Metal band return for home gig after 35 years

A HEAVY metal band are coming home to Dundee to play their first gig in the city in more than 35 years.

Satan’s Empire were formed by Douglas lads Derek Lyon and Sandy McRitchie — and built up a devout local following as local pioneers of what became known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

They even supported Welsh hard rock band Budgie when they played at the Caird Hall.

However, Derek and Sandy, who both went to Craigie High, moved to London in 1981 after record labels refused to come to Dundee to hear them perform.

The gig, at Church Dundee on November 8, is the first time the band have been back ever since.

Derek, 58, told the Tele that there was an appetite for bands from the past reforming to play again.

“We’ve been touring most of the year, playing on the European festival circuit — we’ve done about 41 dates — but I’m really excited to come back to Dundee,” he said.

“We were part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), playing the same venues as folk like Iron Maiden.”

The band broke up in London in 1984 and reformed early last year — but it has taken until now to return to the city where it all began.

Satan’s Empire feature Derek on vocals and Sandy on guitar.

The rest of the line-up — the same line-up formed in London in the ’80s — features Paul Lewis on guitar, Wayne Hudson on bass and Garry “Magpie” Bowler on drums.

Derek added that reviews of the reformed band from fans at shows in France, Belgium and England had been “glowing”, and that the band had a whole host of new material to play alongside their older songs.

“We’ve got half of our second album written, but we’ve revamped some of the older material — and cut back some of the songs that went on for about 10 minutes,” he joked.

And while he and his bandmates are a little older than they were in their heyday, he said nothing would stop them from putting on a show.

“Look at Iron Maiden — they’re all in their 60s and they’re still brilliant,” he said.

“Things have changed now too — there’s no talking behind other bands’ backs.

“Instead bands help each other out and being able to interact with fans on Facebook is brilliant.

“People from all over will probably remember us, and we’re really looking forward to playing in Dundee again. It’ll be good to see some old friends and family too.”

Tickets for the gig, which also features NWOBHM stablemates Millennium and Scottish bands Volcano X and Victorious, are available at Groucho’s and Assai Records.

Satan’s Empire with their current line-up.