Praying Mantis - The Carlisle, Hastings Friday 25th October 2024

Praying Mantis were formed in London, England, in 1973 by brothers Chris and Tino Troy. The music scene of the late 70's was widely regarded as stagnant in the wake of a dying punk scene so it became time for a new breed of British bands to emerge and establish themselves with their own creative style of music. Through Neal Kay, DJ at THE BANDWAGON, North London's premier hard rock disco, a new movement was being formed and today this story has become folk law to Hard Rock fans all over the world. Due to Neal's much appreciated support, Mantis were given a platform to air their music, which featured classics 'Captured City' and 'Lovers to the Grave'.

Along with fellow London bands Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and Samson, Praying Mantis quickly established themselves and rapidly received the attention of the music press of the time. Along with a number of similar bands across the UK this entire movement was labelled by `Sounds` as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Spearheaded by Praying Mantis (and Iron Maiden), NWOBHM (as it became known) went on to dominate the Hard Rock scene in the early 80's, especially after the release of 'Metal for Muthas', a compilation album consisting of bands that had played at The Bandwagon. NWOBHM was just what the UK needed at the time; fresh, exciting music with energetic live performances and a togetherness that created a spirit of comradery between fans and bands alike.

The debut album ‘Time Tells No Lies’ received much critical acclaim and the single ‘Cheated’ went top 40 in the UK Charts in 1980. During this period, Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis were closely paired in many areas and formed a strong musical relationship, regularly playing together through the promotion of 'Metal for Muthas' which included an extensive UK Tour.

In 1990 this relationship saw Dennis Stratton and Paul Di'Anno (ex-Iron Maiden) join Praying Mantis on stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NWOBHM in Japan. Dennis later joined the band on a full-time basis, as did Clive Burr (ex-Iron Maiden) and Gary Barden (ex-MSG).

Since then, Praying Mantis have released many successful albums with Pony Canyon in Japan, and this became one of the band's major territories.

In 2007, guitarist Andy Burgess replaced Dennis Stratton in the line-up, continuing the dual lead for the famous Mantis guitar harmonies.  He has also proved to be a strong songwriter and influence in the band.

In 2013, vocalist John Cuijpers and drummer Hans in 't Zandt joined the band replacing Mike Freeland and Gary Mackenzie. The Dutch duo has vast experience in their fields having toured with the likes of Toto, Jeff Scott Soto, Mad Max, Sinner and Vengeance. This has added a new and exciting dimension to the band's music and live performances.

In 2015  ‘Legacy’  formalised the new line-up and the album received great reviews and sales all over the world. The band promoted the album by touring as far as Japan, twice!

Gypsy's Kiss

Iron Maiden founder and bass player Steve Harris and David Smith grew up and lived a short distance from each other in East London. Steve was in Steele Road E11 and David lived in Downsell Road E15. Importantly both friends went to Leyton County High School for Boys. Steve and David became very good friends and when they left school in 1973 they cemented their friendship with a shared passion for West Ham United FC, rock and prog music. They decided they would form a band. As they developed ideas David helped Steve choose his first instruments; a Fender Telecaster bass copy followed by a Danelectro Longhorn inspired by Rinus Gerritson of Golden Earring.

​The two friends were determined and wanted to be in a hard rocking band. They soon found the fantastic drummer Paull Sears (a friend of a workmate of David's) and vocalist Bob Verschoyle (another school friend of Steve's) and momentum began to build for the fledgling outfit. They formed the band first as INFLUENCE in the winter of 1973 and rehearsed intensively at Allan Gordon Studios in Leyton and also famously in Steve's Nan's living room. They honed their craft by playing to family for a few months before performing at a gig/talent contest in Poplar organised by Dave Lights. The first paying gig came in April 1974 as Influence played the now world famous Cart & Horses.

Influence became GYPSY'S KISS in mid 1974 adding Tim Nash as a second guitarist. They had paying gigs mostly at the iconic Bridge House in Canning Town, where Paul Mario Day first saw them perform. They also continued to play the Cart & Horses, later to be referred to as the birthplace of Iron Maiden. Gypsy's Kiss came to it's natural end in mid 1975 although all remain good friends.

The current line up is David Smith (Lead vocals and Guitars), Jonathan Morley (Guitars and vocals), Fraser Marr (Guitars), Ross Hunter (Keys and vocals), Robin Gatcum (Bass and vocals) and Stuart Emms (Drums).