GUN are a Scottish hard rock band formed by guitarist Giuliano Gizzi. Known for their compelling blend of rock, and a string of hits that have charted across Europe, GUN has consistently been a force in the music industry. During their career GUN have achieved 4 UK top 20 albums and 8 UK top 40 singles including a cover of Cameo’s Word Up which reached the UK top 10,[1] and charted all over Europe. GUN has toured extensively over the years, most notably with The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels & Urban Jungle tours.[2]
GUN | |
|---|---|
 GUN with The Rolling Stones during the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle tour | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | G.U.N. |
| Origin | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Genres | Hard rock, heavy metal |
| Years active | 1987–1997, 2008–present |
| Labels | A&M, Polydor, Cooking Vinyl |
| Members | Giuliano "Jools" Gizzi Dante Gizzi Paul McManus Andy Carr Ruaraidh MacFarlane |
| Past members | Mark Rankin Alan Thornton Cami Morlotti Greg Barnes Derek Brown Michael McDaid Tommy Gentry David Aitken Scott Shields Baby Stafford Jim McDermott Mark Kerr Irvin Duguid Stuart Kerr Toby Jepson Gordon McNeil Johnny McGlynn Alex Dickson |
| Website | gunofficial |
The band's latest album, 'Hombres,' reached the UK top 10 and Number 1 in their homeland, Scotland. It also featured prominently in the Samuel L. Jackson film 'Damaged'.[3] Recorded and produced with Simon Bloor (Trevor Horn) and mixed by Daryl Thorpe (Foo Fighters),[4] the album showcases GUN's continued evolution and unparalleled rock prowess. The first single from the album, 'All Fired Up,' sets the tone for an album that Metal Talk hails as "a real celebration and a genuine contender for Album of the Year," receiving a perfect 5-star review.[5]
The current lineup, featuring original members Dante Gizzi (Vocals) and Giuliano Gizzi (Guitar), along with Paul McManus (Drums), Andy Carr (Bass), and Ruaraidh MacFarlane (Guitar).[6] The band continue to tour through 2024 with their European and UK tours, promising an unforgettable live experience that blends iconic tracks with fresh hits from 'Hombres.'[7]
History of GUN
editFormation and early years
editGUN was formed in 1987 in Glasgow, Scotland, initially named Blind Allez and briefly known as Phobia. The founding members were Giuliano Gizzi (guitar), Cami Morlotti (bass), Mark Rankin (vocals), Alan Thornton (drums), and David Aitken (guitar).[8] In 1988, the band signed with A&M Records. The lineup changed soon after with the departure of Thornton, Morlotti, and Aitken, and the addition of Dante Gizzi (bass), Scott Shields (drums), and Baby Stafford (guitar).[9] Jim McDermott contributed drums for their early albums.[10]
Breakthrough
editGUN released their debut album, Taking On the World, in July 1989. The album was produced by Kenny MacDonald, known for his work with Texas, Del Amitri, Love and Money, Bourgie Bourgie, Wet Wet Wet and Slide.[11] It featured a mix of hard rock and melodic elements, which set it apart from other rock albums of that era.[12]
The lead single, "Better Days", charted within the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart and led to the band's first appearance on "Top Of The Pops."[13] Other notable tracks from the album include "Shame on You" and "Money (Everybody Loves Her)," known for their catchy hooks and robust guitar riffs.
Taking On the World received critical acclaim for its energetic delivery and solid songwriting, with international success in both singles and album charts. The album's success helped GUN secure support slots with major acts like The Rolling Stones, expanding their fan base and gaining valuable exposure early in their career.
Touring and second album
editIn late 1989, GUN supported The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour in Europe. This tour was a significant milestone, allowing GUN to perform in massive stadiums and arenas, including venues like Wembley Stadium in London, the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, and Estadio Vicente Calderón in Madrid. The tour helped increase their visibility and earned them positive reviews and new fans.[14]
Following their extensive touring schedule, GUN recorded their second album, Gallus, with producer Kenny MacDonald. Released in 1992, the album featured the single "Steal Your Fire," which achieved chart success.[15] Sharleen Spiteri and Alan Thornton contributed backing vocals. Gallus showcased the band's growth as musicians and songwriters, further cementing their place in the rock music landscape.[16]
In 1992, GUN supported Def Leppard on the UK dates of their Adrenalize World Tour. Performing to packed crowds in large venues, GUN's high-energy performances and engaging stage presence helped establish their reputation as a formidable live band.[17]
Swagger
editBefore the release of their third album, Swagger, both Dickson and Shields left the band. Dickson made uncredited appearances on the album before joining Bruce Dickinson's solo band in 1994 and touring with Robbie Williams extensively, leaving Giuliano Gizzi to handle all guitar duties.[18] Mark Kerr, brother of Simple Minds' lead singer Jim Kerr, replaced Shields on drums. [9]
Swagger became GUN's most successful album, driven by their cover of "Word Up!" which became a Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart, charted internationally, featured in the movie 'Barb Wire' and won an MTV EMA award for Best Cover Version.[19] The single "Don't Say It's Over" also achieved notable success. GUN would also appear at the first-ever T in the Park festival, showcasing their new album.[20]
In 1996, GUN supported Bon Jovi on their These Days Tour, further solidifying their reputation as a powerful live act. Performing alongside Bon Jovi allowed GUN to reach more rock fans and expand their audience, with tour dates across the UK providing them the opportunity to showcase their music to enthusiastic crowds.[21]
0141 632 6326 and departure of Mark Rankin
editAfter a three-year break, GUN returned with new drummer Stuart Kerr (formerly of Texas) and keyboard player Irvin Duguid. They rebranded as G.U.N. to distance themselves from the Dunblane shooting incident. Their new album, 0141 632 6326, produced by INXS keyboard player Andrew Farriss, was released but did not match the success of Swagger, peaking at No. 32 in the UK Albums Chart. The band split in 1997, reuniting briefly for gigs in 1998 and 1999.[9][22]
Dante Gizzi and Break the Silence
editAfter a reunion at T in the Park 2008 as well as a further tour with Rock Radio featuring band alumni Al Thornton, Gordon McNeil, Scott Shields, and guest singer Toby Jepson, in July 2010, GUN announced that Dante Gizzi would move from bass to lead vocals. Derek Brown was confirmed as the new bass player, and Paul McManus joined as the new drummer. GUN's first gigs with the new lineup took place in early 2011 at the ABC2 in Glasgow. In December 2011, the band introduced new guitarist Johnny McGlynn and previewed tracks from their upcoming album. [23][9]
GUN released their fifth album, Break the Silence, on July 9, 2012. The album marked a new era for the band, featuring a fresh lineup and a rejuvenated sound.[24] They played at the Download Festival the same year, showcasing their new material to a wider audience. Break the Silence received positive reviews and helped reestablish GUN in the rock music scene.[25]
Continued success and Favourite Pleasures
editIn October 2014, a 25th-anniversary edition of Taking on the World was released, featuring b-sides, live tracks, and other songs. To celebrate, the band played three sold-out nights at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow, performing their albums Taking on the World, Gallus, and Swagger in full.[26] On March 23, 2015, GUN released Frantic and toured the UK, Ireland, and Europe. They released a charity cover of Hot Chocolate's "Every 1's a Winner" with proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Nurses, and also featured in the soundtrack and trailer for ‘I Tonya’. The Frantic tour concluded with a sold-out show at Glasgow's Barrowlands.[27][28]
GUN's seventh studio album, Favourite Pleasures, was released on September 15, 2017, and became their first top-20 album since 1994, reaching number 16 on the UK album charts.[29]
In November 2019, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, GUN released a best-of album, R3L0ADED, and embarked on "The Big 3-0 Tour" with FM and The Dan Reed Network, playing Taking on the World in full.[30]
The Calton Songs and new directions
editOn May 18, 2022, GUN announced a new album, The Calton Songs, featuring acoustic versions of their songs spanning their career. The album aimed to offer a fresh perspective on their classic tracks, bringing a more intimate and stripped-back sound. Along with the announcement, they released the single "Backstreet Brothers," which highlighted the band's continued evolution and adaptability.[31]
The release of The Calton Songs was accompanied by a series of intimate gigs and acoustic sessions, further showcasing the band's versatility and connection with their audience. The album was well received by fans and critics alike, appreciating the new renditions of beloved songs and the band's ability to reinterpret their own work.[32]
Hombres and renewed chart success
editGUN's ninth studio album, Hombres, was released on April 12, 2024. The album quickly reached number 10 on the UK charts and secured the Number 1 spot in Scotland. Hombres also achieved significant success on the UK iTunes charts, with three separate versions of the album making it into the top 10, including one reaching Number 1.[33]
The album's success was bolstered by the inclusion of tracks "Pride" and "Lucky Guy" in the Samuel L. Jackson film 'Damaged', leading to a special edition release of Hombres. This period marked a significant resurgence for GUN, as they continued to gain momentum and recognition in the music industry.[34]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Year | Album details[35] | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [36] |
GER [37] |
NLD [38] |
NLD [38] |
NZ [39] |
SWE [40] |
ES [41] | |||
| 1989 | Taking on the World | 44 | — | — | 26 | — | — | — | |
| 1992 | Gallus
|
14 | — | — | — | 41 | — | — | |
| 1994 | Swagger
|
5 | 37 | 14 | — | 17 | 32 | — |
|
| 1997 | 0141 632 6326
|
32 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2012 | Break the Silence
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2015 | Frantic
|
50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2017 | Favourite Pleasures
|
16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2022 | The Calton Songs
|
52 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2024 | Hombres
|
10 | — | — | — | — | — | 54 | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | |||||||||
Extended plays
edit| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Popkiller[43]
|
| 2015 | East End EP
|
Compilation albums
edit| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2003 | The Collection
|
| 2006 | The River Sessions
|
| 2019 | R3L0ADED: The Best of Gun
|
Singles
edit| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [36] |
IRE | FRA | NLD | BEL (FL) |
GER | NZ | US Rock [44] | |||
| 1989 | "Better Days" | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 19 | Taking on the World |
| "Money (Everybody Loves Her)" | 73 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Inside Out" | 57 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1990 | "Taking on the World" | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Shame On You" | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1992 | "Steal Your Fire" | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Gallus |
| "Higher Ground" | 48 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Welcome To The Real World" | 43 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1994 | "Word Up!" | 8 | 17 | 46 | 14 | 41 | 32 | 39 | — | Swagger |
| "Don't Say It's Over" | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995 | "The Only One" | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Something Worthwhile" | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Seems Like I'm Losing You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1997 | "Crazy You" | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0141 632 6326 |
| "My Sweet Jane" | 51 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012 | "Break the Silence" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Break the Silence |
| 2015 | "Take Me to Church" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Frantic" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Frantic | |
| "Labour of Life" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Every 1's a Winner" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Hold Your Head Up" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2016 | "Everybody Knows" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | East End EP |
| 2017 | "Favourite Pleasures" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Favourite Pleasures |
| "Silent Lovers" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "The Boy Who Fooled the World" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2018 | "Take Me Down" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2019 | "Superstition" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | R3l0aded |
| 2021 | "Whiskey And A Prayer" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Better Days 2021" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | The Calton Songs | |
| 2022 | "Steal Your Fire 2022" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Backstreet Brothers" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Word Up 2022" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Higher Ground 2022" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Inside Out 2022" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Coming Home 2022" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2023 | "All Fired Up" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Hombres |
| 2024 | "Take Me Back Home" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Boys Don't Cry" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Lucky Guy" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Falling" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "You Are What I Need" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Pride" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Hombres Damaged Edition | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released. | ||||||||||
References
edit- ^ Chart, Official. "Official Chart Listing for Word Up". Official Charts (UK). Official Chart UK. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Wallace, Sean (13 October 2022). "aberdeen-show-gun-dante-gizzi-rolling-stones". Press and Journal. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Music, Metal Planet (12 July 2024). "Metal Planet Music - GUN drop new extended album in conjunction with Samuel L. Jackson movie". Metal Planet Music. MetalPlanetMusic. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Planet rock article announcing for Hombres/All Fired Up". hellorayo.
- ^ Monkhouse, Paul (22 March 2024). "GUN / HOMBRES MAKES YOU FEEL GLAD TO BE ALIVE". Metal Talk. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "GUN Website About Us Page". GUN Official Website. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "GUN Tour Dates". GUN Official Website. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "Blind Allez". Helpless Dancer. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d David (9 December 2022). "Gun". Our Glasgow. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Jim McDermott | British Drum Co. | UK". British Drum Co. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Kenny MacDonald Discogs". Discogs.
- ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: GUN 'Taking On The World'". Gigslutz. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, 03/08/1989". BBC. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Wallace, Sean (13 October 2022). "Ahead of an intimate Aberdeen show Gun singer Dante Gizzi lifts the lid on touring with The Rolling Stones". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Official UK Charts - GUN - Steal your fire". Official UK Charts. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "Gun lineup, biography". Last.fm. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "30 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Rock EARLS COURT ARENA (Photos/Review)". Def Leppard Tour History. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Alex Dickson, Discogs. "Alex Dickson Discogs". Discogs.
- ^ "Official UK Charts - GUN - Swagger". Official UK Charts. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ Maiden12 (23 January 2020). GUN - Don't Say it's Over - live 1994, T in the Park. Retrieved 30 July 2024 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "These Days (1995-1996)". www.bonjovimuseum.com. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Hextall, Adrian (17 January 2020). ""We wanted 0141 632 6326 to be our KICK" GUN's Dante Gizzi on the album that should have taken on the world!". Your Online Magazine for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "MUSIC: Gun aim to inspire new generation". Glasgow Times. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Ramsay, Simon. "Gun - Breaking The Silence (Album Review) - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "DOWNLOAD 2012". Download Festival. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "Glasgow rockers Gun take on the world again". Glasgow Times. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Lingpublished, Dave (1 September 2015). "Gun pay disco homage to Hot Chocolate". louder. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ NEON (1 November 2017). I, TONYA [Official Trailer] – In Theaters Now. Retrieved 30 July 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "FAVOURITE PLEASURES". Official Charts. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Wales, Gig Pigs. "Gig Pigs Wales". Gig Pigs Wales. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ Aizlewoodpublished, John (16 October 2022). "Gun's The Calton Songs: a rum affair indeed". louder. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ Aizlewoodpublished, John (16 October 2022). "Gun's The Calton Songs: a rum affair indeed". louder. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "HOMBRES". Official Charts. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "The Moshville Times - GUN drop 33-track extended edition of new album in conjunction with Samuel L. Jackson film". The Moshville Times. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Gun Discography". Discogs. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Official Charts Company: Gun". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ "Discographie Gun". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Discografie Gun". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ "Discography Gun". charts.nz (Hung Medien). Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ "Gun – Swedish Charts". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ "promusicae.es". promusicae.es. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ a b "British certifications – Gun". British Phonographic Industry. Type Gun in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 408. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
- ^ "Gun – US Mainstream Rock Chart". billboard.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
External links
edit- Official website
- Gun at AllMusic
- Gun on Last.fm
