King Kobra
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| King Kobra | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles |
| Genres | Glam metal, heavy metal, AOR |
| Years active | 1984–1988 2000–2001 2010–present |
| Labels | Capitol New Renaissance Frontiers |
| Associated acts | Ratt Hawk BulletBoys Blue Murder Unruly Child |
| Members | Carmine Appice Mick Sweda David Michael-Philips Johnny Rod Paul Shortino |
| Past members | Mark Free Johnny Edwards Jeff Northrup Larry Hart Kelly Keeling Steve Fister |
King Kobra is a hard rock band founded by drummer Carmine Appice after his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne from 1983 to 1984. During the time of their first two albums, the band included four relatively unknown musicians: vocalist Mark Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod. After two albums on Capitol records—Ready to Strike (November 9, 1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)—and an independent release entitled King Kobra III in 1988, Appice decided to dissolve the band and join guitarist John Sykes on his Blue Murder project in 1989.[1][2]
In 2010, a new King Kobra emerged, with Carmine Appice on drums, Paul Shortino taking over vocal duties, Mick Sweda on guitar, David Henzerling (aka David Michael-Philips) on guitar, and Johnny Rod on bass. This lineup released an eponymous album in 2011 on Frontiers Records, and another album in 2013 entitled King Kobra II.[3]
The band has been on hiatus as of the release of their 2013 album, largely due to the other commitments of the individual band members.
Contents
Personnel
On Ready To Strike and Thrill of a Lifetime
- Mark Free - vocals
- David Michael-Philips - guitar
- Mick Sweda - guitar
- Johnny Rod - bass guitar
- Carmine Appice - drums
- Johnny Edwards - vocals
- David Michael-Philips - guitar
- Jeff Northrup - guitar
- Larry Hart - bass guitar
- Carmine Appice - drums
On Hollywood Trash
- Kelly Keeling - vocals and bass guitar
- Mick Sweda - guitar
- Steve Fister - guitar
- Carmine Appice - drums
On King Kobra and King Kobra II
- Paul Shortino - vocals
- David Michael-Philips - guitar
- Mick Sweda - guitar
- Johnny Rod - bass guitar
- Carmine Appice - drums
Timeline
- First era
Discography
- Ready to Strike (1985)
- Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)
- King Kobra III (1988)
- The Lost Years (1999) (compilation)
- Hollywood Trash (2001)
- Number One (2005)
- King Kobra (2011)
- King Kobra II (2013)
Movie soundtracks
- Song "Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)" included in the original motion picture soundtrack from the movie Iron Eagle from 1986 as the second track of the album.
- Song credits: Jake Hooker-Duane Hitchings - 1986 - Capitol Records.
- Song "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.
Notes
- Rod left the band and joined W.A.S.P. in 1986.
- 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.
