It Bites Calling All The Heroes

It Bites Calling All The Heroes

[@kevinhogan1819]

One of many reasons why 80s music was the best.

[@stixpooper3704]

The most bouncy song on the planet. Well constructed and recorded song driven by a great rhythm section. Never get tired of it!

[@Kblog777]

Cant believe this classic tune has gotten so few views on here. Especially compared to others 80s hits.

[@kyachdistent1301]

Er...cos it's not a classic tune. Always one of the more dumber things the 80s had the nerve to give us, and the unedited one is even worse-cos its unedited.

[@bossendenwoodconvict]

@@kyachdistent1301 What does classic tune mean? Wouldn't you agree it is still a good track, by any standards, whether classic or not?

[@OggyGTA]

@@kyachdistent1301 Er ... it is a classic! Lol

[@maxharris4208]

Well, I agree...it IS a classic. A lesser known one perhaps but for those of us who lived through (and adored) the 80s while adolescents...this evokes wonderful memories. Maybe that's the definition of a classic? A song that takes you back to great times, effortlessly.

[@beastygeorge]

I love and grew up in the 80s, yet only until today got acquainted with this song... 😎

[@richardsunday1612]

Don't know how this popped into my head, what a BANGER !!!

[@donnabooker5457]

They were from cumbria where I live. We thought they were great too ❤

[@tonyluxton3726]

Very underrated band this is a banging tune

[@ianbainbridge2783]

love it!-Cumbrias finest lads

[@DjPj30]

Another fantastic 80's gem that you rarely hear played on the radio these days. I don't know how people can say today's music is better than this. I'm not saying all today's music is shite but most of it is a far cry from this!

[@kevinsims599]

Yes I agree

[@krisstopher8259]

i waited about 5 yrs to listen to this tune again. it was too long, but now i appreciate it even more. 2:58 badass!

[@TeeBee303]

I fricking loved this track... Saw them live 1987 and was one of my favourite drum patterns to drum along too. Awsooooome

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

Brilliant- as a kid I used to try and mime the fills (mostly unsuccessfully 😆)

[@kevinfenton7043]

Saw this lot live in Manchester when this was riding high. Brilliant musicians, never understood why they wernt massive

[@mattiemclean9882]

Because they were shit. They may have been good musicians, but it takes more than that to be a great band.

[@kevinfenton7043]

@@mattiemclean9882 they were a great band very tight. But your intitled to your own opinion. How can you just say they were shit with ( i could be wrong ) without listening to all their stuff

[@cosmic4795]

@@mattiemclean9882 Pathetic comment

[@mikewest1542]

.@@cosmic4795, this guy is a sad bastard that sits by his computer every day as hasn’t got a jot to do.

[@philipdalton1000s]

If I didn't know it was It Bites I would naturally assume it was Harry Hill singing.

[@staggus]

Love how high he's wearing his guitar, like a necklace!!

[@leehamill4445]

Having a 80's nostalgia night, loved this tune as a young lad.

[@nealc7673]

Reminds me of 86 first time on a plane going to see my uncle in London British midlands dc9 diamond 💎 service... from N Ireland escaped bombs for a month !! Was nice

[@gemsdiamond2002]

I remember standing at West Ham and hearing this at half time, thinking what a great song it was!

[@DLiberator78]

Same :D

[@stephenguppy3466]

Better than watching them try to play football.

[@mikewest1542]

Well said Bruv !

[@richard7645]

Can you remember the score on the day at west ham, or just this song at half time?

[@rjjcms1]

In fairness,West Ham did achieve their best ever league finish - 3rd - in 1986. This song was a hit in the later half of that summer so the match in question must have been at the start of the 1986-87 season that followed,in which they started very well but faded mid-way through if I remember rightly (and I'm not a West Ham fan). Thus reviving the old adage about the West Ham teams of the 80s that they came down with the Christmas decorations.

[@timjeffries6362]

God DAMN I love this track!

[@annemulholland6140]

They were such a fantastic band. Had absolutely everything x

[@pab9ub447]

This is one of my favourite songs from the 1980's. The song composition was very different from others of that time. I like short stop-shout-into break part of the track and its rejoining. Still got the 7 inch' 45rpm vinyl single. Excellent!

[@ajs41]

Sounds like it might have been produced by one of the really interesting producers like Tony Mansfield or Trevor Horn, although I don't think it was. I agree about it having an interesting structure, particularly that instrumental section in the middle.

[@pab9ub447]

@@ajs41 - Due to your comment, I searched and found that Alan Shacklock produced this individual stand out track of the 80's! And oh yes! The instrumental section in the middle makes the song POP! Bless

[@rjjcms1]

Even though it isn't,now you mention it,it does have Mansfield-esque elements to it.

[@toplad73]

Wow. Haven’t heard this for over 30 years. What a great song 😎👌

[@terrikirschenzaft4353]

I just found this music on you tube, amazing, riveting sounding and charismatic arresting sounding, thankyou Terri Leckner, Montreal

[@terrikirschenzaft4353]

My Lord, he's joyful, just above and beyond most of what i hear on the radio today, he's fresh, great musicianship, wonderful, like a love affair you go over the mountain and back, if you want to feel better, give this a listen to! Terri Leckner, Montreal

[@Kblog777]

Great song, ashamedly almost forgotten. I remember the first ever album I bought was a now thats what I call music compilation from circa 1986 that had this Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and others on it. I must have been about 9 or 10 at the time.

[@ganazby]

Brilliant band. During the mid ‘80s, Francis Dunnery’s astounding guitar playing struck terror into the hearts of many a young guitarist. And inspired just as many more to ever greater heights. Imagine the tin-eared dopes who couldn’t see how insanely talented these guys were? True originals, who sneaked the prog into pop music. If they were around today they’d be feted. Thank goodness the younger generation of music lovers don’t have to put with being talked down to by the gatekeepers of cool. Hurray for KZbin, etc. Thanks for the upload.

[@rleriche5044]

They're like a poppier version of 80s Yes

[@biroldjoshan3745]

I remember this tune.... I liked it then and still do now .... Oh bring back the good old 80's

[@ravenhill_night_visitor_1968]

for me, this track always captures the magic of the 80's in britain. i knew exactly what i was doing when this was in the charts.

[@andrewjones3022]

DITTO

[@Kevin-rw4yw]

Magic of Britain? Like Maggie Thatcher?

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

Whoaaaaaaaa!!!! I can't believe I randomly found you in a youtube comment thread!!!!!!

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

@@Kevin-rw4yw Yeah, but we all lived in constant hope she'd be overthrown, so that brought the magical feelins, somewhat!!!!!!

[@myerbarry9912]

@@Kevin-rw4yw yeah Maggie a change was much needed in Britain!

[@debags1969]

OMG! I heard this on the radio yesterday. I recognised the song but couldnt for the life of me remember the band. The DJ said 'It Bites'. Used to feckin love It Bites and had a huge, huge crush on Francis Dunnery back in the day. Luv nostalgic moments like that😍😍

[@lcronkel]

This band was about a lot more than this. Have never understood why they didn't become huge- they had all the elements.

[@bossendenwoodconvict]

@@BNEradio They should be proud of this effort... something to tell the grandchildren.

[@lvthud]

@@BNEradio That was one of the "problems" with them, actually problems may be the wrong word, maybe issues??? But their music was constantly changing, unless you were one of the few people in the '80's that liked all music and didn't just stick with metal, SAW or Pop, you would drop them from your play list after the 2nd album you bought. Sadly, they never really went big, but man their live set was fantastic.

[@knumbugs]

I always assumed this was an American band. British!

[@Coneman3]

Totally, they made lots of great songs.

[@Hulk2k6]

True but it doesn't hurt to have a hit that just trips up outside the UK top 5.

[@dereksidders2084]

Classic from the attic 💯👌1⃣👍👏❤🎉😎

[@willowvc1910]

Brings back happiness from a carefree time in my life x x x wonderful song x

[@sallyharvey1036]

Love this song!!! Love the 80's !!! Just brings back greaf memories and gets your feet tapping 🎉😊❤

[@StevenMeacham-h9l]

Love this song under rated .banging 80s classic!!!

[@fifthof1795]

Francis Dunnery is an amazing guitarist.

[@lewismacleod7099]

I saw these guys supporting Marillion in the late 80's. To this day never seen anyone else wearing a guitar that high

[@Breadalbaneman]

Great song, great band. Dunnery is class. Great video too, just young lads having a whale of a time. Zed Stead, doesn't matter how high he's holding the guitar, Dunnery can sure play it. If you were a musician at all you would understand that.

[@martinward4439]

seen them twice in the 80's pure gold ..i miss the 80's chameleons are the best ...🙏🙏🙏

[@oliaslives6986]

Heard this song for the first time on the syndicated program ROCK OVER LONDON with Graham Deene and Pauline Brandt. Intrigued me enough to go out the next day and buy the cassette of THE BIG LAD IN THE WINDMILL. First listen, absolutely knocked me out....didn't know then it would be one of my favorite albums of the 80s, easily in my Top 5. Francis Dunnery was an amazing singer, songwriter & guitarist, and the 2 releases that followed their first one--the EP entitled ONCE AROUND THE WORLD and EAT ME IN ST. LOUIS--only cemented the fact that they were a formidable band that deserved so much more success than they received.

[@myerbarry9912]

Brilliant track takes me back to a great place and great memories the 80s!

[@SimoneRiegelsberger]

Beste Rock und progressivmusik; ihr rettet mir den Alltag; könnte euch stundenlang hören.

[@alanjones7040]

Loved this song back in the day plus just watched them live on youtube..wow superb live...

[@westerleighwerek1493]

Instantly know this is 1986 as it was on Now 8! Superb songs of the time.

[@tmallo1]

GREAT SONG ....GREAT MEMORIES ...THANKS!!

[@richard7645]

Amazeballs! 😍

[@NickGroves-ov7jw]

Favourite band ♥️

[@m-channel2350PA]

I remember one summer's day in 1986, when i had an unexpected weekend day off work (i did shifts), so i decided to go on one of those "just set out, and find out where you're going when you get there" trips for the day. I lived in North West London, so i decided to get on a London Underground train (chosen semi-randomly, because i didn't usually use that line) and the idea was to "get off wherever the train ended, and explore around from there". The train terminated at Wimbledon, where i knew nobody, and had only ever been there once (school trip, for the tennis, years previously), and the date in 1986 was some time after the Wimbledon Tennis tournament had finished for that year. I wandered around, and found a church fete going on that afternoon, which was unusual in that it offered live music as well as the usual stalls which such events usually offer. The event was in the open air, there was no marquee covering proceedings. As soon as It Bites took to the stage, it started raining, and the band were told by the organisers to get off stage for safety reasons. There was lots of glum faces all round the audience, the whole church fete event looked likely to turn into a wash-out. But within about a minute of going offstage, the boys in the band turned around and ran back onstage, picked up their instruments, and played the most awesome live version of "Calling all the heroes" - as the rain fell down, at risk of being electrocuted. Maybe it was only Divine intervention which prevented one of them being fried on the spot, or their equipment shorting out, or some other disaster. But they carried on playing, and their joyful defiance of the rain lifted the atmosphere, and kind of rescued the whole event. It Bites got the most deserved round of applause i have ever seen at a live gig. Heroes indeed. I never saw any write-up of the event, in the London Evening Standard, the following week. But it was unforgettable, if you had been there.

[@Laserdreamz]

This should have a few million views! One of the most memorable tracks from my childhood.

[@johnking2180]

I still have this on vinyl from when it was first released and i am still listening to it in 2020

[@leemillard5514]

Never forget this tune, first time I had a joint, great days👍🏽

[@traceyjane2010]

This brings back memories of my first car, it had a radio but no cassette player; so I got speakers for my Walkman and kept them on the passanger seat or foot well, all wires and AA batteries in those days.

[@tnecniv1952]

What a brilliant song. Love this.

[@c1p1moore]

Brilliant 👍 an 80s classic sing along catchy tune 👍🎶🎤📻🎸

[@johnryder1713]

Had completely forgotten this, talk about a forgotten 80s classic

[@Driver2616]

Go West, The Boo Radleys, It Bites…..and a few more….. 1980’s/90’s…… A great time for music.

[@bringbackkooga]

This video did them no favours, i remember watching this when it was released. the song is a mix of Owner of a lonely heart and Run to the hills. I have just seen the new incarnation of It Bites at The Cambridge Rock Festival and was very impressed, enough to buy thier new cd which is fab. I shall be checking out more vids.

[@cerealkiller4248]

Heard this on the radio last night - awesome, haven’t heard it for years 😁

[@trevorwilliams6815]

One of my favourites!

[@mr.a8315]

It Bites - Calling All the Heroes We left you in pastures rarely seen (Holding out the fortress for a while) Everyone knew why the calm had been (Keeping friends among you saves a fight) In the dead of the night there was movement and shadows Attacking the women and taking the gold The men were away and no one could hear them They still cry today when the story is told High on a mountain, out searching for gold Men have had warning of scriptures foretold Turn around and fight for freedom You can hear the people screaming Calling all the heroes Shooting up the town boys Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs Calling all the heroes They're burning up the town boys Calling you Men returned to find their home destroyed (People rushing round with scars of war) Babies crying... the aged wounded mourned (Calling out for someone to hear their prayers) Five miles away were the thieves and the bandits Laughing and joking and sickly and crude They didn't know that the men had come back home They didn't know they were being pursued High on a mountain the men looked below Cooked up a plan that would outwit their foe They scrambled down the mountain shooting Reclaimed all the bandits looted Calling all the heroes Shooting up the town boys Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs Calling all the heroes They're burning up the town boys Calling you Da! Calling all the heroes Shooting up the town boys Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs Calling all the heroes Shooting up the town boys Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs Calling all the heroes They're burning up the town boys Calling all the hero ooo oh ooo ohs Calling all the heroes Shooting up the town boys Call all the hero oh ooo oh ohs Calling all the heroes They're burning up the town boys Call all the hero ooo oh ooo ohs Songwriters: IT BITES © BMG Rights Management For non-commercial use only. Data from: LyricFind

[@Hulk2k6]

I think Frank yells "Stop!" before the break, not "Da!"

[@amandam8858]

Omg i remember this song. it just popped into my head - thanx

[@grimandi]

I still have the 12' single, cover signed by the group, purchased in Virgin megastore Oxford st., just after they played there 1986.

[@alexhenderson1312]

I really miss the Virgin Megastore! 😎😇😔🙏👍

[@londonweekend]

Great record....that whoa - oh - oh was just what I needed!

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

classic DX7's / jaspers stand 80's combo - love it!

[@anyamary1]

i have this on single still and i never get sick of hearing it

[@ethanoreilly2002]

I really like this song, for some reason I was reminded of XTC and coincidentally they did record at the manor and were signed to virgin records too!

[@t-rocuk642]

From right here in Cumbria " gods country " Egremont !

[@vinchenzo678]

Has this been re-released ...heard it loads lately..then again i only listen to 80's music ❤

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

classic 80's '4/4 - 6/8' beat. superb.

[@ebneigh5191]

I didn't think that, in 1986, me having all my He-Man action figures dance to this on a string was anything but serious and celebratory...

[@gummybits]

+Eb Neigh Dang, that's nearly my exact memory, I heard it on the radio today whilst driving and it instantly transported me to 86, a 4 year old boy in Blackpool jumping around the frontroom with this blaring out of the T.V. It's weird how I completely forgot that memory until it I hear it again after all these years.

[@jenny5309-k3j]

That's funny; I used to make Battle Cat and Panthor fight to Steel Claw by Tina Turner around that same time.

[@stevenmacdonald229]

òĺóp

[@madgemuso7314]

My brother was 8 at the time this was released and he also loved it- as did I.

[@1414yorks]

@@jenny5309-k3j So Barbie and My Little Pony not to your taste i bet you were a right tomboy!!

[@andrewberridge38]

Marvelous track. 👍 👌

[@sanchoodell6789]

Seeing the millions of shopfronts passing at a hundred miles per hour at night on a healthy London street (before the advent of Gastro Pubs and Yuppie Cafes) brings it all back. Topped with some great festival drumming and the Harry Potteresque geeky student sounding lead singer singing of 'Holding Out the Fortresses' was a 1986 milestone. One of many top tunes from that particular year in the 1980s. It cries a battle cry with medieval vaguer.

[@angelajanem318]

Actually forgot about this brilliant song!!

[@bp6329]

it's hugely underrated isn't it?

[@sarabrown3821]

I loved that song -great song & gorgeous lead singer-I bought the record

[@anycolouryoulike]

Cumbria's finest.

[@elliotevans2507]

Fabulous happy times song, Ford Capri's, Tennants Extra and ra ra skirts,, good times tune

[@ScrittiSparkle]

blimey last comment was 6 years back,i was a young en back then,i still love this song so much,ill listen till im no longer here,love xxxx

[@Sunakfilth]

86..where have the years gone.. Love this song.. 🎶🎶

[@r.o.g.79]

1986 I remember this being released I was coming 7,remember alot really never knew who did it until I was alot older I mean older I'm 44 now..

[@agnewfn1696]

This is class

[@dominewimbury2039]

Sounds like it could easily have been the theme song for any sports show then, perhaps even now

[@deanmrooms8002]

love this song and so very catchy ...

[@richard7645]

CALLING OUT THE HEROS!

[@holmeschapelmouse]

One word encompasses every aspect of this song including production and arrangement. FANTASTIC!

[@thegashman1]

Love this song - thanks for posting!

[@petersharkey8676]

Francis Dunnery lived opposite my auntie..and in the next town to me..It Bites used to play at my school disco/dance nights in the early to mid 80s..class song

[@jenkinjenkins7368]

Had the pleasure of seeing these live many times definitely one of the most underrated bands of the 80s brilliant

[@charlescrisp2814]

such an awesome song

[@LornaLong-lf1qr]

Totally brilliant xxx

[@durango8882]

Fabulous band

[@zedcarr6128]

A classic example when management and producers produce a product that sells at the time rather than showcasing the real skills of the musicians. Anyone who plays guitar and watched the documentary ''Twang, Bang, Kerrang'' back in the 1980's will be in AWE of Francis Dunnerys guitar skills, particularly his use of legato.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I did not know lego was used by guitarists.

[@johngrinham3375]

Stuck in my mind since it came out love it

[@stevewells5450]

Happy innocent vibes from a grand decade everything perfect in vocal pitch and that drummer is too drawer with the cymbal breakdown a hit for sure shame these guys didn't get more recognition a true gem in a decade that seems to uplift everyone here on you tube a no brained haha

[@SirGeezer]

Classic 80 's

[@waubsrocker2043]

Francis Dunnery, the lead singer, went on to contribute music towards such acts as Robert Plant on his solo albums. Great fella.

[@beastygeorge]

This guy is sooooooo beautiful!!! 🔥

[@backspin6698]

This is soo good. Sigh, I miss the 80's

[@FoxyLad]

For sure 😢

[@alexhenderson1312]

Ditto 😇😎👍

[@Tokiofritz]

Love this track, so optimistic. And I love the way they're presented as a hip 80's band, but have these metal lyrics.

[@hbarker5888]

What made me listen to these in the first place was that they only live about 25 miles away, and people locally wanted to support them :_0

[@MARTINBAKER007]

Hello there Micah : ) yes is the answer they were big in the 80`s but only a few hit singles and videos buddy but great none the less : ) ENJOY!!!!

[@zertur]

Look! Its James May at the drumms!😁

[@cosmic4795]

I bought this single ❤️

[@TheDiplococcus]

Everything 80s encapsulated. :)

[@Hulk2k6]

2:46 That bass section and the synth remind me of theme to Going for Gold

[@JohnMiddleton67]

I wondered what you were on about, but you were bang on.

[@allisonday893]

Going for Gold! Omg the nostalgia!

[@Hulk2k6]

@allisonday893 If you skskived school or were sick or couldn't be arsed to change the channel after Daytime Neighbours, this was where it was at.

[@andym28]

Alan Partridge would adore this.

[@HippoYnYrEira]

Dressed in his sports casual attire and leather drivin’ gloves? No clue as to what model he’d be driving but I can still hear the sound of altered air as he pounds that bass and crashes dem cymbals. Running in the Family would be a tasty “Two- in- a -Row. “ Disagree? Join in the debate. Now! Yes. Liquid Football.

[@hogrider9]

One hit wonder, however, what a hit it was. Just like Chesney hawkes the one and only. Good song to sing at kareoke I would have thought.Thumbs u from me.

[@markgray8797]

I love song when I was younger it Brings back memories