Archive for January, 2009
Help Wanted!
by Jon on Jan.23, 2009, under Extra
Help wanted on the following queries
Are you or do you know a past member of the band? I am always looking for people to interview. Especially people like Jon Bavin, Don Garbett and Alan Nelson.
If you can help with any information (or questions) please E-mail Jon
Hinchliffe using the address below
Do you have any reviews of Praying Mantis that are not included in my pages?
The first album refers to Lovers To The Grave being on the original
Soundhouse demos. When they were actually released though, it was “The Ripper” that was the third track. Was “Lovers” ever recorded this early or is it just the incorrect sleeve notes that keep this error repeating?
Band History
by Jon on Jan.23, 2009, under Extra
History of Praying Mantis
Last Modified On
1974
- Tino Troy formed his 1st band with Pete Moore another guitarist.
1976
- Somewhere around here Tino persuades Chris to join the band who are
currently called "Junction". The band at the time were playing one off gigs in
Youth clubs.
1978
- The band now called Mantis start to get dates in Pubs.
- The Band record the 3 track demo that would eventually be released in 1980
as "Soundhouse tapes Part 2" (Part 1 being 3 tracks by Iron Maiden). A friend
Paul Williamson (who was Lyricist for Johnny Cool and Praying Mantis) advises
Tino to take the Tape to DJ Neal Kay at the Soundhouse Club. - Neal Kay is impressed with the demo and asks the band to play the club.
Lovers To The Grave
by Jon on Jan.21, 2009, under Videos
Praying Mantis – Lovers To The Grave
“Lovers To The Grave” is from the album “Time Tells No Lies”. This footage is from the Captured Alive In Tokyo DVD
Don’t Be Afriad Of The Dark
by Jon on Jan.21, 2009, under Videos
“Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark” from “To The Power Of Ten”. This footage an extra from the Captured Alive In Tokyo DVD
Can’t See The Angels
by Jon on Jan.21, 2009, under Videos
“Can’t See The Angels” is from “Predator In Disguise”. This footage an extra from the Captured Alive In Tokyo DVD
Letting Go
by Jon on Jan.21, 2009, under Videos
From the album “A Cry For The New World”. This video is a bonus from the Captured Alive In Tokyo DVD
Rare and Unreleased songs
by Jon on Jan.20, 2009, under Extra
Rare Mantis related Songs
Since putting up this site back in 1995, my knowledge of Mantis has increased
to about 5 times it’s pre-internet size. The biggest surprise to me is the
number of unreleased tracks and recordings from the early days. Most were
covered in Demorabilia but there are still some more potential tracks
“I Surrender” – This is the song released by Rainbow written by Russ
Ballad. Mantis recorded it but Rainbow won the right to release their version
“No Mercy” was recorded with Tom Jackson on vocals but were never
released
Other Sites of potential interest
by Jon on Jan.01, 2009, under Extra
Other Sites of potential interest
The Praying Mantis myspace page is at
http://www.myspace.com/prayingmantisrock.
For Info on Bruce Bisland’s other band check out Andy’s Scotts version of The Sweet
For Tino and Chris Troy’s band check out the Paddy Goes To Hollyhead website
Total Rock Radio is a Mantis friendly radio station
AOR LAND is a reviews based site that wishes to become an useful source of information for all the fans. The latest releases plus bios, interviews, links and more can be found inside.
AOR Heaven is a reviews based Shop.

