HOWARD JOHNSON (DAWN AFTER DARK): “We Were Amazed To See A Large Number Of People Wearing DAWN AFTER DARK T-Shirts”

A New Dawn Rises

It’s been 32 years since Dawn After Dark released new music. The Birmingham, England quintet released several EPs between 1986 and 1989, but a full album never materialized, eventually leading to the band’s demise. Not more than a month ago, a revitalized and reorganized Dawn After Dark released the single “Maximum Overdrive.” Their second single, Nothing Can Fulfil Me (Without Your Love) was released shortly after. These teaser singles are leading to the band’s first full-length studio album New Dawn Rising. The album is set for a December 4, 2021 release and Dawn After Dark will be playing several local shows in honor of it. I had the chance to speak with vocalist Howard Johnson ahead of the album’s release.

Highlights include

Discussion of the band’s new album New Dawn Rising
What led to the band’s reunion
How they ended up on their old record label
How their record label has expanded
Live performance they have planned for the album’s release
How they managed to get Andy Taylor to produce
Why their older material isn’t available anymore
His time working with Iron Maiden
Online journalism vs. print journalism
… and much, much more!

Dawn After Dark is

Howard Johnson – Vocals
Ollie – Lead Guitar
Russ Frame – Rhythm Guitar
Drew Gallon – Bass
Tony Henderson – Drums

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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