POWERDRIVE

Lead Vocals: Ian Stephen Goddard

Guitar: Lee Trill Branwhite (2)John Jackson (3)Phil Quinn

Guitar: Leigh Norman

Bass: Wayne Bonker Bailey (2)Ben Gallacher

Drums: Martin Creech Goff (2)Brett Alexander Robinson

1983 Ltr - Norman (Guitar) Goddard (Vocals) Branwhite (Guitar) SittingGoff (Drums) Bailey (Bass)

1988 Ltr - Quinn (Guitar) Avok Robinson (Drums) Goddard (Vocals) Norman (Guitar) Gallacher (Bass)

"Powerdrive were your classic NWOBHM rock band. Think Maiden, Saxon, Priest. Believe it or not Powerdrive were formed in 1983 at RAF Honington airbase and rehearsed on the camp using the hall usually reserved for the station brass band. This was because Martin Goff (The first drummer of Powerdrive) was a serving airman. There were actually three Powerdrive line-ups between 1983-1989. The original line-up of Ian Goddard (vocals), Leigh Norman (Lead guitar), Lee 'Trill' Branwhite (2nd guitar), Wayne 'Bonkka Bailey (bass), & Martin Goff (drums). They were managed by father & son, Ron & Paul Bickerstaffe who were instrumental later on in getting the band late night air play on local radio to raise their profile, plus also help purchasing the largest PA & light rig a pub band had ever seen. Powerdive's first demo was recorded in 1984 at Spaceward Studios, Cambridge. 3x tracks: Corpse Terror. We'll Rock 4U, Ride The Storm.

It was inevitable that the band would have to replace their drummer to progress due to Martin Goff's work commitments and he left December 1984. (On good terms I add. He was a good lad).

Powerdrive advertised for a new drummer and couldn't believe their luck when Brett Robinson applied. This was the Mk2 line-up. Brett was ex 'Dreamweaver / Desolation Angels and came with a big reputation. Probably one of the best drummers in the East Anglia. He took Powerdrive to another level. The highlight of every show was the drum solo when Brett would set fire to his sticks and then give it some. Truly brilliant & very heavy metal.

The Band recorded their 2nd demo in 1985 at the Enid Studios, Clair, Suffolk. 3x tracks: Reborn, The Hunted & BJ. 

Things were going well but then sadly for Powerdrive Brett Robinson left the band at the end of that year to join 'Blood Money' (A Manchester band with a recording contract). Powerdrive auditioned a number of drummers but none could match Brett (And probably never could).

After several months in limbo Wayne 'Bonkka Bailey & Lee 'Trill' Branwhite left the band to form Llamedos RiiL. 

Eventually a year or so later Powerdrive Mk3 was formed.(Main Blk/w pic).  A new bass player (Ben Gallacher) and 2nd guitarist (John Jackson) joined. Plus to much hype Brett Robinson returned behind the drums for a second time. 

I think It's also worth pointing out at this point that the Powerdrive story owed a lot to the two core members Ian Goddard & Leigh Norman who gave the band it's distinctive sound and were both excellent musicians in their own right.  

Quick Story: After playing a gig at the Kings Head, Thetford. A couple of Hells Angels drinking at the bar persuaded the band to pack the gear away and follow them to play at a private party. Nervously the band agreed. (No wasn't really an option). The lads followed them in the van to the middle of Thetford Forest where there was a large gathering of Hells Angels. The set was played and Beer was drank.  Nothing got broken.   

Mk1 pic; Standing back. Bonkka Bailey. Ian Goddard. Leigh Norman. Crouching front; Lee ‘Trill Branwhite. Martin Goff

Mk2 pic; Ltr: Leigh Norman. Brett Robinson. Wayne ‘Bonkka’ Bailey. Lee ‘Trill’ Branwhite.  Ian Goddard at the back.

(Branwhite - ?? ) <> (Branwhite & Bailey - Llamedos RiiL)