Vancouver act that started out as a side project but went onto international touring and platinum albums. Without a doubt HEADPIN's greatest strength was the simply awesome vocals of Darby Mills. HEADPINS was put together by CHILLIWACK members Brian 'Too Loud' McLeod and Bernie Aubin. Their main act was in the throes of contractual problems which had effectively put CHILLIWACK on ice so by creating another act the duo could still perform. HEADPINS first 1980 line-up included singer Denise McCann and LOVERBOY's drummer Matt Frenette.

Meantime, Darby Mills had journeyed through New York act BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE and in 1979 joined Vancouver's STEELBACK. The following year McCleod invited her to join HEADPINS. Frenette soon returned to LOVERBOY but the band had their debut recording, a live version of 'Breakin' Down', included on a local compilation album 'Vancouver Seeds Two'. The resulting radio airplay landed the band a deal with Solid Gold Records for their debut 'Turn It Loud' produced by CHILLIWACK man Bill Henderson.

Reaction in Canada was ecstatic with the album soon going gold as the band undertook support shows to PAT TRAVERS and RAINBOW. However, due to the legal problems with CHILLIWACK McLeod and Aubin had to sit out these early dates. 'Turn It Loud' actually gave the band a number 1 album in Canada and Mills was given a Juno award for 'Most Promising Female Vocalist.

The 1983 'Line Of Fire' album finally saw HEADPINS publicly united with McLeod and Aubin as the band set out on a Canadian headline tour with support acts HELIX, ORPHAN and QUEEN CITY KIDS prior to support shows in America with QUIET RIOT, EDDIE MONEY and WHITESNAKE. Back home 'Line Of Fire' gave the band their second platinum record. HEADPINS also put in a European show in 1984 at Germany's Rock pop festival headlined by YES and PAT BENATAR.

A new album was called for but whilst in the studio the band's label went bankrupt. HEADPINS signed to MCA records and got busy again opening for HELIX in Canada and ZZ TOP in America. In down time Mills created Blues Rock outfit DON'T LOOK DOWN.

1985's 'Head Over Heels' found Bernie Aubin supplanted by Mark Craney. The band also adding keyboard player Darcy McDonald. Although now on a major label HEADPINS became frustrated at the lack of promotion and folded. McLeod and Aubin created a succession of bands STEEL, McLEOD and PRISONER whilst Bryant joined Australian Rocker JIMMY BARNES.

1986 found Mills sharing the same table as Prince Charles and Lady Diana as a designated Canadian 'Young Achiever'. Fortunately for the singer Mills had retained a solo deal with MCA and cut her solo effort 'Never Look Back'. However, it would be many years before it's release.

McLeod briefly put HEADPINS back together with vocalist CHRISSY STEELE. The band's debut gig would secure the vocalist a solo deal with Chrysalis Records with McLeod producing.

Mills founded PLAIN JANE before reforming HEADPINS, a union which soon fell apart. In 1989 it was announced that McLeod had cancer. Despite battling the disease McLeod passed away.

Aubin and Mills kept themselves occupied with a covers band before putting HEADPINS back together. Bryant rejoined in 1999. Mills also tours billed as THREE BROAD NIGHT, a show in which she takes on the personas of Bette Midler, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin.