Gun (band)

Scottish rock band

This article is about the Scottish band. For the 1960s London band, see Gun (1960s band).

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|

Gun

Gun with the Rolling Stones during the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour (1989–1990)

Background information
Also known as| G.U.N.
Origin| Glasgow, Scotland
Genres| Hard rock, heavy metal
Years active| 1987–1997, 2008–present
Labels| A&M, Polydor, Cooking Vinyl
Members| Giuliano "Jools" Gizzi
Dante Gizzi
Paul McManus
Andy Carr
Ruaraidh MacFarlane
Past members| Mark Rankin
Alan Thornton
Cami Morlotti
Greg Barnes
Derek Brown
Michael McDaid
Tommy Gentry
David Aitken
Scott Shields
Baby Stafford
Jim McDermott
Mark Kerr
Irvin Duguid
Stuart Kerr
Toby Jepson
Gordon McNeil
Johnny McGlynn
Alex Dickson
Ian G. Murray (Pre-signing)
Website| gunofficial.co.uk

Gun are a Scottish hard rock band formed by guitarist Giuliano Gizzi. The band's music has charted across Europe. In the UK, the band has had 4 UK top-20 albums and 8 UK top-40 singles, including a cover of Cameo's "Word Up" that reached the UK top 10.[1] Gun has toured extensively, most notably with the Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour of 1989–1990.[2]

The band's latest album, Hombres, reached the UK top 10 and Number 1 in their homeland, Scotland. Two tracks from the album were used in the Samuel L. Jackson film Damaged.[3]

The current lineup has two of the original members, Dante Gizzi (vocals) and Giuliano Gizzi (guitar), along with Paul McManus (drums), Andy Carr (bass), and Ruaraidh MacFarlane (guitar).[4] The band continue to tour through 2024 with their European and UK tours, promising an unforgettable live experience that blends iconic tracks with fresh hits from Hombres.[5]

## History

[edit]

### Formation and early years

[edit]

Gun was formed in 1987 in Glasgow, Scotland, initially named Blind Allez and briefly known as Phobia. The founding members were Giuliano Gizzi (guitar), Cami Morlotti (bass), Mark Rankin (vocals), Alan Thornton (drums), and David Aitken (guitar).[6] In 1988, the band signed with A&M Records. The lineup changed soon after with the departure of Thornton, Morlotti, and Aitken, and the addition of Dante Gizzi (bass), Scott Shields (drums), and Baby Stafford (guitar).[7] Jim McDermott contributed drums for their early albums.[8]

### Breakthrough

[edit]

Gun released their debut album, Taking On the World, in July 1989. The album was produced by Kenny MacDonald, known for his work with Texas, Del Amitri, Love and Money, Bourgie Bourgie, Wet Wet Wet and Slide.[9] It featured a mix of hard rock and melodic elements, which set it apart from other rock albums of that era.[10]

The lead single, "Better Days", charted within the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart and led to the band's first appearance on Top of the Pops.[11] Other notable tracks from the album include "Shame on You" and "Money (Everybody Loves Her)," known for their catchy hooks and robust guitar riffs.

Taking On the World received critical acclaim for its energetic delivery and solid songwriting, with international success in both singles and album charts. The album's success helped Gun get support slots with major acts like the Rolling Stones.

### Touring and second album

[edit]

In late 1989, Gun supported the Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour in Europe. This tour was a significant milestone for the band, allowing them to perform in massive stadiums and arenas, including venues like Wembley Stadium in London, the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, and Estadio Vicente Calderón in Madrid.[12]

Following their extensive touring schedule, Gun recorded their second album, Gallus, with producer Kenny MacDonald. Released in 1992, the album featured the single "Steal Your Fire," which achieved chart success.[13] Sharleen Spiteri and Alan Thornton contributed backing vocals. Gallus showcased the band's growth as musicians and songwriters, further cementing their place in the rock music landscape.[14]

In 1992, Gun supported Def Leppard on the UK dates of their Adrenalize World Tour.[15]

### Swagger

[edit]

Before the release of their third album, Swagger, both Dickson and Shields left the band. Dickson made uncredited appearances on the album before joining Bruce Dickinson's solo band in 1994 and touring with Robbie Williams extensively, leaving Giuliano Gizzi to handle all guitar duties.[16] Mark Kerr, brother of Simple Minds' lead singer Jim Kerr, replaced Shields on drums.[7]

Swagger became Gun's most successful album, driven by their cover of "Word Up!" which became a Top-10 hit in the UK Singles Chart, charted internationally, featured in the movie Barb Wire and won an MTV EMA award for Best Cover Version.[17] The single "Don't Say It's Over" also achieved notable success. Gun appeared at the first T in the Park festival, showcasing their new album.[18]

In 1996, Gun supported Bon Jovi on their These Days Tour, further solidifying their reputation as a powerful live act. Gun performed alongside Bon Jovi with tour dates across the UK.[19]

### 0141 632 6326 and departure of Mark Rankin

[edit]

After a three-year break, Gun returned with new drummer Stuart Kerr (formerly of Texas) and keyboard player Irvin Duguid. They rebranded as G.U.N. to distance themselves from the Dunblane shooting incident. Their new album, 0141 632 6326, produced by INXS keyboard player Andrew Farriss, was released but did not match the success of Swagger, peaking at No. 32 in the UK Albums Chart. The band split in 1997, reuniting briefly for gigs in 1998 and 1999.[7][20]

### Dante Gizzi and Break the Silence

[edit]

After a reunion at T in the Park 2008 as well as a further tour with Rock Radio featuring band alumni Al Thornton, Gordon McNeil, Scott Shields, and guest singer Toby Jepson, in July 2010, Gun announced that Dante Gizzi would move from bass to lead vocals. Derek Brown was confirmed as the new bass player, and Paul McManus joined as the new drummer. Gun's first gigs with the new lineup took place in early 2011 at the ABC2 in Glasgow. In December 2011, the band introduced new guitarist Johnny McGlynn and previewed tracks from their upcoming album.[21][7]

Gun released their fifth album, Break the Silence, on July 9, 2012. The album marked a new era for the band, featuring a fresh lineup and a rejuvenated sound.[22] They played at the Download Festival the same year. Break the Silence received positive reviews and helped reestablish Gun in the rock music scene.[23]

### Continued success and Favourite Pleasures

[edit]

In October 2014, a 25th-anniversary edition of Taking on the World was released, featuring b-sides, live tracks, and other songs. To celebrate, the band played three sold-out nights at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow, performing their albums Taking on the World, Gallus, and Swagger in full.[24]

On March 23, 2015, Gun released Frantic and toured the UK, Ireland, and Europe. They released a charity cover of Hot Chocolate's "Every 1's a Winner" with proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Nurses, and also featured in the soundtrack and trailer for I, Tonya. The Frantic tour concluded with a sold-out show at Glasgow's Barrowlands.[25][26]

Gun's seventh studio album, Favourite Pleasures, was released on September 15, 2017, and became their first top-20 album since 1994, reaching number 16 on the UK album charts.[27]

In November 2019, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, Gun released a best-of album, R3L0ADED, and embarked on "The Big 3-0 Tour" with FM and the Dan Reed Network, playing Taking on the World in full.[28]

### The Calton Songs and new directions

[edit]

On May 18, 2022, Gun announced a new album, The Calton Songs, featuring acoustic versions of their songs spanning their career. The album aimed to offer a fresh perspective on their classic tracks, bringing a more intimate and stripped-back sound. Along with the announcement, they released the single "Backstreet Brothers," which highlighted the band's continued evolution and adaptability.[29]

The release of The Calton Songs was accompanied by a series of intimate gigs and acoustic sessions, further showcasing the band's versatility and connection with their audience. The album was well received by fans and critics alike, appreciating the new renditions of beloved songs and the band's ability to reinterpret their own work.[30]

### Hombres and renewed chart success

[edit]

Gun's ninth studio album, Hombres, was released on April 12, 2024. The album reached number 10 on the UK charts and Number 1 spot in Scotland. Three versions of Hombres reached the top 10 on iTunes, including one reaching Number 1.[31] The first single from the album is "All Fired Up".

One reviewer in Metal Talk said it was "a real celebration and a genuine contender for Album of the Year", giving it a perfect 5-star review.[32]

The album was recorded and produced with Simon Bloor (Trevor Horn) and mixed by Daryl Thorpe (Foo Fighters).[33]

The tracks "Pride" and "Lucky Guy" were used in the Samuel L. Jackson film Damaged, leading to a special edition release of Hombres. This period marked a significant resurgence for Gun.[34]

## Discography

[edit]

### Studio albums

[edit]

Year  | Album details[35] | Peak chart positions  | Certifications

|
|
|

[36] | GER
[37] | NLD
[38] | NLD
[38] | NZ
[39] | SWE
[40] | ES
[41]
1989  | Taking on the World

* Release date: 5 July 1989
* Label: A&M, Caroline (2014 reissue only)

| 44  | —  | —  | 26  | —  | —  | —  |

* BPI: Silver[42]

1992  | Gallus

* Release date: 31 March 1992
* Label: A&M

| 14  | —  | —  | —  | 41  | —  | —  |
1994  | Swagger

* Release date: 1 July 1994
* Label: A&M

| 5  | 37  | 14  | —  | 17  | 32  | —  |

* BPI: Silver[42]

1997  | 0141 632 6326

* Release date: 5 May 1997
* Label: A&M, Polydor

| 32  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |
2012  | Break the Silence

* Release date: 15 June 2012
* Label: Ear Music

| —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |
2015  | Frantic

* Release date: 8 March 2015
* Label: Caroline

| 50  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |
2017  | Favourite Pleasures

* Release date: 15 September 2017
* Label: Caroline, Cloburn

| 16  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |
2022  | The Calton Songs

* Release date: 14 October 2022
* Label: Cherry Red Records

| 52  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |
2024  | Hombres

* Release date: 12 April 2024
* Label: Cooking Vinyl

| 10  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | 54  |
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

### Extended plays

[edit]

Year  | Album

|

2009  | Popkiller[43]

* Release date: 6 December 2009
* Label: Townsend

2015  | East End EP

* Release date: 1 July 2015
* Label: Caroline

### Compilation albums

[edit]

Year  | Album

|

2003  | The Collection

* Release date: 3 March 2003
* Label: Spectrum

2006  | The River Sessions

* Release date: 4 April 2006
* Label: River

2019  | R3L0ADED: The Best of Gun

* Release date: 29 November 2019
* Label: Silver Lining

### Singles

[edit]

Year  | Single  | Peak positions  | Album

|
|
|

[36] | IRE | FRA | NLD | BEL
(FL) | GER | NZ | US
Rock
[44]
1989  | "Better Days"  | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 19  | Taking on the World
"Money (Everybody Loves Her)"  | 73 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Inside Out"  | 57 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
1990  | "Taking on the World"  | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Shame On You"  | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
1992  | "Steal Your Fire"  | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Gallus
"Higher Ground"  | 48 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Welcome To The Real World"  | 43 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
1994  | "Word Up!"  | 8 | 17 | 46 | 14 | 41 | 32 | 39 | —  | Swagger
"Don't Say It's Over"  | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
1995  | "The Only One"  | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Something Worthwhile"  | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Seems Like I'm Losing You"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
1997  | "Crazy You"  | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | 0141 632 6326
"My Sweet Jane"  | 51 | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
2012  | "Break the Silence"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Break the Silence
2015  | "Take Me to Church"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Non-album single
"Frantic"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Frantic
"Labour of Life"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Every 1's a Winner"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Hold Your Head Up"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
2016  | "Everybody Knows"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | East End EP
2017  | "Favourite Pleasures"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Favourite Pleasures
"Silent Lovers"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"The Boy Who Fooled the World"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
2018  | "Take Me Down"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
2019  | "Superstition"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | R3l0aded
2021  | "Whiskey And A Prayer"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Non-album single
"Better Days 2021"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | The Calton Songs
2022  | "Steal Your Fire 2022"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Backstreet Brothers"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Word Up 2022"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Higher Ground 2022"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Inside Out 2022"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Coming Home 2022"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
2023  | "All Fired Up"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Hombres
2024  | "Take Me Back Home"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Boys Don't Cry"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Lucky Guy"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Falling"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"You Are What I Need"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —
"Pride"  | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | —  | Hombres Damaged Edition
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Official Chart Listing for Word Up". Official Charts (UK). Retrieved 22 July 2024.
2. ^ Wallace, Sean (13 October 2022). "aberdeen-show-gun-dante-gizzi-rolling-stones". Press and Journal. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
3. ^ "GUN drop new extended album in conjunction with Samuel L. Jackson movie". Metal Planet Music. MetalPlanetMusic. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
4. ^ "Gun Website About Us Page". GUN Official Website. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
5. ^ "GUN Tour Dates". Gunofficial.co.uk. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
6. ^ "Blind Allez". Helpless Dancer. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
7. ^ a b c d David (9 December 2022). "Gun". Our Glasgow. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
8. ^ "Jim McDermott | British Drum Co. | UK". British Drum Co. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
9. ^ "Kenny MacDonald Discogs". Discogs.
10. ^ "Album Review: GUN 'Taking On The World'". Gigslutz. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
11. ^ "BBC One – Top of the Pops, 03/08/1989". BBC. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
12. ^ Wallace, Sean (13 October 2022). "Ahead of an intimate Aberdeen show Gun singer Dante Gizzi lifts the lid on touring with The Rolling Stones". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
13. ^ "Official UK Charts – GUN – Steal your fire". Official UK Charts. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
14. ^ "Gun lineup, biography". Last.fm. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
15. ^ "30 Years Ago Def Leppard Rock Earls Court Arena (Photos/Review)". Def Leppard Tour History. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
16. ^ Alex Dickson, Discogs. "Alex Dickson Discogs". Discogs.
17. ^ "Official UK Charts – GUN – Swagger". Official UK Charts. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
18. ^ Maiden12 (23 January 2020). GUN – Don't Say it's Over – live 1994, T in the Park. Retrieved 30 July 2024 - via YouTube.`{{cite AV media}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
19. ^ "These Days (1995-1996)". www.bonjovimuseum.com. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
20. ^ Hextall, Adrian (17 January 2020). "'We wanted 0141 632 6326 to be our KICK' GUN's Dante Gizzi on the album that should have taken on the world!". My Global Mind. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
21. ^ "MUSIC: Gun aim to inspire new generation". Glasgow Times. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
22. ^ Ramsay, Simon. "Gun - Breaking The Silence (Album Review) - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
23. ^ "DOWNLOAD 2012". Download Festival. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
24. ^ "Glasgow rockers Gun take on the world again". Glasgow Times. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
25. ^ Lingpublished, Dave (1 September 2015). "Gun pay disco homage to Hot Chocolate". louder. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
26. ^ NEON (1 November 2017). I, TONYA [Official Trailer] – In Theaters Now. Retrieved 30 July 2024 - via YouTube.
27. ^ "Favourite Pleasures". Official Charts. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
28. ^ Wales, Gig Pigs. "Gig Pigs Wales". Gig Pigs Wales. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
29. ^ Aizlewoodpublished, John (16 October 2022). "Gun's The Calton Songs: a rum affair indeed". louder. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
30. ^ Aizlewoodpublished, John (16 October 2022). "Gun's The Calton Songs: a rum affair indeed". louder. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
31. ^ "Hombres". Official Charts. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
32. ^ Monkhouse, Paul (22 March 2024). "GUN / Hombres Makes You Feel Glad to be Alive". Metal Talk. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
33. ^ "Planet rock article announcing for Hombres/All Fired Up". hellorayo.
34. ^ "The Moshville Times – GUN drop 33-track extended edition of new album in conjunction with Samuel L. Jackson film". The Moshville Times. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
35. ^ "Gun Discography". Discogs. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
36. ^ a b "Official Charts Company: Gun". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
37. ^ "Discographie Gun". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
38. ^ a b "Discografie Gun". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
39. ^ "Discography Gun". charts.nz (Hung Medien). Retrieved 5 January 2020.
40. ^ "Gun – Swedish Charts". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
41. ^ "promusicae.es". promusicae.es. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
42. ^ a b "British certifications – Gun". British Phonographic Industry. Type Gun in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
43. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 408\. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
44. ^ "Gun – US Mainstream Rock Chart". billboard.com. Retrieved 27 April 2014.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Gun at AllMusic
* Gun on Last.fm

* v
* t
* e

Gun

Studio albums|

* Taking On the World
* Gallus
* Swagger

Singles|

* "Word Up!"

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* 2

National|

* Germany
* United States

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

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