Ian Hamilton (Overdrive, Witchfynde)

Ian Hamilton is the bass player and vocals for Overdrive and the bass player for Witchfynde as well, he spoke to us about both bands.

Q. - Hello Ian, how did your interest in heavy metal music start? Tell us a bit about the beginning of Overdrive too, how did it all start?

Ian - Overdrive started in 1977. Before then Tracey Abbott and I played in a band called Upex. 1973. We loved Slade, the Shadows, John Fogarty and the Rolling Stones. In 1977 I had a motorcycle accident and was ill for 4 months. When I recovered we were listening to Black Sabbath and deep purple. Loved it. So started playing heavy rock. 

Q. - How was it the heavy metal scene in Grantham? Did you play regularly back then? Or was it hard for a heavy metal band to be booked in the area at that time?

Ian - Heavy rock had a small following in Grantham. We put on our own shows as pubs wouldn’t book us. We supported Def Leppard and Rocky Newton in the Next band.

Q. - Was there any special reason to choose the song "On the Run" for the single?

Ian - “On the run” written by Tracey has lots of great riffs. It went down well at gigs. So it was a natural choice. It had more going on than other straight forward songs eg. Nightmare. We also recorded Louis IX and Rules of the Inn during that session  

Q. - Did the song "On the Run" have air play at that time on radio stations? And how was received by Overdrive fans?

Ian - The single was played on BBC radio 1 by Tommy Vance and John Peel. We had 500 copies pressed all sold within weeks. 

Q. - After the edition of the single, did you get in touch with some labels to record an LP?

Ian - We needed a manger but never had one. After the single we drank too much and the band drifted apart after playing local gigs only.

Q. - During the heydays you shared the stage with bands like Bernie Torme’s Electric Gypsies, Lionheart, Raven, Sparta, what memories do you keep from those times?

Ian - The memories of supporting bigger bands are cloudy due to drink. Laughing in dressing rooms, stealing equipment from the Lionhearts road crew. Many friendly girls. And lots of travelling in the van. 

Q. - You did the vocals for the albums "Dishonest Words" and "Home Sweet Home (A Day in the Life)" why didn't you play the bass?

Ian - We had a break for a few years I joined as singer ... never played bass because there was some else (Roger McKown) doing it. He did a good job. I was happy to be back with Tracey. 

Q. - After 1994, Overdrive began 10 years of hiatus, did you feel the 90's were hard times for heavy metal bands?

Ian - In England heavy metal has a small underground following. Virtually no venues take metal as no money is made. Europe is completely different. Metal is big! 

Q. - The producer Chris Tsangarides (RIP), worked in your last album doing mixing, how do you feel about his passing?

Ian - Chris CT produced our last album. He was a true gentleman. Many funny stories. He made excellent Greek coffee. During our work with him he had health problems but was very dignified and professional. Very sad when someone passes. His talent and generosity is missed. 

Q. - I presume that was an honour for you to take part of a movement as important as the NWOBHM, tell us a bit about those days and the impact it had for Overdrive?

Ian - At the start of nwobhm no one knew what we were doing. All the band were standing in a line waiting for the starting pistol. Then the race started. Like an obstacle course. Some fell, some were tripped. Some crossed the finished line. We are doing a lap of honour for our supporters. We love rock music. Only retrospectively did we appreciate we are part of something bigger. 

Q. - What's your expectations for the future, related to Overdrive?

Ian - Now we want to keep playing for fans who come and see the shows. Without the fans we’ve got nothing.

Q. - Recently you joined Witchfynde, as bass player, how did that happen? Did you you like Witchfynde, back in the day? What is the current line up for Witchfynde?

Ian - Witchfynde were in the race from the early days. I was a fan from “give em hell” days. Tracey Abbott joined a few years back so when Pete retired I got the call. I appreciate the chance to play classic Witchfynde rock songs. These tunes help mould heavy metal via bands like Metallica, who covered Witchfynde. The fans love Witchfynde so the gigs are quite spiritual... the fans give Witchfynde energy. Gra and Montalo are the founder members. Luther Beltz delivers every show... an amazing range, great performer and lively gentleman. Tracey Abbott on guitar, I’ve know Tracey since we were 4 years old. I was a fan of his guitar playing before joining his band in 1973... I still am a fan.

Q. - Are Witchfynde preparing a new album?

Ian - Whilst people want to see Witchfynde we will keep going... new material is always around the corner. 

Left to right: Gra, Luther Beltz. Montano, Tracey Abbott, Ian Hamilton

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Ian - I recently met Peter Oakman , bass player with the legendary Lonnie Donegal. Great man. He told me to... “keep the bass rockin”. So that what I intend to do. 

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!