Former SAMSON bassist and founder member Chris Aylmer passed away last week after a long illness. Chris founded the band with Paul Samson, and not only suggested the band name, but was also responsible for young drummer Clive Burr completing the trio. Chris was in SAMSON from 1977 until 1984, and also played on the 1993 album and tour, and the 1999/2000 shows.

For more information, visit www.paulsamson.co.uk.

Angel Air Records released a SAMSON retrospective CD in April 2006. Entitled "Tomorrow and Yesterday", the album includes an extensive (4,000-word) biography, and a 20-page booklet, featuring many previously unseen pictures.

Paul Samson last CD, consisting of recordings the leader and founder of the seminal NWOBHM act SAMSON was working on in the months prior to his death in 2002, was issued last September via Angel Air Records under the title "P.S...." (previously titled "Brand New Day").

Produced and engineered by Paul Samson at Yds Norwich and John McCoy at the Where? House, Norfolk, the album was completed under extremely difficult circumstances by John McCoy.

"P.S...." features the following lineup of musicians:

Paul Samson - Lead And Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Harmony And Backing Vocals, Percussion
Nicky Moore - Lead, Harmony And Backing Vocals
Ian Ellis - Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals, Backing Vocals
Billy Fleming - Drums And Percussion
John McCoy - Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

Composers include Paul Samson, Nicky Moore, Ian Ellis, Chris Aylmer and Barry "Thunderstick" Purkis.

Samson passed away at his Norfolk, England home during the afternoon of Friday, August 9, 2002 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Paul was 49 years old.

SAMSON had previously featured in their ranks IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson, who sang on two of the group's albums (1980's "Head On" and 1981's "Shock Tactics"), before moving on to fame and fortune with his current outfit.