• Heavy Metal

In 1984 BLACK SABBATH was in turmoil. Without a vocalist the band were in consultation with producer Spencer Proffer regarding possibly working together on an album. Proffer was a hot ticket having worked on the recent QUIET RIOT number one album 'Metal Health'. The producer suggested BLACK SABBATH hook up with former STEELER vocalist Ron Keel. The young American did not audition but cut a series of demos, recorded by session musicians and produced by SLAUGHTER's Dana Strum. These tapes would in fact be a selection of tracks written by Canadian band KICK AXE and suggested for use by Proffer for a forthcoming BLACK SABBATH product. However, as Iommi was less than impressed with the producer's choice of material relations between Proffer and BLACK SABBATH were curtailed and Keel was also put out of the frame. This was not before news stories of his supposed tenure with the band were leaked though. Keel went on to major label success with his own eponymous band KEEL as BLACK SABBATH began the hunt once more for a singer. As for Spencer Proffer's KICK AXE tracks, 'Running Wild In The Streets', would end up on the W.A.S.P. album 'The Last Command', re-credited to Blackie Lawless whilst the other two tracks, 'Hunger' and 'Piece Of The Rock', would be covered by KING KOBRA...