Steve Bettney (vocals)
Rob Bendelow (guitar)
Richard Bendelow (bass, vocals)
Paul Bradder (keyboards)
Mark Cross (drums)
Influences
Our musical influences go right back to the good old rock days of the early 70s. From the symphonic / progressive side of rock, bands like YES, PINK FLOYD and ELP; from the mainstream heavy genre, URIAH HEEP, JUDAS PRIEST and my personal favourite, BLACK SABBATH. From the 80s we add in BON JOVI, SCORPIONS and HEART. Finally, from the 90s, a surprising influence perhaps...ENIGMA.
Life-long pals Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow formed their first band - 'Lammergier' - during the mid 70's, together with folk-guitarist-turned-rock-bassist Barry Yates.
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Following their first live performance in 1977, the band gigged extensively across the English 'Midlands' during the ensuing years. The standard of those 'live' performances, combined with their unique brand of symphonic rock, saw Lammergier amass a large and loyal following of fans. Then a new decade arrived, and with it some major developments for the Matlock-based rockers...
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Having played with a variety of drummers and vocalists, the ideal line-up finally crystallised:
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John Thorne on drums
Steve Bettney on lead vocals
Barry Yates on bass
Richard Lowe ..boards,
& Rob Bendelow on guitar.
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And their named changed from Lammergier.....to SARACEN. But the music remained the same; an ever-growing repertoire of powerful, guitar-oriented rock, amply laced with lush keyboards and evocative vocals. After several months 'off the road', with time spent putting the finishing touches to their new 'live' show, the Lads re-emerged as 'Saracen' in January of 1981. And this time with plans for a debut album!
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During the summer of that year the now famous 'Heroes, Saints & Fools' album was recorded, at Fairview Studios in Beverley, England. Released in October '81, it was received with critical acclaim, and is still regarded as a 'classic' of it's genre even today, over twenty years on!
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Just seven tracks attempted to capture the spirit and breadth of Saracen's music:
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Crusader
Rock Of Ages
No More Lonely Nights
Horsemen Of The Apocalypse
Heroes, Saints & Fools
Dolphin Ride
Ready To Fly
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Initially released on an independent label - 'Nucleus' - it wasn't long before a deal was struck with major players 'Polygram'. A nationwide tour followed, as the album entered the 'Top 50'.
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Sadly, illness forced Barry Yates to retire from the band, who were then joined by bassist Jason Gardner.
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Saracen tracks received regular airplay on Tommy Vance's 'Friday Night Rock Show', culminating in a 'live' session being broadcast in January 1982. Yet, inexplicably and to many people's surprise, this proved to be the pinnacle of Saracen's reign.
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Saracen recorded their second single - 'We Have Arrived' - then following the departure of Thorne and Bendelow during the winter of 1983, the band signed with Neat Records, to record and release their follow-up platter 'Change Of Heart'.
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The album signalled a change of direction too, and the new-look Saracen continued to gig extensively, until finally 'closing the book' in mid-1985.
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That appeared to be the end of the Saracen saga, until Rob Bendelow released his solo 'Templar' album - 'Come To The Light' - in January 2000
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Following great reviews in the rock media, Now And Then Records were able, at long last, to track down no less than three of Saracen's founder members, and resurrect their musical dynasty with a 3-album record deal.
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'Red Sky' was the first of these - released in March 2003. The line-up of Saracen for the Red Sky album was -
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Steve Bettney - vocals
Richard Lowe - keyboards
Rob Bendelow - guitar
Jamie Little - drums
Richard Bendelow - bass
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Musically, it features re-works of several old Saracen classics, as well as new tracks written during the last 2/3 years. As one website put it on hearing the news, "the Lords of Epic Rock are back"!
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Saracen are now well advanced with the recording of their next album - VOX IN EXCELSO. For the latest news on this, go to the 'Vox In Excelso' section of this website. Founder member Richard Lowe, whilst staying close to the band, has now retired from active participation; Saracen's new keyboard player is Paul Bradder.
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After nearly two decades in 'retirement', Saracen are back with a vengence, bringing their unique brand of heavy symphonic rock to music fans around the globe.
Many thanx for the add!! it was great to see you guys put in a superb live performance at THE COUNTY /CFIELD. Yes a lot of people have waited a long time, i myself... ahem was a lot younger when i saw you last.Good music lasts forever..and people dont forget..
Hi there guys hope the new year will bring good things for you all.. just recently bought the "metal city" video.. and the videos are fucking amazing.. cheesy yes but still lot of fun to see and hear. the song cheated is really good!!!
Thanks for the add finally I found a copy of "Red Sky/Heroes, Saint and Fools" and I can't stop playing it. Going to get "Vox In Excelso" also most probably in a near future.
Thanx for the add! It's been a long time road from a tape recording of a rented record in the 80's to my copy of Heroes, Saints, and Fools on CD in 07 (when I finally managed to find it). It's a credit to your music. Stay Heavy!
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