Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham Melodic Metal act formed in August 1975 from Punk act NOTRE DAME that had attracted quite a local following. This antecedent band had featured JAMESON RAID founders vocalist / guitarist Ian Smith, bassist John Ace, both also previously members of the 1973 founded SPECTATE II, and rhythm guitarist Stewart, with drummer Phil Kimberley completing the line-up. In December 1976 Terry Dark, of HOI POLLOI, took over as lead vocalist.

The group debuted with a 1979 7" single 'Seven Days Of Splendour'. The following year the band shifted shape, with Kimberely and Dark being joined by guitarist Mike Jones and bass player Peter Green. JAMESON RAID's affairs were handled by ex-JUDAS PRIEST drummer John Hinch before the band then signed a management deal with Light and Sound Design. JAMESON RAID supported DEF LEPPARD and MAGNUM on 6th April 1980 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Other notable supports included SAXON, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. Their 7" single of that year, 'The Hypnotist', was produced by Tom Galley.

James Barrett, of the HANDSOME BEASTS, took over lead guitar duties in 1981 and a four track demo, entitled 'Electric Sun', was duly recorded for 1982 release, these sessions featuring guitarist Mike Darby. The group was to appear to shorten their name to THE RAID and had a track 'Hard Lines' on the 'Metal For Muthas Volume II' compilation album on EMI Records. However, this truncation of the band title was a mistake by the record company. Only Peter Green survived into this formation, flanked by vocalist / guitarist Steve Makin and drummer Roger Simms.

Steve Makin subsequently joined SLADE II. Terry Dark relocated to the Netherlands to form THE DARK SUNBIRDS. This act's 2000 album 'Drift' included a rendition of JAMESON RAID's 'Seven Days Of Splendour'.