User:Empire UK

Mark Grimmett (vocals), Chris Gyngell (guitar), Rich Yeates (guitar), Julian Hill (bass), Martyn Arnold (keyboards), Paul Cooke (drums) Gloucestershire Hard Rock act EMPIRE, founded in 1989, was founded upon the demise of CRYWOLF by ex-members vocalist Mark Grimmett (brother of GRIM REAPER and LIONSHEART frontman Steve Grimmett) and guitarist Chris Gyngell. Pre CRYWOLF Grimmett had acted as drummer for BLACK DOG and RAIDER whilst Gyngell was with CHASER. Mark Grimmett with CRYWOLF, released the 12" single '12 O'Clock (And All Is Hell)' in 1986, soon built up a sizable local following and created a national buzz, recording a Radio One session for Tommy Vance's 'Friday Rock Show', which would be broadcast twice during 1988. The band also had their track 'A Crying Shame' included on a New Renaissance compilation album in the USA. However, the band folded in 1989. Top Lead Guitarist Nick Singleton was to join Glam Rockers TATTOOED LOVE BOYS for their 1992 album. Mark Grimmett and Chris Gyngell founded EMPIRE, reuniting with ex-RAIDER man Martyn Arnold, now on keyboards, and also incorporating guitarist Rich Yeates, bassist Julian Hill and drummer Paul Cooke. Subsequently both Singleton and Gyngell founded the FIREBYRDS in union with erstwhile RED DOGS guitarist Paul Guerin, WRAITH bassist Steven 'Rimmo' Rimmington and TATTOOED LOVE BOYS drummer Mick Ransome. Drummer Jon Clayton was to be found in the 2000 band BRUTAL DELUXE. There have been a number of changes to the line up over the years, the last being Mark Grimmett (ex CryWolf), Richie Yeates, Julian Hill & Jon Mumford (ex Screaming Ameebas, with Martin Kent of Skunk Anasie fame, CryWolf)