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.