Danny Peyronel
Encyclopedia
Danny Peyronel is a singer, songwriter, keyboard player and producer of Northern Italian and Southern French origin, best known for his work in rock groups such as the Heavy Metal Kids
and UFO
. He studied in the Manuel Belgrano school in the Belgrano neighborhood (barrio
) within Buenos Aires proper. He grew up all over the world, but mostly in London
, England
.
in 1973. After recording two album
s and world tours, Peyronel left the Kids in 1975 to join UFO as their first keyboard player where he also sang harmony vocals. Peyronel contributed to the song-writing as well, e.g. "Highway Lady" from the No Heavy Petting
album. UFO later released a live album
from the period when Peyronel was in the band called On With The Action, which was recorded live at London’s The Roundhouse
. His songs from that period have been included in several UFO compilations and a recent EMI re-issue of the now seminal album "No Heavy Petting" credits him with initiating a change in the band's direction, which continued after his departure. His ballad "Martian Landscape", stands as one of UFO's most haunting and memorable pieces, and the all-out rocker "Can You Roll Her", as well as "On With The Action", appear to have stood the test of time.
After leaving UFO in July 1976 following several tours of the US, Europe and the UK, Peyronel formed his own band The Blue Max
and recorded an album for Charisma Records
. His main partner was Robin Millar on guitars and vocals. After a major tour of the UK, Peyronel left England and went off on a whirlwind of writing, producing and guest starring all over the world before returning to the UK. During this time he wrote the title track of Meat Loaf
’s "Midnight at the Lost and Found
" and the only hit to emerge from that album and be included perennialy in nearly every Meat Loaf compilation, including the platinum selling "Hits Out Of Hell". He also guest starred on and co-produced a live album by Riff, South America's leading hard-rock band, and, in the same region, produced the first major hit album by Virus, a band that would dominate the rock-pop scene in those parts for many years.
's second, multi-platinum album, Promise. He participated on an album by Nick Mason
from Pink Floyd
and Rick Fenn from 10 CC - the Mason-Fenn album Profiles; he co-wrote the only two songs with vocals and sang the lead vocal on one of them, "Israel", while David Gilmour
from Pink Floyd
sang "Lie For A Lie", a hit in many territories.
Peyronel settled in Madrid
, Spain
, in 1984, where he guest-starred on an album by Banzai, a band led by Salvador Domínguez. Dominguez, Danny Peyronel and brother Michel, started jamming together and out of this came Tarzen, a power-house band. They signed to ATCO Records
and toured the US with Twisted Sister
, and Europe and South America on their own. After two albums and nearly five years together, the group split up and Peyronel moved to Los Angeles
where he dabbled at songwriting and collaborating with Desmond Child
, Bon Jovi
, Aerosmith
and Cher
. He also produced a demo
for a young local band called Razzle, who later became well known worldwide as Lit.
Musicians involved included Sinergia guitarist Luca Verde, bass player Max Zaccaro and drummer Mario Zapparoli. The album included re-workings of UFO’s "Highway Lady" and Meat Loaf’s "Midnight At The Lost And Found".
Peyronel then put together a new line-up of the Heavy Metal Kids, singing lead vocals and writing. In 2003, they released Hit The Right Button.
In early 2011, Danny undertook a tour of the USA to coincide with a major re-issue of "Make The Monkey Dance" on Angel Air Records.
members Laurence Archer
on guitar & vocals, Danny Peyronel, Clive Edwards
on drums and Rocky Newton on bass and vocals.
Danny has taken the role of frontman/lead-singer almost exclusively, whilst still handling short, 'un-avoidable' key parts, occasionally, on the side. Though keen on concentrating on fronting the band, pressure from fans and band members forced the compromise.
They played their debut concert as headliners at the Hard Rock Hell Road Trip Festival in Ibiza
, and are now embarking on several high profile appearances, such as the ground-breaking Aero Rock Starz Festival in Bulgaria on the 9th July 2011.
They perform their own versions of the classic UFO catalogue, with a large percentage of the material consisting of UFO classics written or co-written by the band-members.
X-UFO will be doing a Live CD in the course of the year to kick-off their recording career. They plan to go in the studio early in 2012 to produce an album of new material in the same vein as their UFO songwriting contribution, updated to the day, as well as more of their own versions of UFO classics.
Heavy Metal Kids
The Heavy Metal Kids are a British hard rock band, formed in 1972 in London. The band's former frontman Gary Holton and their core founding member Dave Dee are both deceased.-Early years:...
and UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
. He studied in the Manuel Belgrano school in the Belgrano neighborhood (barrio
Barrio
Barrio is a Spanish word meaning district or neighborhood.-Usage:In its formal usage in English, barrios are generally considered cohesive places, sharing, for example, a church and traditions such as feast days...
) within Buenos Aires proper. He grew up all over the world, but mostly in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
Early years
He made his debut with the Heavy Metal Kids at London's Marquee ClubMarquee Club
The Marquee was a music club first located at 165 Oxford Street, London, England when it opened in 1958 with a range of jazz and skiffle acts.It was also the location of the first ever live performance by The Rolling Stones on 12 July 1962....
in 1973. After recording two album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
s and world tours, Peyronel left the Kids in 1975 to join UFO as their first keyboard player where he also sang harmony vocals. Peyronel contributed to the song-writing as well, e.g. "Highway Lady" from the No Heavy Petting
No Heavy Petting
No Heavy Petting is the fifth studio album by the British rock band UFO, released in 1976. It is the first UFO album with staff keyboards player.In 1994, a CD including this album and Lights Out was released by BGO Records.-Side one:...
album. UFO later released a live album
Live album
A live album is a recording consisting of material recorded during stage performances using remote recording techniques, commonly contrasted with a studio album...
from the period when Peyronel was in the band called On With The Action, which was recorded live at London’s The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, London, England, which has been converted into a performing arts and concert venue. It was originally built in 1847 as a roundhouse , a circular building containing a railway turntable, but was only used for railway...
. His songs from that period have been included in several UFO compilations and a recent EMI re-issue of the now seminal album "No Heavy Petting" credits him with initiating a change in the band's direction, which continued after his departure. His ballad "Martian Landscape", stands as one of UFO's most haunting and memorable pieces, and the all-out rocker "Can You Roll Her", as well as "On With The Action", appear to have stood the test of time.
After leaving UFO in July 1976 following several tours of the US, Europe and the UK, Peyronel formed his own band The Blue Max
The Blue Max
The Blue Max is an 1966 British war film about a German fighter pilot on the Western Front during World War I. It was directed by John Guillermin, stars George Peppard, James Mason and Ursula Andress, and features Karl Michael Vogler and Jeremy Kemp. The screenplay was written by David Pursall,...
and recorded an album for Charisma Records
Charisma Records
Charisma was a record label founded by former journalist Tony Stratton-Smith in 1969. Manager for The Nice, the Bonzo Dog Band and Van der Graaf Generator at the time, Stratton-Smith was unable to find a record company willing to release an album by one of his favourite groups so he founded his own...
. His main partner was Robin Millar on guitars and vocals. After a major tour of the UK, Peyronel left England and went off on a whirlwind of writing, producing and guest starring all over the world before returning to the UK. During this time he wrote the title track of Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf
Michael Lee Aday , better known by his stage name, Meat Loaf, is an American hard rock musician and actor...
’s "Midnight at the Lost and Found
Midnight at the Lost and Found
- Personnel :* Meat Loaf — lead vocals, backing vocals * Mark Doyle — guitars, piano , bass , synthesizers , vocals * Rick Derringer — guitars , bass...
" and the only hit to emerge from that album and be included perennialy in nearly every Meat Loaf compilation, including the platinum selling "Hits Out Of Hell". He also guest starred on and co-produced a live album by Riff, South America's leading hard-rock band, and, in the same region, produced the first major hit album by Virus, a band that would dominate the rock-pop scene in those parts for many years.
The 1980s and 1990s
Back in the UK, Peyronel wrote the words to "Fear", which was included in SadeSade (band)
Sade is a British smooth jazz band that formed in 1983, named for Nigerian lead singer Sade Adu. Their music features elements of R&B, soul, jazz, and soft rock....
's second, multi-platinum album, Promise. He participated on an album by Nick Mason
Nick Mason
Nicholas Berkeley "Nick" Mason is an English drummer and songwriter, best known for his work with Pink Floyd. He was the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1965...
from Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
and Rick Fenn from 10 CC - the Mason-Fenn album Profiles; he co-wrote the only two songs with vocals and sang the lead vocal on one of them, "Israel", while David Gilmour
David Gilmour
David Jon Gilmour, CBE, D.M. is an English rock musician and multi-instrumentalist who is best known as the guitarist, one of the lead singers and main songwriters in the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has worked as a producer for a variety of...
from Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
sang "Lie For A Lie", a hit in many territories.
Peyronel settled in Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, in 1984, where he guest-starred on an album by Banzai, a band led by Salvador Domínguez. Dominguez, Danny Peyronel and brother Michel, started jamming together and out of this came Tarzen, a power-house band. They signed to ATCO Records
Atco Records
ATCO Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, currently operating through WMG's Rhino Entertainment.-Beginnings:Atco Records was founded in 1955 as a division of Atlantic Records. It was devised as an outlet for productions by one of Atlantic's founders, Herb Abramson, who...
and toured the US with Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band from Long Island. Musically, the band implements elements of traditional heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, along with a style that is similar to early glam metal bands...
, and Europe and South America on their own. After two albums and nearly five years together, the group split up and Peyronel moved to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
where he dabbled at songwriting and collaborating with Desmond Child
Desmond Child
Desmond Child is an American musician, songwriter, and producer. He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.-Career:...
, Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...
, Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
and Cher
Cher
Cher is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, director, record producer and philanthropist. Referred to as the Goddess of Pop, she has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globes and a Cannes Film Festival Award among others for her work in...
. He also produced a demo
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
for a young local band called Razzle, who later became well known worldwide as Lit.
Present day
Peyronel relocated to Milan, and assembled a band to cut his debut solo album, Make The Monkey Dance, recorded and produced by Marco Barusso, and released in 2005.Musicians involved included Sinergia guitarist Luca Verde, bass player Max Zaccaro and drummer Mario Zapparoli. The album included re-workings of UFO’s "Highway Lady" and Meat Loaf’s "Midnight At The Lost And Found".
Peyronel then put together a new line-up of the Heavy Metal Kids, singing lead vocals and writing. In 2003, they released Hit The Right Button.
In early 2011, Danny undertook a tour of the USA to coincide with a major re-issue of "Make The Monkey Dance" on Angel Air Records.
X-UFO
June 2011 was the launch date for X-UFO, a super-group formed entirely of UFO and UFO spin-off MSGMSG
MSG or msg may refer to:* Monosodium glutamate, a common food additive** See also glutamic acid for MSG's use in food flavoring and health concerns* A common abbreviation for message* Madison Square Garden, a sports arena in New York City...
members Laurence Archer
Laurence Archer
Laurence Archer is a guitarist. He is notable for his work with British rock bands, UFO and Phil Lynott's Grand Slam. He was also a member of Wild Horses, Medicine Head and Rhode Island Red with Gary Leiderman Bass , Manolo Antonana Drums and frontman/actor/writer Mike Dyer before temporarily...
on guitar & vocals, Danny Peyronel, Clive Edwards
Clive Edwards
Clive Edwards is a drummer, who is best known as a former member of the British band, UFO ....
on drums and Rocky Newton on bass and vocals.
Danny has taken the role of frontman/lead-singer almost exclusively, whilst still handling short, 'un-avoidable' key parts, occasionally, on the side. Though keen on concentrating on fronting the band, pressure from fans and band members forced the compromise.
They played their debut concert as headliners at the Hard Rock Hell Road Trip Festival in Ibiza
Ibiza
Ibiza or Eivissa is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea 79 km off the coast of the city of Valencia in Spain. It is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. With Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands or Pityuses. Its largest cities are Ibiza...
, and are now embarking on several high profile appearances, such as the ground-breaking Aero Rock Starz Festival in Bulgaria on the 9th July 2011.
They perform their own versions of the classic UFO catalogue, with a large percentage of the material consisting of UFO classics written or co-written by the band-members.
X-UFO will be doing a Live CD in the course of the year to kick-off their recording career. They plan to go in the studio early in 2012 to produce an album of new material in the same vein as their UFO songwriting contribution, updated to the day, as well as more of their own versions of UFO classics.