Grand Slam release the video for “Pirate Song” from the critically acclaimed studio
album, Wheel Of Fortune – out now via Silver Lining Music.
“Pirate Song” is an epic, multi-layered and steamy anthem accompanied by the jaunty video which captures the band exploring
and gallivanting as pirates on the high seas.
“I was filming in Greece for 28 weeks, and the production used to take us out for meals every night where some traditional Greek
players were getting up and playing old traditional Greek music,” offers founding member and guitarist Laurence Archer on
‘Pirate Song’. “I got chatting to one of the guys and asked what these traditional songs were all about. He said they were nearly
all about piracy and the smuggling. I had an acoustic guitar with me I always practiced on. In all Greek music, they basically have
this ‘open drone’ going on in the background, so, I de-tuned the guitar, started doing this thing, and the next thing I know I came
up with the song.”
“Which incidentally marked my first ever one-take,” continues vocalist Mike Dyer. “I sang a live vocal on the demo. I’d never in
my wildest dreams think I’d be talking like this, but I always wanted to do a first take like Daryl Hall. I remember standing in
watching Daryl Hall sing and it pissed me off so much because he’d literally go in there and nail it, one take which is not normal.
The vocal on ‘Pirate Song’ is the first-time take I’d ever sung it, and it stayed on the album. The song was then completed on an
island, far, far away in the French Caribbean, in Guadeloupe when I first hooked up with Laurence whilst he was filming Death in
Paradise… It’s been plain sailing ever since.”
Originally formed in the post ‘Lizzy days, by Laurence Archer and Phil Lynott, Grand Slam’s story is one of persistence and craft.
Ever since the band was cut short in its prime, thus leaving a hole in the fabric of rock music, Archer had been nurturing a long-
term plan to rebuild the Grand Slam machine, and here it is ready to race! Joined by Mike Dyer (Tokyo) on vocals, Benjy Reid
(Praying Mantis) on drums and Rocky Newton (Lionheart, Def Leppard, Michael Schenker) on bass, Archer (UFO, Gary Moore)
honours the traditions of rock and his song writing dynasty, whilst also firing forward into their future at full speed.
Hot from the release of their critically acclaimed sophomore full length, Wheel of Fortune, Grand Slam are ready to ransack
stages around the world kicking-off 2025, all guns blazing, with a string of European dates alongside the legendary Saxon and
Girlschool; more shows are being planned as you read, so don’t miss out!