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{{short description|British rock band}}
{{short description|British rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Geordie
| name = Geordie
|image = File:Geordie EMI.jpg
| image = Geordie EMI.jpg
| caption = Geordie in 1973. L–R: Brian Gibson, Tom Hill, Brian Johnson, and Vic Malcolm.
| landscape = yes
| caption = Geordie in 1973. L–R: Brian Gibson, Tom Hill, Brian Johnson, and Vic Malcolm.
| alias = Powerhouse, USA
| alias = Powerhouse, USA
| origin = [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]], England
| origin = [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]], England
| genre = {{Flatlist|
| genre = {{Flatlist|
* [[Glam rock]]
* [[Glam rock]]
* [[hard rock]]}}
* [[hard rock]]}}
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| years_active = 1972–80, 1982–85, 2001, 2018–present
| years_active = 1972–80, 1982–85, 2001, 2018–present
| label = {{hlist|[[Regal Zonophone Records|Regal Zonophone]]|[[EMI Records|EMI]]|[[Bellaphon Records|Bellaphon]]|[[MGM Records|MGM]] (US)|[[Neat Records|Neat]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Regal Zonophone Records|Regal Zonophone]]|[[EMI Records|EMI]]|[[Bellaphon Records|Bellaphon]]|[[MGM Records|MGM]] (US)|[[Neat Records|Neat]]}}
| associated_acts = [[AC/DC]]
| associated_acts = [[AC/DC]]
| current_members = Terry Slesser<br/>Steve Dawson<br/>Tom Hill<br/>Brian Gibson
| current_members = [[Terry Slesser]]<br/>Steve Dawson<br/>Tom Hill<br/>Brian Gibson
| past_members = [[Brian Johnson]]<br/>Vic Malcolm<br/>Rob Turnbull<br/>David Stephenson<br/>Micky Bennison
| past_members = [[Brian Johnson]]<br/>Vic Malcolm<br/>Rob Turnbull<br/>David Stephenson<br/>Micky Bennison
}}
}}


'''Geordie''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|ɔr|d|i}} {{respell|JOR|dee}}) are a British [[rock music|rock]] band from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], most notably active in the 1970s.<ref name="LarkinHM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1995|edition=Second|isbn=0-85112-656-1|page=144}}</ref> With notable hits, "Can You Do It", "Electric Lady" and "Goodbye Love".
'''Geordie''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|ɔr|d|i}} {{respell|JOR|dee}}) are a British [[rock music|rock]] band from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] initially active in the 1970s<ref name="LarkinHM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1995|edition=Second|isbn=0-85112-656-1|page=144}}</ref> with notable songs such as "Don't Do That", "All Because of You", "Can You Do It", "Electric Lady" and "Goodbye Love".


== History ==
== History ==


===Formation (1971–1980)===
===Formation (1971–1980)===
The original (from February 1972) Geordie line-up included: Vic Malcolm (lead guitar), Tom Hill (bass guitar), Brian Gibson (drums) and [[Brian Johnson]] (lead vocals).<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Their first single, "Don't Do That" broke into the Top 40 of the [[UK Singles Chart]] in December 1972.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 225}}</ref> In March 1973, Geordie released their debut album, ''Hope You Like It'' on [[EMI]] label.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Trying to compete with such British [[glam rock]] outfits as [[Slade]] and [[The Sweet|Sweet]] (Geordie supported the former on a UK tour, as well as the latter at a concert at the Rainbow Club, London in March 1973), they achieved UK Top 10 status with "All Because of You" (April 1973) and had a UK Top 20 hit with "Can You Do It" (July 1973).<ref name="LarkinHM"/> They also had several appearances on [[BBC Television]] including 15 appearances on ''[[Top of the Pops]]'', one of which was in November 1972.
The original Geordie line-up (from February 1972) included: Vic Malcolm (lead guitar), Tom Hill (bass guitar), Brian Gibson (drums) and [[Brian Johnson]] (lead vocals).<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Their first single, "Don't Do That" broke into the Top 40 of the [[UK Singles Chart]] in December 1972.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 225}}</ref> In March 1973, Geordie released their debut album, ''Hope You Like It'' on [[EMI]] label.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Trying to compete with such British [[glam rock]] outfits as [[Slade]] and [[The Sweet|Sweet]] (Geordie supported the former on a UK tour, as well as the latter at a concert at the Rainbow Club, London in March 1973), they achieved UK Top 10 status with "All Because of You" (April 1973) and had a UK Top 20 hit with "Can You Do It" (July 1973).<ref name="LarkinHM"/> They also had several appearances on [[BBC Television]] including 15 appearances on ''[[Top of the Pops]]'', one of which was in November 1972.


In the early 1970s, Geordie toured Australia regularly and gained a solid following in [[Newcastle, New South Wales]], due to the "Newcastle" connection and the song "Geordie's Lost his Liggie" gained popularity and airplay in Newcastle. They were one of the regular touring bands to play at the "art deco" Savoy Theatre in [[Lambton, New South Wales|Lambton]]. Their second album, ''Don't Be Fooled By The Name'' (1974),<ref name="LarkinHM"/> including a [[cover version|cover]] of traditional "[[House of the Rising Sun]]", failed to yield a hit.
In the early 1970s, Geordie toured Australia regularly and gained a solid following in [[Newcastle, New South Wales]], due to the "Newcastle" connection and the song "Geordie's Lost his Liggie" gained popularity and airplay in Newcastle. They were one of the regular touring bands to play at the "art deco" Savoy Theatre in [[Lambton, New South Wales|Lambton]]. Their second album, ''Don't Be Fooled by the Name'' (1974),<ref name="LarkinHM"/> including a [[cover version|cover]] of the traditional "[[House of the Rising Sun]]", failed to yield a hit.


After their 1976 album ''Save the World'', frontman Johnson left for a solo project.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> The band's album, ''No Good Woman'', in 1978 consisted of three unreleased tracks with Johnson and new material recorded by Malcolm with future [[Dire Straits]] keyboardist [[Alan Clark (keyboardist)|Alan Clark]], vocalist Dave Ditchburn, bassist Frank Gibbon, and drummer George Defty. Johnson had meanwhile begun to perform as Geordie in a new line-up, sometimes also called ''Geordie II'', in which he was the only original member. The band signed a [[recording contract]] in 1980, but finally folded that spring when Johnson replaced [[Bon Scott]] in [[AC/DC]].<ref name="LarkinHM"/>
After their 1976 album ''Save the World'', frontman Johnson left for a solo project.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> The band's album, ''No Good Woman'', in 1978 consisted of three unreleased tracks with Johnson and new material recorded by Malcolm with future [[Dire Straits]] keyboardist [[Alan Clark (keyboardist)|Alan Clark]], vocalist Dave Ditchburn, bassist Frank Gibbon, and drummer George Defty. Johnson had meanwhile begun to perform as Geordie in a new line-up, sometimes also called ''Geordie II'', in which he was the only original member. The band signed a [[recording contract]] in 1980, but finally folded that spring when Johnson replaced [[Bon Scott]] in [[AC/DC]].<ref name="LarkinHM"/>


===Post break-up and Reunion Tour of Geordie II (1980–2018)===
===Post break-up and reunion tour of Geordie II (1980–2018)===
After AC/DC's lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980, AC/DC chose Brian Johnson (whose vocal talent had previously been praised by Scott) to take over lead vocal duties.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Johnson first appeared with AC/DC on their 1980 album, ''[[Back in Black]]''.
After AC/DC's lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980, AC/DC chose Brian Johnson (whose vocal talent had previously been praised by Scott) to take over lead vocal duties.<ref name="LarkinHM"/> Johnson traveled with the band and producer [[Robert John "Mutt" Lange]] to [[Compass Point Studios]] in The Bahamas to write and record the follow-up to their 1979 album ''Highway To Hell''. This would lead to the release of AC/DC's ''[[Back in Black]]'' in May 1980. ''Back in Black'' would eventually go on to become the second-best selling album of all time.


In 1982, the original Geordie, but without Johnson, re-grouped as a quintet and went on to record an album titled ''No Sweat'' in 1983 with new singer Rob Turnbull and additional guitarist David Stephenson. The album was released on [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] [[independent record label]], [[Neat Records]]. Critically acclaimed but with no major success, they disbanded for the second time. They re-grouped in the middle of 1980s, but Malcolm left, and they later changed their name to Powerhouse, to release an eponymous album in 1986, before disbanding indefinitely.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p17831|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography by Richie Unterberger |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2 January 2009}}</ref>
In 1982, the original members, minus Johnson, re-grouped as a quintet with new singer Rob Turnbull and additional guitarist David Stephenson. They went on to record an album titled ''No Sweat'' in 1983. The album was released on [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] [[independent record label]], [[Neat Records]]. It was critically acclaimed but had no major success. In 1985/6, Malcolm, Gibson and Stephenson left, and a new line up subsequently changed their name to Powerhouse, to release an eponymous album in 1986, before calling it a day yet again.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p17831|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography by Richie Unterberger |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2 January 2009}}</ref>


At the end of 2001, during an AC/DC hiatus, Johnson had a one-off reunion, for a short UK tour, with Geordie's 1977–80 line-up, performing largely hard rock [[cover versions]]. They were known as Geordie II.
At the end of 2001, during an AC/DC hiatus, Johnson had a one-off reunion, for a short UK tour, with Geordie's 1977–80 line-up, performing largely hard rock [[cover versions]]. They were known as Geordie II.
Line 40: Line 41:


===Revival (2018–present)===
===Revival (2018–present)===
Two of the original founding members, bassist Tom Hill, and drummer Brian Gibson relaunched Geordie with a new line-up that includes Mark Wright on vocals and Steve Dawson on guitar. The group launched a YouTube channel with an announcement of the band reformation with plans to record new material. An official band website saw the light of day early 2023.
Two of the original founder members, bassist Tom Hill, and drummer Brian Gibson relaunched Geordie with a new line-up that included Mark Wright on vocals and Steve Dawson of [[The Animals|Animals II]] on guitar. January 2022 saw Terry Slesser of [[Paul Kossoff|Paul Kossoff's]] post [[Free (band)|Free]] band, [[Back Street Crawler (band)|Back Street Crawler]] take over vocal duties. Original guitarist Vic Malcolm is still involved with the band in a songwriting capacity only. The group launched a YouTube channel with an announcement of the band reformation. New material has subsequently been released featuring Terry and is available on most streaming platforms. An official band website saw the light of day early 2023.


==Discography==
==Discography==
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*''No Sweat'' (2002) (re-release compiled with 4 live sessions recorded at the BBC) (Castle Records)
*''No Sweat'' (2002) (re-release compiled with 4 live sessions recorded at the BBC) (Castle Records)
*''Can You Do It'' (2003) (compilation) (Pickwick – Holland)
*''Can You Do It'' (2003) (compilation) (Pickwick – Holland)
*''Unreleased Tapes'' (2005) (12 rare tracks) (OVC Media – Russia)
*''Unreleased Tapes'' (2005) (12 rare tracks) (OVC Media – Russia) **Not Geordie (Tom Hill, July 2023)**
*''The Very Best of Geordie – The original versions'' (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
*''The Very Best of Geordie – The original versions'' (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
*''Keep on Rockin' – The Very Best Of'' (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
*''Keep on Rockin' – The Very Best Of'' (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
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! colspan="7" |Peak chart positions
! colspan="7" |Peak chart positions
|-
|-
!<small>[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=GEORDIE {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14754/geordie/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.officialcharts.com}}</ref>
!<small>[[UK Singles Chart|UK]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=GEORDIE {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14754/geordie/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref>
!<small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]</small><br/><ref name="aus">{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|publisher=Australian Chart Book|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|edition=illustrated|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|page=123|author-link=David Kent (historian)}}</ref>
!<small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]</small><br/><ref name="aus">{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|publisher=Australian Chart Book|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|edition=illustrated|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|page=123|author-link=David Kent (historian)}}</ref>
!<small>[[Ultratop|BE (FLA)]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=ultratop.be - ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/search.asp?cat=s&search=geordie|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.ultratop.be}}</ref>
!<small>[[Ultratop|BE (FLA)]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=ultratop.be – ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/search.asp?cat=s&search=geordie|access-date=2021-06-28|website=ultratop.be}}</ref>
!<small>[[IFPI Danmark|DEN]]</small>
!<small>[[IFPI Danmark|DEN]]</small>
!<small>[[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Suche - Offizielle Deutsche Charts|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.offiziellecharts.de}}</ref>
!<small>[[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Suche – Offizielle Deutsche Charts|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche|access-date=2021-06-28|website=offiziellecharts.de}}</ref>
!<small>[[Irish Singles Chart|IRE]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Irish Charts - All there is to know|url=http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement|access-date=2021-06-28|website=irishcharts.ie}}</ref>
!<small>[[Irish Singles Chart|IRE]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Irish Charts – All there is to know|url=http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement|access-date=2021-06-28|website=irishcharts.ie}}</ref>
!<small>[[Dutch Single Top 100|NL]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dutch Charts - dutchcharts.nl|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=geordie&cat=s|access-date=2021-06-28|website=dutchcharts.nl}}</ref>
!<small>[[Dutch Single Top 100|NL]]</small><br/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dutch Charts – dutchcharts.nl|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=geordie&cat=s|access-date=2021-06-28|website=dutchcharts.nl}}</ref>
|-
|-
|1972
|1972
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| 1982
| 1982
| align="left" |"[[Nutbush City Limits]]"
| align="left" |"[[Nutbush City Limits]]"
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 2022
| align="left" |"Red, White and Blue"
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 2023
| align="left" |"She's My Sugar"
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
| 2023
| align="left" |"See You Now"
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
| — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
|-
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* Dave Robson (bass)
* Dave Robson (bass)
* Davy Whittaker (drums)
* Davy Whittaker (drums)
* [[Terry Slesser]] (vocals; replaced Johnson in 1980)


'''1982–1985:'''
'''1982–1985:'''
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* Brian Gibson (drums)
* Brian Gibson (drums)


'''2018–2021:'''
'''2018–2022:'''
* Mark Wright (vocals)
* Mark Wright (vocals)
* Steve Dawson (guitar)
* Steve Dawson (guitar)
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* Brian Gibson (drums)
* Brian Gibson (drums)


'''2021–present:'''
'''2022–present:'''
* Terry Slesser (vocals)
* Terry Slesser (vocals)
* Steve Dawson (guitar)
* Steve Dawson (guitar)
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* Brian Gibson (drums)
* Brian Gibson (drums)


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:21
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:21
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id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitars value:green legend:Guitars
id:guitars value:green legend:Guitars
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass_guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass_guitar
id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_albums
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_albums
id:bars value:gray(0.92)
id:bars value:gray(0.92)


BackgroundColors = bars:bars
BackgroundColors = bars:bars



LineData =
LineData =
Line 218: Line 231:
at:01/07/1976
at:01/07/1976
at:01/06/1978
at:01/06/1978
at:01/10/1982
at:01/10/1982


BarData =
BarData =
bar:BJ text:"Brian Johnson"
bar:BJ text:"Brian Johnson"
bar:DD text:"Dave Ditchbern"
bar:DD text:"Dave Ditchburn"
bar:RT text:"Rob Ternbull"
bar:TS text:"Terry Slesser"
bar:MR text:"Mark Wright"
bar:RT text:"Rob Turnbull"
bar:MW text:"Mark Wright"


bar:VM text:"Vik Malcolm"
bar:VM text:"Vic Malcolm"
bar:Mickey text:"Mikky Mannison"
bar:MB text:"Micky Bennison"
bar:DR text:"Derek Rutham"
bar:DRoo text:"Derek Rootham"
bar:TB text:"David Stefenfon"
bar:DS text:"David Stephenson"
bar:MM text:"Martin Metcalf"
bar:MM text:"Martin Metcalf"
bar:SD text:"Steve Dawson"
bar:SD text:"Steve Dawson"


bar:TH text:"Tom Hill"
bar:TH text:"Tom Hill"
bar:FG text:"Frank Gibbon"
bar:FG text:"Frank Gibbon"
bar:Dave text:"Dave Robson"
bar:DRob text:"Dave Robson"


bar:AC text:"Alan Clarke"
bar:AC text:"Alan Clarke"
Line 241: Line 255:
bar:BG text:"Brian Gibson"
bar:BG text:"Brian Gibson"
bar:GD text:"George Defty"
bar:GD text:"George Defty"
bar:DW text:"Davie Whittaker"
bar:DW text:"Davie Whittaker"


PlotData =
PlotData =
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
bar:BJ from:start till:31/12/1977 color:lvocals
bar:BJ from:start till:31/12/1977 color:lvocals
bar:BJ from:01/10/1978 till:31/10/1980 color:lvocals
bar:BJ from:01/10/1978 till:29/03/1980 color:lvocals

bar:TS from:29/03/1980 till:31/10/1980 color:lvocals


bar:DD from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:lvocals
bar:DD from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:lvocals
Line 252: Line 268:
bar:RT from:01/01/1982 till:01/07/1986 color:lvocals
bar:RT from:01/01/1982 till:01/07/1986 color:lvocals


bar:MR from:01/01/2018 till:end color:lvocals
bar:MW from:01/01/2018 till:01/01/2022 color:lvocals

bar:TS from:01/02/2022 till:end color:lvocals


bar:VM from:start till:01/06/1975 color:guitars
bar:VM from:start till:01/06/1975 color:guitars


bar:Mickey from:01/06/1975 till:01/02/1976 color:guitars
bar:MB from:01/06/1975 till:01/02/1976 color:guitars


bar:VM from:01/02/1976 till:01/07/1978 color:guitars
bar:VM from:01/02/1976 till:01/07/1978 color:guitars
bar:VM from:01/01/1982 till:31/12/1985 color:guitars
bar:VM from:01/01/1982 till:31/12/1985 color:guitars


bar:DR from:01/10/1978 till:31/10/1980 color:guitars
bar:DRoo from:01/10/1978 till:31/10/1980 color:guitars


bar:TB from:01/01/1982 till:31/12/1985 color:guitars
bar:DS from:01/01/1982 till:31/12/1985 color:guitars


bar:MM from:01/01/1986 till:01/07/1986 color:guitars
bar:MM from:01/01/1986 till:01/07/1986 color:guitars
Line 275: Line 293:
bar:FG from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:bass
bar:FG from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:bass


bar:Dave from:01/10/1978 till:31/10/1980 color:bass
bar:DRob from:01/10/1978 till:31/10/1980 color:bass


bar:AC from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:keys
bar:AC from:01/01/1978 till:01/07/1978 color:keys
Line 311: Line 329:
[[Category:Musical groups from Newcastle upon Tyne]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Newcastle upon Tyne]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1980]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1980]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]
[[Category:English musical quartets]]
[[Category:EMI Records artists]]
[[Category:EMI Records artists]]
[[Category:Neat Records artists]]
[[Category:Neat Records artists]]

Latest revision as of 11:46, 13 October 2024

Geordie
Geordie in 1973. L–R: Brian Gibson, Tom Hill, Brian Johnson, and Vic Malcolm.
Geordie in 1973. L–R: Brian Gibson, Tom Hill, Brian Johnson, and Vic Malcolm.
Background information
Also known asPowerhouse, USA
OriginNewcastle, England
Genres
Years active1972–80, 1982–85, 2001, 2018–present
Labels
MembersTerry Slesser
Steve Dawson
Tom Hill
Brian Gibson
Past membersBrian Johnson
Vic Malcolm
Rob Turnbull
David Stephenson
Micky Bennison

Geordie (/ˈdʒɔːrdi/ JOR-dee) are a British rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne initially active in the 1970s[1] with notable songs such as "Don't Do That", "All Because of You", "Can You Do It", "Electric Lady" and "Goodbye Love".

History

[edit]

Formation (1971–1980)

[edit]

The original Geordie line-up (from February 1972) included: Vic Malcolm (lead guitar), Tom Hill (bass guitar), Brian Gibson (drums) and Brian Johnson (lead vocals).[1] Their first single, "Don't Do That" broke into the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart in December 1972.[2] In March 1973, Geordie released their debut album, Hope You Like It on EMI label.[1] Trying to compete with such British glam rock outfits as Slade and Sweet (Geordie supported the former on a UK tour, as well as the latter at a concert at the Rainbow Club, London in March 1973), they achieved UK Top 10 status with "All Because of You" (April 1973) and had a UK Top 20 hit with "Can You Do It" (July 1973).[1] They also had several appearances on BBC Television including 15 appearances on Top of the Pops, one of which was in November 1972.

In the early 1970s, Geordie toured Australia regularly and gained a solid following in Newcastle, New South Wales, due to the "Newcastle" connection and the song "Geordie's Lost his Liggie" gained popularity and airplay in Newcastle. They were one of the regular touring bands to play at the "art deco" Savoy Theatre in Lambton. Their second album, Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1974),[1] including a cover of the traditional "House of the Rising Sun", failed to yield a hit.

After their 1976 album Save the World, frontman Johnson left for a solo project.[1] The band's album, No Good Woman, in 1978 consisted of three unreleased tracks with Johnson and new material recorded by Malcolm with future Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark, vocalist Dave Ditchburn, bassist Frank Gibbon, and drummer George Defty. Johnson had meanwhile begun to perform as Geordie in a new line-up, sometimes also called Geordie II, in which he was the only original member. The band signed a recording contract in 1980, but finally folded that spring when Johnson replaced Bon Scott in AC/DC.[1]

Post break-up and reunion tour of Geordie II (1980–2018)

[edit]

After AC/DC's lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980, AC/DC chose Brian Johnson (whose vocal talent had previously been praised by Scott) to take over lead vocal duties.[1] Johnson traveled with the band and producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange to Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas to write and record the follow-up to their 1979 album Highway To Hell. This would lead to the release of AC/DC's Back in Black in May 1980. Back in Black would eventually go on to become the second-best selling album of all time.

In 1982, the original members, minus Johnson, re-grouped as a quintet with new singer Rob Turnbull and additional guitarist David Stephenson. They went on to record an album titled No Sweat in 1983. The album was released on heavy metal independent record label, Neat Records. It was critically acclaimed but had no major success. In 1985/6, Malcolm, Gibson and Stephenson left, and a new line up subsequently changed their name to Powerhouse, to release an eponymous album in 1986, before calling it a day yet again.[3]

At the end of 2001, during an AC/DC hiatus, Johnson had a one-off reunion, for a short UK tour, with Geordie's 1977–80 line-up, performing largely hard rock cover versions. They were known as Geordie II.

Rob Turnbull (Dr. Rob) is a member of the band Gadji as of 2013. In 2014, Vic Malcolm formed a new band, Dynamite, with Rick Mort and recorded an album, Rock 'Til You Drop, in 2014 on indie label Tabitha Records.

Revival (2018–present)

[edit]

Two of the original founder members, bassist Tom Hill, and drummer Brian Gibson relaunched Geordie with a new line-up that included Mark Wright on vocals and Steve Dawson of Animals II on guitar. January 2022 saw Terry Slesser of Paul Kossoff's post Free band, Back Street Crawler take over vocal duties. Original guitarist Vic Malcolm is still involved with the band in a songwriting capacity only. The group launched a YouTube channel with an announcement of the band reformation. New material has subsequently been released featuring Terry and is available on most streaming platforms. An official band website saw the light of day early 2023.

Discography

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Studio albums (as Geordie)

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Studio album (as Powerhouse)

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  • Powerhouse (1986) (Ambush/EMI)

Compilation albums

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  • Geordie – Masters of Rock (1974) (EMI)
  • Geordie featuring Brian Johnson (1980) (Red Bus)
  • Strange Man (1982) (compilation) (Red Bus)
  • Keep on Rocking (1989) (digitally remixed & remastered) (Anchor/DCC)
  • Rocking with the Boys (1992) (Australian compilation) (Raven)
  • A Band from Geordieland (1996) (compilation – 24 tracks) (Repertoire)
  • The Very Best of Geordie (1997) (compilation) (CMC/Play records)
  • The Best of Geordie (1998) (compilation) (Platinum)
  • Can You Do It? (1999) (compilation) (Delta)
  • The Singles Collection (2001) (compilation) (7T's records)
  • No Sweat (2002) (re-release compiled with 4 live sessions recorded at the BBC) (Castle Records)
  • Can You Do It (2003) (compilation) (Pickwick – Holland)
  • Unreleased Tapes (2005) (12 rare tracks) (OVC Media – Russia) **Not Geordie (Tom Hill, July 2023)**
  • The Very Best of Geordie – The original versions (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
  • Keep on Rockin' – The Very Best Of (2009) (compilation) (Spectre/Universal records)
  • Greatest Hits (2012) (compilation) (Zebra Studio records)
  • The Albums (2016) 5 CD 66 track set of all five albums recorded by Geordie.

Singles

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Year Single Peak chart positions
UK
[4] 		AUS
[5] 		BE (FLA)
[6] 		DEN GER
[7] 		IRE
[8] 		NL
[9]
1972 "Don't Do That" 32 — — — — — —
1973 "All Because of You" 6 — 6 30 11 19
"Can You Do It" 13 69 30 14 22 — 25
"Electric Lady" 32 — — — 32 — —
"Black Cat Woman" — — — — 36 — —
1974 "Got to Know" (Australia-only release) — — — — — — —
"House of the Rising Sun" (Japan-only release) — — — — — — —
"Goin' Down" (France-only release) — — — — — — —
"She's a Teaser" — — — — — — —
"Ride on Baby" — — — — — — —
1975 "Goodbye Love" — — — — — — —
1980 "Treat Her Like a Lady" — — — — — — —
1981 "Don't Do That" — — — — — — —
"Rockin' with the Boys" (Canada-only release) — — — — — — —
1982 "Nutbush City Limits" — — — — — — —
2022 "Red, White and Blue" — — — — — — —
2023 "She's My Sugar" — — — — — — —
2023 "See You Now" — — — — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Band members

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1972–1977:

  • Brian Johnson (vocals)
  • Vic Malcolm (guitar, vocals) (1972-1975, 1976–1977)
  • Tom Hill (bass)
  • Brian Gibson (drums)
  • Micky Bennison (guitar) (1975-1976)

1978:

  • Dave Ditchburn (vocals)
  • Vic Malcolm (guitar)
  • Alan Clark (keyboards)
  • Frank Gibbon (bass)
  • George Defty (drums)

Geordie II – 1977–1980, 2001:

  • Brian Johnson (vocals)
  • Derek Rootham (guitar)
  • Dave Robson (bass)
  • Davy Whittaker (drums)
  • Terry Slesser (vocals; replaced Johnson in 1980)

1982–1985:

  • Rob Turnbull (vocals)
  • Vic Malcolm (guitar)
  • David Stephenson (guitar)
  • Tom Hill (bass)
  • Brian Gibson (drums)

1986:

  • Rob Turnbull (vocals)
  • Martin Metcalf (guitar)
  • Tom Hill (bass)
  • Brian Gibson (drums)

2018–2022:

  • Mark Wright (vocals)
  • Steve Dawson (guitar)
  • Tom Hill (bass)
  • Brian Gibson (drums)

2022–present:

  • Terry Slesser (vocals)
  • Steve Dawson (guitar)
  • Tom Hill (bass)
  • Brian Gibson (drums)

Timeline

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 144. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). Guinness World Records Limited. p. 225. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ "Biography by Richie Unterberger". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
  4. ^ "GEORDIE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". officialcharts.com. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  5. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 123. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  6. ^ "ultratop.be – ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS". ultratop.be. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  7. ^ "Suche – Offizielle Deutsche Charts". offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  8. ^ "The Irish Charts – All there is to know". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Dutch Charts – dutchcharts.nl". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
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