\m/ 80's metal \m/

After releasing a demo and two 7" singles (the later under the band name Tempest), Smokin' Roadie relocated to Los Angeles, California (US) in 1986. They began playing the live circuit at venues like The Whiskey, Troubador, Roxy, and Gazzari's. The band split up when Rue Phillips joined Bill Ward.
In the late '80s Rue and Lee formed a new band, The Now, and released an album with a lot of reworked Smokin' Roadie and Tempest songs, "Overnight Stay," in 1989.

Smokin’ Roadie hail from out of the heart of the "black country" in the West Midlands, England.

Three young lads pursuing rock 'n' roll formed the band in 1982, touring extensively throughout the UK until their relocation to California in 1986, where they became a familiar weekend act in the Hollywood rock scene.
The album was intended to be released under their name, but circumstances lead to the album being released in 1989 in Japan only, under the band name The Now.

The original masters have been given the JK Northrup treatment and re-arranged to the band’s preference in this 2024 worldwide limited-edition reissue.

A never before released bonus track is included in the 12 track set. New artwork was commissioned and the ever reliable Nello Del’Omo has given the band something they feel represents the true image of the music within.
Smokin’ Roadie describe the album as “A 'memento' from that classic era, from the cutting edge of NWOBHM to the powerful AOR influence of the day.

This release is limited to 500 units only!

Says the band: “This album is dedicated to our Kick ass drummer and old friend Steve ‘Dingo’ Bell. You kick ass thru every track. None of our American Journey would have been possible without you sharing the dream thru thick and thin. RIP my friend. Also to our trusted Roadies thru the years, You all ‘SMOKE’ (Kick Ass) RIP: TAT & Gopher.”