King Kobra

King Kobra was a glam metal group founded by drummer Carmine Appice after his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne in 1984. The band during the time of their first two albums included four relatively unknown musicians: vocalist Mark Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod. After two albums on Capitol records (Ready to Strike - November 9, 1985 and Thrill of a Lifetime - 1986), Appice decided to dissolve the band and join guitarist John Sykes on his Blue Murder project in 1989.

Personnel

On Ready To Strike and Thrill Of A Lifetime

• Mark Free - vocals
• David Michael-Philips - Guitar
• Mick Sweda - Guitar
• Johnny Rod - Bass guitar
• Carmine Appice - drums

On King Kobra III

• Johnny Edwards - vocals
• David Michael-Philips - Guitar
• Jeff Northrup - Guitar
• Larry Hart - Bass guitar
• Carmine Appice - drums

On Hollywood Trash

• Kelly Keeling - vocals & Bass guitar
• Mick Sweda - Guitar
• Steve Fister - Guitar
• Carmine Appice - drums

Discography

• Ready to Strike (1985)
• Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)
• King Kobra III (1988)
• The Lost Years (1999) (compilation)
• Hollywood Trash (2001)

Movie Soundtracks

• Song "Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)" included in the original motion picture soundtrack from the movie Iron Eagle [1] from 1986 as the second track of the album.

Song credits: J.Booker-D.Hitchings - 1986 - Capitol Records

• Song "Hunger", covered by King Kobra but written by Kick Axe (listed as "Spectre General"), was featured in The Transformers: The Movie [2], and included on the soundtrack.

Notes

• Rod left the band & joined W.A.S.P. in 1986.
• Torien, Sweda, & Vincent left to play together in the band Bullet Boys.
• 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.

External links

• Historical Interview with King Kobra Guitarist