King Kobra
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresHeavy metal, glam metal
Years active
  • 1983–1989
  • 2000–2001
  • 2010–present
LabelsCapitol, New Renaissance, Frontiers
MembersCarmine Appice
Johnny Rod
Paul Shortino
Carlos Cavazo
Rowan Robertson
Past membersMarcie Free
Mick Sweda
Johnny Edwards
David Michael-Philips
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]

History

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 again in 2016 without Mick Sweda.

On July 18, 2023, the band announced their new album, We Are Warriors, will be released on August 11. The title track was also released as a single. The line up features new guitarists Carlos Cavazo and Rowan Robertson, formerly of Quiet Riot and Dio respectively.[5]

Band members

Current members

Former members

  • David Michael-Phillips – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, synthesizers (1983–1989, 2010–2023)
  • Marcie Free – lead vocals (1983–1986)
  • Mike Wolf – guitar (1983)
  • Mick Sweda – guitar, backing vocals, synthesizers (1983–1987, 2000–2001, 2010–2016)
  • Lonnie Vencent – bass (1986–1987)
  • Larry Hart – bass (1987–1989)
  • Jeff Northrup – guitar (1987–1989)
  • Johnny Edwards – lead vocals (1987–1989)
  • Marq Torien – lead vocals (1987)
  • Kelly Keeling – bass, lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (2000–2001)
  • Steve Fister – guitar (2000–2001)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

  • The Lost Years (1999)
  • Hollywood Trash (2001)
  • Number One (2005 - Re-release of The Lost Years)

Soundtrack appearances

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

  1. 1 2 3 Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 189. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. ↑ "King Kobra (4)". Discogs.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  3. ↑ "King Kobra III". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  4. ↑ "King Kobra - II". Metal-temple.com. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Carmine Appice's KING KOBRA Return With QUIET RIOT And DIO Members; "We Are Warriors" Single And Video Out Now". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
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