From The Vault: Fastway

[A&M SUX]

Since we have many a music-knowledgable/opinionated (I fall somewhere in between the two) Forum Member here, I want to periodically revisit what I believe to be an artist(s) finest or forgotten work, provide some info, and let the debates begin. I'll try to present those recordings in the same vein and time period as Y&T, 1976-1998, only to keep things in perspective. So from the vault.........



Fastway (1983)



I remember first finding this on vinyl. Back then, judging an album by its cover was the thing to do, and the way to make a smart purchase. Its a simple but striking cover: a red, angular logo streaked across a final-lap, checkerboard. But its what's inside that counts, right? Indeed!

Some bands are like runners in that some are for endurance, while others sprint. Fastway was like the latter. A "supergroup" of sorts, Fastway consisted of ex-Motorhead guitarist Eddie Clarke, ex-Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley, ex-UFO bassist Pete Way, and a newcomer singer by the name of David King.

It sounds kind of Zeppish, especially with King singing. But the pace just jams! "Easy Livin'" sounds like it could have been a 'head tune, but King's vocals give it a new dimension. "Feel Me, Touch Me" has great guitar/rhythym section interaction, and "All I Need Is Your Love" simply cranks. "Another Day" starts out with an acoustic guitar/vocal intro until it swaggers another unforgettable riff.

The most popular song on the album is "Say What You Will", also made into a video for MTV. The whole album is kickass and is amazingly still available. Its younger brother, All Fired Up, is long out of print and rarer than a virgin. It is equally as powerful, albeit a bit more bluesy, and also a must.

Fastway. One of the finest, shooting stars of rock.

[hellraiser]

trick or treat is also a cool album

[The Rockin' Donkey]

I don't have this one but I have trick or treat. I dug it. Parts of it reminded me of Great White, which was a band that I've liked since the first time I saw their video for "Rock Me" on MTV.

[QUOTE=A&M SUX]I remember first finding this on vinyl. Back then, judging an album by its cover was the thing to do, and the way to make a smart purchase. [QUOTE]


Funny, oh yeah. Memories come up when I read that. It really went this way! I remember buying an album of Treat (Sweden) someday, maybe their first international release at that time. It was awful! It was "ein Griff ins Klo" like
we germans do say. Can't translate that. But you picked an album for cover art and how the band looked like on the back if you don't already knew their music.

I did't liked Motorhead much, except for some classic tunes. Fastway was more after my taste. I first heard of Fastway in 1986, I think. They played a track called "Little By Little" from the "Waiting For The Roar" album on the radio. And I thought: "cool rythm, cool guitar playin' and fantastic voice". The album overall was not so strong. But I still like "LBL" very much, it rocks!.

The first two albums I got later were really good. I like "Heft" and "Say What You Will" the most from the 1983 release. I was amazed that Fast Eddie could shoot some real great riffs out. And Dave King was an outstanding singer. After the Trick Or Treat soundtrack he was replaced by another vocalist that
couldn't stand up to him. Last thing I knew of King was the release of an album by Katmandu in 1990 or 91, where Dave teamed up with Mandy Mayer (former Krokus, later Gotthard). That didn't gave it to me and there were no follow-up.

The cover art fits very well into the hole concept. For me the flag pattern in contrast with the Fastway logo looks really nice. Even the music reminds of racing.

Yes, Fastway was a fine rock band. What's up with Eddie nowadays?

[bjaramil]

YEAH!!!
I purchased it on cassette, a great album all the way around. I purchased all fired up on cassette, too... and recently some kind of greatest hits. its cover is all blue i believe. minus the solo, i tried to learn every rhythm. they weren't too hard and they all sound soooooo coool...
unfortunatley, back in the 80's when i read every hit parader and circus, the reviews were always about the band, mostly david king, i think, being too drunk to perform....

[Jeff Bricker]

Fastway. One of the finest, shooting stars of rock.With out a doubt!!! I just rebought the cd!!!

[Damone68]

I was just listening to this last week. It is one of my favorite albums, not a weak track. So Far From Home is awesome.

[METLHEDD]

I remember the "talk" going around Alameda (almost better than the web back then lol) about Fast Eddie splitin from Motorhead (never did much for me, few good songs tho) and hooking up with Pete Way of UFO. That was enough for me! Waited on this to come out. Being a big Humble Pie fan was gr8 to see Jerry in too. Before Record Factory could even get the album in we heard rumors that Pete Way was already out! Anyway imho Fast Eddie at his best! A gr8 album, as was the next AFU. 3rd album wasn't as good and the live album ws good but nothing like when I saw IRON MAIDEN-SAXON-FASTWAY Cow Palace!! OMG what a gig! Talked about it a few times here. Still one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Heft, We Become One, Feel Me Touch Me, hell every tack is GR8! No flash no gimmicks just good ol HARD ROCK-N-ROLL!!!!
Rating: 5 LP Headstocks!

METL//David

[RockUFOrever]

Yea Pete's record lable would not allow him to tour or to join the band because of legal reasons.That is why he is not mentioned on the album nowhere as the bass player.just Eddie,Dave and Jerry are mentioned.

Great album,it is a shame the radio only plays Say What You Will around here.

I bought this album after reading that Pete was going to be a part of this album before it was released.Seen the Maiden,Saxon,Fastway here in Big D and it was a Great show just like Dave said.

[mmandy]

Originally Posted by METLHEDD

but nothing like when I saw IRON MAIDEN-SAXON-FASTWAY Cow Palace!! OMG what a gig! Talked about it a few times here. Still one of the best gigs I've ever seen.

METL//David

I was at that show - July 2nd, 1983 - I remember because of all the yahoos shooting off fireworks in the crowd.

After that show, I went out & bought "Denim & Leather" and the "Fastway" album that week.

In 1989, they sent me a demo of some songs for their upcoming album (when I worked at Pasha Records). Pasha passed on them - I even went out of my way to say "you DO know who this is, right ?" The Head A&R guy, Randy, said "yeah - Fast Eddie Clark - "Say what you will". I know. "
Hey, I tried.

They were later released on Enigma. They were 4 tracks in rough form (on a casette - I still have it somewhere) that appeared on their album "Bad,Bad Girls."