If You're Man Enough

Jade was a Canadian heavy metal band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1982 by guitarist Pat “Buzz” Belrose and his brother, manager John Belrose. After touring the western club circuit, the band relocated to Ottawa in 1983 and recorded their debut album Teasing Eyes (Zaphia Records, 1984). The record reached #8 on the Kerrang! UK charts and attracted the attention of Roadrunner Records, leading to a multi-album deal—the first ever signed between the Dutch label and a Canadian act.

Following the departure of original vocalist Roxy Lyons and drummer Ben Michaels, the Belroses recruited Sweet Marie Black (vocals) and Dave “Big Beat” Samson (drums), joining Pat Belrose and bassist Terry Rudd. This lineup recorded If You’re Man Enough (Attic / Roadrunner, 1985) at Quest Studios in Oshawa with producer Robert Connolly (Exciter, Lee Aaron, Santers). Their track “Legends of a Time,” from the same sessions, appeared on the Maple Metal compilation that year.

Jade toured extensively across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, developing a strong following in Québec and abroad. After Black’s departure in 1987, the band continued briefly with male vocalists Peter Rieker and Jamie Lee Saint, releasing a final EP on the Last Music label before disbanding. Teasing Eyes was reissued in 2009 by Maple Metal Records.

Guitarist Pat Belrose later relocated to California, where he formed the band World Jungle.
-Robert Williston

Sweet Marie Black: lead vocals
Pat Belrose: guitar, vocals, background vocals
Terry Rudd: bass
Dave Samson: drums, percussion

All songs written by Pat Belrose and Fernand McNabb
All music written and arranged by Pat Belrose
Lyrics by Fernand McNabb
Produced by Robert Connolly and John Belrose
Engineered by Paul LaChapelle
Mixed by John Belrose, Pat Belrose, and Robert Connoly
Recorded at Quest Studios, Oshawa, Ontario, May 1985

Album concept by John Belrose
Layout and design by John Van Uden for Roadrunner Records

Raise Those Fists Up High "We Fight Together" for a Metal Vendetta
Photography by Michael Gray