 |
Hard edge are a band that was first formed in England in 1988. Des Barrett on drums, Ady "podge" Barnes on guitar, Jools Copley on bass and Steve shipman vocals. The bands music reflected the hard times in the recession hit UK back in those days.The hard 'n heavy rock with its catchy anthems and "don"t give a shit attitude" gave the band that much needed "edge" over other bands around at that time, hence: "Hard edge"!
|
After extensive rehearsal the band performed at folleys nightclub in Sleaford on Jan 1st 1990, the place was so packed that people were actually standing on the stage! When the guys were eventually able to start up, the place went wild! This was the first gig and made such an impression on that small town, that the local press took the trouble to look them up for a interview the following week. In no time the band built up quite a reputation playing around the east midlands; Nottingham, Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford....people from all these places to name a few, were to become loyal regular faces at all Hard Edge shows,...each show with its own usually hillarious story!!
After a year of gigging, it was time to go into the studio where they recorded their demo "unfinished business" with the intention to market the band and hopefully clinch a deal with one of the many labels around at the time. With the demo done and many more gigs under the belt, including support slots for bands such as Paradise lost, the band started to hit stormy water, leading to its break up at the end of 1991.
Still best of friends,they decided to go their own ways. Des left to travel around Europe(and didn't come back!), Steve still lives in Lincoln (we think?), Jools ended up living in Thailand(typical) and Podge tragically killed himself at the young age of 24, and he is still missed today. After travelling and working in various countries in Europe Des finally settled in Holland in Rotterdam where he met bass player Harold van Hees (Harold Haze) the two formed a strong friendship and began to jam in what Des called "half arsed" cover bands. They then teamed up with another guy with the porn star name "Jerry lace", to form the Powerpimps. This is where they met the extremely talented lead guitarist, Iwan Bronkhorst.
Again with a demo "Delusions of Grandeur" (an apt title!) and dozens of gigs under the belt,the band broke up leaving Des,Harry and Iwan to start a new heavier orientated kind of band. With the old Hard Edge demo surfacing, the trio decided...why not??
With Iwan and Harry on the vocals, the band has found an amazing energy and a new lease of life!! With an strong international line up and a ton of dedication Hard Edge are in 2009 establishing themselves, this time on Dutch soil to carry on there..... Unfinished business!!!!!! |
