Introduction to Iron Horse
Ironhorse was a Canadian rock band formed in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1979, by Randy Bachman (guitars; former member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive), Tom Sparks (guitar, vocals), Ron Foos (bass) and Chris Leighton (drums). Also in that same year they released their eponymous debut album, as well as their first single “Sweet Lui-Louise.” The single charted in both Canada and the US (on Top 40). Sparks left and was replaced by Frank Ludwig; the band released their second and last album to date Everything Is Gray, soon after its release the Ironhorse disbanded in 1980. Both their albums and all their singles were released on Scotti Brothers label. Ironhorse reformed into Union, with former Bachman-Turner Overdrive member Fred Turner joining in. Bachman, who holds the legal rights of the two Ironhorse albums, is currently having plans to re-issue them along with previously unreleased songs, as well as a reunion tour.
Short career summary on Ironhorse
Canada-based Ironhorse was a rock band formed in 1979. They gained a short-lived popularity during the late 70s music era. The band from Vancouver was founded by Randy Bachman, a former member of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. With Bachman as the guitarist, Ironhorse composed of Tom Sparks (vocals, guitar), Chris Leighton (drums) and Ron Foos (bass).
The band’s short music career and their only hit “Sweet Lui-Loiuse”
Bachman wrote their minor hit “Sweet Lui-Louise.” In April 1979, the song peaked at #36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #26 on the Canadian charts. In the UK, “Sweet Lui-Louise” reached at #60. Throughout the band’s brief career, they had issued only two albums: Ironhorse (1979) and Everything is Grey (1980). Both albums were released on the now-defunct Scotti Brothers label. On the sophomore album, they released the single “What’s Your Hurry Darlin.'” During that time, Sparks was no longer in the band and was replaced by the former Trooper Frank Ludwig. Around that time, Foos left and returned to his previous band, Paul Revere and the Raiders.
Ironhorse became Union after the release of Everything is Grey. Bachman recruited Fred Turner, a former bandmate from Bachman-Turner Overdrive. As Union, they got signed to Portrait Records (CBS subsidiary) and recorded one album titled On Strike.
By May 2013, Bachman already have rights for the two Ironhorse albums. He will be re-issuing those albums which includes several previously unreleased tracks. Bachman is also considering an Ironhorse reunion to embark on a tour to finance the new album.
Short career summary on Ironhorse
Canada-based Ironhorse was a rock band formed in 1979. They gained a short-lived popularity during the late 70s music scene. The band from Vancouver was founded by Randy Bachman, a former member of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. With Bachman as the guitarist, Ironhorse composed of Tom Sparks (vocals, guitar), Chris Leighton (drums) and Ron Foos (bass).
The band’s short music career and their only hit “Sweet Lui-Loiuse”
Bachman wrote their minor hit “Sweet Lui-Louise.” In April 1979, the song peaked at #36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #26 on the Canadian charts. In the UK, “Sweet Lui-Louise” reached at #60. Throughout the band’s brief career, they had issued only two albums: Ironhorse (1979) and Everything is Grey (1980). Both albums were released on the now-defunct Scotti Brothers label. On the sophomore album, they released the single “What’s Your Hurry Darlin.'” During that time, Sparks was no longer in the band and was replaced by the former Trooper Frank Ludwig. Around that time, Foos left and returned to his previous band, Paul Revere and the Raiders.
Ironhorse became Union after the release of Everything is Grey. Bachman recruited Fred Turner, a former bandmate from Bachman-Turner Overdrive. As Union, they got signed to Portrait Records (CBS subsidiary) and recorded one album titled On Strike.
By May 2013, Bachman already have rights for the two Ironhorse albums. He will be re-issuing those albums which includes several previously unreleased tracks. Bachman is also considering an Ironhorse reunion to embark on a tour to finance the new album.
Ironhorse discography (list may not be complete)
EP’s:
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, 1979)
- A: One And Only [Mono]
- B: One And Only [Stereo]
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, March 1979)
- A: Sweet Lui-Louise [Mono]
- B: Sweet Lui-Louise [Stereo]
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, March 1979)
- A: Sweet Lui-Louise
- B: Watch Me Fly
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, April 1980)
- A: What´s Your Hurry Darlin´
- B: Try A Little Harder
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, April 1980)
A: What’s Your Hurry Darlin’ [Short Version]
B: What’s Your Hurry Darlin’ [Long Version]
LP’s
Ironhorse (Scotti Brothers, 1979)
- “One and Only” (Bachman) – 3:32
- “Sweet Lui-Louise” (Bachman) – 3:11
- “Jump Back in the Light” (Bachman) – 3:11
- “You Gotta Let Go” (Bachman) – 4:00
- “Tumbleweed” – 3:19
- “Stateline Blues” – 3:47
- “Watch Me Fly” – 3:41
- “Old Fashioned” – 3:10
- “She’s Got It” – 3:12
- “There Ain’t No Cure” 3:57
Everything is Grey (Scotti Brothers, 1980)
- “What’s Your Hurry Darlin'” – 4:28
- “Everything is Grey” – 4:09
- “Symphony” – 3:24
- “Only Way to Fly” – 3:56
- “Try A Little Harder” – 3:30
- “I’m Hurtin’ Inside” – 3:59
- “Playin’ That Same Old Song” – 3:50
- “Railroad Love” – 3:40
- “Somewhere, Sometime” – 3:55
- “Keep Your Motor Running” – 3:44