Tailgunner is an English band founded in 2022. Bassist Tom Hewson conceived the band back in 2018 and recruited musicians from all over Europe via social media. Hewson borrowed the band name from the Iron Maiden song of the same title. The line-up consists of Craig Cairns (vocals), Zach Salvini (guitar), Rhea Thompson (guitar), Tom Hewson (bass) and Eddie Mariotti (drums). The quintet plays heavy metal that is stylistically deeply rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Role models are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motörhead. The debut EP Crashdive, produced by Olof Wikstrand (Enforcer), is released in 2022. In the same year, the band completed their first UK tour under the title "Hell's Vagabonds". On July 14, 2023, the debut album Guns for Hire follows via Fireflash Records, distributed by Napalm Records. The record reached number 50 in the British independent album charts. Shortly before, on July 6, 2023, Tailgunner opens for KK's Priest and former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno in Wolverhampton. In 2024, the band embarks on extensive European tours, including supporting U.D.O. and Riot V as well as Armored Saint in the UK. On February 6, 2026, the second studio album Midnight Blitz is released on Napalm Records, produced by Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing. The ten songs - including the title track "Midnight Blitz", "Follow Me in Death" and the ballad "War in Heaven" with guest musician Adam Wakeman - continue the band's NWOBHM course and at the same time point towards a broader stadium metal sound.
