Grand Prix

Emerging from the late-1970s New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, Grand Prix pursued a melodic strain of heavy metal distinct from most of its UK contemporaries, yielding an AOR style that echoed American outfits such as Journey. Its founding lineup comprised drummer Andy Beirne, formerly of Dirty Tricks, bassist Ralph Hood, keyboardist Phil Lanzon, guitarist Michael O'Donoghue, and vocalist Bernie Shaw, who had previously fronted Legend and was later succeeded by Robin McAuley. After inking a deal with RCA, the band issued its self-titled debut in 1980, then delivered the more focused There for None to See in 1982 before moving to Chrysalis Records and unveiling the polished Samurai in 1983. Beirne departed later that year, reportedly citing dissatisfaction with the insufficient heaviness of the group’s studio recordings; Clive Edwards took over on drums, yet by early 1984 the ensemble had run its course, concluding a roughly three-year existence and leaving a compact yet substantial body of work.