GARY MOAT (BURNT OUT WRECK, EX-HEAVY PETTIN’): “We Were As Crazy As Can Be Back In The Day… Not That Anything’s Changed There”

From Behind the Kit to the Front of the Stage

Scottish hard rockers Heavy Pettin’ formed in 1981. After numerous tours and the release of their first single, the group signed to Polydor Records. Heavy Pettin’s debut album Lettin’ Loose was released in 1983 and it was co-produced by Queen’s Brian May. In 1985 the group returned with Rock Ain’t Dead, but sadly Heavy Pettin’ dissolved after the release of their 1988 album The Big Bang. Today, the music still lives on.

Drummer Gary Moat and his wife Claire have recently acquired the band’s back catalog. Last year saw the re-release of all three Heavy Pettin’ albums on their label imprint Burnt Out Wreckords through Cherry Red Records. On November 27, 2020 the Best of Heavy Pettin’ will be released. The cover features a previously unseen photo of the group taken at The Breaking Sound Festival in 1984. The collection also includes liner notes by Ross Muir of FrabricationsHQ.

That’s not where it all ends for drummer Gary Moat. In 2017 he started his current band Burnt Out Wreck. This time around, Moat is on vocals. The band has released two AC/DC meets Nazareth style albums thus far; 2017’s Swallow and 2019’s This Is Hell. In addition, Burnt Out Wreck has recently collaborated with Lymestone Brewery for their own branded ale, and with Gwatkin Cider for their own branded cider (see links below). I had the chance to speak with Gary about his days in Heavy Pettin’, what happened after the band broke up, his current band Burnt Out Wreck, and his business ventures in the beer and cider game.

Burnt Out Wreck is:

Gary Moat – Lead Vocals
Alex Carmichael – Bass
Paul Gray – Drums
Miles Goodman – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals

Band Links:

Official Website
Facebook
Facebook (Heavy Pettin’)