History

Back in 1973, Tracey and Ian ignited their musical journey by establishing Universal Peace Express at the tender age of twelve. They embarked on an adventure that took them to working men's clubs across the East Midlands of the UK, serenading audiences with a rocking set that supported them through their teenage years.

In 1977, a life-changing event occurred when Ian was involved in a severe road traffic accident requiring a year-long recovery. During this period, the band's musical direction was driven by a sub-culture of music that was, in turn, driven by political/economic unrest; it was the dawn of metal that grew in parallel to the more prominent UK punk scene of the time. The band re-branded to ‘Overdrive’ during this period (1977). This emerging metal would later be labelled the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).

Overdrive made their mark in 1981 by recording their first EP, 'On the Run,' which swiftly garnered the attention of music publishers. This led to extensive airplay on renowned platforms such as the BBC Rock Show and the legendary John Peel show. The band's fan base flourished rapidly, and they embarked on memorable tours, sharing the stage with rock icons like Lionheart, Bernie Tormé, and Def Leppard.

However, like many NWOBHM bands in the early '80s, fame and fortune only smiled upon a select few. In 1982, the band decided to part ways. They remained in close contact despite the hiatus, eventually reuniting in 1988. This reunion brought them back to the studio to record ‘Dishonest Words’. Though driven by pure passion, the project couldn't sustain itself, leading to another breakup in 1990.

In an unexpected turn of events in 2006, Overdrive's original EP, 'On the Run,' sold for a substantial sum on eBay. This prompted an inquiry to Tracey, wondering if the band still existed, as there was a growing demand for them to make a comeback. With the assistance of George Arvantakis, Overdrive reassembled, participating in the flourishing NWOBHM festival scene that had become a cornerstone of the music community, embarking on a continued European / US Tour whilst releasing the albums Wizard Ridge, Three Corners to Nowhere, and The Final Nightmare, along the way.