Dirty Tricks - Dirty Tricks (Reissue) (1975/2004)

This blues-based UK heavy rock outfit was formed in 1974 by vocalist Kenny Stewart and guitarist John Fraser Binnie. With bass player Terry Horbury and drummer John Lee completing the line-up, they drew inspiration from Bad Company, the Faces, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. However, they never graduated from support status, as their attempt to bridge the divide between hard rock and heavy metal was handicapped by weak material. They released three albums on Polydor Records during the mid-70s that failed to reflect the energy they generated in a live setting. In 1976 Andy Beirne took over as drummer, but the band was soon overwhelmed by the growing punk movement. Beirne later joined Grand Prix, Terry Horbury teamed up with speed metal outfit Vardis and guitarist John Fraser Binnie was recruited by Rogue Male in 1984.