Tygers of Pan Tang: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal Pioneers

The Tygers of Pan Tang are a definitive band from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Hailing from Whitley Bay, England, the group achieved notable commercial success with their 1981 album 'Spellbound', which charted in the UK Top 20 and spawned a hit single.

Early career

Formed in 1978, the Tygers of Pan Tang emerged from the working-class club scene in the North East of England. Their raw, energetic sound quickly earned them a deal with the independent label Neat Records, which released their debut single "Don't Touch Me There" in 1979.

This early exposure led to a contract with the major label MCA Records. The band's debut album, 'Wild Cat', was released in 1980 and is considered a classic of the early NWOBHM era, introducing their dual-guitar attack and powerful rhythms.

Breakthrough

The Tygers' breakthrough arrived in 1981 with their second album, 'Spellbound'. This release saw the recruitment of guitarist John Sykes and a refinement of their sound, leading to greater commercial appeal.

The album peaked at number 18 on the UK Albums Chart. Its lead single, a cover of "Love Potion No. 9", became their biggest hit, reaching number 46 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving heavy rotation on radio and television.

Key tracks

Don't Touch Me There — This debut single on Neat Records established the Tygers' raw, early NWOBHM sound and cult following.

Love Potion No. 9 — The band's highest-charting single, this cover brought the Tygers of Pan Tang significant mainstream attention.

Gangland — A fan-favorite anthem from the 'Spellbound' album that showcases their trademark twin-guitar harmonies.

Hellbound — A powerful track from their third album 'Crazy Nights' that exemplifies their heavier, more melodic direction.

Love Don't Stay — A key track from their successful 1982 album 'The Cage', highlighting a more AOR-influenced sound.

The band's follow-up, 'Crazy Nights', also charted later in 1981. After Sykes departed to join Thin Lizzy, the Tygers of Pan Tang released 'The Cage' in 1982, which included the minor hit "Rendezvous".

Internal pressures and shifting musical trends led to the band's dissolution in 1983. However, the enduring legacy of the NWOBHM sparked a reunion in 1999, and the Tygers of Pan Tang have been actively recording and touring ever since, releasing well-received albums like 'Ambush' (2012) and 'Ritual' (2019).

Fans of the Tygers of Pan Tang often explore similar NWOBHM acts. Iron Maiden shares the melodic dual-guitar focus and theatrical energy. Saxon embodies the same working-class, hard-rocking spirit of the British movement. Def Leppard followed a parallel path from NWOBHM roots to major chart success. Diamond Head offers a similar blend of heavy riffs and ambitious song structures from the same era.

The music of the Tygers of Pan Tang maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated classic rock FM stations and specialist metal shows. Their anthems are staples on online rock radio streams that celebrate the legacy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, ensuring their gritty sound reaches new generations of listeners.

You can hear the powerful tracks of the Tygers of Pan Tang on the classic rock and metal radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover the enduring force of this essential British heavy metal band through our curated station lineup.