Gun

Gun are a hard rock band formed in New York. They begin in 1987, later reform in 2008, and remain active. The group first performs under the names Blind Allez and then Phobia before settling on Gun after signing to A&M.

Background and early line-up

The original line-up features Mark Rankin on lead vocals, Giuliano Gizzi and “Baby” Stafford on guitars, Dante Gizzi on bass, and Scott Shields on drums. At an earlier stage as Blind Allez, the band includes Giuliano Gizzi and Ian Murray on guitar, Camillo Morlotti on bass, Peter Scallan on vocals, and Alan Thornton on drums. Rankin’s cousin Sharleen Spiteri of Texas contributes backing vocals on the first two albums.

Early shows include touring with Simple Minds while also playing sold-out headline dates. The band develops a sound described as American-influenced alternative music mixed with melodic hard rock, and it builds a cult following.

Albums and singles

Gun’s studio albums include Taking on the World, Gallus, Swagger, 0141 632 6326, Popkiller, Break the Silence, Frantic, and Favourite Pleasures. Their debut earns critical praise for combining different influences while keeping a distinct identity.

Gallus extends the same basic style and brings the band close to a wider breakthrough. Its singles Higher Ground, Steal Your Fire, and Welcome to the Real World reach chart positions of 48, 24, and 43, and the album itself peaks at number 14 in the UK.

Swagger becomes the band’s commercial peak. It reaches number 5 in the UK albums chart and produces four UK Top 40 singles: Word Up, Don’t Say It’s Over, The Only One, and Something Worthwhile. Their version of Cameo’s Word Up becomes the best-known Gun song and wins Best Cover at the first MTV Europe Music Awards.

Line-up changes and later work

Following Swagger, the band changes shape and records 0141 632 6326 as G.U.N., moving toward a slicker, funk-influenced sound under producer Andrew Farris of INXS. The album follows pressure within the band during its recording and is associated with the political climate around gun crime in the UK.

After splitting in 1997, Gun return for occasional charity gigs, sometimes with Toby Jepson on guest vocals. They reform fully in 2008 with Jepson as frontman, and brothers Dante and Giuliano Gizzi remain central to the group. Jepson leaves in mid-2010, after which Dante Gizzi takes over lead vocals. The post-reunion line-up includes bassist Derek Brown and drummer Paul McManus, with Tommy Gentry later joining on guitar.

Post-reunion releases include Popkiller, Break the Silence, Frantic, and Favourite Pleasures. Favourite Pleasures is recorded at the band’s Morse Code studios in Paisley, Scotland. Gun continue to tour and maintain their hard rock, melodic style.