Metallica is an American metal band that spearheaded the US thrash scene with the 1983–84 albums Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning. They shot to fame with their 1986 Elektra release Master of Puppets and its 1988 two-record followup …And Justice for All. Members: Lars Ulrich (drums), James Hetfield (guitar, vocals), Hugh Tanner (guitar, […]
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 […]
Alice Cooper is an American singer and performer, best known for the shock-rock antics and horror trappings of his 1970s live shows. He emerged as the frontman of namesake hard-rockers Alice Cooper, which charted with a string of 1971–73 Warner Bros. albums, including the hits “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” […]
Blue Öyster Cult are an American hard-rock band from Long Island known for their literate lyrics, dual-guitar interplay, and fusion of heavy riff structures with cryptic sci-fi and occult themes. They emerged in 1972 with a trilogy of stark, riff-driven albums—Blue Öyster Cult, Tyranny and Mutation, and Secret Treaties—anchored by the tight rhythm section of […]
Montrose was an American hard-rock band that released the 1973–74 albums Montrose and Paper Money with original singer Sammy Hagar, a future solo star and Van Halen frontman. His replacement, Bob James, fronted the 1975–76 Montrose albums Warner Bros. Presents Montrose! and Jump on It. Their namesake guitarist, Ronnie Montrose, cut solo instrumentals and spearheaded […]
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 four studio albums and two live sets between 1970 and 1974 on Windfall Records. They are best known for their performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival and […]
Van Halen is an American hard-rock band from Pasadena that formed in 1972 and built its first six-album run with singer David Lee Roth between 1978 and 1984. The classic lineup paired guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen, bassist Michael Anthony, and Roth across Van Halen, Van Halen II, Women and Children First, […]
The James Gang was an American hard-rock band that debuted with the 1969 Bluesway release Yer’ Album, 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 […]
Megadeth are an American metal band from Los Angeles that Dave Mustaine formed in 1983 after his exit from Metallica. The group debuted with Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good! on Combat in 1985 and began its Capitol run one year later with Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? They carried that run through […]
Rick Derringer (August 5, 1947 — May 26, 2025) was an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer famed for his 1973 evergreen “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” He originated in Sixties pop-rockers The McCoys of “Hang On Sloopy” fame. After stints with Johnny and Edgar Winter, he launched a solo career interspersed with albums by […]
Ratt was an Americann hard-rock band from Southern California that took shape on the Hollywood club circuit after vocalist Stephen Pearcy reshaped his earlier Mickey Ratt vehicle into a five-piece with guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, bassist Juan Croucier, and drummer Bobby Blotzer. The band debuted in 1983 with a self-titled EP, then signed […]
ZZ Top is an American hard-rock/blues trio from Houston that formed in 1969 and built its first run on five London albums issued between 1971 and 1976. The classic lineup paired guitarist-singer Billy Gibbons, bassist-singer Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard across ZZ Top’s First Album, Rio Grande Mud, Tres Hombres, Fandango!, and Tejas. That early […]
Dio was an American metal band that Ronnie James Dio formed in 1982 after his split from Black Sabbath. The first lineup with guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and drummer Vinny Appice produced the Warner Bros. albums Holy Diver, The Last in Line, Sacred Heart, and Dream Evil between 1983 and 1987. A rebuilt […]
Dokken are an American hard-rock band from Los Angeles that formed around singer Don Dokken and fixed its classic lineup with guitarist George Lynch, bassist Jeff Pilson, and drummer Mick Brown during the early 1980s. The group first issued Breaking the Chains in Europe in 1981, then launched its main US run on Elektra with […]
Queensrÿche was an American metal band from Bellevue, Wash., that formed in 1980 as the Mob and broke through with the self-titled Queensrÿche EP on 206 Records in 1983. EMI America picked up the band for the albums The Warning, Rage for Order, and Operation: Mindcrime, which established its first decade through a mix of […]
Metal Church was an American metal band that formed in San Francisco in 1980, then reset in Aberdeen, Wash., one year later under guitarist and principal writer Kurdt Vanderhoof. The catalog begins with the 1981 demo Red Skies, followed by the 1984 Ground Zero debut Metal Church and the Elektra albums The Dark and Blessing […]
Truth and Janey were an American Midwest hard-rock trio that issued two singles and the 1976/77 private-press albums No Rest for the Wicked and Just a Little Bit of Magic. Later archival releases documented concerts in Topeka and Davenport. Members: BillyLee Janey (vocals, guitar), Steven Bock (vocals, bass, 1969-76), John Fillingsworth (drums, 1969), Denis Bunce […]
Blackfoot was an American hard-rock/boogie band from Jacksonville that released the 1975 Island album No Reservations, followed by the 1976 Epic release Flyin’ High. Between 1979 and 1984, they released five Atco albums and scored FM hits with “Highway Song” and “Fly Away.” Members: Rickey Medlocke (vocals, guitar, Dobro, guitar synthesizer, percussion, drums, 1969-97), Charlie […]
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. […]
1994: was an American hard-rock band from Los Angeles with singer Karen Lawrence. They released one album as L.A. Jets, followed by the 1976 single “Prisoner (Captured By Your Eyes),” a later hit for Barbra Streisand. As 1994:, they cut two albums in 1978/79 on A&M. In 1981, Lawrence released an album of retro girl-group […]
Slayer was an American metal band from Huntington Park, California, that formed in 1981 and fixed its classic lineup around bassist-vocalist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, and drummer Dave Lombardo. The band opened its catalog with Show No Mercy in 1983, followed by the Haunting the Chapel EP and the 1985 album […]
Elf was an American hard-rock band that released a self-titled 1972 album on Epic, followed by the 1974/75 MGM albums Carolina County Ball and Trying to Burn the Sun. They were a frequent opening act of Deep Purple, whose bassist, Roger Glover, produced Elf’s three albums. Singer Ronnie James Dio joined guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in […]
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 […]
Gamma was an American hard-rock band from San Francisco, formed by guitarist and Montrose mastermind Ronnie Montrose. They released three albums between 1979 and 1982 on Elektra. Members: Ronnie Montrose (guitar), Jim Alciver (keyboards, 1979-81), Alan Fitzgerald (bass, 1979-80), Davey Pattison (vocals), Skip Gallette (drums, 1979-80), Glenn Letsch (bass, 1980-82), Denny Carmassi (drums, 1980-82), Mitchell […]
Hammer was an American hard-rock band from San Francisco that released a 1971 self-titled album on Atlantic. Members: John DeRoberts (vocals), Jack O’Brien (guitar), Richie McBride (bass), Norman Landsberg (keyboards), John Guerin (drums), Andy Newmark (drums) Background Hammer formed in 1969 under the guidance of Fillmore promoter Bill Graham, who placed the band on bills […]
Zerfas was 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) Background Zerfas formed in Indianapolis in 1969 around brothers Dave and Herman Zerfas. Originally active under the names […]
Bang was an American hard-rock/psych trio from Philadelphia that released three albums in 1972/73 on Capitol. They debuted with a heavy, riff-driven self-titled album that drew comparisons to Black Sabbath. Their second release, Mother/Bow to the King, coupled conceptual side-long suites with compact, riff-based rockers. Music, their third album, featured more contoured guitar lines, orchestral […]
Manilla Road was an American metal band from Wichita, Kansas, that Mark Shelton and Scott Park formed in 1977. The group opened its album run with Invasion on Roadster in 1980, then sharpened its sound through Metal and Crystal Logic before moving into a second label phase with Open the Gates, The Deluge, Mystification, Out […]
Goliath was an American hard-rock band from Louisville 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 Kitchen […]
Sir Lord Baltimore was an American hard-rock/psych band from Brooklyn that released two albums in 1970/71 on Mercury. Members: John Garner (lead vocals, drums, percussion), Louis Dambra (guitar, vocals, 1968-2007), Gary Justin (bass, vocals, acoustic guitar, 1968-76), Stephen Capuano (keyboards, 1968-69), Joey Dambra (guitar, organ, vocals, 1970-72) Background Sir Lord Baltimore formed in 1968 in […]
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 […]
Dragonwyck was an American heavy-psych band from the Cleveland suburb of North Olmsted that recorded two privately circulated albums between 1970 and 1973, followed by additional sessions under alternate names through the mid-1970s. Their moody, organ-laden sound drew frequent comparisons to The Doors, though their music incorporated heavier fuzz guitar, tempo shifts, and Gothic overtones […]
Cactus was an American hard-rock|blues band that released four albums between 1970 and 1972 on Atco. Drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tim Bogert hailed from psych-rockers Vanilla Fudge. After Cactus, the pair teamed with guitarist Jeff Beck in the power-trio Beck, Bogart and Appice. Members: Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass, 1970-2008), Rusty Day (vocals, […]
Coven was an American hard-rock band from Chicago that released the 1969 Mercury album Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls, followed by two further albums on MGM and Buddah. Members: Jinx Dawson (vocals), Mike “Oz” Osborne (bass), Jim Nyeholt (organ, piano), Jim Donlinger (guitar), Chris Nielsen (guitar, vocals), Rick Durrett (organ), John Hobbs (keyboards) Background […]
Y&T (Yesterday and Today) is an American hard-rock/metal band, formed in 1972 in Oakland, California. They signed with London Records for the 1976–78 albums Yesterday and Today and Struck Down, then moved to A&M for the 1981–85 albums Earthshaker, Black Tiger, Mean Streak, In Rock We Trust, Down for the Count, and the live Open […]
Stark Naked was an American hard-rock/psych band that released a self-titled album in 1971 on RCA Victor. 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) Background Stark Naked formed in Long Island, New York, in the late […]
Manowar was an American metal band from Auburn, New York, that bassist Joey DeMaio formed in 1980 with singer Eric Adams and guitarist Ross the Boss. They arrived with the 1982 Liberty release Battle Hymns, then cut a rapid run through Into Glory Ride, Hail to England, Sign of the Hammer, Fighting the World, and […]
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 […]
Nitzinger was an American hard-rock band from Fort Worth, Texas, that released the 1972–73 Capitol albums Nitzinger and One Foot in History, followed by the 1976 20th Century release Live Better Electrically. Members: John Nitzinger (guitar, lead vocals), Linda Waring (drums, vocals), Curly Benton (bass, vocals), Bugs Henderson (guitar, vocals) Background The Nitzinger band formed […]
Overkill is an American metal band from Old Bridge, N.J., that formed in 1980 and built its first run through the Megaforce and Atlantic albums Feel the Fire, Taking Over, Under the Influence, The Years of Decay, Horrorscope, I Hear Black, and W.F.O. between 1985 and 1994. The group continued on CMC, Metal-Is, Spitfire, Regain, […]
Legs Diamond was an American hard-rock band from San Francisco that made the 1977 Mercury albums Legs Diamond and A Diamond Is a Hard Rock, followed by the 1979 Cream Records release Fire Power. They returned with the 1984–86 Target/Metronome titles Out on Bail and Land of the Gun. Members: Michael Prince (keyboards, guitar, vocals), […]
New England was an American hard-rock band from Boston that released a 1979 self-titled album on Infinity, followed by the 1980/81 Elektra albums Explorer Suite and Walking Wild. Members: John Fannon (guitar, vocals), Hirsh Gardner (drums, vocals), Jimmy Waldo (keyboards, vocals), Gary Shea (bass) Background New England formed in the Boston music scene during the […]
Alcatrazz was 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 […]
Edgewood was an American hard-rock/psych band from Memphis that released the 1972 album Ship of Labor on TMI Records. Members: David Beaver (vocals, keyboards), Pat Taylor (vocals, guitar), David Mayo (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Jim Tarbutton (guitar), Steve Spear (bass), Joel Williams (drums, percussion), Mike Bleecker (drums, percussion, 1970) Background Edgewood formed in 1970 in Memphis, […]
Bloodrock was an American hard-rock band that released six studio albums and a live double-LP on Capitol between 1970 and 1974. Their first lineup cut the riff-heavy albums Bloodrock, Bloodrock 2, Bloodrock 3, and Bloodrock U.S.A. with singer–drummer Jim Rutledge and guitarist Lee Pickens. “D.O.A.” gave the band its lone Top 40 hit in 1971. […]
Savage Grace was an American psychedelic hard-rock band that released two self-titled albums in 1970–71 on Reprise. Members: Ron Koss (vocals, guitar), Al Jacquez (vocals, bass), John Seanor (piano, harpsichord, keyboards), Larry Zack (drums, percussion) Background Savage Grace formed in Detroit from the ashes of The Scarlet Letter, a garage-psych act with singer–guitarist Ron Koss, […]
Granicus was an American hard-rock band from Cleveland that released a 1973 self-titled album on RCA. Members: Joe Battaglia (drums), Wayne Anderson (guitar), Dale Bedford (bass), Woody Leffel (vocals, guitar), Al Pinelli (guitar) Background Granicus formed circa 1970 when drummer Joe Battaglia teamed with guitarist Al Pinell. The two rehearsed in a Lakewood house, where […]
The Velvert Turner Group was an American post-psychedelic hard-rock band that released a 1972 album on Family Productions. Members: Velvert Turner (lead guitar, vocals), Tim McGovern (drums), Prescott Niles (bass), Chris Robinson (keyboards), Bob Lenox (organ), Bob Hogans (organ) Background The Velvert Turner Group took shape in 1970 after singer-guitarist Velvert Turner recruited bassist Prescott […]
Piper was an American hard-rock band that released the 1976–77 albums Piper and Can’t Wait on A&M. Piper contains “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), Richie Fontana (drums), […]
Ram Jam was an American hard-rock band known for the 1977 stomper “Black Betty.” Sixties svengalis Kasenetz and Katz produced the band’s debut album and 1978 followup, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Ram. Guitarist Bill Bartlett and bassist Howie Blauvelt hailed respectively from the pop-psych bands The Lemon Pipers and The Hassles. Members: […]
Primevil was an American hard-rock/psych band from Indiana that self-pressed the 1972 single “Too Dead to Live,” followed by the 1974 album Smokin’ Bats at Campton’s on 700 West. Members: Dave Campton (vocals), Larry Lucas (guitar), Jay Wilfong (guitar), Mark Sipe (bass), Mel Cupp (drums) Background Primevil formed near Knightstown, Indiana, where guitarist Jay Wilfong reconnected […]
Bull Angus was an American hard-rock band that released the 1971–72 Mercury albums Bull Angus and Free for All. Singer Franke Previte resurfaced in Eighties yacht-rockers Franke & The Knockouts. Members: Geno Charles (drums), Larry LaFalce (lead guitar, vocals), Dino Paolillo (lead guitar, vocals), Frankie Previte (vocals, recorder, percussion), Ron Piccolo (organ, piano, vocals), Lenny […]
Law was 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 […]
Boomerang was an American hard-rock band from NYC that released a 1971 self-titled album on RCA Victor. Members: Jo Casmir (bass, vocals), Richard Ramirez (guitar), James Galluzi (drums), Mark Stein (keyboards, vocals) Background Boomerang formed in 1970 in New York City around keyboardist–vocalist Mark Stein, who previously wrote and sang for Vanilla Fudge across five […]
Fly by Night was an American progressive hard-rock band from Pennsylvania that released the 1980 album Zoo Road on Maniac Records. Members: Randy Graybill (vocals, guitar), Bob Anderson (guitar, vocals), Rick Bailey (keyboards), Charlie Fry (bass), Gary Golden (drums) Background Fly by Night formed in York Springs, Pennsylvania, when vocalist-guitarist Randy Graybill, guitarist Bob Anderson, […]
Midnight was an American hard-rock band from Chicago that self-released the 1977 album Into the Night, reissued in 2015 on Drag City. Bassist John Falstrom notched sporadic jazz credits in later decades. Members: Dave Hill (lead vocals, keyboards), Frank Anastos (guitar, backing vocals), John Falstrom (bass), Scott Marquart (drums) Background Midnight originated as Midnight Express […]
Starfire was an American hard-rock/psych band from California that released a 1974 self-titled album on Crimson Records. Members: Chris Muis (vocals), Robert Mitchell (guitar, backing vocals), Robert Sephton (bass, backing vocals), Dennis Hovenden (drums), Randy Kelley (keyboards) Background Starfire surfaced in California by 1974 as a hard-rock/psych quintet with lead vocalist Chris Muis, guitarist Robert […]
Axis was an American hard-rock trio that released the 1978 RCA album It’s a Circus World. Guitarist/vocalist Danny Johnson and drummer Vinny Appice hailed from Derringer. Johnson later replaced Steve Vai in Alcatrazz. Appice joined the Mob Rules lineup of Black Sabbath and proceeded to the band of vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Bassist Jay Davis […]
Bloontz was an American hard-rock band from Houston that released a 1973 self-titled album on Evolution Records. Members: Zenobia (choir), Tony Braunagel (drums), Andy Chapman (vocals), Jimmy Don (guitar), Margaret Dorn (choir), Mike Montgomery (keyboards), Terry Wilson (bass), Sharon Redd (choir), David L. Kealey (guitar), Steve Radney (guitar), Linda Lawley (choir) Background Bloontz formed in […]
Swampgas was 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) Background Swampgas formed in 1968 on Long Island, New York, and built their footing in local clubs before relocating to Middletown, Connecticut, where […]
Marcus was an American hard-rock band from Detroit that released a 1976 self-titled album on United Artists. 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 Bogert […]
Racer X was an American metal band from Los Angeles that formed in 1985 around guitarist Paul Gilbert, singer Jeff Martin, bassist Juan Alderete, and drummer Harry Gschoesser. The first run produced the Shrapnel albums Street Lethal and Second Heat, followed by the live releases Extreme Volume Live and Extreme Volume II Live, all drawn […]
Crane was an American hard-rock recording project built around singer and guitarist Chuck Kirkpatrick, a Criteria Studios engineer who used the Chuck Crane name for a Capitol contract. Capitol issued the 1977 advance single “Oh Dancer” and released the self-titled album Crane in January 1978 on Capitol Records. Members: Chuck Crane (guitar, lead vocals, backing […]
Steel was an American hard-rock/psych band that released a 1971 self-titled album on Epic. Members: Carl Sims (vocals), Duane Hitchings (organ, piano, keyboard), Roland Robinson (bass, vocals), Steve Busfield (guitar, vocals), Jerry Norris (drums, vocals) Background Steel formed circa 1970 with singer Carl Sims, keyboardist Duane Hitchings, bassist Roland Robinson, guitarist Steve Busfield, and drummer […]
Bike was an American hard-rock band from Michigan that evolved from Silver Bicycle and issued one privately pressed album in 1978 through an independent operation. Members: Don Pierle (lead vocals, harmonica, percussion), Barry Stone (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Craig (lead guitar, slide guitar), Mike Wildman (bass guitar, percussion, vocals), Jerry Field (drums, vocals) Background Silver […]
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) […]
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 was 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 […]
Fiona Flanagan is an American hard-rock singer who debuted with the 1985 Atlantic release Fiona, which spawned the MTV hit “Talk to Me.” She followed with the 1986 album Beyond the Pale and appeared in the 1987 Bob Dylan musical drama Hearts of Fire. On her 1989 third album Heart Like a Gun, she dueted […]
Griffin was an American Bay Area metal band behind the 1984–86 albums Flight of the Griffin and Protectors of the Lair on the German Steamhammer label; Flight appeared stateside on Shrapnel Records. Members: William Rodrick McKay (vocals), Mike “Yaz” Jastremski (guitar), Rick Cooper (guitar), Thomas “Hawk” Mayberry (bass), Rick Wagner (drums) Background Griffin formed in […]
Exodus are an American metal band that emerged with the 1985 album Bonded by Blood on Torrid/Music for Nations, followed by the 1987–89 Combat albums Pleasures of the Flesh and Fabulous Disaster. They resurfaced on Capitol with the 1990–92 discs Impact Is Imminent and Force of Habit and returned with the mid-2000s titles Tempo of […]
Aviator was an American melodic-rock band from New York that released a 1986 self-titled album on RCA. This marked the fourth recorded pairing between guitarist Richie Cerniglia and drummer Michael Ricciardella, who previously played together in The Illusion, Wiggy Bits, and Network. Separately, Ricciardella cut two albums with Barnaby Bye and Cerniglia played in Ellen […]
White Lion was a Danish-American metal band behind the 1985 Grand Slamm album Fight to Survive, followed by the 1987–91 Atlantic titles Pride, Big Game, and Mane Attraction. Pride went double-Platinum on the Billboard strength of “Wait” and the ballad “When the Children Cry.” Members: Mike Tramp (vocals), Vito Bratta (guitar, 1983-91), Nicki Capozzi (drums, […]
Wild Dogs were an American metal band from Portland behind the 1983/84 albums Wild Dogs and Man’s Best Friend, followed by the 1987 Enigma release Reign of Terror. 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 […]
Whiplash was an American metal band that struck with the 1986 Roadracer release Power and Pain, followed by the 1987–89 titles Ticket to Mayhem and Insult to Injury. 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 […]
Watchtower was an American metal band behind the 1985 album Energetic Disassembly on self-press Zombo Records, followed by the 1989 Noise International release Control and Resistance. 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 Soliz (vocals, 1988-89), Scott […]
Warlord was an American metal band behind 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 Rucker] (vocals, 1981-83), Rik Fox […]
Vyper was an American metal band behind 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) Background Vyper formed around 1983 in Kansas City, Missouri, with singer Nikki Van […]
Vicious Rumors was an American Bay Area metal band behind the 1985–88 albums Soldiers of the Night and Digital Dictator on Shrapnel/Roadrunner, followed by the 1990/91 Atlantic titles Vicious Rumors and Welcome to the Ball. Members: Geoff Thorpe (guitar), Mark Tate (vocals, 1980-82), Walt Perkins (drums, 1980-82), Jim Cassero (guitar, 1980-83), Jeff Barnacle (bass, 1980-85), […]
