Keel (band)
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Keel was a heavy-metal music band in the 1980s. They were formed by vocalist Ron Keel, who'd been in the band Steeler in 1983. Along with Yngwie Malmsteen, Rik Fox (Original W.A.S.P. bassist) and drummer Mark Edwards, The band Steeler would only have one album, Steeler in 1983. After its recording, the band split up.
Yngwie Malmsteen joined the band Alcatrazz for a year (2 albums, debut No Parole From Rock & Roll in 1983 & live album : Live Sentence in 1984) Afterwards he went on as a solo artist. he's still recording and performing today.
After Steeler Ron Keel formed a new band called Keel. Its original members were : Ron Keel - vocals, David Michael Phillips on guitars (Phillips had, in 1983 just left his band ICON). Marc Ferrari lead & rythym guitarist. Bobby Marks drummer and Kenny Chaisson on bass guitar. The original lineup did not stay together long though.
Within months David Michael Phillips left and joined another band (this one was King Kobra). he was replaced in KEEL by guitarist Bryan Jay. With the changes made, they recorded their 1984 released debut album Lay Down The Law.
After its release Bobby Marks left and would be on drums replaced by Steve Riley. with Steve Riley still in the band, they started recording their 2nd album in the spring / summer of 1985. Steve left early into its recording, to join the band W.A.S.P. (in place of their drummer Tony Richards).
Steve would be replaced in KEEL by drummer Dwain Miller, this would be the last band member change for almost 4 years. the lineup of Keel, Ferrari, Jay, Chaisson & Miller recorded the rest of the 2nd album (The Right To Rock) and all of the next 2 albums. Their 3rd album, The Final Frontier was Released in 1986.
That year they won the best band of the year award in the 2nd annual Metal Edge magazine reader's poll. Keel, their 4th album...released on June 21, 1987. Marc Ferrari left in 1988, after the Keel album tour.
In the 1990's Marc Ferrari would write a section of Metal Edge magazine titled Power Sources, about guitars, amps, etc... He was replaced by Scott Warren, Bryan Jay also left in 1989, he'd be replaced by Tony Palamucci. With the 2 new members and the 3 remaining members, Ron Keel, Dwain Miller & Kenny Chaisson. they recorded some 6 songs which would be released in 1989. Mixed with some live songs as the Larger Than Live album.
The band quit after the album was released. They'd have a brief reunion in 1998 releasing Keel VI : Back in action. Which included their recording of the song Proud To Be Loud. Proud To Be Loud was written by Marc Ferrari in 1986 or 87 with thoughts of being on the KEEL album. it wouldn't be, instead Thrash metal band Pantera recorded and released it on their 4th album Power metal, which was released in 1987.
Since then none of its members have done much. There's "supposedly" a 7th album coming out by the end of 2004. They were, for a short time one of the more popular metal bands. Their song Speed Demon is briefly heard on the 2002 movie Men in Black II.
Discography
- 1984 - Lay Down The Law
- 1985 - The Right To Rock
- 1986 - The Final Frontier
- 1987 - Keel (album)
- 1989 - Larger Than Live
- 1998 - Keel VI : Back In Action
The Right To Rock and The Final Frontier albums were produced by KISS' bassist Gene Simmons.