Lightning Strikes Volume Two (1985-1993)

Follow up to Lightning Strikes - Volume One (1982-1983) comes Tormé’s ‘The Bernie Tormé Archives Vol 2: 1985-1993’. With all previously released material remastered by Eric Tormey.

Although he came to prominence with the hit albums recorded with the band Gillan, followed by a brief tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, Bernie had originally dabbled in the London punk scene of the late 1970s. Before forming Tormé in 1985, eschewing the power trio format of his previous solo records to team up with former Girl vocalist and future LA Gun Phil Lewis on lead vocals plus Chris Heilman on bass and Ian Whitewood on drums, with Bernie’s former Gillan band mate Colin Towns guesting on keyboards.

Signing to Cherry Red’s Zebra Records for 1985’s Back To Babylon (CD1), which now comes with the three songs from the 1986 ‘So You Wanna Be A Star’ EP plus bonus tracks.

Retaining the same band line-up for 1987’s Die Pretty, Die Young (CD2), unfortunately Tormé (the group) didn’t last long enough to properly promote the record, as the band imploded shortly after its release, with singer Phil Lewis relocating to the States to join LA Guns with guitarist Traci Guns, Chris Heilmann joining Shark Island, Ian Whitewood joining Sham 69 and Bernie forming Desperado with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and Iron Maiden’s Clive Burr.

Following its release the band were put on hold, but not before they recorded Official Bootleg (CD3), with Tormé captured live in London during Easter 1987 which now includes ‘The Revolution’ and ‘Arabia’ recorded at Brunel, plus the studio version of ‘My Baby Love A Vampire’.

Reforming Tormé with former Samson vocalist Gary Owen, bassist John Pearce and drummer Chris Jones, Demolition Ball (CDs 4 and 5) was released in 1993. This sterling collection of songs was a perfect vehicle for Bernie’s singular and underrated talents as an influential lead guitarist. Eight demos from the album are also included.