Fastway

Many early MTV bands seemed to be here one minute, gone the next. In the realm of hard rock/heavy metal, such acts as Vandenberg, Aldo Nova, and Fastway were all briefly embraced by the fledgling network, before eventually disappearing from sight. The latter act had some legit metal cred with the headbanging masses, however, as it included one-time Motörhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke in its ranks, and toured with such heavyweights as AC/DC. The group had no problem taking its Zeppelin-esque boogie from the studio to the stage, as evidenced by the ten-track import release Say What You Will: Live. Although not released until 1998, the performances were actually recorded back in 1986 -- right before original singer (and Robert Plant worshiper) Dave King exited the band. Despite a lineup shift on the horizon, Say What You Will: Live captures all the pizzazz of a Fastway gig from around this time -- especially with a strong rendition of the album's title track (their one and only hit). Also included are such fan favorites as "Waiting for the Roar" and "All Fired Up," and as evidenced by these song titles, it should come as no surprise that this is unmistakably '80s-era arena metal. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide