Axe (band)
Encyclopedia
Axe is a hard rock band from Florida
, USA, formed in 1979. Not to be confused with Chicago based band AXE the band, consisting of Ron Sammons, Mike Bayless, Rick Turco, Joey Martinez, Brad Harris, and Matt Ketchum.
, bassist Mike Turpin and drummer Teddy Mueller, the group adopted the new title of Axe in 1979 when the band added second guitarist Michael Osborne. Signing with major label MCA Records,by manager Lou Manganiello, Axe released their self-titled debut in 1979 and immediately gained attention with a melodic Rock sound comprising heavy guitars mixed with keyboards. Band leader Bobby Barth had first picked up a guitar in 1965, encouraged by his father who was already an accomplished player, although Bobby's first interest had been in the drums. As a drummer Barth had made his first public appearance in 1963, but wouldn't play in front of an audience in his new vocation until 1967 at a college gig in Colorado. Barth claims to have no recollections of the bands whose singles he played on early in his professional career, although does recall that his first vinyl appearance was covering a Rolling Stones song, before later forming Babyface.
The band was notable for being photographed on their first LP all sporting B. C. Rich Guitars, one of the first bands to use them exclusively.
Following Axe with 1980's Living On The Edge the group switched labels to Atco in 1982 for third album Offering, an album that included the hit anthem Rock n' Roll Party In The Streets and a cover of Montrose
's I Got The Fire. The album marked the addition of new bassist Wayne Haner to the ranks and AXE got to tour with the likes of the Scorpions
, Judas Priest
, Ozzy Osbourne
and ZZ Top
. The band also played in Britain during 1983 opening for Iron Maiden
.
Following the arrival of the band's fourth album Nemesis and touring with Mötley Crüe
in 1984, AXE were dealt a fatal blow when guitarist Michael Osborne was killed in an auto crash in which a badly injured Bobby Barth was lucky enough to escape with his life. The band, however, promptly dissolved following the tragedy.
Barth, once recovered, joined Blackfoot
, replacing the seasoned Ken Hensley
for the 1984 album Vertical Smiles and subsequent touring. The tenure was short lived however and Barth subsequently released a well crafted solo album Two Hearts, One Beat on Atco Records in 1986. In an attempt in 1989 at reforming AXE, including UFO
drummer Andy Parker, was made but petered out, with Barth going to Australia in order to work with ex-Rose Tattoo frontman Angry Anderson.
Upon his return to America in 1991 the Denver, Colorado based Caught in the Act
came to his attention and, persuaded to take the band under his wing, Barth set to work producing demos. The ensuing debut album, which was eventually released on the Swedish Empire label and featuring covers of two AXE classics, Silent Soldiers and Steal Another Fantasy. Barth has continued to work with the group on a second record, although Caught in the Act
has since had to revert to the C.I.T.A. handle due to the existence of a Dutch Boy band with prior claim to the name.
Due to Barth's connections with the Japanese label Zero and German company MTM Music Bobby felt there was sufficient interest in AXE to make a renewed effort to put the group back together, albeit with a slightly revised line-up, and the release of a brand new album, aptly titled Five.
The reformed 1997 line up was former Frank Zappa
vocalist Bob Harris, Barth on guitars, Edgar Riley Jr on keyboards and original drummer Teddy Mueller plus bassist Blake Eberhard. Blake is one of Colorado's premier studio and live bassists. He joined Axe after being hired by Barth for several recording sessions, and added the new dimension of fretless bass and slap-bass style to the Axe sound. In the interim period between the band's split and the reformation, Edgar Riley Jr had worked with Frank Zappa
and had also played with several unidentified bands in the Southern states of America and Teddy Mueller had got involved in the publishing industry.
A brand new AXE album, Axe (Twenty Years From Home) was released in September 1997 featuring re-recorded versions of choice tracks from each of the first four AXE albums, plus two from the recently released V record. For their 2000 album The Crown the group inducted new personnel guitarist Danny Masters and drummer Christian Teele. Masters had previously issued solo albums Electric Babylon and Till The Moon Goes Away. AXE would release a limited edition mini album Live In America 1981 to commemorate their European 2001 tour dates. The same year would find Barth gaining production credits with Denver's BLISTER 66.
Barth is also a member of Southern Rockers Red Rock Roosters releasing an album Attitude Is Everything in 1998. During 2003 Bob Harris re-emerged fronting the Edge of Forever
project, an eighties Rock styled venture in union with keyboard player Alessandro Del Vecchio, bassist Christian Grillo and the Sleek, Gotthard
and U.D.O.
credited guitarist Igor Gianola.
In 2004, Barth rejoined Blackfoot
.
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, USA, formed in 1979. Not to be confused with Chicago based band AXE the band, consisting of Ron Sammons, Mike Bayless, Rick Turco, Joey Martinez, Brad Harris, and Matt Ketchum.
Biography
Previously known as Babyface with a line-up of vocalist Edgar Riley, guitarist Bobby BarthBobby Barth
Bobby Barth is an American singer, songwriter and record producer.-Education:Barth attended St. John's Military School in Salina, Kansas and finished his formal education at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Fountain, Colorado. He began playing drums in 1960, working weekend and one-night shows...
, bassist Mike Turpin and drummer Teddy Mueller, the group adopted the new title of Axe in 1979 when the band added second guitarist Michael Osborne. Signing with major label MCA Records,by manager Lou Manganiello, Axe released their self-titled debut in 1979 and immediately gained attention with a melodic Rock sound comprising heavy guitars mixed with keyboards. Band leader Bobby Barth had first picked up a guitar in 1965, encouraged by his father who was already an accomplished player, although Bobby's first interest had been in the drums. As a drummer Barth had made his first public appearance in 1963, but wouldn't play in front of an audience in his new vocation until 1967 at a college gig in Colorado. Barth claims to have no recollections of the bands whose singles he played on early in his professional career, although does recall that his first vinyl appearance was covering a Rolling Stones song, before later forming Babyface.
The band was notable for being photographed on their first LP all sporting B. C. Rich Guitars, one of the first bands to use them exclusively.
Following Axe with 1980's Living On The Edge the group switched labels to Atco in 1982 for third album Offering, an album that included the hit anthem Rock n' Roll Party In The Streets and a cover of Montrose
Montrose (band)
Montrose was a California-based hard rock band. The band originally featured Ronnie Montrose on guitar and future solo artist and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar...
's I Got The Fire. The album marked the addition of new bassist Wayne Haner to the ranks and AXE got to tour with the likes of the Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
, Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
, Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
and ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
. The band also played in Britain during 1983 opening for Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
.
Following the arrival of the band's fourth album Nemesis and touring with Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
in 1984, AXE were dealt a fatal blow when guitarist Michael Osborne was killed in an auto crash in which a badly injured Bobby Barth was lucky enough to escape with his life. The band, however, promptly dissolved following the tragedy.
Barth, once recovered, joined Blackfoot
Blackfoot (band)
Blackfoot is a Southern rock musical ensemble from Jacksonville, Florida organized during 1970. Though they are primarily a Southern rock band, they were known also as a hard rock act....
, replacing the seasoned Ken Hensley
Ken Hensley
Kenneth William David Hensley is a keyboard player , guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer best known for his work with Uriah Heep during the 1970s....
for the 1984 album Vertical Smiles and subsequent touring. The tenure was short lived however and Barth subsequently released a well crafted solo album Two Hearts, One Beat on Atco Records in 1986. In an attempt in 1989 at reforming AXE, including UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
drummer Andy Parker, was made but petered out, with Barth going to Australia in order to work with ex-Rose Tattoo frontman Angry Anderson.
Upon his return to America in 1991 the Denver, Colorado based Caught in the Act
Caught in the Act
- Music :*Caught in the Act , a Dutch boy band*Caught in the Act , 1983, and the title song*Caught in the Act , 1975*Caught in the Act , 1975*Caught in the Act , 1984...
came to his attention and, persuaded to take the band under his wing, Barth set to work producing demos. The ensuing debut album, which was eventually released on the Swedish Empire label and featuring covers of two AXE classics, Silent Soldiers and Steal Another Fantasy. Barth has continued to work with the group on a second record, although Caught in the Act
Caught in the Act
- Music :*Caught in the Act , a Dutch boy band*Caught in the Act , 1983, and the title song*Caught in the Act , 1975*Caught in the Act , 1975*Caught in the Act , 1984...
has since had to revert to the C.I.T.A. handle due to the existence of a Dutch Boy band with prior claim to the name.
Due to Barth's connections with the Japanese label Zero and German company MTM Music Bobby felt there was sufficient interest in AXE to make a renewed effort to put the group back together, albeit with a slightly revised line-up, and the release of a brand new album, aptly titled Five.
The reformed 1997 line up was former Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
vocalist Bob Harris, Barth on guitars, Edgar Riley Jr on keyboards and original drummer Teddy Mueller plus bassist Blake Eberhard. Blake is one of Colorado's premier studio and live bassists. He joined Axe after being hired by Barth for several recording sessions, and added the new dimension of fretless bass and slap-bass style to the Axe sound. In the interim period between the band's split and the reformation, Edgar Riley Jr had worked with Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
and had also played with several unidentified bands in the Southern states of America and Teddy Mueller had got involved in the publishing industry.
A brand new AXE album, Axe (Twenty Years From Home) was released in September 1997 featuring re-recorded versions of choice tracks from each of the first four AXE albums, plus two from the recently released V record. For their 2000 album The Crown the group inducted new personnel guitarist Danny Masters and drummer Christian Teele. Masters had previously issued solo albums Electric Babylon and Till The Moon Goes Away. AXE would release a limited edition mini album Live In America 1981 to commemorate their European 2001 tour dates. The same year would find Barth gaining production credits with Denver's BLISTER 66.
Barth is also a member of Southern Rockers Red Rock Roosters releasing an album Attitude Is Everything in 1998. During 2003 Bob Harris re-emerged fronting the Edge of Forever
Edge of Forever
Edge of Forever is the tenth studio album from Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1999.-Track listing:All tracks by Rick Medlocke, Gary Rossington, Hughie Thomasson & Johnny Van Zant except were noted#"Workin'" - 4:53#"Full Moon Night" - 3:44...
project, an eighties Rock styled venture in union with keyboard player Alessandro Del Vecchio, bassist Christian Grillo and the Sleek, Gotthard
Gotthard (band)
Gotthard is a Swiss hard rock/heavy metal band founded in Lugano by Steve Lee and Leo Leoni. Their last eleven albums have all reached number 1 in the Swiss album charts, making them one of the most successful Swiss acts ever....
and U.D.O.
U.D.O.
U.D.O. is a German heavy metal band founded by lead singer Udo Dirkschneider in 1987.-1987–1992:After Udo Dirkschneider left Accept in 1987, a large fan community followed him to U.D.O....
credited guitarist Igor Gianola.
In 2004, Barth rejoined Blackfoot
Blackfoot (band)
Blackfoot is a Southern rock musical ensemble from Jacksonville, Florida organized during 1970. Though they are primarily a Southern rock band, they were known also as a hard rock act....
.
Lineup
- Bobby BarthBobby BarthBobby Barth is an American singer, songwriter and record producer.-Education:Barth attended St. John's Military School in Salina, Kansas and finished his formal education at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Fountain, Colorado. He began playing drums in 1960, working weekend and one-night shows...
(guitar, lead vocals) - Edgar Riley, Jr. (keyboards, backing vocals)
- Michael Osborne (guitar)
- Mike Turpin (bass)
- Bob Harris (b. 21 September 1951) (vocals 1997-2001)
- Blake Eberhard (bass 2000-2001)
- Teddy Mueller (b. September 13, 1954) (dr)
- Javier Salinas (2006-2010)
Current Lineup
- Brad Banhagel (guitar,lead vocals)
- Bob HarrisBob HarrisBob Harris may refer to:In sport:* Bob Harris , American baseball player* Robert Harris , Scottish footballerIn TV and radio:...
(keyboards, lead vocals) - Scott Misner (drums)
- David Landes (lead guitar)
- Gerald Berger (bass)
- Paul Byron (keyboards)
Discography
- Axe (1979)
- Living on the Edge (1980)
- OfferingOffering (Axe album)The album Offering by Axe was released on Atco Records in 1982.- Track listing :# "Rock 'N' Roll Party In The Streets"# "Video Inspiration"# "Steal Another Fantasy"# "Jennifer"# "I Got The Fire"# "Burn The City Down"# "Now Or Never"# "Holdin' On"...
(1982) - Nemesis (1983)
- V (1997)
- 20 Years From Home (1997)
- 20 Years From Home Volume II (1998)
- The Crown (2001)
- Live In America 1981 (2001)