The Obscure 80's Hair Band Thread

[jaguarr]

Today's obscure 80's hair band is King Kobra

From Rockdetector:


A band that in their heyday sported a typical Los Angeles Glam look, all members having bleached hair except odd man out Carmine Appice who opted for red and black, KING KOBRA's recorded output showed a remarkable maturity and depth in both the musicianship and songwriting departments. Formed by veteran Rock drummer CARMINE APPICE, who had become a legend in his own lifetime thanks to his involvement with VANILLA FUDGE and ROD STEWART, Appice holds the dubious honour of co-writing Stewart's global smash 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy'!

The original intention was to put a touring line-up of D.N.A. (the 'Supergroup' project he was engaged in with RICK DERRINGER) for dates in Japan. Appice was introduced to vocalist MARK FREE by guitar player Ronnie Mancuso (who was working with Appice on the VANILLA FUDGE re-union album 'Mystery'). Mancuso had played with Free in the short-lived Los Angeles club band MODERN DESIGN and suggested that Free was perfect for the position.

The D.N.A. tour didn't occur, however, with Appice taking up an offer to tour Europe and North America with OZZY OSBOURNE. Upon the drummer's abrupt mid-tour ousting from Ozzy's band he contacted Free again. Although originally intending to use the singer on a solo album (Appice's first effort, a self-titled release, had been issued through WEA in 1982), the pair eventually pieced together KING KOBRA in early 1984. The pair recruited ex-STORMTROOPER guitarist Mick Swedasky (a.k.a. Mick Sweda) to team him up with fellow axeman David Michael Phillips (a.k.a. David Henzerling). The latter, an ex-member of THE SCHOOLBOYS had previously had short, non-recording spells with ICON and KEEL. The role of bassist came down to two candidates in the auditions, Johnny Rod and Gary Moon. It would be Rod, a native of St. Louis, who completed the quintet whilst Moon went on to NIGHT RANGER. All these musicians had been found through advertisements placed in 'Musicians wanted' ads specifically requesting top class, blonde players to join the peroxide Free and thus contrast Appice's black and red mane.

Hooking up with ex-Aucoin employee Alan Miller, who took on the role of manager, the band gained a two album recording deal with Capitol Records. KING KOBRA began working with producer Spencer Proffer, who had produced the VANILLA FUDGE reunion album 'Mystery', with the resulting debut album, 'Ready To Strike', appearing in early 1985 and the band immediately hitting the road in America. This outing included the track 'Hunger', originally written by the Proffer mentored KICK AXE. The Canadians had previously issued it under the pseudonym of SPECTRE GENERAL for the 'Transformers' movie soundtrack. Interestingly, the very same track had been rejected by BLACK SABBATH when Proffer was in the running to produce their recordings.

The second album, 1986's 'Thrill Of A Lifetime', mystified many fans impressed by the debut. In fact the album failed to gain a British release, FM Revolver picking up on the album for British release. The record included, 'Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)' the group's contribution to the movie 'Iron Eagle'. The video for which depicted the band getting their long locks shorn for 'Military Service', leaving fans aghast at the very thought of a Hard Rock band at the time having anything but leonine manes.

MARK FREE quit before the recording of the band's third album, frustrated by both the lack of a deal, their contract was not being renewed by Capitol, and favouring a different musical direction and would follow other horizons, both musically and sexually, he was eventually to undergo surgery to become a woman, in the future. And, at this point, the band went through an extremely rocky period, hit by several line-up changes in an attempt to get a third album together. Bassist Rod had also quit to join W.A.S.P. (although he did contribute to the new record before leaving) whilst Sweda teamed up with Marq Torien and Loni Black to put together the BULLETBOYS.

Torien had originally replaced MARK FREE in the frontman's role and Loni Black (a.k.a. Lonnie Vincent) taking Johnny Rod's place on bass, but the liaison was brief. One or two of the tracks the Torien led incarnation of KING KOBRA recorded as demos, 'Kissin' Kitty' for example, would wind up on the first BULLETBOYS album a couple of years later.

Originally due to become one of the first signings to KISS' GENE SIMMONS label, the uncertainties regarding Simmons' distribution plans at that time led to Appice forming his own Rocker Records label for KING KOBRA's parting shot, having been influenced by his pal Ann Boleyn's New Renaissance outfit. For Europe Appice was keen to follow Boleyn's HELLION into signing a licensing deal with Music For Nations.

A third KING KOBRA album, issued during 1988 and simply titled 'III', was recorded with the new line-up of Appice, Phillips, ex-BUSTER BROWN and MONTROSE vocalist Johnny Edwards, guitarist Jeff Northrup and bassist Larry Hart. This trio had been discovered by Appice playing in Sacramento under the handle of NORTHRUP and the album consisted of Appice / Phillips compositions married to a few numbers from the NORTHRUP files. The album marked a return by the band to the heavyweight form of the 'Ready To Strike' debut and found ex-KISS drummer PETER CRISS on backing vocals. The track 'Meanstreets Machine' was originally found on the 1980 'Singin', Shoutin' EP by the pre ICON outfit THE SCHOOLBOYS. Also featured is the GENE SIMMONS penned 'Legends Never Die' and 'It's My Life', originally recorded by PLASMATICS vocalist WENDY O' WILLIAMS on her first solo album.

As KING KOBRA's flame died the members went their separate ways. During 1988 Appice busied himself by producing demos for SIBLING RIVALRY and NRG and working in putting together the BLUE MURDER line up with JOHN SYKES in Vancouver. This act briefly roped MARK FREE into early rehearsals until the singer decided things weren't working out and returned to Los Angeles. He was to record with Appice once more in the studio band BLACK ROSES put together for the soundtrack of the horror flick of the same name. Mick Sweda was also involved, as was Italian guitarist Alex Masi and QUIET RIOT, GIUFFRIA and HOUSE OF LORDS bassist Chuck Wright. KING KOBRA also contributed 'Take It Off' for good measure, with ex-KING KOBRA six-stringer David Michael Phillips also supplying a track of his own.

Phillips had by now formed GERONIMO with vocalist Thomas Adam Kelly and recorded demos with W.A.S.P. bassist Johnny Rod and QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali. The guitarist would also contribute to LIZZY BORDEN's 1989 album 'Master Of Disguise'. Subsequently Phillips forged TOMCATS with the erstwhile ICON pairing of guitarist Dan Wexler and drummer Pat Dixon, vocalist Tommy Dean plus bassist Tom Rucci. When this unit folded Dean jumped ship to ASPHALT BALLET.

Edwards was the surprise replacement for LOU GRAMM in FOREIGNER's 'Unusual Heat' album. Edwards also recorded a single album in harness with ex-KINGDOM COME guitarist Danny Stag and former COBRA and KROKUS drummer Jeff Klaven in the band ROYAL JELLY. The singer would reunite with erstwhile KING KOBRA colleagues Larry Hart and guitarist Jeff Northrup, after the six stringers term with SHORTINO and RAIL, on an album credited to J.K. NORTHRUP.

Appice reassembled KING KOBRA in late 2000 for a new album. The new record, which most fans agreed was a completely different animal to its predecessor, also included guest contributions from POISON and SAMANTHA 7 guitarist C.C. DeVille alongside EARL SLICK. The KING KOBRA line-up for the resulting album, 'Hollywood Trash' released in 2001, saw Appice joined by Mick Sweda, erstwhile MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Kelly Keeling, ex-LITA FORD guitarist STEVE FISTER. With recording complete the drummer would then embark on an August VANILLA FUDGE reformation tour of America.

In February of 2004 Appice announced the foundation of a new band project in union with Canadian guitarist PAT TRAVERS and VANILLA FUDGE touring bassist TM Stevens. This band would initially go by the title of TNA ('Travers n' Appice') until just days after this announcement another band was discovered with the same name. The project switched to simply TRAVERS & APPICE for the album 'It Takes A Lot Of Balls'.

David Michael Phillips made headlines in mid 2005 by way of a partnership with LYNCH MOB singer Robert Mason and a new album 'Year Of The Cock' credited to BIG COCK.


These guys were supposed to be a big "supergroup", but were relatively obscure even back in the 80's. The most remarkable thing about them seems to be that they were even more like Spinal Tap than the guys from Spinal Tap were.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Alright, here's a really obscure one for today. The band known as RAIL:

From rockdetector.com:



With a history dating back to the early 1970, Seattle's RAIL had made appearances on local radio promotion albums and subsequently building themselves into a fiercesome live attraction in Pacific Northwest clubs. The band, originally titled RAIL AND COMPANY, was created as a school act by drummer Kelly Nobles who placed a series of adverts to assemble a band. The group's first incarnation, in the school conference room, found Nobles joined by San Franciscan vocalist Terry James Young and guitarist Andy Baldwin. Within time Young took over the bass role and RAIL AND COMPANY was made complete with the addition of second guitarist Rick Knotts.

Following graduation the band struck out on the live circuit soon building up an enviable reputation. In 1974 RAIL was fronted by New York native Chris Kinkade, the man securing the position by auditioning over long distance telephone with a selection of LED ZEPPELIN songs! Kinkade's tenure would last until 1976 after which he travelled to Hollywood to become an actor and, eventually, a masseur! The mid 70's also found RAIL with keyboard player Randy Miller. He would depart in 1976 entering the medical profession. During this period the band released their debut 7" single 'Rockin' You' and featured on the KYYX radio station's 'Seattle Grown' compilation album.

Their status was such that RAIL AND COMPANY sold out the 3'000 seater Seattle Paramount theatre two nights running. Another local radio station KZOK would have their listeners vote the act as "Seattle's best local band" on no less than three occasions. RAIL AND COMPANY supported many major bands on their home turf including NAZARETH, HEART and BLUE OYSTER CULT.

The band adopted a major shift in both image and direction. Previously a flamboyant Rock act the band's then manager persuaded RAIL (they had by now dropped the lengthy banner) to go for a clean cut persona complete with short hair and suits.

The band would soon turn a corner though when HEART producer Michael Fisher lent his talents to record RAIL. Fisher's then partner, HEART vocalist extraordinaire ANN WILSON lent backing vocals. However, these sessions were interrupted when RAIL were invited to open for VAN HALEN putting in a valuable support tour run of over 40 shows between March and May of 1980. RAIL was also offered the European leg of the VAN HALEN tour too but opted to return home to complete the record.

RAIL finally released their debut album, 'Rail', that same year on their own Dynasty label. The band achieved notoriety for winning an MTV 'Basement Tapes' contest in the United States with their self financed video for 'Arrival's opening track 'Hello' in 1982. Their prize was a recording contract with EMI America, which might have sounded glamourous and a dream come true at the time. The harsh reality of it was that the label stumped up the budget for a four track mini album, produced by Pat Glasser and featuring a guest appearance from NIGHTRANGER keyboard player Alan 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, before quietly dropping the band from the roster in 1983.

RAIL hit back three years later with a new album on their own Dynasty label produced by RONNIE MONTROSE. In 1990 RAIL drafted former BLOODGOOD, DEGARMO and PERENNIAL drummer Mark Welling. The sticksman would also have a side project, REGENCY, together with RAIL guitarist Rick Knotts. Knotts would depart in 1995 and RAIL pulled in the high profile figure of RONNIE MONTROSE as replacement. Such was Ronnie's standing that the band were billed for live gigs as RAIL WITH RONNIE MONTROSE. However, many fans were quick to dub the act MONORAIL.

Montrose's tenure lasted until 1997 when a protégé of his, ex-KING KOBRA and SHORTINO guitarist Jeff Northrup took the mantle. Joe Shikany took the role of lead guitarist in 1998, relinquishing the post the following year.

In 2001 the debut RAIL album 'Arrival' was re-released seeing its first pressing on CD.


I vaguely remember the song "Hello". It was fairly generic and they sounded a bit like Supertramp only with more guitars.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Today's obscure 80's hair band is: HELIX!

From rockdetector.com:

A Canadian Hard Rock institution founded in Ontario during 1975 by the Doerner brothers, Brent on guitar and Brian on drums, renowned frontman BRIAN VOLLMER, guitarist Paul Hackman and bass player Keith 'Bert' Zurbrigg. HELIX have made an indelible mark on the international Rock scene with their catchy Hard Rock numbers, notoriously racy videos and their undoubted staying power. The band have two platinum albums and four gold records to their name.

Based in Ontario, HELIX, initially titled THE HELIX FIELD BAND, cut their teeth with their first gig opening for MAX WEBSTER at their hometown Kitchener Auditorium. To earn their keep in these early days the band would back incoming American artists as a live backing band. In this capacity HELIX performed numerous gigs with 50's crooner DEL SHANNON. In their formative years one unsuccessful applicant for the position of bass player was one Michael J. Fox!

The band's debut came with the now exceptionally rare 1979 album 'Breaking Loose'. After recording HELIX opted to change their entire rhythm section shortly after. Keith Zurbrigg lost his bass position to Mike Uzelac while Brian Doerner, who joined REFUGEE, was supplanted by Leo Niebudek for 1982's 'White Lace And Black Leather'. Newly signed to major label Capitol HELIX supported KISS on their 1982 European 'Lick It Up' dates.

HELIX finally found a permanent drummer in former STARCHILD man Greg Hinz for their 1983 Capitol debut. Live dates found the band opening for HEADPINS in Canada. However, the bass slot saw further ructions as Uzelac made way for Daryl Gray. HELIX gained valuable exposure on MTV for the video of their SPENCER DAVIS GROUP cover 'Gimme, Gimme Good Lovin', especially as it was revealed that one of the scantily clad models in the shoot was renowned porn star Tracii Lords. The humourous concept video was filmed in Los Angeles, including a second X-rated version which featured a number of prominent L.A. pornstars (including Lords) prancing about in various states of undress, much to the delight of the band and young male fans alike.

The 'Long Way To Heaven' release saw the band enjoying success driven in part by the humourous video for 'The Kid’s Are All A Shakin’' which received heavy rotation in North America. Today, Vollmer considers that album to be his least favorite and some critics were unhappy with the change in image to a more glamourous look, with teased hair and white leather.

Although failing to match its predecessor's sales in America 'Long Way To Heaven' gave the band a number 14 album in Sweden. The 'Wild In The Streets' album included a sessioning DON AIREY, previously of RAINBOW, on keyboards. The album also saw original sticksman Doerner returning in a guest capacity. The album was well received featuring a couple of videos, the title track and the ballad 'Dream On'. The release also featured a cover of sorts, a tune called 'She’s Too Tough' which was originally penned by DEF LEPPARD and later appeared on DEF LEPPARD’s compilation release, 'Retro-Active' More touring followed and general good times. The original cassette pressing of "Wild In The Sheets", as it came to be called, was a neon-green, glow in the dark tape!

After the end of their major label deal with saw a contractual obligation release, 'Over 60 Minutes with Helix', which included 2 unreleased tracks, the band feel into a bit of a decline, with various members battling an assortment of exhaustion, substance abuse and financial woes.

1990 saw a surprisingly revitalized HELIX re-appear again on the small H&S label for their seventh studio CD, 'Back For Another Taste'. The band now consisted of Vollmer, Hackman, Gray and Hinz, with Doerner appearing as a guest drummer. The band had a stripped down look and style but not loosing the good time party anthems they were known for. The album yielded two singles and videos, 'The Storm' and 'Running Wild in the 21st Century'. The latter was an extremely innovative combination of black and white footage and text, which helped it win a prestigious video award from Much Music. Capitalizing on the brief resurgence in popularity, Vollmer re-issued the first two very rare HELIX releases in 1991 on a double CD compilation called 'The Early Years' on Maximum Records.

After the tragic death of Paul Hackman in a van roll-over accident while on tour in British Columbia during 1992, the band went into a bit of retreat. The various members scattered to the four winds and Vollmer set to work on his solo album.

In 1993 the album 'It’s A Business Doing Pleasure' surfaced on Aquarius Records. Originally intended as Vollmer’s solo project, pressure from the label decided that the name HELIX would be attached to the release. By now Hackman had been replaced by Greg Fraser of BRIGHTON ROCK. It yielded one video, 'That Day Is Gonna Come' which received little notice, which was unfortunate because the song was a touching tribute to Hackman. The album was a star studded affair with LEE ARRON providing lead vocals on the track, 'Look Me Straight In The Heart' and KIM MITCHELL providing lead guitar work on the track 'Sleeping in The Doghouse Again'. Other guests included Rob Laidlaw of WINTER ROSE and GYPSY ROSE and as usual Brent Doerner. All the talent afforded the project couldn’t save the ballad-like songs, which were considered by many HELIX fans to be weak and too slow, with only the track 'Sleeping In The Doghouse Again' reaching the tempo or intensity of the previous releases. By all accounts the release flopped in terms of sales and critical acclaim and the band parted ways.

An extended five year hiatus saw the band virtually inactive except for the occasional gig. Vollmer settled in Ontario with his family and made a living being a professional vocal coach. One of his students includes the singer of the Canadian teen rock combo, KITTIE.

The 1998 album 'Half Alive' comprised, as the title suggests, half vintage live tracks and new studio recordings. The latter feature various guitarists including Gary Borden, Mark Chichkan, Chip Gall and Rick Mead. The 'Half-Alive' release was quite well received by nostalgic fans who were hungry for more. The climate for rock was slowly becoming more favorable and Vollmer was not content to let his creation die. A combination of luck and hard work, saw Vollmer gain the rights to his back catalogue from Capitol/EMI.

1999 saw a flurry of activity as Vollmer aided by the internet, and E-bay, saw him reissuing much of the HELIX catalogue as well as two new compilations. ‘Deep Cuts; The Best of Helix’ was an indie compilation with some two unreleased tracks on the Razor & Tie label. Shortly after came ‘B-Sides’ which had rare tracks, demo’s and of course B-sides. It also featured three new tunes (Jaws of The tiger, Danger Zone & S.E.X.-Rated) with a re-united 80’s line up of, Vollmer, Gray, Hinz and Doerner. The Capitol re-issues sold quite well as that material from the early 80’s was quite hard to come by on CD. The same year BRIAN VOLLMER struck out on the solo trail releasing the tongue in cheek 'When Pigs Fly' album.

Rejuvenated, HELIX, namely Vollmer and Gray with a variety of hired guns did a number of small Canadian tours, coast to coast playing in small towns from a van, much like the early days of the band. The constant exposure saw the crowds growing each successive time and soon the band was playing large clubs and small halls in the major centers. The band also issued a DVD version of their rare home video, ‘S.E.X.-Rated’ which features the two adult versions of ‘Gimmie Good Lovin’ and ‘Rock You’, as well as many of their other videos.

The 2000 line up of HELIX found Vollmer and Gray joined by the ex-KILLER DWARFS guitar pairing of Jerry Finn and Mike Hall together with drummer Glen Gamble. Bizarrely both Finn and ex-HELIX drummer Greg Hinz are members of Disco band SUPERFREAK!

A vintage HELIX live recording taped in Buffalo during 1983 surfaced on CD in late 2001. Early 2001 saw Helix release yet another CD, ‘Live In Buffalo’. Vollmer had pulled out some old tapes from the vault, including a live show in 1983 capturing the bands (then) youthful energy and enthusiasm. Two more Canadian tours followed including one with LEE AARON in her "Metal" persona. Darren Smith of HAREM SCAREM joined the band on guitar for the early 2002 Western Canadian tour and would occasionally take the microphone to belt out a rendition of '30 Days in the Hole'!

By mid 2002, HELIX was back in full swing. Sales were good, tours well attended but the fans were getting restless. After almost ten years there had been no new studio CD. The band realized they could not continue without some new material and so the band is currently working in Ontario on a new studio CD. There are also rumours of a Christmas album (!) and another Vollmer solo CD. In the meantime, Vollmer would be working up his auto-biography, projecting publication by the end of 2002. HELIX's 'Rock You' would be reworked by Nu-Punks SUM 41 as part of the soundtrack to the 'Fubar's' movie.

HELIX 2003 numbered Vollmer alongside the guitar pairing of Shaun Sanders and Dan Fawcett, bassist Jeff Fountain and drummer Glen Gamble. In In 2004 former guitarist Mike Hall formed up a new band outfit entitled BLACK STAR, led by HAREM SCAREM drummer Darren Smith. That same year HELIX themselves inducted a fresh guitar team of Rainer Wiechmann and Jim Lawson.


I mostly remember these guys for the "Gimme, Gimme Good Lovin'" video with Tracy Lords in it. They tried to be sort of a party band, but there really wan't all that much memorable about these guys in comparison with some of the other acts of the day.

jag

 

[KingOfDreams]

Post #26. Great pick, though. One of my favorite bands from that era.

jag

I saw Warrent live last Spring. Thier new singer is the guy from Black N' Blue. First time I'd heard of the band. By the way, Warrent's show kicked ass. I'm not even really a fan of the genre by and large.

 

[jaguarr]

I saw Warrent live last Spring. Thier new singer is the guy from Black N' Blue. First time I'd heard of the band. By the way, Warrent's show kicked ass. I'm not even really a fan of the genre by and large.

Jaime St. James has a hell of a voice. I used to hate Warrant, but the stuff they've done with him hasn't been too bad.

jag

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Ha, Warrant.
I saw Jani Lane almost start crying on VH1 'cause he's forever branded "The Cherry Pie Guy". The true anguish in his eyes was almost as disturbing as the W.A.S.P. guy drinking in the pool.

 

[jaguarr]

Today's obscure 80's hair band is TNT:

From rockdetector.com

TNT’s 1987 'Tell No Tales' album would mark the band out as contenders for the major league. Not only did the record boast an exemplary collection of songs but was further embellished by the electrifying guitar talents of Ronnie Le Tekrø and the stratospheric vocal delivery of Tony Harnell. Sadly though ‘Tell No Tales’ would prove to be the band’s peak and despite further, sporadic, albums also high quality TNT’s career path slid downwards. Nevertheless their legacy as dictated a strong cult following and an unending campaign amongst fans for a reformation.

The Trondheim based TNT was formed in 1982 and boasted the original line-up of Dag Ingebrigtsen (a.k.a. D.D. Dynamite) on vocals, former ROCQUEFIRE guitarist Ronni Lé Tekrø, bass player Steinar Eikum and drummer Morten 'Diesel' Dahl. Initially, TNT delivered punishing, uncompromising Heavy Metal exemplified by their Viking boat stage set and Dag's huge furry snow boots. TNT was given initial impetus by Ingebrigtsen's prior career path with the successful act THE KIDS, a major name on the Norwegian scene. As TNT, the group put in its debut live performance for the Rams motorcycle club, their second concert being as support to URIAH HEEP at Nidarøhallen in Trondheim on 25th September 1982. Early live shows would be notable for inclusion of a quite unique stage prop, the Viking longboat nicknamed 'Gyda'.

Having signed to the Norwegian arm of PolyGram TNT's debut album, issued that December and backed by the 'Harley Davidson' single, was produced by Bjorn Nessjø and recorded in Norwegian, a fact that may have pushed them toward superstar status at home but rather limited opportunities abroad. Addressing the issue, prior to recording the 'Harley Davidson' EP bassist Steiner Eikum was sacked and replaced by Morty 'Black' Skaget. The new man made his stage debut at Ørlandsdagan on 4th August 1983. The ousted Eikum later featured in BLONDE ON BLONDE and PERFECT CRIME.

TNT signed to a New York management company in preparation for breaking out of the Norwegian market and onto the world stage. In the summer of 1984 it came as no real surprise to find Dag Ingebrigtsen being replaced by American born vocalist Tony Harnell, previously with the New York band JACKALS. Strangely, Harnell took the stage name 'Tony Hansen' during this period. Ingebrigtsen would later produce the BLACK ANGELS 1986 EP 'On The Run'.

In October 1984 TNT released a compilation of previous material, 'Knights Of The New Thunder', re-recorded with Harnell's vocals. Japanese versions of this set featured artwork intended for global release but determined to be too risqué. That same year TNT debuted on the US live arena with a brief East Coast tour.

1985 saw the band relocating to Los Angeles and signing a management deal with Doc McGhee, known for his high profile dealings with BON JOVI, SCORPIONS and MÖTLEY CRÜE. Unfortunately this union generated little in the way of progress and the band broke ties to McGhee to record the 'Tell No Tales' album in early 1986, once again working with Bjørn Nessjø as producer.

TNT bounced back quickly with April 1987's 'Tell No Tales'. This album, which shot to no. 1 in Norway, broke TNT onto the world market, showcasing Le Tekrø's fiery guitar work and the awesome vocal range of Harnell. Videos for the tracks 'Everyone's A Star' and '10,000 Lovers (In One)' received valuable coverage on MTV. Bringing onboard keyboard player Dag Stokke, the band opened live proceedings with the 'Ten Nights Together' trek across Norway. Touring in America found TNT acting as support to LOUDNESS and STRYPER on West Coast dates during August. On the Billboard charts, 'Tell No Tales' peaked at no. 103. The single '10,000 Lovers (In One)' hit no. 1 in Norway, maintaining that position for a seven week run, and reached no. 129 in the USA. A European tour was followed by Autumn US shows opening for TWISTED SISTER and GREAT WHITE.

1988 opened in style as TNT scored the 'Best album' accolade at the Norwegian Spelemannsprisen awards. However, before 'Intuition' was released, drummer Diesel Dahl quit to join former TNT vocalist Ingebrigtsen in a new outfit titled TINDRUM in 1988. Dahl's replacement was Ken Odiin (a.k.a. Morten Skogstad).

1989's 'Intuition', crafted at NBL Studios in Trondheim, witnessed another hook up with Bjørn Nessjø on the production front with ex-RAINBOW man JOE LYNN TURNER aiding on backing vocals. The band put in tour work in Japan and headline dates across North America, but unfortunately did little by way of touring in Europe to promote its release. With expected sales unforthcoming, changes saw the departure of Odin and the band being let go by their label Polygram.

Having switched over to Atlantic Records, TNT regrouped for 1992's 'Realised Fantasies', which saw them recruiting American drummer John Macaluso, ex-ALEX MASI and POWERMAD, and recording at Glen Cove Studios in New York with producer Rick Wake. Sessioning on the album also was BLUE OYSTER CULT bassist Danny Miranda. However, the group's stock was beginning to wane internationally, with only Japan retaining a quite huge interest in the quartet's work. Indeed, TNT only performed in Japan to promote 'Realised Fantasies'.

Inevitably, TNT chose to split in 1993. Tekrö claimed that they felt that they had taken the group as far as it could go, and the group bowed out with a Japanese issued live album, 'Three Nights In Tokyo' serving as the band's swansong. Macaluso joined RIOT.

With Tony Harnell going off to record an acoustic based project titled MORNING WOOD, Ronnie Le Tekrø and Morty Black returned to Norway and formed VAGABOND with ex-STAGE DOLLS drummer Steinar Krokstad. Le Tekrø and Black had also recorded a THIN LIZZY tribute album in 1994 under the handle of BAD HABITZ.

An experimental outfit, VAGABOND fronted by JORN LANDE, signed a recording deal with EMI, but despite great reviews and reasonable album sales the group found themselves dropped. Le Tekrö also took time out to create a union RYPDAL & TEKRÖ with esteemed Norwegian Jazz Rock guitarist TERJE RYPDAL and VAGABOND's rhythm section for two albums.

A second album, 'A Huge Fan Of Life', emerged in Japan during 1995 and released through Morty Black's label in Scandinavia before Japanese yen tempted Harnell, Le Tekrø and Black into reforming TNT in 1996. New man on the drums was Frode Hansen Lamøy of JACK IN THE BOX. Unfortunately, TNT tended to alienate many of their hardcore fans with the first reunion album, 1997's 'Firefly', by going for a more contemporary feel. The band put in their first Norwegian shows for four years to promote 'Firefly', these two gigs, in Raufoss and Oslo, acting as a warm up for shows in Japan where TNT still maintained a hardcore following.

Unbeknown to a lot of fans, Tony Harnell quit TNT, but was to return in 1998. That same year RONNIE LE TEKRÖ released his solo album 'Extra Strong String', these sessions featuring TNT colleagues Dag Skogge, Morty Black and Frode Lamøy. Meantime, Tony Harnell's new project band WESTWORLD, a high profile union comprising of RIOT guitarist Mark Reale, DANGER DANGER bass player Bruno Ravel and former BLUE OYSTER CULT and RAINBOW drummer John O'Reilly, also debuted. With 'Firefly' having paved the way for the reunited band the follow up, 'Transistor', produced by Ken Ingwersen and issued in 1999, confused many longstanding fans as the band attempted to break into a Pop-Rock direction. Further dissapointment for fans came when it was learned the band was not to tour on the record.

TNT drummer John Macaluso forged the side project ARK in 1999 with ex-CONCEPTION men guitarist Tøre Ostby and bassist Ingar Amlien and fronted by MUNDUS IMPERIUM, VAGABOND and THE SNAKES vocalist JORN LANDE. Le Tekrø had produced Lande with his debut album 'Once Bitten' for THE SNAKES. Lande issued a solo album 'Starfire' in 2000 which naturally featured Le Tekrø and Stokke. Black would session on the debut GAIA EPICUS album that same year whilst Ronnie Le Tekrø donated a guitar solo to the track 'Soaring On' on CARNIVORA's debut album 'Judas'.

The classic TNT line-up of Tony Harnell, Ronnie Le Tekrø, Morty Black and Diesel Dahl staged a comeback in early 2003, paving the way with the five track EP through MTM Music. Initially billed as 'Taste', with cover artwork delivered to the press, this EP would then undergo a title switch to 'Give Me A Sign'. Further enhancing the band's profile would be the Universal compilation 'The Big Bang', this collection securing the no. 1 position in the Norwegian album charts. In outside activity, Tony Harnell, alongside GEORGE LYNCH and Jason McMaster of DANGEROUS TOYS, contributed vocals to a take on 'Shy Boy' to the Versailles Records VAN HALEN tribute 'Best of Both Worlds' in 2003.

A brand new TNT album 'My Religion' would be wrapped up during November. Released in Japan by Avalon Marquee during February of 2004 the Far Eastern version featured a completely different track running order to European variants issued in March via MTM Music. With a massive positive response to the new record TNT lined up opening dates in Norway for March of 2004.

The band parted ways with bassist Morty Black due to "personal and professional" differences in August. Black soon bounced back with the "fun" band DET GURGLES, an alliance with Ulf Risnes of TRE SMÅ KINESERE, Sola Johnsen from the DUM DUM BOYS, Jostein Andsnes of DADAFON and Krypten Studios engineer Jonna. Later that same year Tony Harnell sessioned for BRAZEN ABBOTT. Before the close of 2004 it would be revealed that Tony Harnell and Ronnie Le Tekrø had contributed a song to a KISS tribute album assembled by KISS Army Norway and Voices Music Entertainment.

As 2005 broke Tony Harnell announced the formation of a new band unit, STARBREAKER's very heavy musical direction being illustrated by its choice of title taken after the classic JUDAS PRIEST song. The singer's comrades in arms for this venture would be LAST TRIBE and MIDNIGHT SUN guitarist Magnus Karlsson, Italian bassist Fabrizio Grossi and former TNT colleague John Macaluso on the drums.

TNT returned to action in 2005 with the album 'All The Way To The Sun', preceded by a Norwegian release single 'Sometimes'. Meantime, Morty Black sessioned on the JORN LANDE album 'The Duke'. Harnell also donated guest vocals to the track 'Flinch' for Christian Rock project LIBERTY N' JUSTICE. A switch in bassists saw Morty Black's position being taken by Sid Ringsby, who in turn was replaced by JACK IN THE BOX member Victor Borge for Norwegian gigs throughout November and December.

In a considerable shock to fans, Tony Harnell closed his 22 year tenure with TNT in April 2006, announcing "It is with a clear mind and a sad heart that I announce my final departure from TNT". In May TNT band members met in Germany with SHY vocalist TONY MILLS to discuss collaboration. This alliance would be confirmed shortly afterward. By coincidence, SHY had already been booked as support act to Tony Harnell's farewell performance with TNT held at the 'Polar Festival' in Storsteinnes, Norway on June 30th.


I mostly remember these guys for the "Tell No Tales" album, which was pretty good. They kind of faded off into obscurity after that album, even though they were still recording. Losing Harnell at one point didn't help them, either. Sounds like they're back together and going strong again.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Ha, Warrant.
I saw Jani Lane almost start crying on VH1 'cause he's forever branded "The Cherry Pie Guy". The true anguish in his eyes was almost as disturbing as the W.A.S.P. guy drinking in the pool.

LOFL! What a thing to be known for. He got to bang that chick in the "Cherry Pie" video, Bobby Brown I think her name was, for an extended period of time, though, so I won't be shedding a tear for him anytime soon.

And poor Chris Holmes...man that guy wasted his life away, didn't he?

jag

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

No, that's why he's now a fat, alcoholic depressed suicidal guy, 'cause the Cherry Pie chick left him when Warrant's star fell. She's irreplaceable.

Then, I saw them playing in a Bowling Alley and he had a mohawk.

 

[jaguarr]

No, that's why he's now a fat, alcoholic depressed suicidal guy, 'cause the Cherry Pie chick left him when Warrant's star fell. She's irreplaceable.

Then, I saw them playing in a Bowling Alley and he had a mohawk.

She's like Yoko, only hot.

jag

 

[jimmy]

I almost forgot about this thread. I'll have to think of some sicker hair bands this time, Jag.

Time to look at the old record collection!

 

[jaguarr]

Today's obscure 80's hair band is so obscure that neither Rock Detector nor Wikipedia had anything on them at all. The band? Sleez Beez. Yeah....even their name was sh1tty. I finally found a blurb about them on allmusic.com:

Los Angeles will be remembered for being the breeding ground for most of the glam/pop-metal bands that emerged in the '80s, but other areas birthed similar bands as well, including Denmark's Sleeze Beez. The group (guitarists Chriz van Jaarsveld and Don van Spall, drummer Jan Koster, bassist Ed Jongsma) came together late in the decade, after van Jaarsveld and Koster attracted the attention of a local record company head (Red Bullet Records' President Willem van Kooten), who helped the up-and-coming group get started. 1987 saw the release of their debut album, Look Like Hell, which was comparable to such raunch rock kings as AC/DC and Mötley Crüe. Sleeze Beez signed a U.S. deal with Atlantic Records shortly thereafter, issuing Screwed, Blued, and Tattooed in 1990. 1992 saw the release of their third album, Powertool (recorded by Aerosmith/UFO producer Gary Lyons), but with interest waning in their brand of rock, the Beez were dropped by Atlantic. The quartet carried on nonetheless, releasing a final studio album and live recording in 1994, Insanity Beach and Live in Tokyo, before splitting up. Elt and van Spall formed the rock band the Moon, while Koster and van Jaarsveld formed the outfit Jetland. Sleeze Beez reunited in 2001 for a tour and possible new album.


To be honest, the only thing I remember about these guys is their name and how stupid I always thought it was. Judging from what I found on Google, I'm not alone.

jag

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

There was a f***ing band called "Angel" or something. They wore all white leather. But I can't find 'em since it's such a common word.

 

[jaguarr]

Yeah...Angel. That was a Greg Giuffria thing. They started in the 70's, actually, but you do remember them being dressed all in white correctly. There's a bio at Rock Detector if you want to read it but it's wayyyy to freakin' long for me to bother pasting here.

jag

 

[Duende Verde]

There was a f***ing band called "Angel" or something. They wore all white leather. But I can't find 'em since it's such a common word.

Wikipedia

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Wikipedia

LMAO

no, hahaha, bio required. Mission accomplished.lol
70's or not, that's a Hair Band.

 

[jaguarr]

LOL! The lamosity even reeks through the computer monitor.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Wikipedia

Angel are a glam rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock band from Washington, DC, formed in the mid-70s. They were discovered by Kiss bass player Gene Simmons performing at a nightclub and were signed to Kiss' record label Casablanca.
Their image of dressing in all white was a deliberate contrast to Kiss, who wore black. Sometimes cited as the band that invented glam metal, Angel sported an androgynous image and elaborate stage sets. They were slammed by rock critics, and Frank Zappa ridiculed the all-male band's female appearance in the song "Punky's Whips." Angel never achieved mass commercial success but acquired a following as a cult band.
They made an appearance in the film "Foxes" and Frank DiMino sang "Seduce Me Tonight" on the "Flashdance" soundtrack.
Although Angel never officially disbanded, members went on to other things following the release of their live album. Bassist Felix Robinson played on the debut album of the band White Lion "Fight to Survive". Angel's keyboardist Gregg Giuffria had modest success as the leader of the band Giuffria during the 1980s, along with the band House of Lords. The rest of the band reunited briefly (sans Giuffria) in 1987, but was unable to secure a new record contract and split again not too long afterward. A demo tape recorded during this period includes three songs: "Hot 'n' Heavy," "Take Away My Feelings," and "Can't Last Forever."
In the late 90's, Angel reformed with a new line-up. Keyboardist Gordon G.G. Gebert joined the band in 1999 and left in 2002. Currently, the band members are Frank Dimino, vocals; Barry Brandt, drums; Randy Gregg, bass; Steve Blaze, guitars; and Michael T. Ross, keyboards. The band's 2000 release "In the Beginning" also features guest appearances by original guitarist Punky Meadows, as well as Robinson. In 2000 came the released of Angel:The Collection, making it the most extensive Angel greatest hits compilation including 16 songs. In 2006 Lilith released two singles albums which has singles released through the bands career (1975-1981), and even though it has most singles released at that time it does not include Better Days which was taken off the White Hot album and replaced with The Winter Song, this song remains to be unreleased on CD or cassette format, it is however available as a 7" single but is very hard to find. Angel is now working on a new album, which so far has no name, but there has been a total of three written songs and they are: Worship The Sun, Hold On To Your Dreams, and the third song does not currently have a title. For more info go to anglerocks.com to keep updated.
For better or for worse, Angel was quite influential in their own way—particularly on the glam metal boom of the 1980s—and represent a kind of missing link between keyboard-driven hard rock bands of the '70s such as Uriah Heep and '80s acts like Poison.



LOFL! When you hire a guy named Punky Meadows as your guitarist, you are DESTINED for obscurity!

jag

 

[Duende Verde]

 

[Duende Verde]

They are not wearing white!!!

 

[jaguarr]

You have to wonder about a band who's main marketing tool was "Hey, look! We're not KISS!" when KISS was one of the most successful bands at that time.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Geez, I've been slacking on this. Okay, today's obscure 80's Hair Band is:

Femme Fatale!

Who?, you ask? Yep...there are probably very few who remember this band. Here's what Rockdector has to say about them:

Albuquerque's FEMME FATALE caused a bit of a stir when the band first appeared in a blaze of record company hype and glory in 1988 thanks to the release of their MCA Records debut. The album mainly sold thanks to two provocative videos (for the salaciously titled 'Waiting For The Big One' in particular) and the obvious attractions of pin-up front girl Lorraine Lewis.

The band fell apart shortly after returning from a British tour in 1989. Drummer Bobby Murray would turn up in the Los Angeles based GRIND, a short-lived band fronted by ex JAILHOUSE vocalist Danny Simon. Lewis promptly took up a solo career, experimenting at first with an acoustic led direction. A further attempt at rekindling the flame had Lewis working with ex-VIXEN and MADAM X drummer Roxy Petrucci and ex-POISON DOLLYS guitarist Gina Stile but this was shortlived. Surprisingly Lewis also turned up with the blatant hard rock of 'Chains' located on the soundtrack album to the Christina 'Married With Children' Applegate movie 'Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead' in 1992.

Sometime afterwards Lorraine worked with and briefly was married to ex-BLACKEYED SUSAN bassist Erik Levy. The pair relocated to Alabama in America's deep south and put together an alleged Christian outfit called MERCY, but the band, just like the duo's marriage, was short lived.

Lewis moved to Seattle and was last reported to be holding down a day job as an aerobics teacher. During 1995 Lewis was known to be working up material with VIXEN drummer Roxy Petrucci. She emerged once more in 2000 fronting two acts LORRAINE and SNOWBALL, the latter in union with erstwhile MACE guitarist Dave Hillis. Drummer Bobby Murray meanwhile was found behind the kit with PILLBILLY.

During 2003 news emerged that a second FEMME FATALE album, shelved by MCA Records, was finally to see the light of day courtesy of Z Records. September 2005 brought word that Lewis was back in rehearsal with Roxy Petrucci and a "secret all girl" band. Sad news arrived in November with word that FEMME FATALE guitarist Bill D'Angelo had passed away due to a heart attack caused by methamphetamine overdose.

Early 2006 brought news that the Roxy Petrucci / Lorraine Lewis project had evolved into ROKTOPUSS

I mostly remember this band for their videos. I was 18 when the video for Falling In & Out Of Love dropped and it only inspired lascivious thoughts about Lorraine Lewis. She's clearly got some vocal chops and is trying very hard to channel Tina Turner in her vocal style and some of her stage moves. An interesting side note is that David Coverdale of Whitesnake fame lent his hair to Lewis for the video shoot.

They also had another video for the oh-so subtly titled Waiting For The Big One, but this band really kind of floundered all in all.

jag

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Are we certain Lorraine is a woman?

 

[jaguarr]

She looks to have had some work done. And she DID have David Coverdale's hair back in the 80's. Now I feel dirty for admiring her ass. Damn you, Wilh!

jag

 

[Whirlysplat]

"Pink Steel"

Nuff Said!!

- Whirly