| GUN | |
| Landscape: | no |
| Alias: | G.U.N. |
| Origin: | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Genre: | Hard rock, heavy metal |
| Years Active: | 1987–1997, 2008–present |
| Label: | A&M, Polydor, Cooking Vinyl |
| Associated Acts: | Baby Stafford, El Presidente, Blind Allez, Little Angels, Texas, The Toi, |
| Current 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 |
MTV EMA award winners – GUN, were formed in Scotland by guitarist Giuliano Gizzi. Known for their compelling blend of rock, and a string of hits that have charted across Europe, GUN has consistently been a force in the music industry. During their career GUN have achieved 4 UK top 20 albums and 8 UK top 40 singles including a cover of Cameo’s Word Up which reached the UK top 10,[1] and charted all over Europe. GUN has toured extensively over the years, most notably with The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels & Urban Jungle tours.[2]
The band's latest album, 'Hombres,' reached the UK top 10 and Number 1 in their homeland, Scotland. It also featured prominently in the Samuel L. Jackson film 'Damaged'.[3] Recorded and produced with Simon Bloor (Trevor Horn) and mixed by Daryl Thorpe (Foo Fighters),[4] the album showcases GUN's continued evolution and unparalleled rock prowess. The first single from the album, 'All Fired Up,' sets the tone for an album that Metal Talk hails as "a real celebration and a genuine contender for Album of the Year," receiving a perfect 5-star review.[5]
The current lineup, featuring original members Dante Gizzi (Vocals) and Giuliano Gizzi (Guitar), along with Paul McManus (Drums), Andy Carr (Bass), and Ruaraidh MacFarlane (Guitar).[6]
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.'[7]
=History of GUN=
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).[8] 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).[9] Jim McDermott contributed drums for their early albums.[10]
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.[11] It featured a mix of hard rock and melodic elements, which set it apart from other rock albums of that era.[12]
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."[13] 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 secure support slots with major acts like The Rolling Stones, expanding their fan base and gaining valuable exposure early in their career.
In late 1989, GUN supported The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour in Europe. This tour was a significant milestone, allowing GUN 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. The tour helped increase their visibility and earned them positive reviews and new fans.[14]
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.[15] 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.[16]
In 1992, GUN supported Def Leppard on the UK dates of their Adrenalize World Tour. Performing to packed crowds in large venues, GUN's high-energy performances and engaging stage presence helped establish their reputation as a formidable live band.[17]
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.[18] Mark Kerr, brother of Simple Minds' lead singer Jim Kerr, replaced Shields on drums.
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.[19] The single "Don't Say It's Over" also achieved notable success. GUN would also appear at the first-ever T in the Park festival, showcasing their new album.[20]
In 1996, GUN supported Bon Jovi on their These Days Tour, further solidifying their reputation as a powerful live act. Performing alongside Bon Jovi allowed GUN to reach more rock fans and expand their audience, with tour dates across the UK providing them the opportunity to showcase their music to enthusiastic crowds.[21]
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.[22]
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. [23]
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.[24] They played at the Download Festival the same year, showcasing their new material to a wider audience. Break the Silence received positive reviews and helped reestablish GUN in the rock music scene.[25]
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.[26] 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.[27] [28]
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.[29]
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.[30]
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.[31]
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.[32]
GUN's ninth studio album, Hombres, was released on April 12, 2024. The album quickly reached number 10 on the UK charts and secured the Number 1 spot in Scotland. Hombres also achieved significant success on the UK iTunes charts, with three separate versions of the album making it into the top 10, including one reaching Number 1.[33]
The album's success was bolstered by the inclusion of tracks "Pride" and "Lucky Guy" in the Samuel L. Jackson film 'Damaged', leading to a special edition release of Hombres. This period marked a significant resurgence for GUN, as they continued to gain momentum and recognition in the music industry.[34]
=Outside Projects and Collaborations=
Jools Gizzi has been involved in various musical projects outside of GUN. He has collaborated with bands such as Deacon Blue and Texas, and contributed to El Presidente's studio work. In 2006, Gizzi reformed under the name 'Blind Allez' with Alan Thornton and Cami Morlotti, joined by singer Peter Scallan and guitarist Ian Murray.
In 2005, Dante Gizzi resurfaced in the glam rock band El Presidente. He also co-wrote two songs for Rosie and the Goldbug's eponymous 2008 debut album alongside his brother, Giuliano Gizzi.
Paul McManus, who joined GUN as their drummer in 2010, has been involved with several other bands, including La Paz with Dougie White.
Andy Carr, the bassist for GUN, also plays for the Glasgow band The Toi.
Ruaraidh Macfarlane has participated in various musical projects, including the bands Moy and White.
Alan Thornton contributed to El Presidente's debut album, playing drums on nine tracks. He also reunited with Jools Gizzi and Cami Morlotti in 2006 to reform under the name 'Blind Allez', joined by singer Peter Scallan and guitarist Ian Murray.
Scott Shields contributed to the soundtracks of the films Black Hawk Down and Bend It Like Beckham. He played and toured with Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros until Strummer's death, after which he helped complete Strummer's last album.
In 1994, Baby Stafford released an EP titled Paper Love Maker, featuring Scott Shields on drums.[35] He later joined the band Breaker.
Since leaving GUN, Alex Dickson has played with artists such as Bruce Dickinson, Emma Bunton, Robbie Williams, and Calvin Harris. He is also a member of the rock supergroup Sack Trick.
Mark Rankin currently works for Virgin EMI Records in London, focusing on radio promotion for their artists.
Mark Kerr lives and works in Paris, collaborating with various acts including Sly Silver Sly, Regency Buck, Scanners, Jackos One, Mellow, Bob's Symphonic Orchestra, Cathy Burton, and DJ Daniele Tignino. He has occasionally played drums for Simple Minds and Les Rita Mitsouko.
Gordon McNeil writes, produces, and plays drums for the Glasgow pop act GoGoBot, a project he started in 2008.
| Year | Album details[36] | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [37] | GER [38] | NLD [39] | NLD [40] | NZ [41] | SWE [42] | ES [43] | ||||
| 1989 | Taking on the World
| 44 | — | — | 26 | — | — | — | ||
| 1992 | Gallus
| 14 | — | — | — | 41 | — | — | ||
| 1994 | Swagger
| 5 | 37 | 14 | — | 17 | 32 | — |
| |
| 1997 | 0141 632 6326
| 32 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012 | Break the Silence
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2015 | Frantic
| 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2017 | Favourite Pleasures
| 16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2022 | The Calton Songs
| 52 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2024 | Hombres
| 10 | — | — | — | — | — | 54 | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | ||||||||||
| Year | Album | |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Popkiller[45]
| |
| 2015 | East End EP
|
| Year | Album | |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Collection
| |
| 2006 | The River Sessions
| |
| 2019 | R3L0ADED: The Best of Gun
|
| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | FRA | NLD | BEL (FL) | GER | NZ | US Rock [46] | ||||
| 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. | |||||||||||