Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 16:13, 27 May 2015

Kings of the Sun (also abbreviated K.O.T.S.) is an Australian hard rock band formed by Gold Coast’s native brothers Clifford and Jeffrey Hoad in Sydney in 1982. After 9 albums, couple of hiatuses and lineup changes, Clifford Hoad has finally let go of the reins in 2015. Jeffrey Hoad however continues to front the long time band as the main stay and lead singer, front man and guitarist with new shows and a tour to be announced in 2015. Jeffrey Hoad is also lead singer, guitarist and song writer of The Rich and Famous.

Band's music was described in Metal Hammer magazine by renowned music journalist Chris Welch as: “Full-blooded, down-to-earth, bluesy rock n' roll that no U.S. band has been able to deliver in living memory!”

History

The Young Lions (1982-1985)

Initially called The Young Lions, the band was formed in Sydney in 1982 when drummer Clifford collaborated with seasoned guitarist Bob Spencer (Finch, Skyhooks), whom he had met before in Brisbane in late 1981 during the making of his Drouyn drum kit. Clifford's younger brother Jeffrey joined the group and took the role of lead vocals & guitarist, the original lineup was completed by bass player Marlon Holden. They scored support slots for The Angels and INXS the same year.

The band’s then image comprised 50’s American big band style outfits. During the first half of 80’s, lineup has changed several times. Bob Spencer left the band around late 1983 but later on (1984-1985) rejoined along with bass player John McKinnon, who replaced Marlon Holden. After Bob Spencer left the 2nd time, lead guitarist Tommy Poulter stepped in for him in 1985. The Young Lions did 2 Australian tours, intermittently supporting such established acts as INXS, Rose Tattoo, The Church, Kevin Borich, Sherbet, Dragon, The Angels, Eurogliders, The Swingers, Hoodoo Gurus, The Saints etc.

Kings of the Sun (1986-1998)

In mid-80’s, the brothers Hoad renamed their band Kings of the Sun , they chose this name as when playing as The Young Lions the band had an instrumental intro track that would be played preceding each Young Lions performance, which they entitled 'Kings of the Sun'. Shortly after The Young Lions disbanding, the brothers Hoad watched the movie of the same name starring Yul Brynner on daytime television in Sydney's Tamarama, where the band resided. This is how Kings of the Sun obtained their band name.

First single & contract with RCA

Another lineup change happened in the first half of 1986 when the KOTS were signed to Mushroom label and recorded their first single. Tommy Poulter left and John McKinnon was replaced by Anthony Ragg. During April and May 1986 several Hoad Bros. compositions were recorded in the studio by Hoad-Hoad-Ragg lineup (with Jeff recording both lead & rhythm guitar tracks in addition to lead vocals, what later become tradition). Bottom of My Heart was chosen as a single and subsequently released with B-side Bad Love (both songs were later re-recorded for the debut album). The rest of the songs from these recording sessions remain unreleased.

The accompanying video clip was shot with an appearance by the Hoad brothers younger sister, Belinda and new acquisition on lead guitar Ron Thiessen (Uncanny X-Men). Also Clifford is playing his custom-made square drum kit built by Bill Buick and himself, especially for the clip. In Clifford’s own words: “They look sensational but sounded like wet cardboard. They met ill fate when they tore a hole in the hood lining of my beloved Valiant. Days later, I smashed them with an axe. Wish I still had ‘em!” The little known fact is that actually there were two videoclips filmed. The original one featured Tommy Poulter on lead guitar and was shot in complete darkness as opposed to the second one, although the concept is the same. Original clip stays in the vaults.

Single enjoyed chart success (made it to National Australian Top 20) and KOTS even appeared on the Countdown (popular weekly Australian music television show in the 70’s and the 80’s). Yet, the band wasn’t offered the full album recording.

One show left at the Sydney Cove Tavern in late 1986, before the band was to disband. KOTS got signed that night to RCA Records by Simon Lowe, A&R head of this New York’s label, who came to Australia for talent seeking visit. So in 1987 the Hoad brothers along with Anthony Ragg (Ron Thiessen left the band before it got signed) arrived in New York to start the work on their first LP.

Band got under the wings of Mark Eichner, who was band’s A&R representative with RCA for first 3 albums, and manager Freddy De Mann of De Mann Entertainment, who also managed high-profile artists Michael Jackson and Madonna among others.

Kings of the Sun album

The self-titled debut album Kings of the Sun released in October 1988 was produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, KISS, Ace Frehley, Rolling Stones etc.), who offered himself to the band after listening to their demo tape. Recordings took place in upstate NY in two studios. First half of the recording was done at BearTracks Recording Studio in Suffern and the rest at Bearsville Studios in Bearsville, just west of Woodstock. Album was mixed by Dave Thoener at The Record Plant, NYC. Glenn Morris subsequently joined the band to play lead guitar.

Single Serpentine placed on the 19th position of the U.S. music charts (in Australia it made it to position 48). Second single Black Leather made Billboard Hot 100 peaking at 98th position. Videoclips for both singles were shot, but Black Leather was banned on MTV for being "too risqué".

After the release of the album group toured the USA supporting Joe Satriani, followed by Europe, where they opened for KISS on their Crazy Nights Tour. They also played at the Monsters of Rock 1988 in Modena, Italy. At the end of 1988 they returned to Australia to open for Guns N' Roses along with local heroes The Angels. On the 3rd date of that tour, they were infamously kicked off stage in Sydney by Axl Rose, who apparently couldn’t bear Clifford Hoad’s remark in an interview for the Australian On the Street magazine about Guns owing much of their image to Rose Tattoo (Australian rock legends).

Full Frontal Attack album

Following year, Glenn Morris left the band to join The Screaming Tribesmen. He rejoined KOTS after the 2nd album was finished. Full Frontal Attack was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles and released in August 1990. Produced by William Wittman and mixed again by Dave Thoener at New York’s prominent Electric Lady Studios & Battery Studios, it contains perhaps the biggest hit of the band called Drop the Gun (30th place in the Billboard charts). Videoclip features crashed Dodge Challenger and some excellent stunt acting performed by Jeff Hoad. Lock Me Up was released as the second single. In home Australia, Mushroom label released I Get Lonely as additional single.

Following the album release, RCA Records went through turbulent times and was taken over by BMG. KOTS lost label support and album didn’t get much promotion. Even without support, single Drop the Gun stayed 10 weeks in the charts and got some solid airplay thanks to demand of listeners. Full Frontal Attack was also the last album to be released on vinyl by RCA Records.

KOTS went on tour and opened for Bruce Dickinson in the US. The Australian tour with The Screaming Jets followed in early 1991, before Morris and Ragg left the band in 1992.

Resurrection album

After the band was granted a third album by BMG, Resurrection was recorded in Los Angeles again (Hoad brothers lived in Malibu Beach for couple of years) at A&M Studios and Paramount Studios. Most bass guitar tracks were recorded by Englishman Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol), additional 2 tracks were recorded by American Brad Spurr who joined the band afterwards. This time, the Hoad brothers produced themselves, except two tracks co-produced by Mark Dearnley, who also mixed the record. Album offered standard Hoad’s dose of dozen tracks, but in fact, there were recorded enough songs to make it a double album. These unreleased tracks still wait to see the light of the day. Also, during the recording of the album, Mötley Crüe invited Jeffrey Hoad to audition as a replacement for Vince Neil. He refused to even consider it.

Album was released in May 1993 in Australia only by Mushroom Records in print run of 1000 copies (nowadays, the original pressing is regarded as collector’s item). The band subsequently returned from the States to their native Australia, where they shot videoclip to the 2nd single called Road to Nowhere (released in July). Videoclip features Clifford Hoad speeding in his Roadrunner. As the 1st single was released Trapped Inside Your Heart in April of that year. Now as a trio, KOTS supported Jimmy Barnes on his Australian tour the very same year.

Bombs Away single

After the touring, Brad Spurr went back home to the States and KOTS recruited Australian Dean Turner (who is also an award winning artist) on bass with whom they recorded Bombs Away single in 1995. Clifford Hoad explains: “Recorded by Brett Johnson from Sea FM Radio in one night in 1995 . With a classic heavy riff and a sing along anthem style lyric, denouncing the French President Chirac's decision to bomb test in the Pacific.“ The accompanying video was shot with help of Miami State High School, Gold Coast, QLD. Single was released independently in limited volume and all proceeds went to the Gold Coast branch of the Australian Surfriders Foundation.

Final KOTS album

In wintersun of 1997, band went to Terry Stevens’ Studio One Sound Explosion and recorded an a series of rough demo's that they brothers loosely referred to as a collective, Daddy Was a Hobo Man. Clifford Hoad took it upon himself to release these rough demo's without consultation with his brother Jeffrey. “OK… the thing is with this album, we did not set out to record this album with the same intention as the first three. This album, we wanted to record with no commercial pressure what so ever, also, at the time we wanted to record as a 3 piece and live in the studio, this is what you’re hearing. The band playing live! Jeff’s singing and playing at the same time, it’s magnificent, ‘cause this is what we sounded like on stage!!! Especially when we came back from the States as a 3 piece. This is why I love the album so much. No harmonies, no over dubs, just raw singing & playing, first & second takes only...“ Album remained shelved until 2011, when master tapes resurfaced and it finally got released independently without Jeffrey Hoads' approval.

KOTS continued touring Australia in 1997/1998. In May 1998 they opened for Sammy Hagar, now as a quartet again, featuring young Melbournian axeman Quentin Elliott on lead guitar and Chris Lewis on bass. This lineup played some new songs as Higher Power or Stagefright which have never been recorded in studio, but some live shows were bootlegged. Around this time, Clifford Hoad crashed his Roadrunner and completely wrote it off. After the touring, band went on hiatus.

On 13 April 2001 KOTS reunited for a one-off gig, when they opened for KISS at Carrara Stadium in their hometown of Gold Coast, Queensland. Craig Pesco joined the Hoad-Hoad-Elliott lineup on bass.

The Rich & Famous (2001- present)

Not long after, brothers Clifford and Jeffrey Hoad returned to the scene under the moniker The Rich & Famous – which allowed them to further explore their abilities as songwriters. Their self-titled & self-produced debut album was recorded at Stardust Studios and 3 Horn Studios in the (Australian) summer of 2002 and the winter of 2003. Clifford Hoad: “In the summer of 2002, Jeffrey and I went into the studio, hell bent on making a definitive classic pop rock album. This was an experimental journey, to places we had never ventured before musically. Far removed from the confines of our heavy rock legacy, with instrument swaps, Jeffrey playing keyboards and guitar, and me playing sax. You can hear the artistic freedom and self-discovery, meshed into this wonderful landscape of Hoad brothers song writing.“ The album was released independently in 2004. Dean Turner rejoined the band on bass and toured with R&F locally.

While the first The Rich & Famous album was an experimental move by the Hoad Bros., the second album Like a Superstar meant their return to heavy rock roots. Its aggressive, raw & loud with punk edge. It was recorded at Terry Stephens’ Sound Explosion studio and released independently in 2006. The album cover was inspired by a famous American picture called Nighthawks and was painted by Dean Turner, who is not only a bass player, but also a talented artist.

The most Rich & Famous recording titled Stand Back… Prepare to be Amazed!!! was released the following year (2007). Recorded again by Hoad-Hoad-Turner lineup at Lost Valley Recording Studios, it features an arduous almost 24 min long drum solo by Clifford Hoad and his lead vocal on I Wanna Rock track. Sound wise it picks up where previous albums left off.

Jeffrey Hoad still continues to front the three piece band, The Rich and Famous and in August 2014 introduced a brand new drummer, Dean Reeson and long time bass player Dean Turner.

Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun (2010-2015)

In 2010 Clifford Hoad began with the composition of songs for his new album and formation of his Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun lineup – this time without his younger brother Jeffrey. The brothers by this time having become estranged.

2011 saw Clifford release Brothers Hoad material which they recorded under band name they toyed with in the early 2000's being Airborn Love Spirits – Clifford decided to make the decision to release these recordings in the shape of a demo album called Airborn Love Spirits. It includes 3 tracks recorded in 2001 (2 previously unreleased) plus complete Resurrection album.

In March 2013, Clifford Hoad's KOTS lineup entered Govinda Doyle’s private studio to record Clifford Hoad’s latest compositions. Quentin Elliott returned to play lead guitar and Dave Talon (Rollerball) joined on rhythm guitar. Drummer Clifford Hoad also sang, as he sang backing vocals on previous albums and lead vocals on 2 tracks (backing lead singer and song writer Jeffrey Hoad on Shot Me an Arrow & I Wanna Rock). Bass tracks were recorded by Govinda Doyle who also engineered and produced the album with co-production by Clifford Hoad. Mixing was done by Govinda Doyle.

New album entitled Clifford Hoad's Rock Til Ya Die was released on 5 September 2013 via band's website and is return to classic Australian rock sound. Neil Rogers of 3RRR FM Melbourne radio said on record twice that the album is: “The best hard rock record out of this country in the last 25 years.“ Australian online magazine Hot Metal heralded it as #1 album of the year 2013.

5 promo videos were shot by Dan Jensen and Trudy Martin of Darklight Studios, combining music clip with documentary style interviews with Clifford Hoad, who tells a story behind each song. Switchblade Knife video clip was released in May 2014.

Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun band played 3 warm-up gigs during February & March 2014 (2 dates in Melbourne and one in Brisbane). On 6 June 2014, Clifford Hoad's KOTS opened the 3rd day of the Sweden Rock Festival, the very same day that Black Sabbath were headlining. Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun were amongst 3 bands which got the most votes from fans in a band competition and won a slot at the festival. Interestingly enough, Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun used the recording of 'Vampire' as Clifford Hoad's KOTS entry song into the Sweden Rock Festival competition. 'Vampire' was written and performed by Jeffrey Hoad and is seen on the track list from Kings of the Sun second studio Album, Full Frontal Attack . Notably absent from Clifford Hoad's KOTS was of course lead singer and front man, Jeffrey Hoad.

Not long after the Sweden Rock Festival gig, Clifford Hoad announced that Quentin Elliott, Dave Talon and Darren Marlow were no longer members of Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun band.

On 12 January 2015, Clifford Hoad stated that Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun band is over for him and he will pursue his career with a new band and a new name.

Post-Clifford Hoad's K.O.T.S. (2015-present)

In April 2015, Clifford Hoad finalised the lineup of his new band called Clifford Hoad's Rock Til Ya Die. He recruited guitarists Rowie Riot and Mullet Fozz along with bassist Craig 'Wogo' Sutton and keyboardist & backup vocalist Shar RoXon.

Personnel

Current members

• Jeffrey Hoad - front man, lead vocals, harmonica
• Dean Turner - bass, backing vocals
• Dean Reeson - drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Glenn Morris - lead guitar

Past members

• Clifford Hoad - vocals, drums & percussions
• Quentin Elliott - lead guitar
• Dave Talon - rhythm guitar
• Darren Marlow - bass guitar & backing vocals
• Anthony Ragg - bass
• Glenn Morris - lead guitar
• Chris Lewis - bass
• Dean Turner - bass
• Brad Spurr - bass
• Ron Thiessen - lead guitar
• Tommy Poulter - lead guitar
• John McKinnon - bass
• Marlon Holden - bass
• Bob Spencer - lead guitar

Session musicians

• Gary Lee - bass *Full Frontal Attack album recording
• Phil Soussan - bass *Resurrection album recording
• Govinda Doyle - bass *Rock Til Ya Die album recording
• Craig Pesco - bass *KISS concert at Carrara Stadium in 2001

Discography

Albums

Kings of the Sun

• Kings of the Sun (1988)
• Full Frontal Attack (1990) US Billboard 200 #130
• Resurrection (1993)
• Daddy Was a Hobo Man (2011) *Recorded in 1997

The Rich & Famous

• The Rich & Famous (2004)
• Like a Superstar (2006)
• Stand Back… Prepare to be Amazed!!! (2007)
• Airborn Love Spirits (2011) *3 tracks recorded in 2001 plus Resurrection album

Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun

• Rock Til Ya Die (2013)

Singles

Kings of the Sun

• Bottom of My Heart (1986) AUS #39
• Black Leather (1988) US The Hot 100 #98
• Serpentine (1988) US Mainstream Rock Songs #19; AUS #48; NZ #49
• Drop the Gun (1990) US Mainstream Rock Songs #30
• I Get Lonely (1990)
• Trapped Inside Your Heart (1993)
• Road to Nowhere (1993)
• Bombs Away (1995)

References

1. ^ http://www.billboard.com/artist/305940/kings-sun/biography
2. http://www.empiretouring.com.au
3. http://www.facebook.com/jeffreyhoadkingsofthesunandtherichandfamous
4. http://www.facebook.com/therichandfamousrock
5. http://www.facebook.com/kingsofthesunrock
6. https://www.facebook.com/CliffHoad.KINGS.OF.THE.SUN/photos/a.155054924535381.28119.152568688117338/156535921053948
7. Mason, Darryl. "Kings of the Sun: Still Shining", HOT METAL, Issue 18, August 1990.
8. http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?release=4341170
9. ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/kings-of-the-sun/chart-history/mainstream-rock-tracks
10. http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Kings+Of+The+Sun&titel=Serpentine&cat=s
11. https://www.billboard.com/artist/kings-of-the-sun/chart-history/
12. "Throwing Down the Palms The 'Kings' Return", On the Street, Issue No 417, Wednesday 14 December 1988.
13. http://www.hotmetalonline.com/2012/07/31/guns-nroses-sydney-entertainment-centre-1988/
14. Walsh, Peter. "We Three Kings", 1993.
15. Cullen, Joey. "Sunrise", 1993.
16. http://www.discogs.com/Kings-Of-The-Sun-Bombs-Away/release/4340947
17. http://www.deanturnerart.com/dean_turner/
18. http://www.kingsofthesunband.com/index.php/hoboman
19. http://www.kingsofthesunband.com/index.php/richandfamous
20. http://stevemascord.com/2012/08/02/kings-of-the-sun-hit-back-at-axl-rose-search-for-new-singer/
21. ^ http://www.kingsofthesunband.com
22. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVnsSgVMBxU&t=33s
23. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rnz2ukhRjc&t=13m35s
24. http://www.hotmetalonline.com/2013/12/31/hot-metals-albums-of-the-year-2013/
25. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWiO0d06ZYU&feature=share&list=PLTsffw7BaQ8M2juhWCyBcozuuJiVVTXZg
26. http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?lg=2&pg=5&evnId=2
27. http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?lg=2&pg=82
28. https://www.facebook.com/CliffHoad.KINGS.OF.THE.SUN

External links

• - KOTS official FB page
• - official FB page
• - official FB page
• Kings of the Sun Discography
• The Rich & Famous Discography
• Clifford Hoad's Kings of the Sun - official FB page

• Australian rock music groups