Keel
grew out of the ashes of Steeler, a band that featured Ron Keel as
well as legendary guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Aiming for the heavy metal
sound that was tearing up the airwaves and exploding on sunset strip, Ron
Keel drafted Bryan Jay (guitar), Marc Ferrari (guitar), Kenny Chaisson
(Bass) and Dwain Miller (Drums) together to form Keel.
The
band landed a record deal with Shrapnel Records and released "Lay Down
the Law". The album gained them the attention of Gene Simmons of Kiss.
Gene was really impressed with the Keel sound and feel, so he agreed to
produce their second LP for A&M records, "The Right to Rock".
The album's title track received a healthy dose of airplay on MTV, and
the band gained a considerable following. The measure of their success
led them to be voted Best new band by three of the largest hard rock magazines
(Circus, Metal Edge, and Rock Scene).
Keel's
third album "The Final Frontier" was a who's who of rock n roll, featuring
guest appearances by industry heavy weights such as Joan Jett, Michael
Des Barres (Silverhead / Detective), Gregg
Guiffria,
Mitch Perry (MSG, Heaven) and Gene Simmons. Keel scored a hit single from
the album with the cover of Patti Smith's "Because the Night".
In
1987 Keel Signed to MCA Records and released their self titled record,
then landed the opening spot on Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet tour.
MCA offered little support for the band. Without the big money going into
promotion, the sales for Keel were sluggish. Marc Ferrari at this point
decided his musical destiny was apart from Keel, after making what he calls
the hardest decision in his life he left Keel in 1988.
Frustrated
with MCA Keel released Larger than Life in 1989 on an independent label.
Then after a nine year hiatus returned to the studio to record 1998's Back
in Action. (according to Marc, "The songs were already recorded
from sessions from 1984-1987, we just finished solos and some back-up vocals").
But the 90's music market has not been kind to many hard rock acts, so
despite the 98 release Keel called it quits.
Ron
changed his name to Ronnie Lee Keel and is now making country music with
his band The Rat'Lers.
Dwain
and Kenny have relocated to Arizona and are enjoying being family men,
as well as delving into the local music scene.
Bryan
Jay is currently in a heavier style band with former members of Slayer
and Testament in LA. He is also hard at work on a degree in music.
Marc
has been very active since leaving Keel in 1988, he has worked with artists
such as Pantera, Ace Frehley (co-writing the song "5-card Stud" on Ace's
"Trouble Walking" CD), Minuro Niihara ("Loudness"), Bob Kulick, Stan Bush
and Peter Criss. He later went on to form the independent music publishing
company MasterSource. If that is not enough, Marc has an impressive resume
in film and television. He was the guitarist in both the Wayne's World
movies, and he has songs featured in over 100 major motion pictures and
network TV shows. Some of his film credits include - "Pushing Tin", "Great
Expectations", "The Love Letter", "Vegas Vacation" and "Cruel Intentions".
His television work is extensive, here are a few of the most recent
projects he has worked on - Spin City, Chicago Hope, Promised Land, Touched
By An Angel, Friends, and Maggie Winters. The consummate workaholic Marc
also leads the band Medicine Wheel which has released three albums. Those
interested in learning more about Marc's current activities should visit
MasterSource
.
Will
Keel ever reform? Anything is possible with this band.
Written
by Keavin Wiggins (Managing Editor) with the contribution of Pat
Kelly and Marc Ferrari please E-Mail your remarks or questions to Keavin@rocknworld.com
Credits
Thanks to Pat Kelly (web
master of the Official Keel home page) for helping with the original bio.
Also, thanks to Marc Ferrari
for correcting some errors and furnishing additional information. |
