Information/Write-up
Jade was a Canadian heavy metal band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1982 by guitarist Pat “Buzz” Belrose and his brother, manager John Belrose. After touring the western club circuit, the band relocated to Ottawa in 1983 and recorded their debut album Teasing Eyes (Zaphia Records, 1984). The record reached #8 on the Kerrang! UK charts and attracted the attention of Roadrunner Records, leading to a multi-album deal—the first ever signed between the Dutch label and a Canadian act.
Following the departure of original vocalist Roxy Lyons and drummer Ben Michaels, the Belroses recruited Sweet Marie Black (vocals) and Dave “Big Beat” Samson (drums), joining Pat Belrose and bassist Terry Rudd. This lineup recorded If You’re Man Enough (Attic / Roadrunner, 1985) at Quest Studios in Oshawa with producer Robert Connolly (Exciter, Lee Aaron, Santers). Their track “Legends of a Time,” from the same sessions, appeared on the Maple Metal compilation that year.
Jade toured extensively across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, developing a strong following in Québec and abroad. After Black’s departure in 1987, the band continued briefly with male vocalists Peter Rieker and Jamie Lee Saint, releasing a final EP on the Last Music label before disbanding. Teasing Eyes was reissued in 2009 by Maple Metal Records.
Guitarist Pat Belrose later relocated to California, where he formed the band World Jungle.
-Robert Williston
Roxy Lyons: lead vocals
Pat Belrose: guitars, vocals
Lenny Richardson: bass, taurus pedals
Ben Michaels: drums, percussion
Written by Roxy Lyons and Pat Belrose
Recorded at The Dungeon, Ottawa, Ontario
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