Holocaust were formed in Edinburgh in 1977 (initially toying with different names such as Buzzard, Apollo and Preying Mantis). John Mortimer (guitar), Gary Lettice (vocals), Ed Dudley (guitar), Robin Begg (bass) and Paul Collins (drums), the classic Holocaust line up, might not have become a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal household name like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard or Saxon but in musical terms they must rate as one of the Top 10 bands of the genre.
After issuing three 7" singles and the highly regarded debut album ?The Nightcomers? (all on Phoenix Records), Holocaust recorded a live album. ?Live (Hot Curry & Wine)? was taped at Edinburgh's Niteclub in September 1981. However, by then Holocaust Mark I was already history (with main man John Mortimer splitting from the rest of the guys, who continued to release an album under the name of Hologram). Ironically, the live album went on to become Holocaust's best-selling record.
The success of ?Live (Hot Curry & Wine)? was at least partly due to Metallica covering 'The Small Hours' on their legendary ?The 5.98 $ EP - Garage Days Re-Visited?. Even today James Hetfield proudly wears a Holocaust patch on his denim vest.
The vinyl re-issue of ?Live (Hot Curry & Wine)? is limited to 500 copies and contains a four-track bonus single in separate picture sleeve (with 'Lovin' Feelin' Danger', 'No Nonsense', 'Death or Glory' and 'Forcedown Breakdown').
Accompanying the live album, local Phoenix label also decided to issue the complete gig on video tape. A bold move for 1983 (when only established bands released full-length videos). Consequently, the video sold for 29.99 English Pounds (at a time when 7" singles still went for 50 p in the shops).
