The band was originally formed by Robb Weir (guitar), Brian Dick (drums), Rocky (real name Richard Laws, bass), and Jess Cox (vocals). Rapidly building a local following from gigging relentlessly, they were first signed up by local independent label Neat Records before MCA gave them a major record deal. After several singles, they released their first album Wild Cat in 1980. The album reached number 18 in Britain on the first week of its release.
Subsequently John Sykes (later of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) was added as second guitarist. Jess Cox then sought pastures new, and was replaced by Persian Risk vocalist Jon Deverill. This line up released the Classic LP Spellbound in 1981. With Deverill's arguably superior vocals and greater experience, the album was critically acclaimed and loved by the fans. Battling against the odds and a lack of record company support the band quickly recorded there third album, the under-rated Crazy Nights. Poor production did not help the sound quality but this album still has some excellent tracks. Shortly after recording and just before the start of a european tour John Sykes decided to leave the band so the band approached ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days flat before touring.
Tygers Of Pan Tang's fourth album The Cage (1982) was their most accomplished effort and things looked promising. Unfortunately the record company support was lackiing and were not prepared to promote the band unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (following the band's hit with "Love Potion No. 9"). The band tried to break free from their contract, but MCA's demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to free the band and the band broke up in frustration.
However, this was not the end of the band. During the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival, Jess Cox joined the band Blitzkrieg on stage, playing three old Tygers songs. The audience's response was so positive, a year later the band were invited, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tygers of Pan Tang and the 10th Wacken Open Air. Brian Dick and Rocky were unable to join the band, but the Tygers (now Jess Cox and Robb Weir, backed up by Blitzkrieg guitarist Glen Howes, bassist Gavin Gray and drummer Chris Percy) performed nevertheless a memorable show. Recording tapes of their performance gave rise to the Live at Wacken album.
In 2001, Robb Weir decided to reform the band, despite being the only original member. Robb wanted to keep the name alive and play for the fans. The new Tygers line up were Dean Robertson (lead guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums) who remain to this day and are approaching the longest ever serving members of the band together with Robb. They released Mystical through Z-Records and in 2004 Noises From The Cathouse.
Later the same year, Richie Wicks left and was replaced by Italian vocalist Jacopo Meille from the Rock band Mantra.
During 2007 the Tygers resurgence went from strength to strength and with the release of the 5 Track EP Back & Beyond the fans were able to get their first taste of the musical direction the band is pursuing. The feedback was fantastic and the back to roots hard rock was a real winner. The new website also went on-line at the same time and again the feedback was great, we aim to update this site the first week every month. The my-space site however is constantly updated, enabling real time news to be communicated and allowing fans and other businesses alike access to the Tygers.
The Limited Edition of Animal Instinct will be dispatched the second week of April 2008, and some latest news is that we are looking at including some DVD footage of the band live in Italy to enhance the package.
One of the first strategies agreed last year was to make sure we were accessible to listen to the fans and you will experience this at shows as well, where you will find the band hanging out at the merchandise stand or watching the support bands in the audience. Please come up and say hello as we really do value your opinions and comments.