In 1978 Ian Gillan had become dissatisfied with the jazz fusion style of his band called Ian Gillan Band and dissolved it, retaining only keyboard player Colin Towns, and formed a new band entitled Gillan. He added Steve Byrd on guitar, Liam Glenocky on drums and John McCoy (ex-zzebra) on bass, and initially pursued a progressive rock direction, releasing their eponymous debut in 1978, although they could only get a record deal in Japan. This recording has subsequently become more widely available as THE JAPANESE ALBUM.
The album was sufficiently successful to attract more attention and in 1979 the band secured a European deal with Acrobat Records. Before a new album was recorded, Byrd was replaced by Bernie Tormé and Glenocky by Mick Underwood, Ian Gillan's former colleague in Episode Six. Torme's "screaming guitar" sound fundamentally altered the dynamics and Gillan took a heavy metal direction. This lineup's first album was released as MR. UNIVERSE and contained many re-worked songs from The Japanese Album. The band caught the rise of the NWOBHM at just the right time and the group gained popularity in Europe. At Christmas Gillan turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, but Blackmore did make a "legendary" guest appearance for Gillan at their Christmas show. It was the first time Ian Gillan and Blackmore had performed together since 1973.
In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the successful GLORY ROAD album with the limited edition "free" LP for gillan fans only. However the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite tours.
By 1981 the band members were becoming disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased pay, and after the FUTURE SHOCK album tour, Torme walked out just before the band were due to appear on Top of the Pops. He was replaced by White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers and this line up releaed the live/studio combi double album DOUBLE TROUBLE at the end of the year. In 1982 final album MAGIC followed. By this time, tension over money had reached fever-pitch and Ian Gillan needed time to have nodes removed from his vocal chords. He also received and accepted an offer to replace Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath. After the Magic tour Ian Gillan dissolved the band to the incredulity of the other members, particularly McCoy, and the acrimony remained into the 21st century.
McCoy subsequently released compilations of studio out-takes to which he had the rights, beginning with Gillan Tapes, Vol. 1, and ensured that revenues were distributed fairly amongst the band.
Demon Driver
Gillan Lyrics
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Look past my eyes
You'll be surprised
Inside this civilized master
There lies a human disaster
You'll see me in the sky keeping control
Avoid my eye
Your lives have been unread
Now you obey the undead
Stand down out of my way
Blue smoke turns you away
I'm trapped here in this tomb
Hell fire here in this womb this earth
I'm the Demon Driver sole survivor
Go to the right go to the left out of my sight
Turn to the east turn to the west turn out your lights
Goodbye mercy happy healthy sunshine heroes
Hello sleepless tortured bodies mental zeroes
Goodbye woman warm as nature laughing living
Hello person colder stranger unforgiving
If you see me in your mind taking control
Release your soul
I'll make you whole
I am the Demon Driver
I am the Demon Driver
Look you millions in line
Eyes up look for a sign
I'm out of this line
Blues smoke leaves you behind
I'm the Demon Driver sole survivor
Close up your hands close up your mouth you've nothing to say
Head for the North head for the South just go away
Goodbye habit boring Sunday Monday slow death
Hello freedom faster freeways clean air sweet breath
Goodbye routine obligation sphincter lotion
Hello mountains trees and deserts sky and ocean
The lyrics of Gillan's song "Demon Driver" suggest that within the seemingly civilized exterior of the singer lies a darker, dangerous personality - the "demon driver." The image of being in control while driving a car or soaring through the sky is contrasted with the idea that those who cross the singer may be met with deadly consequences. The lyrics also suggest a sense of superiority and alienation from those who are "mental zeroes" or "stranger[s] unforgiving," with the singer seeming to revel in his power over others.
The repeated phrase "goodbye/hello" creates a sense of duality and transformation, as the singer looks at the lives left behind and the new reality that he finds himself in. It's a reflection of the transformative power of the darkness within us and how it can change us completely. The song hints at the idea of embracing these dark, primal aspects of ourselves, and the exhilaration that can come from doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
If you see me in my car under control
If you see me driving calmly and confidently in my car
Look past my eyes
Don't judge me based on my appearance or demeanor
You'll be surprised
You may be shocked by what's really inside me
Inside this civilized master
While I may seem cultured and sophisticated
There lies a human disaster
My true nature is wild and unpredictable
You'll see me in the sky keeping control
You may see me piloting a plane, confidently in charge
Avoid my eye
It's best to stay out of my gaze
Or you will die
Looking me in the eye may have fatal consequences
Your lives have been unread
You've lived your lives with a false sense of security
Now you obey the undead
But now that I'm in control, you must answer to me like the undead
Stand down out of my way
Get out of my path and submit to my authority
Blue smoke turns you away
My engine's smoke will repel you
I'm trapped here in this tomb
In my car or plane, I'm both confined and in charge
Hell fire here in this womb this earth
I'm like a supernatural being, controlling my fiery vehicle
I'm the Demon Driver sole survivor
I'm a force to be reckoned with, the only one able to control this machine
Go to the right go to the left out of my sight
Get away from my presence, whether you go right or left
Turn to the east turn to the west turn out your lights
No matter the direction you take, hide from my power
Goodbye mercy happy healthy sunshine heroes
Say goodbye to the comforting, heroic figures of your past
Hello sleepless tortured bodies mental zeros
Say hello to a world of suffering and mental compromises
Goodbye woman warm as nature laughing living
Say goodbye to the warmth of nurturing relationships
Hello person colder stranger unforgiving
Say hello to a world where people are distant and unwilling to forgive
If you see me in your mind taking control
If you imagine me being in control of your life
Release your soul
Let go of your fears and doubts
I'll make you whole
I'll make you feel powerful and in control, like me
I am the Demon Driver
I'm a force to be reckoned with
Look you millions in line
You, the masses of people waiting in line
Eyes up look for a sign
Pay attention and search for a signal
I'm out of this line
I'm not like the others; I'm in a league of my own
Blues smoke leaves you behind
The smoke from my vehicle makes me superior to you
Close up your hands close up your mouth you've nothing to say
Stop talking and pay attention to my authority
Head for the North head for the South just go away
Leave and never come back, whether you head north or south
Goodbye habit boring Sunday Monday slow death
Say goodbye to a boring routine and slow death of the spirit
Hello freedom faster freeways clean air sweet breath
Say hello to a world of freedom and clean air
Goodbye routine obligation sphincter lotion
Say goodbye to dull, mundane daily habits and obligations
Hello mountains trees and deserts sky and ocean
Say hello to the beauty of nature in all its forms
Contributed by Taylor F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.