GUN
Formed in Glasgow by the Gizzi brothers, GUN’s contemporary take on authentic rock gave them an edge over their peers during the late-80s, and lead them in timetoward a reinvention of the rock ‘n’ roll genre. In September 2010, “Taking On The World” was included in Classic Rock magazine’s list of the 150 Greatest Debut Albums of All Time. Kerrang Magazine gave the album 5K, stating ‘The brilliance of Taking On The World comes as no surprise’, while Phil Alexander called it ‘…pop rock at its finest’. “Taking On The World” marked a milestone in the Scottish band’s history, selling more than 60,000 units in the UK alone, with lead single “Better Days” charting in the UK top 40.
After signing to A&M records in 1988, they began recording Taking On the World, the credited lineup being Mark Rankin on vocals, Giuliano Gizzi on guitar, Stephen "Baby" Stafford on guitar, DanteGizzi on bass, and Scott Shields on drums. The album was released on 5 July 1989 to warm reception. Featuring the hit single “Better Days” which landed them the first of numerousappearances on Top Of The Pops.In late ‘89, it was announced that GUN would support The Rolling Stones on their 1990 Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour throughout Europe.
In 1991, after the tour forTaking On the World had concluded, GUN entered the studio with producer Kenny MacDonald (who produced the band’s debut album) to record their second record entitledGallus (album), with several notable contributions from the likes of Charlene Spiteri.
“Swagger” quickly became the band’s most commercially successful album in 1994, propelled by the success of their version of "Word Up!" The single was a Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart,and charted well in many other territories, winning an MTV award for best cover version.
2014 saw the release of a 25th anniversary of their first album Taking on the World, and three consecutive sold out shows at the famous King Tut’sWahWah Hut venue in Glasgow featuring full album performances, with all profits donated to the Sunday Mail Centenary Fund.
After an incredible 2015 which saw GUN release their long awaited album ‘Frantic’ to incredible critical acclaim; tour across Europe; and twice headline the famous Barrowlands in their hometown of Glasgow, the band have recently commenced the writing process for a brand new offering, to be their second album in partnership with Caroline Records.