GRAND SLAM: Reunite with New Material.

GRAND SLAM were once a footnote in the late Phil Lynott story, but all that […]

November 25, 2018

GRAND SLAM were once a footnote in the late Phil Lynott story, but all that is about to change. Former members Laurence Archer(UFO, STAMPEDE) and Mark Stanway(MAGNUM) have resurrected not only the band name but the music. Along with vocalist Mike Dyer, bass player David Boyce and drummer Benjy Reid, Archer and Stanway are currently hold-up in VADA Recording Studios and are not only planning a GRAND SLAM Tour but an album, after thirty-five years fans will get the release they have been waiting for.

A few words from Laurence Archer surrounding the project.

It has been thirty-three years since the demise but why now? What drove you to this moment in time to revisit the music of GRAND SLAM?

"Its just the right moment for me, I didn't plan this it just happened, with other commitments in life this seemed like the right time , I revisited some of the songs when I put the band together to do The British Guitar festival earlier this year, i already had the idea to put Grandslam together and re-record the songs I'd written All those years ago, the band worked so well together I decided to take the opportunity to consolidate the line up."

Is this a continuation of where the original GRAND SLAM were heading sound-wise?

"Well it's my writing and in that way yes, it reflects my time writing with Phil and my personal stamp on the writing."

Do you think GRAND SLAM had a longer future ahead of them other than that short space in time? Back in '85 did you feel it was too soon to call it a day?

"Yes , we never got the opportunity to fore-fill our potential."

In the last few weeks I've reviewed releases by a lot of old-school bands who are finally getting their justifiable release such as WEAPON UK, do you feel that there is a resurgence in those bands of the early 80s that got passed over?

"Maybe, I've played some festivals in recent times and it seems that way, I think there is an audience that still want to hear good music and this is bringing in a new audience."

Are any of the tracks you are currently focusing on re-workings of material which you had planned to record with GRAND SLAM or will there be G.S original demos used on the album?

"Yes to both, it's new and old material, I have reworked most to bring it in to today."

How do you feel the new material stacks up against the older compositions?

"The new stuff is great I'm very happy to have the opportunity to get this stuff out, and the old songs sound fantastic too,
We have Adrian Bushby mixing album ( foo fighters and muse) 4 Grammys and he's doing a great job
MATT terry is producing alongside myself and the end result is astonishing, a modern and energetic and powerful and tasteful album, the energy is just great, we sound like a bunch of teenagers."

Have to ask, what is the story behind the yellow flying-V guitar? It has become your trademark axe but is there a more sentimental reason behind it?

"My V or No:1 as I call it, originally a silver burst 1979, I had it sprayed yellow for Reading festival 1982 as it's the best colour to project off stage other than white. "

Finally thank you for taking the time out from your busy schedule for answering a few questions for us.

"It's a pleasure Hopefully see you or speak soon. Laurence."