Pete Gill

Pete Gill was Saxon's drummer between 1978 and 1981, a short spell covering the three albums that define the band: Wheels of Steel (1980), Strong Arm of the Law (1980) and Denim and Leather (1981). Born in 1951, the dry, direct marking that carries "747 (Strangers in the Night)" and "Denim and Leather" is his. He left Saxon after a hand injury that stopped him playing, and the departure could have ended his career. It did not: in 1984 he took over the drums in Motörhead, in place of Philthy Animal Taylor, and stayed until 1987, recording Orgasmatron (1986) and Rock 'n' Roll (1987). That makes two short spells in two of the central bands of British metal, both at decisive moments.