First Strike

Though they only recorded a single album, 1984’s Rock Offensive debut for Exit Records, First Strike were one of the more melodically articulate hard rock bands of the mid-80s. Comprising Tony Gunn (vocals), Tim Larkin (guitar), Pat Boylan (guitar), Chris Salmon (bass) and Johnnie Delaney (drums), the group’s disciplined hard rock sound earned initial comparisons to AC/DC and Coney Hatch. Their most distinctive property was the overdriven dual guitar approach of Boylan and Larkin, who also contributed strong vocal harmonies. Despite a series of strong reviews and a limited degree of radio support, Rock Offensive proved to be their sole album.