Formed in 1976, White Heat soon found themselves to be an integral part of the North East music scene, their brand of high energy rock attracting a strong local following.
The band, based around the songwriting partnership of
Alan
Fish (pictured left playing live with White Heat down in Old Eldon Square) and Bob Smeaton, also included the brilliant guitarist Bryan Younger, Col
Roberts (pictured) on bass and, on drums, John Miller (pictured) (1976-1980,
1981-1982) and George
Waters (1980-1981).
The band's 1st single 'Nervous Breakdown' (released on the independent Valium label) was picked up by Radio 1 DJ John Peel, which lead to healthy sales of the record and, more importantly, brought them to the attention of Richard Branson and Virgin Records.
Two more singles and an album followed before White Heat finally called it a day.
White Heat
Discography:
Single - Nervous Breakdown - 1980
Single - Finished with the Fashions - 1980
Single - City Beat - 1981
Album - Love in the Zero Hour - 1982
Their break up and last concerts were filmed for the 30 minute Tyne Tees documentary 'Check It Out' and their final gig at the Mayfair attracted a sell out crowd.
To this day the members of White Heat have remained good friends and have collaborated on various projects.