Blaze

B L A Z E were formed in 1999 following the departure of vocalist Blaze Bayley from Iron Maiden. Bayley was joined by four hungry young British musicians, Rob Naylor, Jeff Singer, Steve Wray and John Slater. B L A Z E released 3 albums with this lineup and toured extensively as headliners in small pubs and clubs and at larger venues in support of power metal bands, Helloween and Savatage. The albums released nod respectfully towards Bayley's past, but at the same time have a modern heavy edge.

After recording As Live as it Gets, the band's first live album, Jeff Singer announced he was leaving the band. Three months later Rob Naylor followed. Session musicians Phil Greenhouse [drums] and Wayne Banks [bass] were drafted into the band for the rest of the tour until permanent replacements could be found. Jason Banks [guitar] was drafted in for a few shows at the end of the year to cover for John Slater [guitar]. At the end of 2003 the band began writing for their third studio album, Blood & Belief. Phil Greenhouse was replaced on drums by Jason Bowld. The album proved popular with many fans proving that despite the loss of a stable rhythm section, the band could still put on a good show and record a good album. The band began to tour with the Blood & Belief album but were set back again by the news John Slater could not perform a large section of the tour. Despite rejoining the band later in the year John eventually left B L A Z E in September with Steve Wray going with him to form Rise to Addiction. Now lacking any original members except Blaze Bayley himself, and still yet to find a stable lineup of musicians, the band were forced to start again.

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