Satan @The Cluny, Newcastle, September 5, 2024
On an alternative Earth, Satan’s Court In The Act is on a par with The Number Of The Beast. Guitarists Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey are as revered as Adrian Smith and Dave Murray. Hell, frontman Brian Ross might even be an airline pilot, with a sideline in fencing.
Sadly, we’ve yet to find a portal to that world.
So despite Court’s thrilling songcraft, their ’83 debut didn’t propel Satan to the world of arena tours and number one records. Ross left to focus on Blitzkrieg, the line-up dissipated, the band’s name changed (twice) and fame was elusive.
Satan’s story could easily have been another footnote in NWOBHM history.