A stylish melodic Hard Rock act, NIGHTWING was heavy on the keyboards, although there was a noticeable emphasis towards heavier guitar as each album progressed. Bassist Gordon Rowley formed NIGHTWING in 1980 upon the demise of his former mid 70s trio STRIFE, a band that had left a cult legacy and two albums in 'Rush' and 'Back To Thunder'. Interestingly, in between these two acts Rowley was actually a member of Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW for one day before being sacked.

NIGHTWING was originally assembled as a studio project whilst Rowley was working in Los Angeles as a recording engineer. During this time Rowley worked with such luminaries as CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH, THE EAGLES and JOE WALSH.

Chicago based Ovation Records heard a Rowley demo track, 'Barrel Of Pain', a Graham Nash composition, and signed NIGHTWING. The resulting 'Something In The Air' album was more of a studio project and featured three drummers - including ex-STEVE JOHNSON BAND Steve Bartley, John Mylett of NUTZ and STRIFE's Paul Ellison. Joining them in the studio were guitarist Alec Johnson, also ex-STEVE JOHNSON BAND, and former NUTZ keyboard player Kenny Newton NIGHTWING managed one showcase American gig at the Anaheim Convention Center in California before Ovation Records went bust.

By 1982's 'Black Summer' NIGHTWING had gelled into more of a band unit, signing a deal with David Howells' Gull Records and toured supporting GILLAN that year. 'Black Summer' raised their status considerably, even denting the top ten in Germany.

Ex-MOBY DICK vocalist MAX BACON was found in bizarre circumstances. On the lookout for a singer, guitarist Alec Johnson spotted Bacon delivering his milk every day and suggested he audition for the band. Leaving his job as a milkman behind, Bacon joined to take over lead vocal duties from Rowley on the 1983 'Stand And Be Counted' album and debuted live with the band at the Wiesen festival in Austria.

Both 'Black Summer' and 'Stand Up And Be Counted' albums proved strong sellers in Europe, gaining the band gold discs in Yugoslavia and Sweden. In the former territory NIGHTWING were a major act, playing to over 25,000 people on a 1985 tour. Rowley had also made himself a name as a producer in the territory too, manning the desk for the KERBER debut 'Nebo Je Malo Aa Sve'.

The 'My Kingdom Come' record was co-produced by GENESIS guitarist STEVE HACKETT together with Rowley, although a blow was struck when Bacon announced he was quitting just as the album was being mixed. The erstwhile singer duly linked up with BRONZ and later to find platinum success in America with GTR. Undaunted, NIGHTWING pulled in ex-DAYS OF GRACE vocalist David Evans and the group toured extensively across Europe and America to promote its release.

Alec Johnson decamped after the record appeared in 1984 and this vacancy was filled by Glynn Porrino, previously with HARVEST MOON, although after a live album in 1985 the next studio record was only issued in eastern Europe and Yugoslavia. Upon its completion Evans left to perform on the 'Opportunity Knocks' TV talent contest under the assumed name of Damien Juste. Newton also left and was superseded by Kenny Beswick.

NIGHTWING performed a handful of Britain club gigs during 1987 with former ANGEL WITCH vocalist Dave Tattum before the band was brought to a halt and Rowley and Bartley later formed RAZORBACKS with ex-STRAY vocalist Del Bromham. A RAZORBACKS album remains unreleased.

NIGHTWING re-released the 'VI' album in 1996 retitled 'Natural Survivors' on the Neat Metal label. Added were the original intro and outro missed off the 1987 version plus two new songs 'Mercenary Man' and 'You've Got Me Falling'. The band also recorded a version of 'Faith Healer' for the Japanese version.

Gordon Rowley became a successful horse breeder. In 2007 NIGHTWING was re-activated for an appearance at the 'Rock Of Ages' event in Seebronn, Germany.