Sweet Savage

Sweet Savage

Sweet Savage is a heavy metal band from Belfast, Northern Ireland, active from 1979. The group is associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene and is known for its links to several major figures and acts in the genre.

History and line-up

The band originally forms under the name Teaser before taking the name Sweet Savage. Early membership includes guitarist Vivian Campbell, who later leaves in 1983 to join Dio. Other members include vocalist and bassist Raymond Haller, drummer David Bates, and guitarists Trevor Fleming and Ian “Speedo” Wilson. Simon McBride also plays guitar on the albums Killing Time and Rune. The verified member list also includes Robert Casserly.

Recordings

Sweet Savage records an EP with Vivian Campbell and later releases the albums Killing Time and Rune. The song “Killing Time” becomes especially well known after Metallica cover it. The band’s latest album is Regeneration, released in 2011. A further record, Warbird, is announced for release on German label SPV.

Live activity and associations

Sweet Savage tours with Thin Lizzy on the Renegade tour and supports artists including Ozzy Osbourne, Wishbone Ash and Motörhead. After reforming in 2008, the band plays a number of major European festivals and also supports Metallica on their summer tour. In 2009, Sweet Savage is confirmed as a support act, alongside Doro, for Saxon’s Battalions Of Steel World Tour II.

Current line-up

The lineup associated with the band includes Ray Haller on bass, Speedo Wilson on guitar and Marty McCloskey on drums, with the group described as featuring original members alongside the new drummer.