Birmingham's LION was formed by ex-SUGARSTACK, HALFBREED and JUDAS PRIEST members AL ATKINS on lead vocals and Bruno Stapenhill on bass. Upon leaving JUDAS PRIEST in 1972, Atkins reunited with erstwhile colleague Stapenhill and also ex-BULLION drummer Pete Boot who had played with the pair in late 60's outfit BLUE CONDITION. LION toured the country on numerous club tours throughout the seventies. An intended single was recorded, but no details or copies exist.

LION split, with Boot joining BUDGIE and Stapenhill forming WARHEAD. The two reunited once more later forming SUICIDE. Atkins has since issued a succession of solo albums.

Quite remarkably LION was reformed in 1999 by Tonks and Boot.