Being Scottish and of a more mature vintage, Heavy Pettin is a proper blast from my past. These sons of Glasgow seemed to be everywhere back in the ’80s. I saw them supporting pretty much everyone back then. If it was not Heavy Pettin supporting, back in the early ’80s, it was probably Magnum.
Heavy Pettin – Rock Generation
Release Date: 24 October 2025
Words: Robert Adams
Therein lies the problem. They were supporting pretty much every major rock band who were touring this sceptred isle. Even releasing three very good melodic rock albums, and some major money thrown their way in advertising and tour support, could not push them over the line into the big league.
It was a real shame, as they were a quality band with great tunes and earworm choruses.
Fast forward 30 years, and Heavy Pettin are giving it another go. Chances are, you may have seen them live over the past couple of years supporting the likes of Michael Schenker. There is that word again, supporting. Always the bridesmaid but never the bride.
It is hard to pinpoint the exact reasons why this happened. Like I said, they had the songs, had the look and had a ton of money thrown at them.
The only surviving member from back in their heyday is lead vocalist Stephen “Haymie” Hayman. Like most singers, he has quite a distinctive voice, which I would put in the nasally category. This could put people off the band, although it was not really an issue back in the day.
Attempts were made to get the original band back together again, but the age-old issues of musical differences and personality clashes resulted in Haymie being the last man standing. Joining Haymie are Dave “Davo” Aitken and Richie “St. James” Daws on guitars, David “Boycee” Boyce on bass and Mick “The Wizard” Ivory on drums.
These boys certainly love a nickname, although I am playing loose and fast with the term boys.
Rock Generation is their first studio album in over 30 years, and I find myself pressing play with no small degree of trepidation. The title track is first out of the gate, and it sounds OK. Haymie’s vocals have stood the test of time pretty well, and the music, while a bit heavier than their melodic rock past, still sounds good.
If only the production was a bit more cutting, we would be off to a flying start.
Faith Healer (Kill My Demons) is up next. The “Kill My Demons” probably added to the title so as not to confuse it with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s Faith Healer, which is a bona fide classic. Alas, Faith Healer (Kill My Demons) is not in the “classic” category. It’s not bad at all, but it would be sacrilege to compare it to the S.A.H.B classic.
Again, the production is letting the team down. The technology available to producers these days is mind-blowing compared to back in the ’80s, so there should be no excuse for any rock album not to sound huge.
These songs demand to sound huge, but unfortunately, that is not the case. I work my way through the rest of the album, and my complaints remain. The songs are, on the whole, pretty good, but it is the production that is letting everything down here.
After 30 years away, Rock Generation had to have everything in place to make it big. Songs? Check. Anthemic choruses? Check. The voice? Check. Sounding huge? Absolutely not.
Heavy Pettin are heading out on tour very soon, and yes, they are the support act. This time with those young whippersnappers, Uriah Heep.
The first leg of the tour is in mainland Europe, with more shows to be announced.
The fact that Heavy Pettin have a brand new album in 2025 is truly wonderful. That was never on my music predictions scorecard. They have proved, beyond doubt, that they can still write good melodic rock songs.
It is such a crying shame that the whole album does not sound like it should to my ears. You may feel differently from me, dear reader, and that is more than OK. Music, like any other art form, is subjective and divisive.
This is just my opinion and should be treated as such.
I am overjoyed that Heavy Pettin are back, I just wish the album sounded better. To quote my Scottish friend, Big Gay Al, Rock Generation left me feeling whelmed.
Heavy Pettin release Rock Generation on 24 October 2025 via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders, visit lnk.to/HeavyPettinRockGeneration
