Dennis Stratton
| Dennis William Stratton | |
|---|---|
Stratton performing with Praying Mantis, with a T-shirt depicting artwork from Forever in Time
|
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Den |
| Born |
9 October 1952 London, England |
| Genres | Heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | Iron Maiden, Praying Mantis, Lionheart |
| Notable instruments | |
| Caparison Guitars | |
Dennis William Stratton (born 9 October 1952 in Canning Town, East London, England) is a guitar player who is best known as a former member of the British band Iron Maiden from December 1979 to October 1980.
Born in Canning Town, London, Dennis Stratton early in life was a promising schoolboy footballer, who was briefly on the books at West Ham United until at the age of 16 he took up playing guitar. A keen fan of the East End music scene, his first serious band was performing with Harvest, who later became Wedgewood in 1973, and included his friend Dave Edwards. After two years he and Edwards, then formed the locally popular Remus Down Boulevard in 1975. "R.D.B." playing to large crowds, touring in support with Rory Gallagher and Status Quo and recording a "live at the Marquee" album with music producer Jonathan King.
Stratton was invited to join Iron Maiden as a second lead guitarist and backing vocalist by Steve Harris after he had seen Stratton playing with Remus Down Boulevard. The band, needing a new drummer after prior drummer Doug Sampson left the band, hired Clive Burr on Stratton's recommendation. Stratton participated in the recording and production of the group's first album, Iron Maiden in early 1980. He has also appeared in the home video recording Live at the Ruskin in early 1980 (released in 2004 as part of The History of Iron Maiden – Part 1: The Early Days DVD set), Iron Maiden's first video "Women in Uniform," the Women in Uniform single, some subsequent single releases, as well as in the band's first appearance on British TV ("Running Free" performed live on Top of the Pops) and the Live!! +one album. Some concert bootlegs exist including a memorable performance at the 1980 Reading Festival. Stratton was also a member of Iron Maiden during their 1980 European tour, supporting KISS. Dennis Stratton left Iron Maiden in October 1980. Accounts of the reason for Stratton' departure vary; Stratton has mentioned that he left due to conflicts with manager Rod Smallwood and Steve Harris. Both Smallwood and Harris said they rated him as a singer and guitarist. Officially the band stated "musical differences" being the reason for his leaving Stratton was replaced by Adrian Smith.
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