King Kobra
King Kobra | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Heavy metal, glam metal |
| Years active | 1983–1989 2000–2001 2010–present |
| Labels | Capitol, New Renaissance, Frontiers |
| Associated acts | Ratt, Hawk, BulletBoys, Blue Murder, Unruly Child |
| Members | Carmine Appice David Michael-Philips Johnny Rod Paul Shortino |
| Past members | Marcie Free Mick Sweda Johnny Edwards Jeff Northrup Larry Hart Kelly Keeling Steve Fister |
King Kobra is an American heavy metal band founded by drummer Carmine Appice after his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne from 1983 to 1984.[1] For their first two albums, the band consisted of four relatively unknown musicians: vocalist Marcie Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod.[1] After two albums on Capitol Records—Ready to Strike (November 9, 1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)—and the independent release King Kobra III in 1988, Appice decided to dissolve the band and join guitarist John Sykes for his Blue Murder project in 1989.[2][3]
A new King Kobra emerged in 2010 with Carmine Appice on drums, Paul Shortino taking over vocal duties, Mick Sweda on guitar, David Henzerling (a.k.a. David Michael-Philips) on guitar, and Johnny Rod on bass. This lineup released the self-titled album King Kobra in 2011 on Frontiers Records and another album in 2013, titled King Kobra II.[4]
The band went on hiatus following the release of their 2013 album, largely due to the other commitments of the individual band members. They played live gigs agin in 2016 without Mick Sweda.
Members[]
Current[]
- Paul Shortino – lead vocals, guitar (2010–present)
- David Michael-Phillips – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, synthesizers (1983–1989, 2010–present)
- Johnny Rod – bass (1983–1986, 2010–present)
- Carmine Appice – drums, backing vocals (1983–1989, 2000–2001, 2010-present)
Former[]
- Marcie Free – lead vocals (1983-November 1986)
- Mike Wolf – guitar (1983)
- Mick Sweda – guitar, backing vocals, synthesizers (1983–1987, 2000–2001, 2010–2016)
- Marq Torien – lead vocals (1987)
- Lonnie Vencent – bass (1986–1987)
- Larry Hart – bass (1987–1989)
- Jeff Northrup – guitar (1987–1989)
- Johnny Edwards – lead vocals (1987–1989)
- Kelly Keeling – bass, lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (2000–2001)
- Steve Fister – guitar (2000–2001)
Timeline[]
Discography[]
Studio albums[]
- Ready to Strike (1985)
- Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)
- King Kobra III (1988)
- Hollywood Trash (2001)
- King Kobra (2011)
- King Kobra II (2013)
Compilation albums[]
- The Lost Years (1999)
- Number One (2005 - Re-release of The Lost Years)
Movie soundtracks[]
- "Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)" was included in the soundtrack album from the 1986 movie Iron Eagle.
- Song credits: Jake Hooker-Duane Hitchings - 1986 - Capitol Records.
- "Hunger", covered by King Kobra but written by Kick Axe (listed as "Spectre General"), was featured in The Transformers: The Movie, and included on the soundtrack album.
- "Mean Street Machine" & "Redline", were featured in RoadKill (video game) on radio station 69.3 QQQQ
Notes[]
- Rod left the band and joined W.A.S.P. in 1986.[1]
- Torien, Sweda, and Vincent left to play together in the band BulletBoys.
- Free went on to form the bands known as Signal (EMI Records), and Unruly Child (Atlantic/Interscope Records). After coming to terms with her gender dysphoria in 1993 she is now known as Marcie Free.
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 189. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
- ^ "King Kobra (4)". Discogs.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^ "King Kobra III". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^ "King Kobra - II". Metal-temple.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
External links[]
| show Authority control  |
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- American glam metal musical groups
- Hard rock musical groups from California
- Frontiers Records artists
- Capitol Records artists