Fastway — All Fired Up

intothewellsabyss
Jul 3, 2023
3 min read

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

39 years ago this month, fans were “All Fired Up” for Fastway’s second release!

In July of 1984, Fastway released their second full-length album, “All Fired Up” via Columbia Records. It is the last album recorded with Jerry Shirley on drums and also with Eddie Kramer as producer. It was also the only Fastway album to feature bassist Charlie McCracken.

Background:

When guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke left Motörhead in 1982, few would have expected him to go on to eclipse the success of his former band. Motörhead, although hugely successful as a live act and feverishly lauded in the UK media, had not enjoyed significant record sales in North America (at that time); not unsurprising considering the raw ferocity of their sound. For Clarke this was an opportunity to take stock and build a musical outfit that could break into that market with a far more widescreen approach. It was a smart move as Fastway’s debut album struck gold in the USA, elevating their profile gar beyond Motörhead’s niche appeal.

(All Fired Up Mini LP)

Surrounding himself with a mixture of well respected band members, including former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley, ex-Taste bassist Charlie McCracken and, sparkling new discovery, Irish vocalist Dave King (Flogging Molly, Katmandu), the band immersed themselves in Blues Rock but with a contemporary edge. It was a live sound that won much respect and fitted in nicely with the emerging commercial interest in Hard Rock. Continuing their progress they recorded “All Fired Up”, a record that stylistically mirrored the band’s debut album and was produced once again by industry legend Eddie Kramer (KISS, Jimi Hendrix, Humble Pie) who had so successfully guided Fastway’s previous record.

("Tell Me" Japan Single)

Issued in July 1984, “All Fired Up” was positively received, getting off to a good start and attracting rave reviews. The album boasts a selection of tough, no-nonsense tracks, including such gems as “Steal the Show”, “Tell Me”, “If You Could See”, and the albums title track. It was a record that further enhanced Fastway’s reputation as one of the best band’s of the 80’s. — Derek Oliver [taken from the 2019 Rocky Candy re-release of “All Fired Up”]

A music video for the title-track, was released and it soon received distribution through various channels, including MTV.

The sound of the LP is more Blues-based than their previous album and ended up with more melodic elements. “All Fired Up” had received good reviews, but failed to reach greater success due to the increasing popularity of Glam Metal in the charts that same year. To support the album, Fastway opened for RUSH on their “Grace Under Pressure” tour. After the hardships of touring, Jerry Shirley and Charlie McCracken left the band in 1985.

Critical Reception:

In a review for Ultimate Classic Rock, Eduardo Rivadavia wrote;

"…“All Fired Up” saw Fastway delivering a beyond-solid slate of tough-but-accessible Hard Rockers, among which the memorable title track, “Misunderstood” and a slow-burning blues beast named “Hurtin’ Me” channeled the spirit of Led Zeppelin for the ‘80s. Another highlight, “Tell Me,” seemed even more guaranteed to hit with its passing resemblance to first album standout, “Say What You Will” (both were built around “Fast” Eddie’s deft fretboard fingerwork), but, inexplicably, it did not, joining the remainder of “All Fired Up” in falling short of commercial expectations. And yet, although Fastway’s career prospects would carry on sinking, steadily lower and lower from this point forward, “All Fired Up” remains a staunch favorite of ‘80s Heavy Rock enthusiasts, for obvious reasons.” (From “30 Years Ago: Fastway Release “All Fired Up”)

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “All Fired Up” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/all-fired-up/350190426

Click this link to listen to “All Fired Up” via Spotify: All Fired Up https://open.spotify.com/album/6KDVg3OGLQrohhNLLPigzZ

Click this link to watch the official music video for “All Fired Up”: https://youtu.be/RuqLnzEinzE

Click this link to follow Fastway on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fastwayofficial

Click this link to follow “Fast” Eddie Clarke: https://www.facebook.com/fasteddieclarke10

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Fastway — All Fired Up

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