Gun

by Kelvin Hayes
Scottish rock band (from Glasgow) who first came to public attention in 1989 with their striking single "Better Days," a powerful driving rock thrash which stopped just short of the top 30. "Better Days" along with follow up "Money" formed part of their first album Taking on the World (No. 44). As ever there have been the usual rock band line up changes during Gun's recording history; 2 guitarists and two drummers have passed through, the nucleus being vocalist Mark Rankin and brothers Giuliano and Dante Gizzi - guitar and bass respectively. Despite some members being 17 (Dante was only 15 at the band's conception) Gun were regarded quality, signing to A&M and covering acts such as Thin Lizzy. In 1992 they returned with another blistering single "Steal Your Fire." Although a hit, further cuts culled from second album Gallus failed to make an impact. Having performed the Cameo classic "Word Up" to positive response live, they released the studio version in July 1994. Their biggest hit to date, it and parent album Swagger both made the top 10. The latter voted one of Q Magazines albums of the year. Gun were hip, Rankin dying his hair blonde. After a three year sabbatical, Gun became G.U.N. According to the band, Gun sounded to eighties. Ironically the album 0141 632 6326 (so named after their information service) was reminiscent of an eighties Yes album title. 0141 was also more poppy than past work due to the arrival of INXS's Andrew Farriss on Production duties. The spiky bounce of "Crazy You," an instant airwave favourite somehow stalled at 21, while "My Sweet Jane" missed out all together. It is a credit to G.U.N. they are able to reinvent themselves in an age of retro 60s tribute bands and proof the late 80s offered more than Stock/Aitken/Waterman one offs.