NWOBHM supergroup LIONHEART has released a new single in time for Christmas called "Mary Did You Know". With it, the band is hoping to bring some much-needed classic rock to the No. 1 spot of this British institution. "We've had years of the same old formula pop songs at No. 1 and we thought it was about time to bring something fresh with a bit more power and punch," said Dennis Stratton, LIONHEART guitarist and one-time member of IRON MAIDEN. "At the same time, we have one eye on the traditional meaning of Christmas, and so have left out the sleigh bells and ho-ho-ho's in favor of something a bit more thoughtful. With the world in such turmoil at the moment, we wanted to bring a positive message across." "Mary Did You Know" is accompanied by the official video and the band has a PR team working hard on securing radio spots. "Plays on the airwaves still count for so much when trying to make a song successful," continued Stratton, "so we decided to get a dedicated team on to this. Of course, we'd love the No. 1 spot over Christmas, but we'll be happy to have it anywhere up there in the official charts." LIONHEART was formed in 1980 by Stratton along with guitarist and keyboardist Steve Mann and bassist Rocky Newton, both of whom were later to play with MSG. Mann is also playing in the current lineup of MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST. The LIONHEART lineup is completed by original drummer Clive Edwards (ex-UFO) and undoubtedly one of the best singers in the U.K. at the moment, Lee Small (ex-SHY). During the 1980s, they toured constantly, selling out the infamous Marquee club in London on repeated occasions, and completing tours with WHITESNAKE and DEF LEPPARD. They also played at the legendary Reading Festival in 1981. In 2017, LIONHEART released its first studio album since the classic "Hot Tonight" record from 1984. Titled "Second Nature", it was hailed by the critics as a triumphant return for the band, and LIONHEART has now headed back into the studio to record a follow-up album. "We have about 10 songs on the go at the moment," added Stratton, "and they are just sounding fantastic. We can't wait to bring this out." Due for release in the spring of 2019, it's already been given the title "Reality Of Miracles". LIONHEART is: Lee Small (lead vocals) Dennis Stratton (lead guitar, backing vocals) Steve Mann (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) Rocky Newton (bass, backing vocals) Clive Edwards (drums)
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