Tygers of Pan Tang is a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band originating from Whitley Bay in the North-East of England. The band was originally formed by Robb Weir (guitar) Brian Dick (drums) Rocky (real name Richard Laws - bass) and Jess Cox (vocals). Rapidly building a local following, they were first signed up by local independent label Neat Records before MCA gave them a major record deal and released their first album "Wild Cat" in 1980. Subsequently John Sykes was added as second guitarist. Jess Cox then had a fall out with the others and quit, to be replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill.
This lineup released "Spellbound" in 1981. With Deverill's arguably superior vocals and that much more experience, the album increased their following. However, Sykes quit after the third album "Crazy Nights" to audition for Ozzy Osbourne. Sykes was rapidly replaced by ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days flat before touring.
Tygers Of Pan Tang's fourth album "The Cage" (1982) was their most accomplished effort and things looked promising. Unfortunately, the band then had a major disagreement with MCA, who were not prepared to promote them unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (following the bands hit with Love Potion No. 9). They subsequently tried to break free from their contract, but MCA's demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to free the band and the band broke up in frustration.
John Sykes however achieved major success with Thin Lizzy and then Whitesnake, and as a guitar virtuoso in Japan. Guitarist Robb Weir currently leads an incarnation of the band who continue to make albums and perform.
The name of the band derives from an elite group of warriors in Michael Moorcock's Elric stories called the Tigers of Pan Tang.