Search - English Dogs :: Where Legend Began

Primarily a Punk outfit, ENGLISH DOGS flirted with the in vogue Thrash movement with more Metallized albums issued on Music For Nations' subsidiary label Under One Flag. Formed in October 1981 the band debuted with two demos during 1982 entitled 'Show No Mercy' and 'Free To Kill'. The band toured as support to GBH in Germany during early 1983 followed by a British tour guesting for DISCHARGE before signing to Clay Records in July 1983 and releasing their first vinyl product, a 6 track EP titled 'Mad Punx And English Dogs'. ENGLISH DOGS first full length album, 'Invasion Of The Porky Men', emerged a year later. Personnel changes ensued after the debut album emerged with vocalist Wakey departing to be replaced by ex-ULTRAVIOLENT singer Ade Bailey. At this juncture the band also decided to augment their live sound by adding ex-DESTRUCTORS guitarist Graham 'Gizz' Butt. The band quit Clay to sign with Rot Records releasing the 'To The Ends Of The Earth' EP in September 1984. Displaying leanings towards Black Metal the band now headed towards the Metal end of the music spectrum, culminating with the 'Where Legend Began' album through Under One Flag in 1986. The group appeared on the legendary Shades promoted Thrash bill at Camden's Electric Ballroom with POSSESSED and VOIVOD later in 1986. Line-up changes saw the introduction of former OVERDRIVE man John Murray on bass guitar. Wakey returned to the band to record 1994's comeback 'Bow To None', whilst the 1995 single on Wretch Records was recorded with new vocalist Stuart. Butt created WARDANCE with ex FRANTIX bassist Andy Frantic and former BOYS DREAM drummer Matt Keys. Various members of ENGLISH DOGS forged an alliance with erstwhile GBH personnel in 1997 to create SENSA YUMA releasing the 'Every Day's Your Last Day' album on Retch Records. Another ENGLISH DOGS / GBH union resulted in Wakey and Pinch creating THE WERNT with GBH members guitarist Jock Blyth and bassist Ross Lomas for a 1997 album 'Wreckin' Temples'. More prominently, Gizz's sojourn with THE PRODIGY revitalized interest in ENGLISH DOGS prompting a re-release of 'Where Legend Began'. guitarist also announced the formation of a new act JANUS STARK the same year recording with ex-CHARLIE guitarist Terry Thomas acting as producer. 1999's 'I've Got A Gun' was recorded live in Finland at the last ever ENGLISH DOGS show. By 2000 Pinch had joined the DAMNED. Gizz Butt returned in 2004 with THE MORE IS SEE.