Crack was the supposed name of an American hard-rock/psych band whose music was released on the album Day of Doom by the Tiger Lily tax scam label in 1976. Members: Andrea Borega (lead vocals, synthesizer, percussion), Darryl Kaye (backing vocals, flute, guitar, bass, harp) Day of Doom was one of more than 50 albums issued […]
Lodestar were an American hard-rock band from Springfield, Ohio, that released an eponymous album on self-press Lodestar Records Limited in 1979. Members: Kenny Aronhalt (lead vocals), Joe Dooley (lead guitar, mandolin), Alex Rossito (rhythm guitar, harmony vocals), Vince Craim (bass, guitar), Mark Craim (drums, percussion) Lodestar issued their singular album in 1979 on their namesake […]
Totty was an American hard-rock/boogie band from Tulsa that released two albums on self-press Our First Record Company between 1977 and 1981. The band centered on the musical partnership of brothers Dennis and Bryon Totty. Members: Dennis Totty (guitar, vocals, piano, synthesizer), Byron Totty (bass, vocals, synthesizer), George Cooper (drums), David Blue (drums), Roger Roden […]
Ursa Major were an American hard-rock band from New York that released a self-titled album on RCA Victor in 1972. Guitarist/singer Dick Wagner hailed from psych-rockers The Frost and later became an in-demand sessionist and backing player for Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, and Alice Cooper. Bassist Greg Arama was an early member of the Amboy […]
Bad Axe was an American hard-rock band from Los Angeles that made a test-press album in 1976 on Earth Breeze Productions, followed by a 1977 standalone single on Progrezzive Records. Bad Axe gained cult status after a 2004 reissue on Hexamon Records. Members: Stacy Moreland (vocals), Dave Carruth (guitar), Dana Strum (bass), Steve Ward (drums) […]
ZZ Top is an American hard-rock/blues trio from Houston that released five albums on London Records between 1971 and 1976, scoring FM evergreens with “Tush” and “La Grange.” After the frontal pair of guitarist/singer Billy Gibbons and bassist Billy Etheridge grew long, matching beards, the band signed to Warner Bros and released another five albums […]
Ratt are an American hard-rock/metal band from San Diego that released a self-titled EP on Music for Nations in 1983, followed by five albums on Atlantic between 1984 and 1990. Members: Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Robbin Crosby (guitar, vocals, 1981-91), Joey Cristofanilli (bass, 1981-82), Warren DeMartini (guitar, vocals, 1982-92), Marq Torien (guitar, vocals, 1982), Juan Croucier […]
Legs Diamond was an American hard-rock band from San Francisco that released two albums on Mercury in 1977 and 1978, followed by six further studio albums over the subsequent two decades. Members: Michael Prince (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Rick Sanford (lead vocals, percussion, flute, 1975-87), Jeff Poole (drums, percussion, 1975-85), Michael “Diamond” Gargano (bass, 1975-81), Roger […]
Flame was an American hard-rock band from Brooklyn that released the 1977/78 RCA albums Queen of the Neighborhood and Flame. They later worked as backing players for Brooklyn-born German star Helen Schneider. Singer Marge Raymond had a background in session work and roots in the girl group era. She was one of many talents picked […]
Fiona Flanagan (born Sept. 13, 1961) is an American hard-rock vocalist from Phillipsburg, N.J. who released three albums on Atlantic between 1985 and 1989, followed by a fourth on Geffen in 1992. Discography: Fiona (1985) Beyond the Pale (1986) Heart Like a Gun (1989) Squeeze (1992)
Dokken are an American hard-rock/metal band from Los Angeles that released four albums on Elektra between 1984 and 1988. Members: Don Dokken (vocals, guitar), Mick Brown (drums), Greg Leon (guitar, 1977-78), George Lynch (guitar, 1978-88, 1992-98), Juan Croucier (bass, vocals, 1978-82), Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals, guitar, piano, Mellotron, 1984-99) Discography: Breakin’ the Chains (1981 • […]
Griffin were an American metal band from San Francisco that released two albums on the German Steamhammer label between 1984 and 1986. The first of those, Flight of the Griffin , was issued stateside on Shrapnel Records. Members: William Rodrick McKay (vocals), Mike “Yaz” Jastremski (guitar), Rick Cooper (guitar), Thomas “Hawk” Mayberry (bass), Rick Wagner […]
Exodus are an American metal band from San Francisco that released the album Bonded by Blood on Torrid/Music for Nations in 1985, followed by two 1987/89 albums on Combat and another pair on Capitol during the early 1990s. Members: Tom Hunting (drums, vocals, 1979-89, 1997-2005, 2007-present), Kirk Hammett (guitar, 1979-83), Tim Agnello (guitar, 1979-80), Keith […]
Marcus was an American hard-rock band from Detroit that released a self-titled album on United Artists in 1976. They were the namesake of frontman Marcus Malone. Bassist Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck Bogart & Appice) played bass on two tracks. Members: Marcus Malone (vocals), Gene Bloch (guitar), Randall David (guitar), Jack Weber (guitar), Tim […]
This entry is for the mid-’80s American hard-rock band Aviator. For the earlier art-rock supergroup with Jack Lancaster and John G. Perry, click here. Aviator were an American melodic-rock band from New York that released a self-titled album on RCA in 1986. This marked the fourth recorded pairing between guitarist Richie Cerniglia and drummer Michael […]
Y & T were an American hard-rock/metal band from Oakland, Calif., that released two albums as Yesterday and Today on London Records between 1976 and 1978, followed by five albums and a live disc on A&M between 1981 and 1984. Members: Dave Meniketti (vocals, guitar), Phil Kennemore (bass, 1974-2010), Leonard Haze (drums, 1974-86, 2001-06), Joey […]
White Lion were an American metal band from NYC that released the album Fight to Survive on Grand Slamm Records in 1985, followed by three albums on Atlantic between 1987 and 1991. Members: Mike Tramp (vocals), Vito Bratta (guitar, 1983-91), Nicki Capozzi (drums, 1983-84), Felix Robinson (bass, 1983-84), Dave Spitz (bass, 1984), James LoMenzo (bass, […]
Wild Dogs were an American metal band from Portland, Ore., that released two albums on Shrapnel in 1983/84, followed by Reign of Terror on Enigma in 1987. Members: Matt McCourt (vocals, bass), Mike Varney (guitar), Michael Brown (guitar), Pete Laufmann (drums), Michael Furlong (vocals), Jeff Mark (guitar), Danny Kurth (bass), Rick Bartell (bass), Deen Castronovo […]
Whiplash were an American metal band from Passaic, NJ, that released three albums on Roadracer between 1986 and 1989. Members: Tony Portaro (guitar, vocals), Tony Scaglione (drums, 1983-87, 1996, 1998-99, 2010-11), Mike Orosz (vocals, 1984), Pat Burns (bass, 1984), Rob Harding (bass, 1984), Tony Bono (bass, 1985-93, 1998-99), Joe Cangelosi (drums, 1987-93) Discography: Power and […]
Watchtower were an American metal band from Austin that released the album Energetic Disassembly on self-press Zombo Records in 1985, followed by Control and Resistance on Noise International in 1989. Members: Doug Keyser (bass), Rick Colacula (drums), Billy White (guitar, 1982-86), Travis Allen (vocals, 1982), Jason McMaster (vocals, 1982-88, 1999-2009), Ron Jarzombek (guitar, 1987-present), Mike […]
Warlord were an American metal band from San Jose, Calif., that released the 1983 EP Deliver Us and the 1984 album And the Cannons of Destruction Have Begun…, both on Metal Blade. Members: Destroyer [William J. Tsamis] (guitar), Thunder Child [Mark Zonder] (drums), Joe Hall (bass, 1980-81), Jerry Alcevia (keyboards, 1981), Damien King I [Jack […]
Alcatrazz were a multi-national metal band formed in Los Angeles by English vocalist Graham Bonnet (Marbles, Rainbow) and Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. With this lineup, the band released the 1983 album No Parole From Rock ‘n’ Roll on RCA and a 1984 live album on Rocshire. Malmsteen’s place was taken by Steve Vai for the […]
Vyper were an American metal band from Kansas City, Mont., that released the 1984 album Prepared to Strike, followed by the 1985 EP Afraid of the Dark, both on Greenworld Records. Members: Christy Black (vocals), Jacky Foxx (guitar), Robbie Saint (guitar), Rik Brock (bass), Michael Scott (drums) Discography: Prepared to Strike (1984) Afraid of the […]
Vicious Rumors were an American metal band from Santa Rosa, Calif., that released two albums on Shrapnel/Roadrunner between 1985 and 1988, followed by a pair of albums on Atlantic during the early 1990s. Members: Geoff Thorpe (guitar), Mark Tate (vocals, 1980-82), Walt Perkins (drums, 1980-82), Jim Cassero (guitar, 1980-83), Jeff Barnacle (bass, 1980-85), Jim Lang […]
Slayer are an American metal band from Huntington Park, Calif., that released two albums and an EP on Metal Blade/Roadrunner between 1983 and 1985, followed by three albums and a live double-disc on Def Jam/American between 1986 and 1991. Members: Kerry King (guitar), Tom Araya (vocals, bass), Jeff Hanneman (guitar, 1981-2013), Dave Lombardo (drums, 1982-86, […]
Savatage are an American metal band from Tampa, initially known as Avatar, that released the EP City Beneath the Surface and the album Sirens on Florida small-press Par Records in 1983. Between 1985 and 1995, the band released eight albums on Atlantic. Members: Steve Wacholz (drums, 1983-94), Criss Oliva (lead guitar, vocals, 1983-93), Jon Oliva […]
Queensrÿche were an American metal band from Bellevue, Wash., that released an EP and three albums on EMI America between 1983 and 1988, followed by three further titles on the label during the subsequent decade. Members: Michael Wilton (guitar, backing vocals), Eddie Jackson (bass, backing vocals), Scott Rockenfield (drums, percussion, keyboards), Chris DeGarmo (guitar, backing […]
Overkill are an American metal band from Old Bridge, NJ, that released seven albums on Megaforce and Atlantic between 1985 and 1994, followed by titles on CMC, eOne, Steamhammer, and Nuclear Blast during the subsequent quarter-century. Members: D.D. Verni (bass), Rat Skates (drums, 1980-87), Bobby Ellsworth [aka Blitz] (vocals), Robert Pisarek [aka Riff Thunder] (guitar, […]
Metallica were an American metal band from Los Angeles that released two albums on Megaforce in 1983/84, followed by three albums on Elektra between 1986 and 1991. Members: Lars Ulrich (drums), James Hetfield (guitar, vocals), Hugh Tanner (guitar, 1981), Lloyd Grant (guitar, 1981), Ron McGovney (bass, 1981-82), Dave Mustaine (guitar, 1982-83), Cliff Burton (bass, 1982-86), […]
Metal Church were an American metal band from San Francisco that self-issued a cassette EP in 1981, followed by three albums on Elektra between 1984 and 1989. Members: Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar, 1980-87, 1998-2009, 2012-present), Kirk Arrington (drums, 1982-2006), Craig Wells (guitar, 1982-94), Duke Erickson (bass, 1982-2001), David Wayne (vocals, 1982-88, 1998-2001), John Marshall (guitar, 1988-2001), […]
Manowar were an American metal band from Auburn, NY, that released the album Battle Hymns on Liberty Records in 1982, followed by 12 further studio albums on assorted labels over the subsequent three decades. Members: Joey DeMaio (bass, keyboards), Eric Adams (vocals), Karl Kennedy (drums, 1980), Ross the Boss (guitar, 1980-88), Donnie Hamzik (drums, 1982-83, […]
Megadeth were an American metal band from Los Angeles that released the album Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good! on Combat in 1985, followed by seven further studio albums on Capitol during the subsequent 14-year period. Members: Dave Mustaine (guitar, vocals), David Ellefson (bass, 1983-2002, 2010-present), Greg Handevidt (guitar, 1983-84), Dijon Carruthers (drums, […]
Manilla Road were an American metal band from Wichita, Kan., that released eight albums on Roadster and Black Dragon between 1980 and 1990. Members: Mark Shelton (guitar, vocals, 1977-2018), Ben Munkirs (drums, 1977-78), Robert Park (guitar, 1977-79), Scott Park (bass, 1977-90), Myles Sipe (drums, 1979), Rick Fisher (drums, 1979-83), Randy Foxe (drums, 1984-90) Discography: Invasion […]
King’s X were an American hard-rock band from Houston that released six albums on Atlantic between 1988 and 1996, followed by further titles on Metal blade during the subsequent decade. Members: Doug Pinnick (vocals, bass), Ty Tabor (vocals, guitar), Jerry Gaskill (vocals, drums) Discography: Out of the Silent Planet (1988) Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989) […]
Icon were an American metal band from Phoenix that released two albums on Capitol in 1984/85, followed by a self-released cassette title and a third proper album on Megaforce in 1989. Members: Stephen Clifford (vocals), Dan Wexler (guitar), John Aquilino (guitar), Tracy Wallach (bass), Pat Dixon (drums), Kevin Stoller (keyboards), Jerry Harrison (vocals), Drew Bollman […]
Dio were an American metal band fronted by namesake veteran hard-rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath). The band released four albums on Warner Bros. between 1983 and 1987, followed by titles on Reprise, Steamhammer, and Spitfire during the subsequent two decades. Members: Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar, 1982-86), Jimmy Bain […]
Death Angel were an American metal band from San Francisco that self-released two EPs between 1983 and 1985, followed by two albums on Enigma in 1987/88 an a third on Geffen in 1990. Members: Rob Cavestany (lead guitar, vocals), Andy Galeon (drums, vocals, 1982-2009), Dennis Pepa (bass, vocals, 1982-2008), Gus Pepa (rhythm guitar, 1982-91), Mark […]
Brocas Helm were an American metal band from San Francisco that released the album Into Battle on Steamhammer in 1984, followed by Black Death on self-press Gargoyle in 1988. Members: Bobbie “Dark Rider” Wright (guitar, vocals), John Grey (guitar), Tom “T-bone” Behney (guitar), James Schumacher (bass), Jack Hays (drums) Discography: Into Battle (1984) Black Death […]
Agent Steel were an American metal band from Los Angeles that released two albums and an EP on Combat Records between 1985 and 1987. Members: Juan García (guitar, 1984-87, 1998-present), Silvio Golfetti (guitar, 1984), Mark Marshall (guitar, 1984), Sill Simmons (guitar, 1984), John Gott (guitar, 1984), Kurt Colfelt (guitar, 1984-85), George Robb (bass, 1984-86), John […]
Primevil were an American hard-rock/psych band from Indiana that self-pressed a standalone single in 1972 and followed it with the album Smokin’ Bats at Campton’s on local-press 700 West in 1974. Members: Dave Campton (vocals), Larry Lucas (guitar), Jay Wilfong (guitar), Mark Sipe (bass), Mel Cupp (drums) Discography: “Too Dead to Live” / “Fantasies” (1972) […]
Law were an American hard-rock/funk band from Youngstown, Ohio, that released a self-titled album on GRC in 1975, followed by two albums on MCA in 1977. The band toured its first album as an opening act for Bad Company. Years later, BC vocalist Paul Rodgers used Law as the inspiration for his early ’90s band […]
Arc Angel were an American melodic/hard-rock band from New Haven, Conn., that released a self-titled album on Portrait in 1983. The members previously recorded together in the 1970s-era bands Jasper Wrath, Zoldar & Clark, and Arden House. Frontman/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cannata later released a string of albums under his surname and reactivated the Arc Angel nameplate […]
Full Moon were an American hard-rock band from Hummelstown, Penn., that released a self-titled album on small-press Montagne Records in 1980, followed by a standalone single on local-indie Baldwin in 1982. Members: John Fischer (guitar, backing vocals), Joseph Fischer (lead vocals, guitar), Joe Wilhelm (bass), Alan Hetzel (drums) Discography: Full Moon (1980) “Cross Country Man” […]
Cactus were an American hard-rock/blues band from NYC that released four albums on Atco between 1970 and 1972. Drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tim Bogert hailed from psych-rockers Vanilla Fudge. The pair would subsequently team with guitarist Jeff Beck in the power-trio Beck, Bogart and Appice. Members: Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass, 1970-2008), Rusty […]
Truth and Janey were an American hard-rock trio from Cedar Rock, Iowa, that released two singles in 1972/73 on the one-off labels Sound Communications and Driving Wheel. In 1976, the band released the album No Rest for the Wicked on small-press Montross Records, followed by 1977’s Just a Little Bit of Magic on Bee Bee. […]
The Stooges were an American hard-rock/punk band fronted by singer Iggy Pop. They released two albums on Elektra: The Stooges (1969) and Fun House (1970). After a brief split, they returned with the 1973 Columbia release Raw Power, produced by David Bowie. Pop reemerged as a solo artist, starting with the 1977 Bowie-produced albums The […]
Storm were an American hard-rock band from Orange County, Calif., that released a self-titled album on MCA in 1979, followed by a second eponymous album on Capitol in 1983. Members: Jeanette Chase (vocals, piano, bass), Lear Stevens (guitar, synthesizer, vocals), David Devon (drums, ?-1982), Ronni Hansen (bass, keyboards), Jimmy Monroe (drums, 1982-83), Eric Nielson (drums, […]
Swampgas were an American hard-rock/boogie band from New York that released a self-titled album on Buddah in 1972. Members: Jock Davis (bass guitar), Baird Hersey (guitar), Kim Ornitz (vocals), Ricky Slater (drums) Discography: Swampgas (1972)
Steel were an American hard-rock/psych band that released a self-titled album on Epic in 1971. Members: Carl Sims (vocals), Duane Hitchings (organ, piano, keyboard), Roland Robinson (bass, vocals), Steve Busfield (guitar, vocals), Jerry Norris (drums, vocals) Discography: Steel (1971)
Stark Naked were an American hard-rock/psych band from Levittown, NY, that released a self-titled album on RCA Victor in 1971. Members: Richard Belsky (lead guitar), Paul Venier (keyboards, vocals, percussion), Lyne Bunn (vocals, percussion), John Fragos (drums, percussion, gong), Jim Monahan (vocals, guitar), Tom Rubino (bass) Discography: Stark Naked (1971)
Starfire were an American hard-rock/psych band from California that released a self-titled album on Crimson Records in 1974. Members: Chris Muis (vocals), Robert Mitchell (guitar, backing vocals), Robert Sephton (bass, backing vocals), Dennis Hovenden (drums), Randy Kelley (keyboards) Discography: Starfire (1974)
The James Gang were an American hard-rock band that debuted with Yer’ Album on Bluesway in 1969, followed by four studio albums and a live disc on ABC Records, including the popular 1970/71 titles Rides Again and Thirds. Two songs, “Funk #49” and “Walk Away,” remain staples of classic rock radio. Multiple guitarists passed through […]
Fly by Night were an American hard-rock band from Pennsylvania that released the album Zoo Road on Maniac Records in 1980. Members: Randy Graybill (vocals, guitar), Bob Anderson (guitar, vocals), Rick Bailey (keyboards), Charlie Fry (bass), Gary Golden (drums) Discography: Zoo Road (1980)
Zerfas were an American hard-rock/psych band from Indianapolis that released a self-titled album on 700 West in 1973. Members: Dave Zerfas (drums, percussion, vocals), Herman Zerfas (keyboards, vocals), Mark Tribby (bass, guitars, vocals), Steve Newbold (bass, guitars) Discography: Zerfas (1973)
Mountain was an American hard-rock band from New York that grew from an album of the same name by guitarist Leslie West. As a proper band, they released three albums and a live disc on Windfall Records between 1970 and 1974. They are best known for their performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival and the […]
Derringer were an American hard-rock band from New York that released three studio albums and two live discs on CBS-subsidiary Blue Sky between 1976 and 1978. Namesake guitarist/vocalist Rick Derringer had a string of solo albums to his credit as well as time with Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, and ’60s pop-rockers The McCoys. Bassist Kenny […]
The Pepper Porter Band were an American hard-rock band from Seattle that released the album Invasion on local-press First American in 1980. Members: Pepper Porter (guitar, backing vocals), Steve Teasley (bass, lead vocals), Paul Rieland (lead vocals, keyboards), Rob Reuber (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Nelson McFarlan (drums), Dave Horton (guitar), Fred Horton (drums), Ken Huseby […]
Blackjack were an American hard-rock band from New York that released two albums on Polydor in 1979/80. Guitarist Bruce Kulick briefly joined the Good Rats before scoring a long-term gig with Kiss. Frontman Michael Bolton released a pair of hard-rock solo albums and ultimately achieved superstardom as an adult-contemporary balladeer. Bassist Jimmy Haslip has worked […]
Axis were an American hard-rock trio from Shreveport, La., that released the album It’s a Circus World on RCA Victor in 1978. Guitarist/vocalist Danny Johnson and drummer Vinny Appice hailed from Derringer. Johnson later replaced Yngwie Malmsteen in Alcatrazz. Appice joined the Mob Rules lineup of Black Sabbath and proceeded to the band of vocalist […]
Midnight were an American hard-rock band from Chicago that self-released the album Into the Night in 1977. The album was recorded at A-K Sound studio and engineered by Al Kitlica, who concurrently mastered the album It’s For You by Missouri Dirt. Into the Night was reissued on vinyl for its 38th anniversary by archivists Drag […]
Lionhart were an American hard-rock band from Houston that released a standalone single in 1975 and an eponymous album in 1977, both on self-press Hutch Productions. Members: – Discography: “There’s a Way” / “Find Your Own Way Home” (1975) Lionhart (1977)
Stepson were an American hard-rock band from Seattle that released a self-titled album on ABC in 1974. Three-fourths of the band hailed from Portland, Ore., psych-rockers Touch. Guitarist Joey Newman had also been in Blue Mountain Eagle. Members: Len Fagan (drums), Bruce Hauser (bass, vocals), Jeff Hawks (lead vocals), Joey Newman (guitar, vocals) Discography: Stepson […]
Streets were an American hard-rock band that released two albums on Atlantic between 1983 and 1985. The band was assembled in 1981 in Atlanta, Ga., by once-and-future Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh and erstwhile City Boy guitarist Mike Slamer. Members: Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards), Mike Slamer (guitar), Billy Greer (bass, vocals), Tim Gehrt (drums) Discography: 1st […]
Nitzinger were an American hard-rock band from Fort Worth, Tex., that released two albums on Capitol in 1972/73, followed by a third on 20th Century in 1976. Members: John Nitzinger (guitar, lead vocals), Linda Waring (drums, vocals), Curly Benton (bass, vocals), Bugs Henderson (guitar, vocals) Discography: Nitzinger (1972) One Foot in History (1973) Live Better […]
Coven were an American hard-rock band from Chicago that released the albums Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls on Mercury in 1969, followed by two further albums on MGM and Buddah between 1971 and 1974. Members: Jinx Dawson (vocals), Mike “Oz” Osborne (bass), Jim Nyeholt (organ, piano), Jim Donlinger (guitar), Chris Nielsen (guitar, vocals), Rick […]
Amulet were an American hard-rock band from Evansville, Ind., that released a self-titled album on regional-press Shadow Records in 1980. Members: Cliff Hill (vocals), Bob Becker (guitar), Paul Skelton (bass), John Becker (drums) Discography: Amulet (1980)
Randy Hansen (born Dec. 8, 1954) is an American hard-rock guitarist from Seattle who released a self-titled album on Capitol in 1980. He spent the ensuing decade performing Jimi Hendrix covers, as documented on three live releases. Discography: Randy Hansen (1980) Astral Projection: Live (1983)
Ram Jam were an American hard-rock band from NYC that released two albums on Epic in 1977/78. Guitarist Bill Bartlett and bassist Howie Blauvelt respectively hailed from the ’60s pop-psych bands The Lemon Pipers and The Hassles. Members: Bill Bartlett (guitar), Howie Blauvelt (bass), Myke Scavone (vocals), Peter Charles (drums), Gregg Hoffman (guitar, 1976, 1994), […]
Hammer were an American hard-rock band from San Francisco that released a self-titled album on Atlantic in 1971. Members: John DeRoberts (vocals), Jack O’Brien (guitar), Richie McBride (bass), Norman Landsberg (keyboards), John Guerin (drums), Andy Newmark (drums) Discography: Hammer (1971)
Goliath were an American hard-rock band from Louisville, Ken., that released the album Hot Rock & Thunder on local-press Bridges in 1975. Earlier material, recorded circa 1970, was issued on CD nearly four decades after the fact by archivists Gear Fab. Members: Dave Wood (grand piano, Moog, clavinet, vocals), Paul Bays (lead guitar, vocals), Jim […]
Bloody Mary was an American hard-rock/psych band that released a self-titled album on Artie Ripp’s Family Productions label in 1974. The album was produced by veteran songwriter and arranger Vinny Testa, whose prior credits include albums by Pookah, Frijid Pink, Liquid Smoke, and Bull Angus. Though the title has twice been reissued by the unofficial […]
Dust was an American northeast power trio that released two albums, Dust and Hard Attack, on Kama Sutra in 1971/72. Members: Richie Wise (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals), Marc Bell [Marky Ramone] (drums), Kenny Aaronson (bass, steel guitar, Dobro, bottleneck guitar) Background Dust formed in 1969 in New York City when guitarist Richie Wise teamed […]
Riot are an American hard-rock band from New York that released the album Rock City on Fire Sign Records in 1977, followed with Narita on Capitol in 1979 and two albums apiece on Elektra and CBS during the 1980s. Members: Mark Reale (guitar, 1975-2012), Guy Speranza (vocals, 1975-81), Peter Bitelli (drums, 1975-79), Phil Feit (bass, […]
Nuclear Assault were an American metal band from Queens, NY, that issued two titles on Relativity-subsidiary Combat in 1986/87, followed by Survive on I.R.S. in 1988. Members: John Connelly (vocals, guitar), Mike Bogush (guitar, 1984), Scott DuBoys (drums, 1984), Glenn Evans (drums, 1984-2008), Anthony Bramante (guitar, 1985-91, 2001-02), Dan Lilker (bass, 1985-92, 2002-08), Dave DiPietro […]
Blue Cheer was an American hard-rock band that released six albums between 1968 and 1971 on Philips. They first recorded as a power-trio with guitarist Leigh Stephens, who plays on the 1968 albums Vincebus Eruptum and Outsideinside. The former contains an amplified cover of “Summertime Blues,” often cited as the world’s first heavy metal recording. […]
Blackfoot were an American hard-rock/boogie band from Jacksonville, Fla., that released the album No Reservations on Island in 1975, followed by Flyin’ High on Epic in 1976. Between 1979 and 1984, the band released five albums and a live disc on Atco. Members: Rickey Medlocke (vocals, guitar, Dobro, guitar synthesizer, percussion, drums, 1969-97), Charlie Hargrett […]
The Runaways were a teenage, all-female American hard-rock band that released four studio albums between 1976 and 1978 on Mercury. Guitarist-singers Joan Jett and Lita Ford each went onto solo chart success in the 1980s. Members: Joan Jett (vocals, guitar, bass, 1975-79), Sandy West (drums, vocals, 1975-79), Michael Steele (vocals, bass, 1975), Lita Ford (guitar, […]
Piper was an American hard-rock band that released the 1976–77 albums Piper and Can’t Wait on A&M. Piper has the minor hit “Who’s Your Boyfriend? (I Got a Feelin’),” which singer–guitarist Billy Squier re-recorded for his 1980 debut solo album; the prelude to his 1981–84 chart run. Members: Billy Squier (vocals, guitar), Danny McGary (bass), […]
Van Halen were an American hard-rock band from Pasadena, Calif., that released six albums on Warner Bros. between 1978 and 1984 with original vocalist David Lee Roth, followed by four albums on the label with ex-Montrose singer Sammy Hagar. Members: Eddie Van Halen (guitar, piano, keyboards), Alex Van Halen (drums), David Lee Roth (lead vocals, […]
Flotsam and Jetsam are an American metal band from Scottsdale, Ariz., that released the album Doomsday for the Deceiver on Metal Blade in 1986, followed by No Place for Disgrace on Elektra in 1988 and a round of titles on MGM during the following decade. Members: Kelly David-Smith (drums, 1982-97), Jason Newsted (bass, 1982-86), Eric […]
Racer X were an American metal band from Los Angeles that released three studio albums and two live discs on Shrapnel between 1986 and 1999, followed by four titles on Universal during the early 2000s. Members: John Alderete (bass), Jeff Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar, 1985-88, 1999-2002), Harry Gschoesser (drums, 1985-86), Bruce Bouillet (guitar, 1986-89), […]
