Strength to Strength: A Power Surge

1983 was a good year in many respects. The Project Power was in full flow and the creative juices of Scirocco (Hilman) and Storm produced an endless flow of non stop rock ballads that scared the rest of the music industry. Colin was famously quoted in Kerrang (November, 1983 [the issue where his poodle perm accidently caught fire during the cover shoot due to copious applications of Cossack hair lacquer]) "T' band is a fusion of creativeness and t'artiness, I write t'words and Pete sits and stares int' space. It just works, I don't know why, it just does". After turning down a big money deal to sign up for Warner music Storm stunned the rock world with the release of the bands now infamous gatefold sleeved picture disc 'Captain Salt's Salvation Army Appreciation Society'. The album introduced a young Axl Rose on backing vocals and later was to become recognised by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the most influential albums of all time. After a series of sell out world tours including venues such as Knebworth and Hyde Park the band took a break to focus on media exposure. Storm and Scirocco (Hilman) were not shy in courting the gagging media and numerous appearances on Wogan and Aspel led to international recognition. A South Bank Show special followed along with controversy. Colin was alleged to have struck a stunned Melvin Bragg for misinterpreting the host's question: "Who has the largest collection of bras?". An outraged Storm was pictured being led away from Granada Studios and the press were the first on the scene. The now world recognised headline taken from The Sun "STORM IN A B-CUP" was adopted by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and used as a slogan that appeared across T-shirts across the country. After falling out of favour with the British media Storm and Scirocco (Hilman) moved to Los Angeles where they purchased their now world famous homesteads. Storm has regularly been quoted as stating that "T'America took me into it's warm bussom when the chips were lacking salt and vinegar and I love t'Americans they are reet gradely". Scirocco (Hilman) established his 'Wonderland Ranch' and invited under privileged children from across the world to come and stay. Little is known of what lies beyond the walls of 'Wonderland' as all visitors are asked to sign a disclaimer before entry. Scirocco (Hilman) remains to this day secretive of his private life. The 80's established Project Power as a leading influence in world music. Some say the bands most creative and successful period.