Brilliant band. During the mid ‘80s, Francis Dunnery’s astounding guitar playing struck terror into the hearts of many a young guitarist. And inspired just as many more to ever greater heights. Imagine the tin-eared dopes who couldn’t see how insanely talented these guys were? True originals, who sneaked the prog into pop music. If they were around today they’d be feted. Thank goodness the younger generation of music lovers don’t have to put with being talked down to by the gatekeepers of cool. Hurray for RUclips, etc. Thanks for the upload.
@@mattiemclean9882 they were a great band very tight. But your intitled to your own opinion. How can you just say they were shit with ( i could be wrong ) without listening to all their stuff
My Lord, he's joyful, just above and beyond most of what i hear on the radio today, he's fresh, great musicianship, wonderful, like a love affair you go over the mountain and back, if you want to feel better, give this a listen to! Terri Leckner, Montreal
Another fantastic 80's gem that you rarely hear played on the radio these days. I don't know how people can say today's music is better than this. I'm not saying all today's music is shite but most of it is a far cry from this!
Er...cos it's not a classic tune. Always one of the more dumber things the 80s had the nerve to give us, and the unedited one is even worse-cos its unedited.
Well, I agree...it IS a classic. A lesser known one perhaps but for those of us who lived through (and adored) the 80s while adolescents...this evokes wonderful memories. Maybe that's the definition of a classic? A song that takes you back to great times, effortlessly.
This is one of my favourite songs from the 1980's. The song composition was very different from others of that time. I like short stop-shout-into break part of the track and its rejoining. Still got the 7 inch' 45rpm vinyl single. Excellent!
Sounds like it might have been produced by one of the really interesting producers like Tony Mansfield or Trevor Horn, although I don't think it was. I agree about it having an interesting structure, particularly that instrumental section in the middle.
@@ajs41 - Due to your comment, I searched and found that Alan Shacklock produced this individual stand out track of the 80's! And oh yes! The instrumental section in the middle makes the song POP! Bless
OMG! I heard this on the radio yesterday. I recognised the song but couldnt for the life of me remember the band. The DJ said 'It Bites'. Used to feckin love It Bites and had a huge, huge crush on Francis Dunnery back in the day. Luv nostalgic moments like that😍😍
In fairness,West Ham did achieve their best ever league finish - 3rd - in 1986. This song was a hit in the later half of that summer so the match in question must have been at the start of the 1986-87 season that followed,in which they started very well but faded mid-way through if I remember rightly (and I'm not a West Ham fan). Thus reviving the old adage about the West Ham teams of the 80s that they came down with the Christmas decorations.
Great song, great band. Dunnery is class. Great video too, just young lads having a whale of a time. Zed Stead, doesn't matter how high he's holding the guitar, Dunnery can sure play it. If you were a musician at all you would understand that.
Heard this song for the first time on the syndicated program ROCK OVER LONDON with Graham Deene and Pauline Brandt. Intrigued me enough to go out the next day and buy the cassette of THE BIG LAD IN THE WINDMILL. First listen, absolutely knocked me out....didn't know then it would be one of my favorite albums of the 80s, easily in my Top 5. Francis Dunnery was an amazing singer, songwriter & guitarist, and the 2 releases that followed their first one--the EP entitled ONCE AROUND THE WORLD and EAT ME IN ST. LOUIS--only cemented the fact that they were a formidable band that deserved so much more success than they received.
@@BNEradio That was one of the "problems" with them, actually problems may be the wrong word, maybe issues??? But their music was constantly changing, unless you were one of the few people in the '80's that liked all music and didn't just stick with metal, SAW or Pop, you would drop them from your play list after the 2nd album you bought. Sadly, they never really went big, but man their live set was fantastic.
Great song, ashamedly almost forgotten. I remember the first ever album I bought was a now thats what I call music compilation from circa 1986 that had this Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and others on it. I must have been about 9 or 10 at the time.
Happy innocent vibes from a grand decade everything perfect in vocal pitch and that drummer is too drawer with the cymbal breakdown a hit for sure shame these guys didn't get more recognition a true gem in a decade that seems to uplift everyone here on you tube a no brained haha
+Eb Neigh Dang, that's nearly my exact memory, I heard it on the radio today whilst driving and it instantly transported me to 86, a 4 year old boy in Blackpool jumping around the frontroom with this blaring out of the T.V. It's weird how I completely forgot that memory until it I hear it again after all these years.
This video did them no favours, i remember watching this when it was released. the song is a mix of Owner of a lonely heart and Run to the hills. I have just seen the new incarnation of It Bites at The Cambridge Rock Festival and was very impressed, enough to buy thier new cd which is fab. I shall be checking out more vids.
Reminds me of 86 first time on a plane going to see my uncle in London British midlands dc9 diamond 💎 service... from N Ireland escaped bombs for a month !! Was nice
This brings back memories of my first car, it had a radio but no cassette player; so I got speakers for my Walkman and kept them on the passanger seat or foot well, all wires and AA batteries in those days.
Seeing the millions of shopfronts passing at a hundred miles per hour at night on a healthy London street (before the advent of Gastro Pubs and Yuppie Cafes) brings it all back. Topped with some great festival drumming and the Harry Potteresque geeky student sounding lead singer singing of 'Holding Out the Fortresses' was a 1986 milestone. One of many top tunes from that particular year in the 1980s. It cries a battle cry with medieval vaguer.
A classic example when management and producers produce a product that sells at the time rather than showcasing the real skills of the musicians. Anyone who plays guitar and watched the documentary ''Twang, Bang, Kerrang'' back in the 1980's will be in AWE of Francis Dunnerys guitar skills, particularly his use of legato.
Dressed in his sports casual attire and leather drivin’ gloves? No clue as to what model he’d be driving but I can still hear the sound of altered air as he pounds that bass and crashes dem cymbals. Running in the Family would be a tasty “Two- in- a -Row. “ Disagree? Join in the debate. Now! Yes. Liquid Football.
I personally think it's a not bad video for a low budget not that much difference between this video and other low budget videos of the 80's. it's a good song pretty much It Bites biggest and only big hit of the 80's I do see the wee similarities with this and Owner of a lonely heart I do think this is it's own song and is a defo a great forgotten 80's classic
The most bouncy song on the planet. Well constructed and recorded song driven by a great rhythm section. Never get tired of it!
One of many reasons why 80s music was the best.
I fricking loved this track... Saw them live 1987 and was one of my favourite drum patterns to drum along too. Awsooooome
Brilliant- as a kid I used to try and mime the fills (mostly unsuccessfully 😆)
Brilliant band. During the mid ‘80s, Francis Dunnery’s astounding guitar playing struck terror into the hearts of many a young guitarist. And inspired just as many more to ever greater heights. Imagine the tin-eared dopes who couldn’t see how insanely talented these guys were? True originals, who sneaked the prog into pop music. If they were around today they’d be feted. Thank goodness the younger generation of music lovers don’t have to put with being talked down to by the gatekeepers of cool. Hurray for RUclips, etc. Thanks for the upload.
They're like a poppier version of 80s Yes
Saw this lot live in Manchester when this was riding high. Brilliant musicians, never understood why they wernt massive
Because they were shit. They may have been good musicians, but it takes more than that to be a great band.
@@mattiemclean9882 they were a great band very tight. But your intitled to your own opinion. How can you just say they were shit with ( i could be wrong ) without listening to all their stuff
@@mattiemclean9882 Pathetic comment
.@@cosmic4795, this guy is a sad bastard that sits by his computer every day as hasn’t got a jot to do.
If I didn't know it was It Bites I would naturally assume it was Harry Hill singing.
They were such a fantastic band.
Had absolutely everything x
Beste Rock und progressivmusik; ihr rettet mir den Alltag; könnte euch stundenlang hören.
My Lord, he's joyful, just above and beyond most of what i hear on the radio today, he's fresh, great musicianship, wonderful, like a love affair you go over the mountain and back, if you want to feel better, give this a listen to! Terri Leckner, Montreal
Another fantastic 80's gem that you rarely hear played on the radio these days. I don't know how people can say today's music is better than this. I'm not saying all today's music is shite but most of it is a far cry from this!
Yes I agree
Cant believe this classic tune has gotten so few views on here. Especially compared to others 80s hits.
Er...cos it's not a classic tune. Always one of the more dumber things the 80s had the nerve to give us, and the unedited one is even worse-cos its unedited.
@@kyachdistent1301 What does classic tune mean?
Wouldn't you agree it is still a good track, by any
standards, whether classic or not?
@@kyachdistent1301 Er ... it is a classic! Lol
Well, I agree...it IS a classic. A lesser known one perhaps but for those of us who lived through (and adored) the 80s while adolescents...this evokes wonderful memories. Maybe that's the definition of a classic? A song that takes you back to great times, effortlessly.
I love and grew up in the 80s, yet only until today got acquainted with this song... 😎
This is one of my favourite songs from the 1980's. The song composition was very different from others of that time. I like short stop-shout-into break part of the track and its rejoining. Still got the 7 inch' 45rpm vinyl single. Excellent!
Sounds like it might have been produced by one of the really interesting producers like Tony Mansfield or Trevor Horn, although I don't think it was. I agree about it having an interesting structure, particularly that instrumental section in the middle.
@@ajs41 - Due to your comment, I searched and found that Alan Shacklock produced this individual stand out track of the 80's! And oh yes! The instrumental section in the middle makes the song POP! Bless
Even though it isn't,now you mention it,it does have Mansfield-esque elements to it.
OMG! I heard this on the radio yesterday. I recognised the song but couldnt for the life of me remember the band. The DJ said 'It Bites'. Used to feckin love It Bites and had a huge, huge crush on Francis Dunnery back in the day. Luv nostalgic moments like that😍😍
I remember standing at West Ham and hearing this at half time, thinking what a great song it was!
Same :D
Better than watching them try to play football.
Well said Bruv !
Can you remember the score on the day at west ham, or just this song at half time?
In fairness,West Ham did achieve their best ever league finish - 3rd - in 1986. This song was a hit in the later half of that summer so the match in question must have been at the start of the 1986-87 season that followed,in which they started very well but faded mid-way through if I remember rightly (and I'm not a West Ham fan). Thus reviving the old adage about the West Ham teams of the 80s that they came down with the Christmas decorations.
I just found this music on you tube, amazing, riveting sounding and charismatic arresting sounding, thankyou Terri Leckner, Montreal
Great song, great band. Dunnery is class. Great video too, just young lads having a whale of a time. Zed Stead, doesn't matter how high he's holding the guitar, Dunnery can sure play it. If you were a musician at all you would understand that.
Wow. Haven’t heard this for over 30 years. What a great song 😎👌
God DAMN I love this track!
Heard this song for the first time on the syndicated program ROCK OVER LONDON with Graham Deene and Pauline Brandt. Intrigued me enough to go out the next day and buy the cassette of THE BIG LAD IN THE WINDMILL. First listen, absolutely knocked me out....didn't know then it would be one of my favorite albums of the 80s, easily in my Top 5. Francis Dunnery was an amazing singer, songwriter & guitarist, and the 2 releases that followed their first one--the EP entitled ONCE AROUND THE WORLD and EAT ME IN ST. LOUIS--only cemented the fact that they were a formidable band that deserved so much more success than they received.
Love this song!!! Love the 80's !!! Just brings back greaf memories and gets your feet tapping 🎉😊❤
Loved this song back in the day plus just watched them live on youtube..wow superb live...
Very underrated band this is a banging tune
Having a 80's nostalgia night, loved this tune as a young lad.
i waited about 5 yrs to listen to this tune again. it was too long, but now i appreciate it even more. 2:58 badass!
Love how high he's wearing his guitar, like a necklace!!
It Bites - Calling All the Heroes
We left you in pastures rarely seen
(Holding out the fortress for a while)
Everyone knew why the calm had been
(Keeping friends among you saves a fight)
In the dead of the night there was movement and shadows
Attacking the women and taking the gold
The men were away and no one could hear them
They still cry today when the story is told
High on a mountain, out searching for gold
Men have had warning of scriptures foretold
Turn around and fight for freedom
You can hear the people screaming
Calling all the heroes
Shooting up the town boys
Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs
Calling all the heroes
They're burning up the town boys
Calling you
Men returned to find their home destroyed
(People rushing round with scars of war)
Babies crying... the aged wounded mourned
(Calling out for someone to hear their prayers)
Five miles away were the thieves and the bandits
Laughing and joking and sickly and crude
They didn't know that the men had come back home
They didn't know they were being pursued
High on a mountain the men looked below
Cooked up a plan that would outwit their foe
They scrambled down the mountain shooting
Reclaimed all the bandits looted
Calling all the heroes
Shooting up the town boys
Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs
Calling all the heroes
They're burning up the town boys
Calling you
Da!
Calling all the heroes
Shooting up the town boys
Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs
Calling all the heroes
Shooting up the town boys
Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs
Calling all the heroes
They're burning up the town boys
Calling all the hero ooo oh ooo ohs
Calling all the heroes
Shooting up the town boys
Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs
Calling all the heroes
They're burning up the town boys
Call all the hero ooo oh ooo ohs
Songwriters: IT BITES
© BMG Rights Management
For non-commercial use only.
Data from: LyricFind
I think Frank yells "Stop!" before the break, not "Da!"
This band was about a lot more than this. Have never understood why they didn't become huge- they had all the elements.
@@BNEradio They should be proud of this effort...
something to tell the grandchildren.
@@BNEradio That was one of the "problems" with them, actually problems may be the wrong word, maybe issues??? But their music was constantly changing, unless you were one of the few people in the '80's that liked all music and didn't just stick with metal, SAW or Pop, you would drop them from your play list after the 2nd album you bought. Sadly, they never really went big, but man their live set was fantastic.
I always assumed this was an American band. British!
Totally, they made lots of great songs.
True but it doesn't hurt to have a hit that just trips up outside the UK top 5.
Brings back happiness from a carefree time in my life x x x wonderful song x
Great song, ashamedly almost forgotten. I remember the first ever album I bought was a now thats what I call music compilation from circa 1986 that had this Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and others on it. I must have been about 9 or 10 at the time.
love it!-Cumbrias finest lads
They were from cumbria where I live. We thought they were great too ❤
Love this song under rated .banging 80s classic!!!
One word encompasses every aspect of this song including production and arrangement. FANTASTIC!
I remember this tune.... I liked it then and still do now .... Oh bring back the good old 80's
Has this been re-released ...heard it loads lately..then again i only listen to 80's music ❤
Never forget this tune, first time I had a joint, great days👍🏽
for me, this track always captures the magic of the 80's in britain. i knew exactly what i was doing when this was in the charts.
DITTO
Magic of Britain? Like Maggie Thatcher?
Whoaaaaaaaa!!!! I can't believe I randomly found you in a youtube comment thread!!!!!!
@@Kevin-rw4yw Yeah, but we all lived in constant hope she'd be overthrown, so that brought the magical feelins, somewhat!!!!!!
@@Kevin-rw4yw yeah Maggie a change was much needed in Britain!
Francis Dunnery is an amazing guitarist.
Happy innocent vibes from a grand decade everything perfect in vocal pitch and that drummer is too drawer with the cymbal breakdown a hit for sure shame these guys didn't get more recognition a true gem in a decade that seems to uplift everyone here on you tube a no brained haha
Brilliant track takes me back to a great place and great memories the 80s!
I didn't think that, in 1986, me having all my He-Man action figures dance to this on a string was anything but serious and celebratory...
+Eb Neigh Dang, that's nearly my exact memory, I heard it on the radio today whilst driving and it instantly transported me to 86, a 4 year old boy in Blackpool jumping around the frontroom with this blaring out of the T.V. It's weird how I completely forgot that memory until it I hear it again after all these years.
That's funny; I used to make Battle Cat and Panthor fight to Steel Claw by Tina Turner around that same time.
òĺóp
My brother was 8 at the time this was released and he also loved it- as did I.
@@jennyn5692 So Barbie and My Little Pony not to your taste i bet you
were a right tomboy!!
What a brilliant song. Love this.
I still have this on vinyl from when it was first released and i am still listening to it in 2020
This should have a few million views! One of the most memorable tracks from my childhood.
love this song and so very catchy ...
CALLING OUT THE HEROS!
GREAT SONG ....GREAT MEMORIES ...THANKS!!
Amazeballs! 😍
This video did them no favours, i remember watching this when it was released. the song is a mix of Owner of a lonely heart and Run to the hills. I have just seen the new incarnation of It Bites at The Cambridge Rock Festival and was very impressed, enough to buy thier new cd which is fab. I shall be checking out more vids.
Don't know how this popped into my head, what a BANGER !!!
I really like this song, for some reason I was reminded of XTC and coincidentally they did record at the manor and were signed to virgin records too!
Heard this on the radio last night - awesome, haven’t heard it for years 😁
Reminds me of 86 first time on a plane going to see my uncle in London British midlands dc9 diamond 💎 service... from N Ireland escaped bombs for a month !! Was nice
Brilliant 👍 an 80s classic sing along catchy tune 👍🎶🎤📻🎸
One of my favourites!
seen them twice in the 80's pure gold ..i miss the 80's
chameleons are the best ...🙏🙏🙏
Great record....that whoa - oh - oh was just what I needed!
classic DX7's / jaspers stand 80's combo - love it!
This brings back memories of my first car, it had a radio but no cassette player; so I got speakers for my Walkman and kept them on the passanger seat or foot well, all wires and AA batteries in those days.
Cumbria's finest.
Omg i remember this song. it just popped into my head - thanx
Fabulous happy times song, Ford Capri's, Tennants Extra and ra ra skirts,, good times tune
such an awesome song
Egremont has a lot to answer for LOL.
Do people from Egremont all have the same teeth?
I loved that song -great song & gorgeous lead singer-I bought the record
Seeing the millions of shopfronts passing at a hundred miles per hour at night on a healthy London street (before the advent of Gastro Pubs and Yuppie Cafes) brings it all back. Topped with some great festival drumming and the Harry Potteresque geeky student sounding lead singer singing of 'Holding Out the Fortresses' was a 1986 milestone. One of many top tunes from that particular year in the 1980s. It cries a battle cry with medieval vaguer.
I still have the 12' single, cover signed by the group, purchased in Virgin megastore Oxford st., just after they played there 1986.
I really miss the Virgin Megastore! 😎😇😔🙏👍
This is class
Actually forgot about this brilliant song!!
it's hugely underrated isn't it?
Stuck in my mind since it came out love it
Marvelous track. 👍 👌
A classic example when management and producers produce a product that sells at the time rather than showcasing the real skills of the musicians.
Anyone who plays guitar and watched the documentary ''Twang, Bang, Kerrang'' back in the 1980's will be in AWE of Francis Dunnerys guitar skills, particularly his use of legato.
I did not know lego was used by guitarists.
classic 80's '4/4 - 6/8' beat. superb.
From right here in Cumbria " gods country " Egremont !
Love this track, so optimistic. And I love the way they're presented as a hip 80's band, but have these metal lyrics.
Hello there Micah : ) yes is the answer they were big in the 80`s but only a few hit singles and videos buddy but great none the less : ) ENJOY!!!!
Instantly know this is 1986 as it was on Now 8! Superb songs of the time.
2:46 That bass section and the synth remind me of theme to Going for Gold
I wondered what you were on about, but you were bang on.
Going for Gold! Omg the nostalgia!
@allisonday893 If you skskived school or were sick or couldn't be arsed to change the channel after Daytime Neighbours, this was where it was at.
Hiya Sellafield Gang - Did you ever rock the "Old Hall" ?? What a place (in the old days)
Go West, The Boo Radleys, It Bites…..and a few more….. 1980’s/90’s…… A great time for music.
Had completely forgotten this, talk about a forgotten 80s classic
Francis Dunnery looks like the happiest man in the world in this video.
think he knew deep down it would be a top song =)
Its amazing what cocaine does
@@keithphilbin3054 t wat
@@user-fh2vx3hd6c cheers Bob !
@@keithphilbin3054 loooooooooooooool
Sounds like it could easily have been the theme song for any sports show then, perhaps even now
i have this on single still and i never get sick of hearing it
2:40 best 😂😂😂 lol
Fabulous band
Love this song - thanks for posting!
blimey last comment was 6 years back,i was a young en back then,i still love this song so much,ill listen till im no longer here,love xxxx
86..where have the years gone.. Love this song.. 🎶🎶
Alan Partridge would adore this.
Dressed in his sports casual attire and leather drivin’ gloves? No clue as to what model he’d be driving but I can still hear the sound of altered air
as he pounds that bass
and crashes dem cymbals. Running in the Family would be a tasty “Two- in- a -Row. “ Disagree? Join in the debate. Now! Yes. Liquid Football.
Had the pleasure of seeing these live many times definitely one of the most underrated bands of the 80s brilliant
Top pop tune.
Even I like the song and I'm 23
I personally think it's a not bad video for a low budget not that much difference between this video and other low budget videos of the 80's. it's a good song pretty much It Bites biggest and only big hit of the 80's I do see the wee similarities with this and Owner of a lonely heart I do think this is it's own song and is a defo a great forgotten 80's classic
A tune as good as this the video is irrelevant.
Totally brilliant xxx
1986 I remember this being released I was coming 7,remember alot really never knew who did it until I was alot older I mean older I'm 44 now..
This song was on the Now 8 album in 1986 (I was 13)
Geordie8UK Very first album I ever bought at the tender age of 10. 😊
1973 was a great year :)
I had now music volume 8 and i was 12 it's hard to imagine it was really 34 years ago
I was only 2
This is soo good. Sigh, I miss the 80's
For sure 😢
Ditto 😇😎👍
A great frontman who loves doing what he does best...
Callin' all the heroes- (we're shootin' up the town, boys!)
Look! Its James May at the drumms!😁
Such a great song
This guy is sooooooo beautiful!!! 🔥