SARAYA - LIVE IN ASBURY PARK 1991
Ultra Rare. The wonderful Sandi Saraya with
Gregg Munier, John Roggio, Gary Taylor (Red Dawn/Tara), Tony Bruno
(Danger Danger/Andy Timmons), Chuck Bonfante (Drive, she said/Morning
Wood). Gary, Tony & Chuck had been previously together with
ex-Foreigner/Spys keyboardist Al Greenwood in the band NYC and later in
Garbo Talks. Tony & Chuck worked with ex-Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn
Turner in his unreleased 2nd album before joining Saraya. Awesome Female AOR Rocker 2nd Album Tour Live Concert. Inc Queen Cover !!!
TRACKLIST
1.Lion's den
2.Love has taken its toll
3.Bring back the light
4.Hitchin' a ride
5.In the shade of the sun
6.Get u ready
7.One night away
8.Seducer
9.Tie your mother down*
LINE-UP
Sandra Sandi Saraya
Barry Dunaway (Yngwie Malmsteen/Joe Lynn Turner)
Tony Bruno (Danger Danger/Andy Timmons)
Chcuk Bonfante (Drive She Said/Morning Wood)
John Roggio
*Queen cover written by Brian May
-------------------------------------------
Saraya
Origin New Jersey, United States
Genres AOR, hard rock, glam metal
Years active 1987–1992
Labels Polydor/PolyGram, SBK
Associated acts Danger Danger, Yngwie Malmsteen
Saraya was an American hard rock band, based in New Jersey and featuring singer Sandi Saraya, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, keyboardist Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. The band is best known for their 1989 song "Love Has Taken Its Toll".
Contents
History
In 1987, Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Gregg Munier began performing under the name Alsace Lorraine. They eventually travelled to Los Angeles in search of stardom, changing their name to Saraya, because Sandi was the face of the band.[1] After a short stint in LA, the band returned to New Jersey where Saraya and Munier spent the next year writing material for their debut album.[2] Later in 1987, Saraya and Munier were joined by former Danger Danger guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante.
Saraya released their self-titled debut on PolyGram Records in 1989. Executives at PolyGram hoped to eventually develop Sandi Saraya into a sex symbol, making her the "Next Bon Jovi". Promoters wanted to establish Saraya as a good rock band and gradually establish Sandi's sex appeal as the band received more exposure.[3] The debut album saw some success, spending 39 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 79. Their first single, "Love Has Taken Its Toll" reached No. 64 on the Billboard 100, on the week of August 12, 1989 and their followup "Back to the Bullet" peaked at No. 63[4] on the week of December 2, 1989. The ballad "Timeless Love", released by EMI's SBK Records, was actually recorded as a Sandi Saraya solo project and she was accompanied by session musicians, only that it was credited to her true band's name. Still, "Timeless Love" became their third and last single on the Hot 100, staying even lower at No. 85 on the week of January 20, 1990. Produced and penned by Desmond Child, it was Saraya's only song written and recorded for a film, in that case the horror comedy Shocker. Child explained in November 1989 that, pressed to meet a deadline, he got the idea to wrap Sandi Saraya in huge chains so that she could give her all in singing her lines during the "Timeless Love" session, after explaining to her the background of the song, because her previous takes were unemotional and unsuccessful. She later asked to be chained during the overdubs.[5]
After the first album, Saraya experienced several line-up changes. Barry Dunaway (formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen) replaced Gary Taylor on bass. Munier recorded keyboards and backing vocals on the second album, When the Blackbird Sings, but was unhappy with the direction of the music as it was more guitar driven.[4] He later left the band and was replaced with guitarist John Roggio.
Sandi Saraya (now Sandra "Sandi" Saraya Kelly) married actor Brendan Kelly in 1995 and lives in Palm Springs, California with her five children Larkan, Tiernan, Shaelan, Quinlan and Caedan Kelly.
Gregg Munier died on February 3, 2006, at the age of 44, from complications of pneumonia.[6] He is survived by his two sons, Shayne and Lucas.[7]
Tony Rey has been the most prolific of all the band members, playing, writing and recording with, as well as producing, many prominent artists in the music industry, from Joan Jett to Enrique Iglesias to Rihanna.
In October 2010, Saraya planned to reunite for the Firefest Music Festival in the UK. Issues between Sandi Saraya and the Firefest Team, however, prevented the band from performing at the festival.[8][9]
Final members
Sandra "Sandi" Saraya - lead vocals, percussion (1987-1992)
Tony "Bruno" Rey - lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1987-1992)
Chuck Bonfante - drums (1987-1992)
Barry Dunaway - bass guitar, backing vocals (1990-1992)
Johnny "John" Roggio - rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1991-1992)
Past members
Gregg Munier - keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1987-1991; died 2006)
Gary "Skid" Taylor - bass guitar, backing vocals (1987-1990)
Discography
Saraya (1989)
Love Has Taken Its Toll 5:21
Healing Touch 4:43
Get U Ready 3:11
Gypsy Child 4:39
One Night Away 4:39
Alsace Lorraine 0:50
Runnin' Out of Time 4:14
Back to the Bullet 3:58
Fire to Burn 4:38
Saint Christopher's Medal 4:21
Drop the Bomb 5:54
Credits
Artist Credit
Fredy Azizaj Composer
Michael Bays Creative Director
Chuck Bonfante Drums, Group Member
Cheryl Bordagary Assistant Engineer
Tony Bruno Composer
Jeff Glixman Producer
Margery Greenspan Art Direction, Design
Danny Grigsby Vocals
Chris Laidlaw Assistant Engineer
Sandy Linzer Composer, Executive Producer
Bob Ludwig Mastering
Marc "Swarthy" Marseglig Assistant
Gregg Munier Composer, Group Member, Keyboards, Vocals
Frank Ockenfels Photography
Tony Rey Group Member, Guitar, Vocals
Saraya Composer, Primary Artist
Sandi Saraya Group Member, Vocals
Blaise Sires Assistant Engineer
Gary Taylor Bass, Bass Pedals, Group Member, Vocals
Ed Thacker Mixing
Jeff Toone Assistant
Toni Übler Digital Remastering
When the Blackbird Sings (1991)
Queen of Sheba 6:17
Bring Back the Light 6:05
Hitchin' a Ride 5:44
When You See Me Again... 4:37
Tear Down the Wall 5:27
Seducer 6:11
When the Blackbird Sings... 5:29
Lion's Den 4:14
In the Shade of the Sun 4:44
White Highway 5:08
New World 3:36
Credits
Artist Credit
Chuck Bonfante Drums
Tony Bruno Guitar
Peter Collins Producer
Barry Dunaway Bass
Gene Foster Engineer
Gregg Munier Keyboards
Paul Northfield Engineer
Saraya Composer, Primary Artist
Sandi Saraya Vocals
Single, "Timeless Love", off the Shocker soundtrack (1989)
Single, "Back to the Bullet", rock mix (1989)
Formed in 1987 by vocalist Sandi Saraya and keyboard player Gregg Munier, this US rock band originally travelled under the title Alsace Lorraine. With the addition of Tony Rey (guitar), Gary Taylor (bass) and Chuck Bonfarte (drums), they changed their name to Saraya. Fusing influences such as Heart, the Pretenders and Pat Benatar, they recorded a self-titled debut for PolyGram Records; a melodic and highly polished collection of AOR numbers characterized by Sandi’s hammy but infectious vocal style. Following internal disputes Rey and Taylor quit in 1990 and were replaced by Tony Bruno and Barry Dunaway, respectively. 1991’s When The Blackbird Sings again failed to find success.
Similar To
D:A:D
Goddo
Tygers of Pan Tang
Tyketto
Waysted
Rough Cutt
Shark Island
Tangier
King Kobra
Trixter
Tony Rey
Genres Rock, Glam metal
Occupation(s) Guitarist
Producer
Music director
Instruments guitar, keyboards
Associated acts Saraya
the Mike Pont Band
Danger Danger
Tony "Bruno" Rey is a guitarist/writer/producer/arranger who has worked with bands including Saraya, the Mike Pont Band, Danger Danger, Billy Joel, Janet Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, Joan Jett & the Black Hearts, Kathie Lee, Taylor Dayne, Anastacia and Rihanna.
In Danger Danger, he replaced guitarist Al Pitrelli and was replaced by guitarist Andy Timmons. He played part of the guitar work on Danger Danger's self-titled album, with his replacement Andy Timmons playing the rest of the guitar work, in much the same way that Pete Willis and his replacement Phil Collen both played guitar on Def Leppard's Pyromania.
Rey started with Iglesias in 1999 and is the guitarist and musical director. He is responsible for all facets of Iglesias' live shows, TV shows, and award shows. Rey also writes and produces for Iglesias. One song he co-wrote was "Roamer" from Iglesias' album, 7.[1] Rey also provided guitar on Janet Jackson's single "Just a Little While".
Currently, Rey's main focus is on being Enrique Iglesias' musical director and working with Rihanna on tour.
Discography
1980s
Writing songs with Aldo Nova
Saraya (1989)
Danger Danger (1989)
1990s
When The Blackbird Sings, Saraya (1991)
Scepter Records Story (1992)-* Flashback, Joan Jett (1993)
Pure And Simple, Joan Jett (1994)
Tank Girl Soundtrack (1995)-Vocals
Living the Nightlife (1995)-Producer
Biggest Man, Tommy Hunt (1997)-Producer
We Will Fall: The Iggy Pop Tribute" (1997)-Producer, Guitar
New York Soul Serenade (1997)-Producer
Under Cover, Joe Lynn Turner (1997)-Vocals(Background)
Naked Without You, Taylor Dayne (1997)-Guitar(electric)
Four the Hard Way, Danger Danger (1997) -Producer, Guitar
Where the Girls are, Vol 2 (1999)-Producer
Under Cover, Vol 2 Joe Lynn Turner (1999)-Guitar
2000s
Heart of a Woman, Kathie Lee (2000)-Guitar
Hurry Up & Wait, Joe Lynn Turner (2000)-Soloist, Guitar
Chansons des Perverts (2001)-Performer
Naked Without You[Bonus Tracks], Taylor Dane (2001)-Guitar(electric)
Leap of Faith, David Charvet (2002)-Guitar
Walk to Remember Soundtrack (2002)-Producer
Walk to Remember[Bonus Tracks] (2003)-Producer
Jett Rock: Greatest Hits, Joan Jett (2003)-Arranger
7, Enrique Iglesias (2003)-Producer, Vocal Arranger, Guitar (Acoustic/Electric)
7 [Bonus Tracks], Enrique Iglesias (2003)-Producer
Damita Jo, Janet Jackson (2004)-Guitar
Girl Group Sounds: One Kiss Can Lead to (2005)-Producer
Sinner, Joan Jett (2006)-Engineer
TV appearances
Date Program Notes
2000 Howard Stern Show with Enrique Iglesias.
10 February 2008 50th Grammy Awards Introduced by Rihanna on Red Carpet and shown sitting with Enrique Iglesias
6 February 2008 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno[2] As Enrique Iglesias' guitarist
Credits
Year Album Artist
2015 Church in These Streets Jeezy Engineer
2015 Top 5 Dead or Alive Jadakiss Vocal Engineer
2014 Cadillactica Big K.R.I.T. Mixing
2014 Paperwork T.I. Engineer
2014 Seen It All: The Autobiography Jeezy Additional Production, Engineer, Mixing, Producer, Vocal Arrangement
2014 Testimony August Alsina Vocal Engineer
2013 Don't Be S.A.F.E. Trinidad James Vocal Engineer
2013 My Name Is My Name Pusha T Engineer
2012 Chapter V Trey Songz Recording, Vocal Engineer
2012 Lace Up MGK Engineer
2010 The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted Gucci Mane Engineer, Recording
2009 Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood B.G. Engineer
2008 Begged, Borrowed & Stole Bootleg Engineer, Mixing
2008 Grindin for a Purpose TMI Boyz Engineer, Mixing
2008 My Life the True Testimony Blood Raw Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Composer
2008 The Recession Jeezy Engineer
2007 Ahead of My Time Colosus Audio Production
2007 Chasing My Dream Grandaddy Souf Mixing
2007 Graduation Kanye West Engineer
2007 Just Like You Keyshia Cole Composer
2007 Underground Kingz UGK Mixing
2007 Welcome to the Zoo Gorilla Zoe Mixing
2007 Young Jeezy Presents U.S.D.A.: Cold Summer U.S.D.A. Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Composer
2006 King T.I. Engineer
2006 Listennn: The Album DJ Khaled Engineer
2006 New Joc City Yung Joc Mixing
2006 Release Therapy Ludacris Engineer
2006 The Inspiration: Thug Motivation 102 Jeezy Engineer
2005 Marked Money Tom G Mixing
2004 Three Faces Tony Rey Primary Artist
2001 Psychedelic States: Florida in the '60s, Vol. 3 Composer
1989 Danger Danger Danger Danger Guitar
1989 Heart Like a Gun Fiona Composer
1989 Saraya Saraya Vocals, Guitar, Group Member
1984 Don't Stop My Love Passion Guitar
Camper Mixing Engineer, Recording
Check Point Mixing Engineer, Recording
Is This What You Want Tony Rey Primary Artist
Jungle Beats Mixing
TONY BRUNO
Credits
Year Album Artist
2019 Imperial & ABC Paramount Recordings: I've Been Around Fats Domino Composer
2017 The Complete Loma Singles, Vol. 1 Composer
2016 Playlist: The Best of the Roulette Years The Three Degrees Composer
2014 Mind Expanders, Vols. 1-5 Primary Artist
2012 Somebody's Baby Lisa Matassa Producer, Engineer, Arranger, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Banjo, Charango, Mandolin, Programming, Bass, Mixing
2011 I'll Do Anything: The Doris Troy Anthology 1960-1996 Doris Troy Composer, Director
2011 Manhattan Soul: Scepter, Wand and Musicor Composer
2010 Preservation: An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall & the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program Preservation Hall Jazz Band Creative Consultant
2009 Best of the Wand Years Maxine Brown Composer
2009 Go Go Power: The Complete Chess Singles 1961-1966 Sugar Pie DeSanto Composer
2009 OCC Rocks Executive Producer
2008 Sweet Soul Music: 1963 Composer
2008 The Best of Maxine Brown [Collectables] Maxine Brown Composer
2008 The Best of Tommy Hunt [Collectables] Tommy Hunt Composer
2008 The Day Is Brave Brendan James Composer
2007 Are You Lookin' at Me? Colin Hay Main Personnel, Programming, Composer
2007 Best of No Angels No Angels Composer
2007 Closer to the Sun/The Memphis Album Guy Sebastian Composer
2007 Diego Más Diego Composer
2007 Emily Emily Composer
2007 Famous Puddle of Mudd Composer
2007 If A Tree Fall... O.T.I.S. Mixing, Guitar
2007 New Beginnings Linda Joy Graphic Design
2006 Closer to the Sun Guy Sebastian Composer
2006 Sinner Joan Jett / Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Engineer
2005 Cameo Parkway 1957-1967 Composer
2005 One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost and Found Producer
2005 Switch INXS Composer
2004 18 All Time Greatest Hits Gene Pitney Composer
2004 20th Century Masters-The Millennium Collection: The Best of Chuck Jackson Chuck Jackson Composer
2004 Cherie Cherie Composer
2003 7 Enrique Iglesias Producer, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocal Arrangement, Composer
2003 Jett Rock: Greatest Hits of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Joan Jett / Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Arranger
2003 Star Boulevard Nena Composer
2003 Time Enough at Last The Fall Composer
2002 25 All Time Greatest Hits Maxine Brown Composer
2002 A Walk to Remember Producer, Programming
2002 Dino/You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me Dean Martin Composer
2002 Leap of Faith David Charvet Guitar, Composer
2001 Best of Chartmix 2001 Composer
2001 Bluesoul Belles, Vol. 4: The Scepter and Musicor Recordings Judy Clay Composer
2001 Boom 2001, Vol. 2 Composer
2001 I'm Gonna Be Strong: The Hits and More Gene Pitney Composer
2001 Lay Some Happiness On Me: The Reprise Years and More 1967-1985 Dean Martin Composer
2001 Les Chansons des Perverts Performer, Primary Artist
2001 Solid Soul, Vol. 6: Every Little Bit Hurts Composer
2001 Sunshine 2001 Composer
2001 The Dome, Vol. 17 Composer
2000 Gene Pitney [Magic Collection] Gene Pitney Composer
2000 Heart of a Woman Kathie Lee Gifford Guitar
2000 Looking Through: The Ultimate Collection Gene Pitney Composer
2000 Spotlight on Maxine Brown/Greatest Hits Maxine Brown Composer
2000 The EP Collection...Plus Maxine Brown Composer
2000 The EP Collection...Plus Chuck Jackson Composer
2000 The Story Gene Pitney Composer
1999 25 All-Time Greatest Hits Gene Pitney Composer
1999 Hurry Up & Wait Joe Lynn Turner Guitar, Soloist
1999 The Definitive Collection Gene Pitney Composer
1999 Under Cover, Vol. 2 Joe Lynn Turner Guitar
1999 Up All Night, Vol. 2: 30 Underground Soul Hits Composer
1999 Where the Girls Are, Vol. 2 Producer
1998 Four the Hard Way Danger Danger Producer, Guitar
1998 Naked Without You Taylor Dayne Guitar (Electric)
1998 The Best of the Best Gene Pitney Composer
1998 Wenn Alles Richtig Ist Dann Stimmt Was Nich Nena Composer
1997 Cheetham Hill The Fall Composer
1997 I'm Gonna Be Strong/Looking Through the Eyes of Love Gene Pitney Composer
1997 New York Soul Serenade Producer
1997 Sings the Great Songs of Our Time/Nobody Needs Your Love Gene Pitney Composer
1997 Sixties Downunder, Vol. 2 Composer
1997 The Biggest Man Tommy Hunt Producer, Conductor, Composer
1997 The Very Best of Chuck Jackson 1961-1967 Chuck Jackson Composer
1997 Under Cover Joe Lynn Turner Vocals (Background)
1997 We Will Fall: The Iggy Pop Tribute Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Guitar
1996 20 Greatest Hits 1965 Composer
1996 Chuck Jackson, Sam & Dave, Clarence Carter Composer
1996 Club Chipmunk: The Dance Mixes Alvin & the Chipmunks Photography
1996 Greatest Hits [Curb] Maxine Brown Composer
1996 Horny Tony Bruno Primary Artist
1996 The Complete Kama Sutra Singles, Vol. 2 Composer
1996 The Greatest Hits Chuck Jackson Composer
1996 The Light User Syndrome The Fall Composer
1995 Encore!/Mr. Everything Chuck Jackson Composer
1995 Evil Stig Evil Stig Guest Artist
1995 Greatest R&B Hits Chuck Jackson Composer
1995 Living the Nightlife Producer, Composer
1995 Maxine Brown's Greatest Hits [CD] Maxine Brown Composer
1995 Platinum Pop [Platinum Pop] Composer
1995 Sweet Sound of Success Composer
1995 Tank Girl Vocals, Bass, Guitar (Bass)
1995 Tapestry Revisited: A Tribute to Carole King Photography
1995 The Best of Gene Pitney [Laserlight] Gene Pitney Composer
1995 The Best of Loma Records: Rise and Fall of a 1960s Soul Label Composer
1995 The Great Recordings Gene Pitney Composer
1995 The Great Recordings: The Best of Chuck Jackson Chuck Jackson Composer
1995 Ultimate Anthology Gene Pitney Composer
1994 Carolina Classics, Vol. 3 Composer
1994 Chuck Jackson Chuck Jackson Composer
1994 Coolin' Out, Vol. 3 Composer
1994 Flashback Joan Jett / Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Producer, Group Member
1994 Pure and Simple Joan Jett / Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Group Member
1992 I Don't Want to Cry [Compilation] Chuck Jackson Composer
1992 The Scepter Records Story Producer, Composer
1991 EP Collection Gene Pitney Composer
1991 Golden Classics Maxine Brown Composer
1991 Good Things Chuck Jackson Composer
1991 When the Blackbird Sings Saraya Guitar
1990 Oh No Not My Baby: The Best of Maxine Brown Maxine Brown Composer
1989 Danger Danger Danger Danger Guitar
1989 Saraya Saraya Composer
1986 Anthology 1961-1968 Gene Pitney Composer
1985 Like Never Before Maxine Brown Composer
1984 Mr. Emotion Chuck Jackson Composer
1984 One in a Million Maxine Brown Composer
1983 Subject...Aldo Nova Aldo Nova Composer
1973 La Clave La Clave Producer, Audio Production, Composer
1972 Dino Dean Martin Composer
1971 Ten Years Later Gene Pitney Composer
1969 Hell's Angels '69 Score, Composer, Vocals
1969 The Best of Gene Pitney [K-Tel] Gene Pitney Composer
1966 Greatest Hits of All Time Gene Pitney Composer
1965 Sez 'Do the Mouse' and Other Teen Hits Soupy Sales Composer
1964 Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues Jimmy Witherspoon Composer
1962 Any Day Now [Compilation] Chuck Jackson Composer
Beyond the Fade Ted Poley Composer
Color Blind Photography, Graphic Design
Finger Poppin' Ike & Tina Turner Composer
Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 [Pilz] Gene Pitney Composer
I Won't Ask Lisa Matassa Composer
Incomparable Soul Vocalist Lou Johnson Composer
Love in a Dangerous World Shelly Bonet Composer, Lyricist
Sicilia Folk Tony Bruno Primary Artist
Sunrise Highway Lisa Matassa Composer
The 1961 R&B Hits Collection Conductor
The Cameo and Fairmount Recordings 1965-1967 Lonnie Youngblood Composer
The Defiants The Defiants Guitar, Soloist
The Birth of the Beat 1954-1963 Composer
Tonight I'll Say a Prayer/It Was a Good Time Eydie Gorme Composer
When the Rainbow Disappears: Anthology 1965-1968 Kitchen Cinq Composer
Barry Dunaway
Credits
Year Album Artist
2016 Street of Dreams: Boston 1985 Joe Lynn Turner Bass
2007 Winterhawk Jamie DeFrater / Jamie DeFrates Bass
2006 Far Beyond the Sun Yngwie Malmsteen Vocals, Bass
2006 Reach Survivor Guitar (Bass), Bass
2004 Instrumental Best Yngwie Malmsteen Bass
2003 From the Front Row Live Pat Travers Vocals, Bass
2001 Archives Yngwie Malmsteen Bass
2001 Le Concert du Siecle Vocals, Bass
2000 Anthology 1994-1999 Yngwie Malmsteen Bass
1999 Alchemy Yngwie Malmsteen / Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force Bass
1998 Facing the Animal Yngwie Malmsteen Bass
1998 Live!! Yngwie Malmsteen Vocals (Background), Bass
1997 King Biscuit Flower Hour Pat Travers Vocals, Bass
1992 The Collection Yngwie Malmsteen Vocals, Bass
1991 When the Blackbird Sings Saraya Bass
1989 Trial by Fire: Live in Leningrad Yngwie Malmsteen Vocals, Bass
1984 Hot Shot Pat Travers Vocals, Bass
1982 Strangest Feeling James Anderson Bass
1981 Change of Face Whiteface Bass
1981 Cool Night Paul Davis Bass
Believe These Eyes David Watt Besley Bass
Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force Yngwie Malmsteen / Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force Bass, Vocals
Danger Danger
Background information
Origin Queens, New York, United States
Genres Hard rock,[1] glam metal[2]
Years active 1987–present
(hiatus 1995-1997)
Labels Epic, D-Rock, Frontiers
Associated acts The Defiants, Hotshot, Trouble, Mike Pont Band, Gangsters of Love, Prophet, Asia, Westworld, Shugaazer, Warrant, Extreme, Saraya, Get With It
Members Bruno Ravel
Steve West
Ted Poley
Rob Marcello
Past members Kasey Smith
Al Pitrelli
Mike Pont
Tony "Bruno" Rey
Andy Timmons
Paul Laine
Danger Danger is an American melodic hard rock band, formed in 1987 in Queens, New York, United States.[3]
History
Danger Danger was formed in 1987 by former Hotshot members lead vocalist Mike Pont, bassist Bruno Ravel (born May 1, 1964), and drummer Steve West (born May 30, 1964). This line-up also featured then future Hotshot guitarist Al Pitrelli (born September 26, 1962) and the former keyboardist of Jazz/Rock/Fusion group Get With It[4], Kasey Smith (born November 25, 1960 Flushing, New York). Mike Pont later left the band and was replaced by Ted Poley (born January 5, 1962), who previously played in the band Prophet as drummer, and sometimes lead vocalist. Somewhere during this time, they made a failed attempt at recording a demo.
They made another attempt at recording a demo and this time it landed them a recording contract with Epic Records.[3] In 1988, Pitrelli left Danger Danger.[3] Shortly after, Pont and Pitrelli reunited to form a new line-up of Hotshot. Since then, Pitrelli has played in various other bands. Pitrelli played on most of the Danger Danger compilation album Rare Cuts.
In 1989, Saraya guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey joined briefly and played on part of their debut album, before returning to his previous band. Andy Timmons (born July 26, 1963) replaced him and played on the rest of their debut album, which was released the same year.[3] The album spawned two hits with “Naughty Naughty” and “Bang Bang,” with the former gaining a spot in MTV’s Headbangers Ball. The band went on tour opening for KISS, Alice Cooper, Extreme and Warrant.[5]
After that, the band went on to record their follow-up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, releasing Screw It! in 1991.[3] The album spawned two other hits with “Monkey Business” and “I Still Think About You” and again they went on tour with KISS. After the tour, Kasey Smith left the band and started a new project titled Shock together with friend and former Get With It drummer Michael Bellusci.[6]
In 1993 the band had finished work with their third album titled Cockroach. However, the band fired singer Poley. Subsequent lawsuits from Poley prevented the album from being released. In the meantime, Paul Laine (born October 12, 1967) was hired by Ravel and West as the new singer and he re-recorded the vocals for the new album. When they were about to release the album, Epic thought it was in their best interest to shelve the record. Shortly after that the band and the label parted ways. In addition, guitarist Timmons left the band to pursue a solo career. Timmons went on to play guitar on both of Kip Winger's solo albums.
Ravel and West formed their own label, Low Dice Records, and started working on a new album with Laine. They released Dawn in 1995 which featured a more somber and introspective tone. The album was partly marketed through the band’s fan club, newsletter and website. The band recruited bassist Scott Brown, who had previously played with Paul Laine as a solo artist, and they went on tour again in the U.S.
The band went back in the studio and released Four the Hard Way in 1997. Former band members Andy Timmons and Kasey Smith contributed to the album, and the band went back on tour. In 2000 they released The Return of the Great Gildersleeves.
In 2001 the band made a unique move after talks with Epic, releasing Cockroach, which was supposed to be their third album, but could not be released for legal issues. The album featured two discs with two versions of the album, one with Laine on vocals and the other with Ted Poley. In 2002 the song "Naughty Naughty Christmas" was featured in the Tim Allen movie The Santa Clause 2. They followed Cockroach with Rare Cuts in 2003, a collection of unreleased and rare tracks including early demos with original member Pitrelli, now playing with Megadeth and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, that were recorded in his mother's laundry room. In 2004 Laine left the band and original singer Poley returned. However, in 2005 the band still released, Live and Nude, which was recorded in 2003 and featured Laine on vocals.
In 2008 rock and roll comic C.C. Banana recorded a song called "Ted Poley," released on the album Kiss My Ankh. The song is a parody of the Kiss song "Unholy," inspired by the story of Poley's first encounter with Kiss lead singer Paul Stanley.[7]
On September 19, 2009, the independent label Frontiers Records released Revolve, featuring the return of Poley as lead singer, as well as new member, guitarist Rob Marcello (born September 9, 1977).[8] The album coincided with the 20th anniversary of their debut release for Imagine Records.
The classic lineup of Ted Poley, Bruno Ravel, Steve West, Andy Timmons, and Kasey Smith reunited in 2014 for a series of touring dates.[9][10]
Members
Current members
Bruno Ravel - bass (1987-1995; 1997-present), guitars (1993-1995, 1997-2000), keyboards (1993-1995, 1998-2014, 2014-present)
Steve West - drums, percussion (1987-1995; 1997–present)
Ted Poley - lead vocals (1987-1993, 2004–present)
Rob Marcello - guitars (2003–present)
Steve Brown - guitars (2016-present, performance only, unofficial member)
Former members
Phil Naro - lead vocals (1987) (no performance or recordings)
Mike Pont - lead vocals (1987)
Al Pitrelli - guitars (1987-1988)
Tony "Bruno" Rey - guitars (1988-1989)
Kasey Smith - keyboards (1987-1993, 1997-1998, 2014)
Andy Timmons - guitars (1989-1993, 1997-2003, 2014)
Paul Laine - lead vocals (1993-1995; 1997-2004)
Scott Brown - bass (1995) (tour member)
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
Title Release Peak chart positions
US JPN
[11]
Danger Danger 1989 88 —
Screw It! 1991 123 67
Dawn 1995 — —
Four the Hard Way 1997 — —
The Return of the Great Gildersleeves 2000 — —
Cockroach 2001 — —
Revolve 2009 — 145
Live albums
Down and Dirty Live EP (1990)
Live and Nude (2005)
Compilation albums
Rare Cuts (2003)
Singles
Title Release Peak chart positions Album
US US
Main UK
[12]
"Naughty Naughty" 1989 — — — Danger Danger
"Bang Bang" 49 39 —
"Monkey Business" 1992 — — 42 Screw It!
"I Still Think About You" — — 46
"Comin' Home" — — 75
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Just like any musical movement, when such glam metal pretty boys as Poison and Ratt hit the big time in the late '80s, numerous copycat acts followed in their path; one being Danger Danger. Like the aforementioned bands, the quintet -- Ted Poley (vocals), Andy Timmons (guitar), Bruno Ravel (bass), Steve West (drums), and Kasey Smith (keyboards) -- mixed pop hooks and good looks with hard-edged guitar riffs, landing a deal with Epic in 1989. The same year saw the release of the group's self-titled debut, spawning the single/video "Naughty Naughty," which enjoyed a few airings on MTV's Headbanger's Ball program. The album failed to break the group through to the big time, but the group stuck to their guns and issued further albums: 1992's Screw It, 1995's Dawn, 1998's Four the Hard Way, and 2000's Return of the Great.
Similar To
Kiss
Ted Poley
Jeff Scott Soto
Lillian Axe
Little Angels
Talisman
Treat
Dog Eat Dog
Steelheart
Desmond Child
Noisy Mama
Skid Row
The Defiants
Vain
Vinnie Vincent Invasion
XYZ
Y&T
Associated With
Andy Timmons