Spear of Destiny is a British rock band that was formed in London in 1982. The band was created by Kirk Brandon, who is the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter, and Stan Stammers, who plays the bass guitar. Over the years, the band has had many different members.
The band has released 10 songs that appeared on the UK Singles Chart. Four of these songs reached the Top 50, but only one reached the Top 20. That song was "Never Take Me Alive," which was released in 1987.
History
The band was formed in 1982 with original members Kirk Brandon, Stan Stammers, Chris Bell, and Lascelles James. In late 1983, the original line-up was replaced by Dolphin Taylor on drums, Alan St. Clair on guitar, John Lennard on saxophone, and Neil Pyzer on keyboards and saxophone. In 1984, John Lennard was replaced by Mickey Donnelly on saxophone.
Spear of Destiny recorded one session for John Peel on November 22, 1982. The session was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on November 29, 1982. The band played a style of music called power rock, which was influenced by punk and often had a powerful and uplifting sound.
Their second studio album, One Eyed Jacks, was released in 1984. It reached No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart. During the mid-1980s, the band was most well-known for their live performances.
In 1985, their third studio album, World Service, reached the UK Top 20. On June 22, 1985, the band performed at the Longest Day concert at the Milton Keynes Bowl, supporting U2. Other performers at the event included the Faith Brothers, Billy Bragg, the Ramones, and R.E.M.
In 1986, founding member Stan Stammers left the band. After the release of their fourth studio album, Outland (1987), which included the Top 15 hit "Never Take Me Alive," the band achieved greater success on music charts and sold out concerts. They also performed as a supporting act for U2 at Wembley Stadium. However, unluckily, just before a planned performance at the Reading Festival, Kirk Brandon became ill with reactive arthritis, which forced the band to pause all activities for nearly a year.
Other members of the band in the 1980s included Pete Barnacle (former drummer of Gillan), Chris Bostock (former bassist of JoBoxers), Marco Pirroni (former guitarist of Adam and the Ants), and Dolphin Taylor (former drummer of Tom Robinson Band and Stiff Little Fingers). In the 1990s, guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite of The Mission was also a member.
Kirk Brandon was also part of the supergroup Dead Men Walking.