Praying Mantis

The Brickmakers | 496 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4DY

please note: this is a 18+ event | unreserved standing

Originally formed in 1973 by the Troy brothers, Tino and Chris, Praying Mantis became one of THE most influential bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band is also one of a very small number of bands from that era to have remained a going concern over the intervening years, and to still record and appear live regularly.

The band first came to prominence in the UK through the championing of grass-roots fans and rock DJs, most notably perhaps by Neal Kay at the semi-legendary Bandwagon Rock Disco in North-West London. Mantis appeared alongside Iron Maiden and other seminal NWOBHM bands on the landmark release, “Metal for Muthas”, in early 1980, and went on to tour extensively with Iron Maiden, doing over 100 shows with them in the early years.

The debut Praying Mantis album, “Time Tells No Lies” (Arista) was released in 1981 to critical acclaim, and it remains a significant NWOBHM recording. The band moved to Jet Records in early 1982, but this relationship was short-lived, and on-going problems with record labels and management led to the band all-but disappearing from public view. However, the Troy brothers continued playing, teaming up with Clive Burr (ex-Iron Maiden) in Escape, which swiftly became Stratus. The band’s only album, “Throwing Shapes” was released in 1985 to mixed reviews, and the band quietly folded soon after.

To mark the 30th anniversary since the release of “Time Tells No Lies”, the band re-recorded 5 tracks from their early years as a commemorative EP, “Metalmorphosis”, in early 2011 – classic tracks given a contemporary make-over. The band couldn’t have anticipated the incredible response to this release – it’s been almost impossible to find anything other than rave reviews ! The past couple of years have also seen the band take to stages across Europe as well as visit Japan (where they still have a fanatically strong following).

Whether gigging in support of their latest releases, writing new material for the follow-up to “Sanctuary”, or re-visiting other songs from their extensive back-catalogue, the Troy brothers, along with guitarist Andy Burgess and newest recruits, John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers on vocals and Hans In T' Zandt on drums & vocals, remain committed to the blend of melody and power in their music that has become a trademark of the Praying Mantis sound, and, some three decades after forming, the band is still completely dedicated to entertaining a seemingly ever-growing army of fans across the globe.

Check out the website at www.prayingmantis.rocks for current information about the band, tour dates and latest album.

Please note: we won't be sending out physical tickets or e-tickets for this event. All you need to do is arrive at the venue just before the start of the event with your order transaction number (which is given in your confirmation email) and some form of ID.