Praying Mantis: Old version of the site. For the latest click here
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News/Site Updates Prior to 2000Last Modified On 21 Mar 200922 Dec 1999 - On 18 December 1999 Praying Mantis held a private party to celebrate 10 Years of the core of the current lineup. I have added my observations and some pictures. I have also change the vote form so you can tell me what you think of Metal crusader. 12 Dec 1999 - It will come as no big suspire but the Mantis/Angel Witch gig has been postponed. I think it was felt that is was too close to the new Year Celebrations and people would be to broke to go. It it hope the gig will happen a bit latter in the year. Fingers Crossed! 29 Nov 1999 - Classic Rock Magazine Issue 10 January 2000 says Angel Witch Praying Mantis and Tank will be playing the Astoria 2 in London on January 14. I have just rung Tino and he thinks it will probably happen. It is certainly being arranged but hasn't been confirmed as yet. So Fingers crossed and let me know if you think you might go so I can keep you informed of the status of the gig. It will be the 99 Lineup of Mantis not the 1980. 28 Nov 1999 - My copy of 'Metal Crusade '99 finally made it to me. I have added the details to the Discography and some audio clips have been added to the Audio Clips. The Albums release was apparently delayed slightly because of Production problems. I think it came out early November but perhaps not the 3rd November as the CD claims. Certainly copies to CD Gold were usually late. I have also added a UK review of the concert to the reunion page. 31 Oct 1999 - 'Metal Crusade '99 doesn't appear to have been released yet. I am not sure why. I have started adding information on the next Studio Album. It is in fact the end of an interview I recently took with Dennis Stratton. The whole thing will appear when it is typed up. As will the Dave Potts one which is superfically finished but Dave and I have agreed to meet up a again to tidy up a few odds and ends. I still plan to Interview Steve Carroll so let me know if you have any questions you want asked. 10 Oct 1999 - I am told the live album of NWOBHM 20th anniversary concert, 'Metal Crusade '99', will be released on 20th October,1999 in Japan. I believe this is a double CD with music from all four bands but Mantis get the largest part of one disc as all their set minus on song (Cheated I think) is supposed to be on it. Zoom Club Records in the UK look likely to release 'Live At Last', 'Captured:Alive In Tokyo City' and 'Forever In Time' albums in Early 2000 I am still progressing with typing in the Dave Potts interview. I am currently up to 8500 words! Talks are in progress about the possibility of a NWOBHM tour of Europe with Angel Witch, Tank and Samson. I have been sent some information on a previous band of Dennis Stratton's
called Remus Down Boulevard 28 Aug 1999 - I have added some very good photos by Gerrie Lemmens of the London gig. There are here. The mixing for the Live album went very well. Apparently it will be a two cd set with songs from the other bands at the festival to. Everything from the Mantis set minus Cheated should get released. I have now managed to get my Interview with Dave Potts I just have to get the energy to type it up now. I should be getting one with Steve Carrol sometime too. 7 Aug 1999 - I added photos from the London gig during the week. 31 July 1999 - I have added my review of the London reunion date (photos still to come). An Interview with Colin Peel. The Japanese review of Demorabilia. And updated the history page. 24 July 1999 - Someone might be interesting to know Dennis Stratton's son Jack has managed to get himself a presenters role on a ITV kids program called "Diggit". It is on from 7.10 on Saturdays mornings. I believe from what Dennis said Jack is on every other week and today was an appearance. 19 July 1999 - At last the details of the only warm up gig in the UK are confirmed. It will take place at the Shebeen which is part of the George and Dragon pub 183 High Street Acton W3. The best tube is Acton Town (There is a taxi firm at the door here) or Acton Central. Last time I went I found it easier to get the 207 from the Pub to Ealing common tube station so I might well try the reverse this time. It will be a double dose of Tino and Chris as they will be playing with Paddy Goes to Holyhead and then they will squeeze in the Mantis set after that. Paddy normally start about 5pm but Tino suggests people going arrive around 3pm so I assume things will start early. There is likely to be a band on in the evening after Paddy and Mantis I have never noticed if it is the same one or different each week. Tino also told me that Chris and he will be staying on in Japan three days longer than Steve and Dave in order to Mix the Live album. (Yippee) He doesn't think it will be filmed though. I do know the details of the set but I won't spoil anything by saying here. 17 July 1999 - I am sorry about the lack of news on the Reunion Date in Japan. I think it is on August 1st but I have never confirmed it. I have also been waiting and waiting for warm up dates in London but the whole things seems very low key from a Mantis point of view. I am hoping for an out door gig in Forest Gate London on 25 July and maybe one at the Shebeen in Acton. Incidentally anyone in London on a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do between 4pm-7pm might want to check out the Shebeen at the George and Dragon, 183 High Street Acton where Chris and Tino have been playing in a cover band called Paddy Goes To Hollyhead most Sundays since just before Easter. Alternately you might like to check out Dennis in a duo called the Clangers at the Dean Swift on Commercial Road. I found it is best to get off the Tube at Aldgate East and take the bus about 3 stops up the road. The Dean Swift is set back on the Right side as you go out of London on Commercial Road. Work on the new album with the current Line up of Mantis (i.e. Tony O'Hora etc) has been going well but a little slowly and it now seem it will not make a November release this year. It is now going to be a 2000 release. Work has currently stopped as Tino and Chris rehearse with Dave Potts and Steve Carrol for the reunion. I am still working out getting an interview with Dave Potts. He is keen but we have yet to match on availability. I have just heard from Colin Peel and am currently seeking an interview with him. And I also have the possibility of an interview with Dennis. 2 June 1999 - I was a tad slow on this one but I have finally added Dennis Lionheard Demo's album and some Real Audios 17 April 1999 - A cosmetic change to the site. I have finally given in to using frames I think a vertical site index looks better. I just need to work out a better structure no. Any problems let me know. 17 April 1999 - The May 7th gig in London is sadly off I am afraid. It does appear that the original line up will the playing Japan with the Time Tells No Lies line up at the start of August. One Date only and fingers crossed. 17 April 1999 - Tony's Horakane interview is now complete and online 11 April 1999 - Dennis Stratton has a double CD set (it appears) called "Raiders of the lost archives" by Lionheart out on May 15th 3 April 1999 - The April issue of BURRN! Magazine featured the results of 1998 Reader's Poll, and it went on sale on March 5th. Mantis did very well and the results relating results to them are as follows GROUP - PRAYING MANTIS are 16th
The Band were very pleased with this and it motivated them even more to try and get the next album out by November 99. (I took my interview with Tony on Horakane Yesterday so I just have to type it up now) 28 March 1999 - I have started adding details about Demorabilia 7 March 1999 - There appears to me some confusion about who actually played on the Horakane album. Tony does not want to make any false sales so for now all we'll say is that Tony Sang and Jamie O'Kane played guitar. Tony also played some of the Bass parts. Horakane is a play on Hurricane using the names of O'Hora and O'Kane 6 March 1999 - I have added Audio clips from Tony O'Hora's new project Horakane. He is still a member of Praying Mantis. This album has allowed him to get some Metal Ideas out of his head. I hope to interview him shortly about the project. 14 February 1999 - The gig for Feb 21st is decently cancelled. Tino tried touching his guitar yesterday and his finger, while healing nicely, still hurts. There is a possibility of a gig on May 7th 1999. If that interests you please join the Mailing List so that I can keep you up to date. It also looks like the original line up of the band will be reforming for a 20th Anniversary of NWOBHM gig in Japan in August. This again should mean some warm up dates in London. This of course is still highly speculative though. It also means Tino will have to sing some lead vocals again! 11 February 1999 - The following was taken from Adverts In Japan HORAKANE - ETERNAL INFINITY Mar. 17 in store The strong hurricane of THE VOICE OF PRAYING MANTIS landed. It's "HORAKANE" of TONY O'HORA. Tony O'hora (vo) Produced By Tony O'hora 1.Eternal Infinity PCCY-01351
LIONHEART BE WARNED, BE SQUARED!! Do you know the band called LIONHEART? Dennis Stratton (g) created the marvelous melodic hard rock tunes 15 years ago. In April 1999, LIONHEART's Unreleased tracks will be out!!! 6 February - I had a quick word with Tino during the week. Unfortunately the London gig for Feb 21st now looks unlikely as Tino had a minor accident with a power tool and too a lump out of a string bending finger. He will see how it heals but I doubt the gig will happen :-( The dememorabilia album is up to something like 26 tracks now and he was pleased with the artwork he has seen. Apparently Tino has found it quite hard work racking his brain coming up with all the Family tree info etc for the set. He also mentioned that a Tom Jackson track was now on the collection. "Remember my Name" will be on Tony's album and Tino was going to so a solo for it but that might not happen at present. 13 January - A short conversation with Rodney Matthews was added. 12 January - The is the possibility of a London gig on Sunday February 21st but I won't give any more details until I know for certain. If you want to know more e-mail me. This is now unlikely See entry for 6 February 12 January - A New album of old material is due for release on March 17th.
The album is called "Demorabilia" and will have the following tracks on it from
the Bernie Shaw era of Praying Mantis Including Clive Burrs Escape. It is
possible The Story will be sung by one of the Time Tells No lies singers. But I
have been unable to find out so far. The tracks are all Demo recordings and I
believe a special edition of the set will have Memorabilia from the period in it
but again I am only going by what I heard in Japan and bits of information being
reported by fans.
Lionheart's demo for 2nd album will be released March 3. Also Tony's solo project Horakane will release their first album on same day. I know nothing about this but I checked with Chris and Tony is still a member to his knowledge so don't worry. 19 December - I have finally remembered to add the Set lists for the shows. Since the tour page is graphic intensive I will mention here that is was much like the Tokyo show but in different orders Set List Wasted years
------ Children of The EarthCan't See The Angels ------ Lettin' GoEpsom and the Kings Head had less songs. Epsom also had "The Man Behind The Mask". And Walthamstow had an unrehearsed encore of "Smoke On The Water"! 16 December - Some more photos Epsom 1998 this time by Ger Lemmens 15 December - I have added More 1998 Tour Pictures and pictures from the Mantis Cup. I have also heard that there probably going to be a two CD mantis rarities collection to be released in February (hopefully). 25 November - I add a translation of an Interview with Tony O'Hora that appeared in Ho-No-O in Japan. Including 5 tony photos from recent tour. 18 November - I am back from a very enjoyable trip to Japan. I have added all my tour reports and the best shots from my many pics. When I get some energy I will probably write a report on the non performance side of my trip. EG The Photo shot in Tokyo and the Mantis Cup. I did not get anything useful interview wise since I did not want to bother the band when they were enjoying a tour. The band will probably rest now until after Christmas. And then hopefully start work on a few demos. The current hope is they might release a new album next year but I suspect they thought this after the 1995 tour. 5 November - The latest tour reports and photos. The last before Japan 2 November - Added the Kings Head review and some disappointing photos. It's good job I got these ones processed quick. I clearly need to try a different tactic. 27 October 1998 - Added an new Album review and updated the Discography to show the catalogue numbers of the Japanese albums. 25 October 1998 - My review of the first UK Warm up gig Tour 98 plus the latest news on the dates. I have correct the info below. 19 October 1998- I finished the text of the Bernie Shaw interview. The latest tour dates in the UK are.
October 24th Sat Epsom gig
*November 1st Sun Kings Head Putney (closest tube Putney Bridge)
November 3rd Tues Dean Swift, Commerical Road, Aldgate East, London
(Closest tube might be Aldgate East!)
*November 4th Wed Royal Standard- Walthamstow (Opposite Blackhorse Rd tube -Victoria Line)
* recommended venues as slightly larger in size
It is still recommended you contact me for last minute changes.
11 October 1998 - There is a UK Warm up gig at the Royal Stardard in Walthamstow on Nov 4th. It is best to check with me before going to confirm it is on. Moved the sight to www.praying-mantis.com and probably broke a few links! I also added the bands promo videos in Real Audio format on the Audio clips page. They are obviously poor quality and aimed at 28,800 Modem speed. 19 September - furthur updates to the Bernie Shaw intervire during the week. And Forever in Time review add to the album page and in the press page. 5 September - More Interview added and some extra pictures from Ho-no-o
Magazine in Japan. Also the Japanese tours dates appear to be
28 August - I started adding a new interview with Bernie Shaw. I also move all the other interviews into a new section. And made it quicker to see any new graphics I should add to the photo Gallery. 11 July - I decided I could see no reason why I should not report some parts of my chats with the Band here. So I will. But the spellings are likely to be worse than on other parts of the site! I had a quick phone with Tino again today. Not much has happened since last time. So I managed to catch up on a couple of questions Hiro Sudoh asked "I was wondering how come you do not write love songs? Mantis's melody will be fit with love songs." Tino response was because "Love songs are too Soppy. No .." He then went on to explain on the last album that Chris wrote most of the Lyrics and Chris has already explained to me he seemed to find it easy to be inspired by death etc. (See the interview on the Forever In Time section). Tino then had a think and decided he has probably written about Love. But more in the sense of the Break up of a Relationship. :-) I also asked why Rodney Matthews called the picture for Predator "Time Slipping Away". It was not a case that the album was going to be called it or anything. Just that it was the image he was using to inspire the painting. My final question (that I am reporting anyway) was why Did Steve Carroll and Dave Potts leave the band. The eventual answer seemed to be that when the Band Split up with Fireball, their management, things were falling apart badly. Steve was friends with one of the Managers and decided he could not continue with the band. Dave Potts while he stopped playing actually became their Manager when they became Clive Burrs Escape. 4 July - Masa Ito's Site has a Real video Clip of Mantis Performing "Valley Of the Kings" on the Promo Accousic tour. The Clip is/was on the rare Live link here I also added some clip from the 1998 Promotional tour to The Picture Gallery section 28 June - Put up the correct album cover and finially got a band shot of the current line up for the top of the pages. Thanks to KAZUO IMAI for scanning it for me while I wait for my copy of the album to arrive. 10 June - Real Audio clips and album cover added to the Forever In Time section 6 June - Japanese Promotion Tour Information added 19 April - I have found a place that sells Preditor In Disguise T-Shirts (Well Sort of). Check the CD's From Page 18 April - I had a quick chat with Tino and got the following information Tets Mario, Pony Canyon representatives was very pleased with the final mix of the album. He faxed Tino and said he thought it was the best they had delivered which sounds encouraging. There currently sending proofs of the Artwork and credits backwards and forwards. The album is now looking like a June Release. I asked if they are doing a Promo trip to Japan and it sounds like they will be but nothing is decided. It is highly probably they will play an Acoustic set for TV again. I guess Mutuma's World. Nothing has been said yet but he thought the tour would probably be 4 months or so after the album so around October-November I also had reports that Tino had been playing as part of a duet in some one's local pub. The contact never came back to me so I asked Tino for more details. He has a friend that plays bass and does solo gigs and sometimes the pub wants a duo so Tino occasionally goes along and Jams on guitar and backing Vocals. 5 April - I added the Cover of Mark Thompson Smiths new album to his interview page and a Couple of Real Audio clips from the album. 3 April - I have added a E-mail Interview with Mark Thompson Smith 31 March - I have added a fairly long chat with Chris Troy to the Forever In Time section. 28 March - I have recieved some more memories from Mantis' ex Roadie. This time Gig reviews 25 March - I have added the Pictures I took of Mantis In London mixing Forever in Time. 21 March - I have added some new interviews and details on the new album Forever In Time. It's not well presented yet but then is any of my site. I am waiting for a few photos to come back from my visit to the Mixing Studios anyway. 14 March - I have added a new page by Lee Burrows on Life On The Road With Mantis I have also added a lot of new graphics mainly on the Other Pictures Page The Mixing of the new album was due to finish today. I believe it's release is due at the end of May but will have to double check that. I went to the studio to see the mixing earlier this week and have some interviews and stuff to type up when I get chance 14 February - The new album has now finished being recorded. Tino is currently doing some rough mixes prior to the album going for finale mixing with Chris Tsangaridis around the 23 February The line up for the album is as follow
On 17th January I added various bits and bops I have learnt recently. If you wish to know what they were you should be on my discussion list. On 20th December I converted all the Audio Files to Real Audio format. I updated the History Page with stuff from the 80's newspapers and a couple of gig set lists. I also added a page highlighting the Songs Mantis recorded/played but never released. Rare Songs On 7 September I added some info on Tino and Bruces past Bands in the Other Projects page On 31st August I added an interview with the Band from 1995 On 12th July I added a lot more Press articles and some new pages. On 25th May I added some more Audio clips I launched the Praying Mantis discussion list on 10th May. On 20th April I moved away from the L-page Guestbook to a more simple one which I can control at my site. |
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