Hartlepool based WHITE SPIRIT formed as far back as 1975. Various tracks appear on compilation albums including 'High Upon High' on the EMI 'Metal For Muthas Volume II' and 'Red Skies' on the EMI 'Muthas Pride' EP. WHITE SPIRIT tracks can also be found on the Neat Records compilation album 'Lead Weight'. The band benefited, as did TYGERS OF PAN TANG, from an affiliation between their independent label Neat and MCA Records, the latter signing them directly in 1981.

Following the release of the eponymous 1981 album the band split with original vocalist Bruce 'Ruff' Walker and guitarist Janick Gers. Gers was to join GILLAN replacing BERNIE TORMÉ and would eventually find himself within the ranks of IRON MAIDEN thanks to a spell with BRUCE DICKINSON's solo outfit.

WHITE SPIRIT meanwhile resurfaced soon after in 1982 with ex-AXIS guitarist Mick Tucker, who later joined TANK as did drummer Graeme Crallen. Bass was in the hands of Phil Brady of AXIS. The group subsequently added Toby Sadler on keyboards whilst Ruff's position was taken by ex-SHY vocalist BRIAN HOWE.

Howe later went on to stateside success first with TED NUGENT then BAD COMPANY, scoring platinum album sales in North America with the latter. Sadler teamed up with AIRRACE then reunited with Pearson in the LISA DOMINIQUE band during 1987. Later the same year Sadler became keyboard player for SAMSON. Crallen, after a stint with BRITTON, reunited with Sadler forming PANAMA in 1987.

In 2005 the Sanctuary label, home to IRON MAIDEN and Janick Gers, re-issued the WHITE SPIRIT album, adding a multitude of bonus tracks. Included on the double disc set would be alternate versions, singles B sides, the 'Muthas Pride' version of 'Red Skies' and a disc comprising ten previously unreleased demos.

Drummer Graeme Crallan died on 27th July 2008 after hitting his head on a pavement while having a fit. The musician was standing outside his home at the corner of York Way and Wharfdale Road in King's Cross when a sudden fit took hold of his body. He was taken to Whittington Hospital in Archway and then transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.