also tipped by Metal Hammer magazine who included Fury UK in its HotList for 2010.[26] Early in 2010 Luke Appleton again deputised on bass with Blaze Bayley, this time at the 96.3 Rock Radio Scotland gig at The Garage, Glasgow. Recording took place in April for a third Fury UK album A Way Of Life.[27]

In May/June 2010, Chris Appleton and Martin McNee played lead guitar/backing vocals and drums respectively in the UK Baddasses band which was formed to back former AC/DC singer Dave Evans during his UK Tour. Evans was promoting his album "Judgement Day" released in the UK in April. The UK Badasses also comprised Marshall Gill from New Model Army (lead guitar) and his brother Leon Gill (bass).

On 10 July, Fury UK played a second successive appearance at SOS Festival in Manchester which proved to be an emotionally charged night because at the end of the band's set Blaze Bayley joined them for a rendition of the Black Sabbath classic "Heaven and Hell" as sung originally by the recently deceased Ronnie James Dio whose birthday it would have been on that exact date. Both the Appleton brothers then went on to deputise on lead guitar and bass guitar respectively with Blaze Bayley in his headline set at SOS Festival. Fury UK appeared at Bloodstock Open Air Festival for a second time in August 2010.

On 6 September 2010, the band released its third album A Way Of Life, again on Rocksector Records. This album was critically praised, not least by Dom Lawson who, writing for Classic Rock, declared "A Way Of Life" as "one of the most exciting British metal albums of recent times".[28] Fury UK played 8 dates supporting Y andT on their UK tour in October.[29] Frontman Chris Appleton joined Y&T on-stage to perform their song "Forever" at the London O2 Islington Academy show. Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti praised Fury UK in interview also.

2011

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The band then went on to play a 12 date UK tour with Saxon and Wolfsbane in April 2011. Those 12 dates formed part of a total tour commitment of 35 dates, including headline shows across the UK but also in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Fury UK headlined Day One of SOS Festival 2011, whilst Day Two was headlined by Scottish rockers GUN who had scored a top ten hit many years previously with their cover of Cameo's "Word-up".

In August 2011, Fury UK were announced amongst the first five bands for Hammerfest IV festival, taking place in March 2012. The other 4 bands announced were Anthrax, Paradise Lost, Chimaira and Lawnmower Deth.[30] Fury UK's song "Fall From Grace" from the "A Way Of Life" album is featured as the audio soundtrack to the official Hammerfest IV promo video.

The band completed 2011 with a 35 date European Tour, across 18 countries, covering approximately 12,500 miles. Many dates on this tour were as special guests with American power metal band Iced Earth. At the final show the 2 bands played together Fury UK joined Iced Earth for a tour finale jamming "War Machine" by KISS in Ludwigsburg, Germany.[31]

2012

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Fury UK began 2012 with a break from live shows until 16 March when they played Hammerfest IV at Prestatyn, North Wales, headlined by Anthrax. The band also announced a DVD release for 6 April, entitled "Death By Lightning" and including mainly a video tour diary from the 2011 European Tour.[32] A 24 date European Tour was announced to begin on 6 April including several shows as special guests with Michael Schenker and an appearance at PPM Fest headlined by Accept.

On 10 April 2012, Luke Appleton was announced as the bassist for the American heavy metal band Iced Earth, for the remainder of their Dystopia World Tour, after Freddie Vidales announced that he was leaving the band.[33] Upon completion of their UK and European Tour by May 2012, Fury UK went on hiatus until such time as all three members are available concurrently.

In May 2012, Fury UK members Chris Appleton and Martin McNee formed a new band Absolva, joined by Tom Atkinson and Dan Bate. Absolva was confirmed to play its debut show at SOS Festival in Manchester on 22 July, followed by three shows as special guests with Iced Earth in August.

Members

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  • Chris Appleton – lead vocals and lead guitar[34]
  • Martin McNee – drums
  • Luke Appleton – bass guitar and backing vocals[35]

Discography

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  • Face Of Adversity album, released October 2007 on Rocksector Records.
  • Salvation EP, released February 2008 on Rocksector Records.
  • VR album, released July 2009 on Rocksector Records.
  • A Way Of Life released September 2010 on Rocksector Records.

References

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  1. ^ "FURY UK confirmed for Bloodstock Open Air". Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  2. ^ "FURY UK confirmed for Hammerfest". Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  3. ^ "FURY UK on the line-up for Prog Power Metal Festival in Belgium". Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  4. ^ "Saxon announce UK tour dates with support from Wolfsbane, Fury UK". Retrieved 24 November 2010.
  5. ^ "Iced Earth to be supported by White Wizzard, Fury UK". 14 September 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
  6. ^ "Fury UK interview - tour with Michael Schenker". Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  7. ^ "Feature: FURY UK". Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  8. ^ "FURY UK, A Way of Life. Brit metal bruisers bring the bombast". 10 November 2010. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
  9. ^ "ICED EARTH Announce First-Ever Show in India, New Bassist". Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  10. ^ "Absolva Announces Debut Album "Flames Of Justice" Release". metalunderground.com. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  11. ^ Album, Demo. "Fury UK : My Tomorrow". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved 1 July 2006.
  12. ^ Linda, Little. "Welcome to The Mayfair Mall Zine – Gig Reviews!". Themayfairmallzine.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  13. ^ "FURY UK 'Face of Adversity'". Retrieved 1 October 2007.
  14. ^ "FURY UK 'Salvation' review". Retrieved 15 April 2008.
  15. ^ Simon Rushworth (24 December 2009). "Exclusive - Fury UK interview". rushonrocks.com. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  16. ^ "UK's Rock of Ages Fest: complete details revealed". 18 June 2008. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  17. ^ "FURY UK VR Rocksector Records advance promo 2009". Retrieved 1 June 2009.
  18. ^ "Blaze Bayley Live – (2009 RockUnited)". Rockunited.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  19. ^ Larry Patterson, Book, "Blaze Bayley – At The End of the Day"
  20. ^ "Bulldog Bash 23 – Entertainment preview – Total Motorcycle Forums". Totalmotorcycle.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  21. ^ "HELLFIRE II: Fury UK interview - PureRawk.com". Purerawk.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  22. ^ Greg Stewart. "Concerts: Hellfire Festival, Birmingham NEC, 7 – 8 November 2009 – Sea of Tranquility – The Web Destination for Progressive Music!". Seaoftranquility.org. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  23. ^ "Blaze Bayley attacked in Greece". Rockerinfo.wordpress.com. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  24. ^ "Metal Hammer " Blog Archive " Hammerfest 2: Band Schedule Announced!". Archived from the original on 21 November 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  25. ^ "Get Ready to ROCK! Review of Hammerfest II, Pontins, Prestatyn, North Wales, 11–13 March 2010 featuring Godsized, Iced Earth, Sabaton, Fury UK, Suicidal Tendencies, White Wizzard". Getreadytorock.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  26. ^ Metal Hammer, February 2010
  27. ^ "FURY UK A Way Of Life Rocksector 2010". Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  28. ^ Classic Rock, Issue 152, December 2010
  29. ^ "Y&T Islington O2 Academy London". Retrieved 16 October 2010.
  30. ^ James Gill, Metal Hammer Blog Archive, 10 August 2011
  31. ^ "Fury UK jam with Iced Earth on "War Machine" by KISS". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  32. ^ "Fury UK Death by Lightning DVD Pre-order". Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  33. ^ "Iced Earth announce first ever show in India and another summer show in Cyprus – show to be filmed for DVD release. Bass player Freddie Vidales leaves the band. Replacement announced". Iced Earth. Archived from the original on 13 April 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  34. ^ "Chris Appleton". Chrisappleton.com. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  35. ^ "lukeappleton". Lukeappleton.net. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
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