Chop Pitman and Tony Hatton first performed together in a band called EL-34, which was formed in East London, back in 1979, with Chop on guitars, Tony on Bass Guitar and Drummer Mick Dietz. EL-34 had various vocalists and played mostly the London circuit back then including iconic rock venues such as “The Marquee Club”, “The Ruskin Arms”, and “The Cart & Horses”. However, the bands Drummer Mick and the then vocalist Rolf Prommel both departed EL-34 in 1986 at the same time, leaving just Chop and Tony in the band. Chop had very early connections with Iron Maiden, and is a very good long-term friend of Maidens Band Leader Steve Harris. Chop even helped Iron Maiden start their career by lending the band some of his equipment in Maidens very early days. Back in 1986 Chop mentioned to Steve Harris that he was looking for a drummer to initially join EL-34 alongside him and Tony Hatton. Chop knew Doug Sampson from the early Maiden days but didn’t know him well. Steve Harris re-introduced Chop to Doug. Doug Sampson had played drums in Iron Maiden for over two years and was part of Iron Maidens first legendary studio recording “The Soundhouse Tapes” which had led Maiden to achieve their Record deal with EMI. Doug had left Iron Maiden in 1979 due to health issues aggravated from the constant touring, but had recently told Steve he was now recovered and ready to return to the music scene. Steve Harris took Doug Sampson to the studio, where he. Steve Harris, Chop Pitman, and Doug Sampson had a rehearsal jam session together. Doug Sampson decided to join up with Chop and Tony, and shortly after Doug’s brother Sam Sampson joined as vocalist in EL-34. It was then decided that a fresh start was needed with a band name change. The band name Airforce was decided upon and Airforce was Born in 1986. Airforce gigged and recorded together for 5yrs with various vocalists. Tony and Doug then decided to go on their separate ways and were involved with other music and business projects. Chop Pitman carried on sporadically with Airforce and various musicians. In 2010 Chop met up with vocalist Dilian Arnaudov through a friend and asked him to stand in for a gig as Airforce vocalist. After this Dilian had to return to his native Bulgaria due to family issues but he stayed in touch with Chop. In 2015 Airforce was contacted by Watchout Records and was asked if the band would supply a track for the "Origins of Iron" compilation CD which featured all ex-Iron Maiden members. As a result of this Airforce then released their 1st album "Judgement Day" in 2016 which was a retrospective compilation of different Airforce line ups down the years. This release stirred a renewed interest in the band. Doug Sampson and Tony Hatton came to the launch party of that album and at that point It was collectively decided to get the original band back together. Airforce auditioned Dilian Arnaudov for the vacant vocalist position, and the missing piece of the puzzle was found. Dilian and the band wasted no time in writing new material and performing all over the UK and other parts of Europe. Airforce released two E.P.s with Dilian "The Black Box Recordings" volumes 1 (2017) and Volume 2 (2018) Paul Di’anno (ex-Iron Maiden vocalist) was our special guest on the track “Sniper” for the 2nd EP. Chop had known Paul since the Early Maiden days and Doug had been a member of Maiden with Paul. After Airforce appeared at the Hills of Rock festival alongside Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, in Bulgaria in the summer of 2018, Dilian decided to remain in his native country and leave the band. Later that year, Italian singer Ivan Giannini (Derdian, Vision Divine) joined up with Airforce and started helping the band fulfil their live commitments. Ivan had first worked with Airforce on an American Tour in April 2018, for which Dilian had been refused a USA visa and could not travel to the USA. Airforce toured in the USA for the 2nd time in April 2019. In late 2018 Airforce recorded 1 song "Band of Brothers" with Paul Mario Day on vocals. Paul Mario Day was the very first singer of Iron Maiden. Paul was also the vocalist with More, Wildfire and Sweet.
“Band of Brothers” was released as a Double A Side single with “Sniper” in January 2019. Chop saw Flavio Lino play at the “The Cart & Horses” venue with his Portuguese Maiden tribute band “Iron Beast” in late 2018 and was very impressed with Linos vocal attributes. Chop asked Lino if he would be interested in joining Airforce. An audition was hastily arranged with Lino flying in from his native Portugal. This impressive audition led to Lino joining Airforce as our permanent vocalist and great compatriot in early 2019. Airforce signed to the Pitch-Black record label in May 2020 and released our 2nd studio album "Strike Hard" in September 2020. Paul Di’anno was again a guest vocalist on the "Strike Hard" album and features on the album track “Don’t look in her eyes”. Ivan Gianini is also our guest vocalist on the "Strike Hard" album track “The Reaper”. In May 2021 Airforce changed Record Companies and signed to Rock of Angels Records (ROAR). A Live Album “Live Locked n Loaded” was released ON ROAR in Oct 2021.
“Live Locked n Loaded” was recorded at a show for Radio Lublin in Poland in March 2019. Airforce completed 4 successful tours with British Lion in 2021, 2022 & 2023 alongside many dates of our own. Airforce have now completed a 3rd Studio album which is set for release later in 2024. A winter 2024 UK Metal Assault tour is planned, along with European shows and festivals later in 2024.
