Inspired by his guitar heroes Jimi Hendrix and Rory Gallagher, the young Bernie Tormé pitched up in London in 1977, then in the grip of punk rock. He embraced punk, playing the Roxy and the Vortex. But he had his reservations: “Guitar solos not allowed”.
So he was perfectly placed to hitch his wagon and trusty Stratocaster to Ian Gillan’s new venture, Gillan, in 1978. Bernie’s guitar histrionics were the perfect foil. Gillan’s new solo band saw the singer enjoy his biggest solo successes, across four hit albums, numerous singles and appearing before millions of viewers on Top Of The Pops.
Turn Out The Lights (1982)
1 Turn Out The Lights
2 Painter Man
3 Lies
4 America
5 Getting There
6 Possession
7 No Reply
8 Chelsea Girls
9 India
10 Oh No