HEAVY PETTIN' was a highly melodic Hard Rock outfit that issued two commendable albums, made all the more distinctive by frontman 'Hammie' Hayman's quite unique vocal style and press attention afforded by some high profile connections. Unfortunately, following two strong albums, the band took a radical career diversion, which lost them much of their fan base. Formed in 1981 from the Glasgow band WEEPER, an act that dated back to 1975, by drummer Gary Moat, guitarist Gordon Bonnar and bassist Brian Waugh, HEAVY PETTIN' made their live debut supporting the CUBAN HEELS at the Virgin Megastore in Glasgow. The group's initial, three track demo in 1981, featuring the songs 'Love Times Love', 'Speed Kills' and 'Hell Is Beautiful', led to a fair amount of press interest and a short term deal with Neat Records who released the single 'Roll The Dice'. Further label interest wound up with the Glaswegians ultimately signing to major label Polydor Records.

The debut HEAVY PETTIN' album, 1983's 'Lettin' Loose', was produced by QUEEN guitarist BRIAN MAY. Many critics thought the Hayman's high pitched vocals took a lot of getting used to. Still, In 1984 supported KISS and OZZY OSBOURNE on their British tours.

The band returned with the rather patriotic 'Rock Ain't Dead' in 1985. HEAVY PETTIN returned to Europe on September 14th, performing at the 'Metal Hammer Fest' in Loreley, Germany sharing a diverse billing with NAZARETH, VENOM, METALLICA, WISHBONE ASH, SAVAGE GRACE, RUNNING WILD, TYRAN PACE, PRETTY MAIDS and WARLOCK.

The band would not return to British live action until three years had passed when the Scots supported MAGNUM. Unbelievably HEAVY PETTIN' entered the running for the dubious distinction of being the British entry to the 1987 Eurovision song contest with the track 'Romeo'. When it failed to win nomination Polydor dropped the band and shelved the already recorded third album. This record, entitled 'The Big Bang' and produced by Tony Taverner, was later released by indie FM Revolver after HEAVY PETTIN' had split.

Guitarist Punky Mendoza formed the short-lived WILD. 1996 vocalist Stevie Hayman was found fronting CHYLD, a band that released an album entitled 'Saints And Sinners' album.

Hayman reassembled the band in 1998 issuing the independent 'Demos '98' CD the following year.

-- Courtesy of RockDetector.com