Samsons career goes back to the mid-1970s London pub and club circuit, where early members included future Squeeze drummer Paul Gunn, and ex Zzebra bassist John McCoy. By 1977 the line-up had stabilised with future Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, and ex- Steamhammer, Castle and Tiger Lily bassist Chris Aylmer. 1979 saw the release of their debut, "Survivors", with John McCoy producing and playing bass, alongside fellow Gillan member Colin Towns on keyboards. The Heavy Metal Crusade" tour, with Samson supported by upcoming London band Iron Maiden as guests, alongside with Saxon, Angelwitch and the Nicky Moore Band, is renowned for being the start of what became known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (or NWOBHM for short). By July 1979, the band expanded to a four piece with the addition of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, then going under the stage name of Bruce Bruce. Over the following two years they released Head On" and "Shock Tactics" to critical acclaim, touring with Rainbow, Robin Trower and Uriah Heep. Following a triumphant show at the 1981 Reading Festival , Bruce left for global success with Iron Maiden, joining ex-Samson drummer Clive Burr. Dickinson was replaced by ex-Hackensack and Tiger powerhouse vocalist Nicky Moore for a run of albums on Polydor records.