Dedringer

History

Formed in late 1977 in Leeds, the band originally went by Deadringer and started as a cover outfit. The founding members were Johnny "JJ" Hoyle, Neil Hudson, Al Scott, Lee Flaxington, and Kenny Jones. Throughout 1978, they developed a loyal local following. An A&R representative from Virgin Records noticed them, and when the label declined to sign the group, this individual chose to manage them instead. In 1980, Dedringer signed with Dindisc, a label known for pop and new romantic acts. Their first single, "Sunday Drivers," came out that January, and they toured the UK alongside bands like Praying Mantis, Gillan, Triumph, and the Michael Schenker Group. Their debut album, Direct Line, arrived in February 1981. It sold well enough to earn them a spot on the Friday Rock Show. However, after the Maxine EP was released in April 1981, tensions with their record label grew, and a serious car accident involving Hudson and Scott prompted the band to break up. In 1982, Hudson, Scott, and Jones revived the group with new vocalist Neil Garfitt and bassist Chris Graham. They signed with Neat Records and put out the single "Hot Lady" in November 1982, followed by the LP Second Arising in January 1983. Critics compared their updated sound to NWOBHM acts like Fist and Tygers of Pan Tang, as well as older groups such as AC/DC, Quiet Riot, Dokken, and Status Quo. After further lineup changes and a decline in fan interest, Dedringer disbanded in 1985.