Shy: Shy

More infectious rock from the band that wouldn’t die.

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For melodic rock fans of a certain age Shy are remembered fondly for major label releases such as 1985’s Brave The Storm and Excess All Areas two years later, plus high-profile supports for the likes of Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf and Gary Moore.

Although they never quite made it during several bouts of activity, now the Brummies are back with Lee Small replacing Tony Mills, last seen with TNT.

Surveillance/Phenomena/Omega man Small comes from a bluesier place than his helium-voiced forerunner but has reigned in a past tendency to emulate Glenn Hughes. Musically and compositionally speaking, Shy have maintained the run of form instigated by the Mills-fronted Unfinished Business (2002) and Sunset And Vine (2005), offering slick choruses, impressive song structures and flashy solos, particularly from guitarist Steve Harris.

However, there are bound to be some who will miss Mills, despite the singer’s Marmite-like qualities.

Dave Ling

Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.