You remember Autograph, the platinum-selling Southern California hard rock band who gave the world the ubiquitous hit ‘Turn Up The Radio’ in 1984? I love that song and still frequently put it on playlists.
They broke up in 1989, but in 2011, founding members bassist Randy Rand and guitarist Steve Lynch decided to see if their friendship was still there and, if so, could they get the band back together.
“We approached our original singer Steve Plunkett about a reunion,” recalled Rand. “He didn’t have the time to join the band again due to his busy schedule. He did give us his blessing to move forward though, and that was important. We missed our fans. This is for them.”
Fully embracing the future, the remaining members began a search for a new singer. They discovered some videos of singer/guitarist/songwriter Simon Daniels (of Jailhouse, Flood, 1RKO) on YouTube and instantly sensed a connection. “He was perfect to front Autograph,” smiled Rand. “His hard-edged, bluesy voice and massive riffing sharpen our edge. He’s given us a new energy, and he impressed us immediately. We all had a euphoric feeling after the first rehearsal,” Rand added
Now, here’s some sad news
The band signed a deal this year with Frontiers Music Srl. The band were close to wrapping up work on their brand new studio album “Beyond,” which the label had slated for release later in the year. Then just as Rand was set to deliver the masters and artwork he received some news about his health. And then, shockingly, just a few days later, on April 26, 2022, Randy Rand, a founding member of the band, passed away. Before his untimely passing, he shared with his band mates that if something was to happen to him before the release plans were finalized, he wanted them to release “Beyond”, his last recorded work.
“We’re heavier than before. At the same time, the melodic vocals and catchy hooks are still an integral part of our sound.”
And so, the band will release their new studio album, “Beyond” via Frontiers Music Srl on November 18th. It is the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand.
This single sounds great to my ears – check it out:
“Beyond” Track listing:
This Ain’t the Place I Wanna Be
Your Slave Tonight
Everything
Gotta Getcha
Take Me Higher
Run For Your Life
Beautiful Disaster
Love Is a Double Edge Sword
Heart of Stone
Feels So Good
Flying High
To Be Together
Mind of Fear (Bonus Track Digital only)
Total length: 0.51.06
LINE-UP:
Randy Rand – Bass
Simon Daniels – Vocals
Jimi Bell – Guitar
Marc Wieland – Drums
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