Dedringer

O

riginally named Deadringer, the band was formed in late 1977 as a cover band in Leeds, UK by Johnny "JJ" Hoyle (R.I.P. May 7, 2009; vocals), Neil Hudson (guitar), Al Scott (guitar), Lee Flaxington (bass) and Kenny Jones (drums). The band built up a following throughout 1978 before coming to the attention of 'Virgin Records'. Although the label failed to sign them the A&R man from the label chose to manage the band on the side all the same.

In 1980, they signed to the pop and new romantic label 'Dindisc' and issued their debut single, Sunday Drivers, and toured of the UK with Praying Mantis, Gillan, Triumph and the Michael Schenker Group.

February 1981 saw the release of Dedringer's debut album, Direct Line (1981). Although critics tried to pan it, the album sold enough to gain the band a set on the Friday Rock Show, but following the release of the Maxine EP in April 1981, strife between the band and their record label, and serious car accident suffered by Hudson and Scott, led the band shut down.

Hudson, Scott, and Jones reformed the band in 1982, with new members Neil Garfitt (vocals) and Chris Graham (bass guitar). They signed to 'Neat Records' and released their new single, Hot Lady (in November 1982) accompanied by their second full album, Second Arising (in January 1983). The new style boasted on the album was compared to NWOBHM band Fist and Tygers of Pan Tang, as well as older acts like AC/DC, Quiet Riot, Dokken, and Status Quo, but after some final line-up shuffling, diminishing fan interest led Dedringer to disband for good in 1985.