R.I.P. - Chris Bradley - November 6, 2025 - Vocals / E-Bass (Savage)

Savage was founded in 1978 in Mansfield, England. They are among the best-known representatives of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Chris Bradley (bass and vocals), guitarists Wayne Renshaw and Andy Dawson, and drummer Dave Lindley formed the first permanent lineup. In 1982, the single "Ain't No Fit Place" led to a contract with Ebony Records for their debut album, "Loose 'n' Lethal." The LP, by Dave Constable, was hailed as "one of England's greatest heavy metal hopes" and sold over 25,000 copies in a short time. The cheaply produced, extremely raw sound was significant for the development of speed and thrash metal. Metallica covered the Savage song "Let It Loose" early in their career.

In 1984, Savage signed a contract with Zebra Records, under which the EP "We Got the Edge" and their second album, "Hyperactive," were released. Due to the lack of success of this LP, Savage disbanded in 1986. Its members remained active in various bands, including Rebel, XL, and a Thin Lizzy cover band.

In the mid-1990s, the label Neat Metal launched a targeted effort to revive the New Wave of British Heavy Metal by releasing CDs by Blitzkrieg, Holocaust, and the Northern Irish band Sweet Savage. Savage also received a second chance from this label and seized it. Their third album, "Holy Wars," was released in 1996.

Savage played their first gig in Germany at the inaugural Bang Your Head festival with Blind Guardian. Several busy years followed for original members Chris Bradley and Andy Dawson, along with Dave Lindley and later Richard Kirk on drums. Andy Wilson, primarily for live performances, helped complete the band as a second guitarist.

Their fourth album, "Babylon," accompanied by a music video for the first time, showcased the band's more melancholic side, and Thin Lizzy emerged as a more significant musical influence than ever before. In 2000, Savage played live at Wacken Open Air. After the stylistic break with their deliberately more modern-sounding fifth album, "Xtreme Machine," which was considered "beyond the tolerance threshold of many metalheads," the band went quiet, though they have not officially disbanded to this day.

Savage - Loose 'N Lethal (1983)

Savage - Hyperactive (1985)

Savage - Let It Loose (1995)

 

R.I.P. - Chris Bradley.

 

Savage - Sons of Malice (2011)

Savage - Ain't No Fit Place (1982)