Export

Origin: Liverpool (England)

EXPORT

Lou Rosenthal - Harry Shaw - Steve Morris - Chris Alderman

Discography:

Contraband - 1984

Living in the fear of private eye - 1986

Notes:

- A Class AOR act formed in 1980 by erstwhile HARD STUFF vocalist Harry Shaw. Following a self-financed album EXPORT achieved a major American deal with Epic Records releasing 1984's 'Contraband' and, in 1986, the critically acclaimed, Lance Quinn produced 'Living In Fear Of The Private Eye'.

Following the band's demise guitarist Steve Morris produced the debut TORINO album. Bass player Chris Alderman joined DESTINY. Morris, Shaw and drummer Lou Rosenthal forged the short-lived GARTH ROCKETT AND THE MOONSHINERS in 1989 fronted by ex DEEP PURPLE vocalist IAN GILLAN. Lou Rosentahl formed 2AM with ex RAGE vocalist Dave Lloyd. Harry Shaw's son Andy made a name for himself in the late 80s fronting Liverpool's Progressive Rock act THE QUEST, before splitting to join the Morgan Creek Records signed 2 DIE 4, with whom he recorded a solitary album. Andy then turned up back home in Liverpool fronting SAY. -

(Notes by http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/uk/export)

- This obscure, Liverpool based, four-piece defied all expectations by signing to the hugely influential US based Epic Records, whilst remaining virtually unknown in not only their home town but also throughout the entire UK. Not that the deal was undeserved; far from it. Their brand of melodic yet riff-driven hard rock found the band being lauded alongside similar, and huge selling, practitioners of the art such as Foreigner, Journey and Survivor. 

'Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye', originally released in 1985, was the bands second album for the Epic label. Boasting cool song writing co-credits (including master of the art Bob Halligan Jnr.), and recorded in Philadelphia by seasoned producer Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Lita Ford), it presses all the right buttons on the catchy-yet-rugged melodic rock seismograph. The music is loud yet completely accessible and chock full of catchy hooks and expressive vocals courtesy of seasoned vocalist Harry Shaw. 

Despite Export's valiant efforts, Epic Records dropped the ball, allowing this exceptional slice of tough-guy AOR to fall flat on its face in a market that was, actually voracious for product. Truly, this is one album that should never have been allowed to slip between the cracks. Fortunately guitarist Steve Morris would continue the good fight by going on - by way of a high profile collaboration with Ian Gillan - to form underground AOR favourites Heartland and Shadowman. -

(Notes by Derek Oliver)

- Export was a UK melodic rock band, founded by the cousins Steve Morris (currently known as producer for Escape Music and guitarist for Deep Purple, Heartland & Shadowman) and Lou Rosenthal. Being the primary songwriter for the band, it was Morris who took the band into the direction of melodic hard rock. After having won the Radio City’s ‘Battle Of The Bands’ competition in 1990, Export recorded a first (and only) single for Atlantic Records, called “Julie Bitch / Nice To Know You”. When the band started gigging more regularly, original drummer Dave Henry was replaced by Chris Alderman. A little later, Dave Harman (a.k.a. Dave Dee from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich) became their manager and brought their career in a rapid. A second single, “You’ve Got To Rock / Wheeler Dealer” as well as an 8-song album were recorded and distributed (at gigs) through the band’s own His Master’s Vice label. The first big tour was with Slade at the beginning of 1981, but many support slots followed. With Trevor Rabin at the helm, new demos were recorded and that brought the band in New York, where they played showcases for many US labels. That paid off and a deal with Epic was signed. The first album for Epic, “Contraband”, saw the light of day in 1984. Containing 9 songs recorded at various stages in the band’s career, it was a bit of a diverse affair, but got enough good reviews in the US to keep Epic satisfied. For the writing of the second (proper) album, songwriter Morris was flown to New York, where he penned two songs with no one else than Bob Halligan, Jr. (known from acts like Cher, Helix, Icon, Judas Priest and KISS). Two of their co-writings, “Runnin’ Back (For More)” and “Closer To You”, landed on the album, together with two tracks co-written with Max Bacon (Nightwing, GTR) and an impressive rocker written by bass player Chris Alderman (the wonderful “You Make Me Wanna”). Engineered by Neil Dorfsman & Obie O’Brien and produced by Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Lita Ford), “Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye” showed the full potential of this criminally overlooked UK rock band. Unfortunately Epic didn’t push the album when it was finally released in 1986, probably because they had more than work enough with giants such as Michael Jackson and Ozzy Osbourne. -

(Notes by http://www.rockreport.be/review.asp?id=2860)