Head On (band)
Encyclopedia
Head On was a San Francisco rock
band of the early 1980s. Although only putting out independent releases, their influence has worked its way into such diverse bands as Guns 'N Roses and the Mars Volta.
Working their way through and eventually dominating the San Francisco club scene, Head On went on to support such bands as Ted Nugent
, Cheap Trick
, Joe Perry
, Y&T
, Motörhead, Aldo Nova
, Kix
, Shooting Star
and others. Noted for their lively and outrageous shows, Head On was likened to such bands as the New York Dolls
and Aerosmith
.
During its brief career (1980–1984) Head On released several independent collections that were sold at local retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were featured and landed covers on local underground publications as well as being reviewed in the well known British rock magazine Kerrang! Their music was played on local radio stations and the band made guest appearances on local TV.
As San Francisco became a hot bed for underground metal, Head On often found themselves mismatched and headlining metal shows with openers like Anvil Chorus
, Lääz Rockit
and Trauma (which featured future Metallica
bass player, Cliff Burton
). As a result of the rise in metal popularity, bookings began to slow and Los Angeles soon emerged as the mecca for the glam revival music Head On had championed in the Bay Area. Head On soon discovered however that Los Angeles at the time had little appreciation for San Francisco bands to the point that club owners refused to book them. On one notable occasion while attempting to secure a show at LA's Madame Wong's West they were told, “I don’t care if you are the Beatles, if you are from San Francisco, no one in LA will come to your show.”
then changed his name to Miro Berglund and joined a short lived San Francisco band led by Randy Jackson
of American Idol
fame and Italian producer Corrado Rustici called Holiday of Hands. Through his relationship with Rustici, Mark (Miro) contributed songs to various recording artists in Italy during the 80's and 90's including Loredana Berte
, Gianluigi De Franco, Enzo Avitabile
and Corrado Rustici's own solo effort. Mark can also be heard singing background vocals on the Narada Michael Walden
album
Divine Emotion.
James Ray continued performing and writing in several bands following Head On including Sybil and Mother Jones completing independent album releases for both. Joining forces with comedian Rob Schneider and Rob's brother John, James managed the successful South of Market nightclub DNA in San Francisco.
After moving to Los Angeles, Howard Teman worked with Guns 'N Roses on the Lies and Use Your Illusion albums as well as becoming a prominent graphic artist focusing on celebrity and music related works. While continuing his graphic art work, he now has become one of the most sought after tattoo artists in Los Angeles and owns and operates T-Man Tattoo.
Frank Wilsey (aka Frankie Wilsex) went on to perform with the Sea Hags
in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles and joining Arcade
followed by a long musical relationship with Stephen Pearcy
and various incarnations of Ratt
.
Collaborations
In 2002 an effort was made by Rob Schneider
's manager (and brother) John to reunite the writing team of James Ray and Mark Berglund. Mark and James were asked to write some original music for the then up-coming Rob Schneider film, 'The Hot Chick
'. The re-connection proved to be successful and not only resulted in a collection of new material but re-established Mark and James' collaborative musical relationship.
Given the crowd's response and the quality of the band’s music and performance, it seems a shame that Head On was never given the opportunity to share itself with the rest of the world.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band of the early 1980s. Although only putting out independent releases, their influence has worked its way into such diverse bands as Guns 'N Roses and the Mars Volta.
History
Head On was started by James Ray, a guitar player transplanted from New Mexico to the San Francisco Bay Area. He soon recruited Mark Berglund, a Bay Area native, as lead vocalist and song writer. Together with Ray, Mark wrote a majority of Head On's material. Rick Tweed and Howard Teman (bass guitar and drums respectively) were soon added as was lead guitarist Frank Wilsey.Working their way through and eventually dominating the San Francisco club scene, Head On went on to support such bands as Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent
Theodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, Joe Perry
Joe Perry
Joe Perry may refer to:*Joe Perry *Joe Perry **Joe Perry *Joe Perry...
, Y&T
Y&T
Y&T is an American hard rock/heavy metal band formed in 1974. They hail from Oakland, California...
, Motörhead, Aldo Nova
Aldo Nova
Aldo Nova is a Canadian guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist and producer, Nova gained fame with his self-titled debut album Aldo Nova in 1981, and its accompanying single "Fantasy", which climbed to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.-Career:Signing with Portrait Records, Nova released a self-produced...
, Kix
Kix (band)
Kix is an American hard rock/heavy metal band who achieved popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Band members continue to tour, recently appearing at the Rocklahoma festival in 2008 in Oklahoma and the M3 Rock Festival in May 2011 in the band's home state of Maryland.-Formation:Kix was...
, Shooting Star
Shooting Star (band)
Shooting Star is a rock band from Kansas City, Missouri.The band formed in the late 1970s. After quickly gaining enormous popularity in the Kansas City area, Shooting Star became the first American group to sign with Virgin Records. They recorded their 1979 debut album in England with legendary...
and others. Noted for their lively and outrageous shows, Head On was likened to such bands as the New York Dolls
New York Dolls
The New York Dolls is an American rock band, formed in New York in 1971. The band's protopunk sound prefigured much of what was to come in the punk rock era; their visual style influenced the look of many new wave and 1980s-era glam metal groups, and they began the local New York scene that later...
and 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...
.
During its brief career (1980–1984) Head On released several independent collections that were sold at local retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were featured and landed covers on local underground publications as well as being reviewed in the well known British rock magazine Kerrang! Their music was played on local radio stations and the band made guest appearances on local TV.
As San Francisco became a hot bed for underground metal, Head On often found themselves mismatched and headlining metal shows with openers like Anvil Chorus
Anvil Chorus
The Anvil Chorus is the English term for the Coro di zingari , a piece of music from Act 2, Scene 1 of Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore which depicts Spanish Gypsies striking their anvils at dawn – hence its English name – and singing the praises of hard work, good wine, and their Gypsy...
, Lääz Rockit
Lääz Rockit
Lääz Rockit are a Power/Thrash band formed in San Francisco, California in 1982. Although one of the lesser-known groups of the Bay Area thrash metal scene, each album in their history has received high critical marks...
and Trauma (which featured future Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
bass player, Cliff Burton
Cliff Burton
Clifford Lee "Cliff" Burton was an American musician, best known as the bass guitarist for the American heavy metal band Metallica....
). As a result of the rise in metal popularity, bookings began to slow and Los Angeles soon emerged as the mecca for the glam revival music Head On had championed in the Bay Area. Head On soon discovered however that Los Angeles at the time had little appreciation for San Francisco bands to the point that club owners refused to book them. On one notable occasion while attempting to secure a show at LA's Madame Wong's West they were told, “I don’t care if you are the Beatles, if you are from San Francisco, no one in LA will come to your show.”
Career
Throughout their short but illustrious career, Head On had both incredible luck and almost comical misfortune.- During their peak, Head On regularly headlined San Francisco's premier nightclubs including; Bill GrahamBill GrahamWilliam Carvel "Bill" Graham, PC QC is a former Canadian politician, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defence, and Leader of the Opposition and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.-Personal life:...
's Old Waldorf, Mabuhay GardensMabuhay GardensThe Mabuhay Gardens was a San Francisco nightclub located at , on the Broadway strip of North Beach, an area best known for its strip clubs....
, The On Broadway and The Stone. - Although releases were independent and mostly available only in the San Francisco area, copies of their various compilations circulated and were available as far away as the UK.
- After a fiery performance opening for the Joe PerryJoe PerryJoe Perry may refer to:*Joe Perry *Joe Perry **Joe Perry *Joe Perry...
project in San Francisco, Paul StanleyPaul StanleyStanley Harvey Eisen , better known by his stage name Paul Stanley, is an American hard rock guitarist, singer, musician, painter and songwriter best known for being the rhythm guitarist and primary lead vocalist of the rock band Kiss. He is the writer or co-writer of many of the band's...
of KissKISS (band)Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
was spotted meeting with the band. Rumors spread that either Head On was being considered for an opening spot on the Creatures of the Night tour or Kiss was shopping for a new guitar player, neither was ever confirmed. - While opening for Ted NugentTed NugentTheodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
, Carmine AppiceCarmine AppiceCarmine Appice is an American rock drummer of Italian background and is the older brother of drummer Vinny Appice by 12 years. He received a classical music training and was influenced by the jazz drumming of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa early on...
(drummer extraordinaire for everyone from Vanilla FudgeVanilla FudgeVanilla Fudge is an American rock band. The band's original lineup – vocalist/organist Mark Stein, bassist/vocalist Tim Bogert, lead guitarist/vocalist Vince Martell, and drummer/vocalist Carmine Appice – recorded five albums during the years 1966–69, before disbanding in 1970...
and Rod StewartRod StewartRoderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
to Jeff BeckJeff BeckGeoffrey Arnold "Jeff" Beck is an English rock guitarist. He is one of three noted guitarists to have played with The Yardbirds...
) recognized the band after hearing about them through his friend Sheila Rene' (80's syndicated radio interviewer) who called Head On her 'Baby Band'. - During a video shoot for Viacom, one of Head On's 50 gallon fog machines exploded causing a complete 'white out' of dry ice fog and the flooding of the Viacom studio.
- While attempting to cross the border into Canada for a small Canadian tour, the band was denied entry and sent home (they were actually too young to obtain work visas and attempted to forge their birthdates to obtain the required visas). Unfortunately, the band planned on returning home using the money they would make in Canada and could only come back as far as Portland Oregon.
- Head On played with Y&TY&TY&T is an American hard rock/heavy metal band formed in 1974. They hail from Oakland, California...
so many times that when Y&T's studio was robbed, the culprits, unable to fence the equipment, contacted Head On to arrange its return (Y&T reciprocated by introducing Head On at a special performance well documented on the 'Live at The Old Waldorf' bootleg video.) - Rick Tweed's final show with Head On was in June 1983 for a sold out San Francisco crowd; Randy HansenRandy HansenRandy Hansen is a U.S. guitarist, best known for his "Rock Tribute Act" honoring Jimi Hendrix. Hansen performs such signatures of Hendrix's style as playing a guitar with his teeth or behind his back...
opened. After Rick's departure, DJ Nicholson was added to the lineup on bass and remained with Head On until its demise in March 1984. - Comedian Rob SchneiderRob SchneiderRobert Michael "Rob" Schneider is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a successful career in feature films, including starring roles in the comedy films Deuce Bigalow:...
actually got his start opening for Head On in San Francisco while still in high school (his older brother John was Head On's manager). - Most of the band's promotional photos were taken by San Francisco photographer Dennis Callahan, who's 30+ year working relationship with Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersTom Petty and the HeartbreakersTom Petty And The Heartbreakers are an American rock band from Gainesville, Florida. They were formed in 1976 by Tom Petty , Mike Campbell , Benmont Tench , , Ron Blair and Stan Lynch...
has resulted in countless classic album covers and magazine shots.
Head On show regulars
Prior to becoming successful themselves, the following people could be spotted at Head On shows in San Francisco:- Juan AldereteJuan AldereteJuan Alderete is an American bassist known for his work with the band The Mars Volta. Prior to his work with that band, he was known for playing in Racer X, where he received credit as John Alderete.-Biography:...
- Mars Volta, Racer X - Michael Raphael- NeveNeveNeve Electronics was a manufacturer of music recording and broadcast mixing consoles and hardware. It was originally founded as Neve Electronics in 1961 by Rupert Neve, the man credited with creating the modern mixing console.-Company formation:...
, Jailhouse, independent producer - Fernie Rod - JetboyJetboy (band)Jetboy is a San Francisco hard rock band formed in 1983. The band transplanted themselves to LA In 1986 after signing a major deal with Elektra Records. Their musical influences ranged from Punk rock to Rock n' roll with a good dose of Blues thrown in...
- Billy Rowe - JetboyJetboy (band)Jetboy is a San Francisco hard rock band formed in 1983. The band transplanted themselves to LA In 1986 after signing a major deal with Elektra Records. Their musical influences ranged from Punk rock to Rock n' roll with a good dose of Blues thrown in...
- Greg Steele - Faster PussycatFaster PussycatFaster Pussycat is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California formed in 1986. The group was most successful during the late 1980s with their self-titled debut album, their 1989 gold album Wake Me When It's Over and the 80,000 selling Whipped! in 1992.-The roots of Faster Pussycat...
- Mike VarneyMike VarneyMike Varney is an American musician, record producer, music publisher and impresario. He is the founder of the Shrapnel Label Group, which includes Shrapnel Records, Tone Center Records and Blues Bureau International. He also has a 50% stake in Magna Carta Records, a New York-based label...
- Founder Shrapnel RecordsShrapnel RecordsShrapnel Records is a guitar-oriented record label started in 1980 by record producer Mike Varney. Guitarist Marty Friedman , one of the label's most successful artists, first appeared on the album Unsung Guitar Heroes II in 1980 with the band Vixen. Vixen would later change their name to Hawaii...
, record producer, music publisher - Rob SchneiderRob SchneiderRobert Michael "Rob" Schneider is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a successful career in feature films, including starring roles in the comedy films Deuce Bigalow:...
- Actor, comedian - Ginger Coyote - Publisher Punk GlobePunk GlobePunk Globe, is a fanzine and online magazine, started by Ginger Coyote in July 1977. It was originally distributed on photocopied pages folded together. After its first year anniversary, Chris Coyle, manager for SVT, a San Francisco-based punk band, suggested a newsprint format...
Magazine - Sheila Rene' - Radio interviewer, host of 'Live Wire' on KSJOKSJOKSJO is a commercial radio station in San Jose, California, and broadcasts to the San Francisco Bay Area on 92.3 FM. KSJO currently airs a Chinese format branded as "92.3 KSJO".-History:...
(San Jose CA) and the syndicated interview show 'Backstage'
Break-up
Record contract negotiations stalled when attempts to change the band's sound and lineup were met with opposition. After several ill-fated record contract negotiations, Head On disbanded in March 1984.Post Head On
Post Head On, Mark Berglund worked on a modern rock project with future Mars Volta and Racer X bassist Juan AldereteJuan Alderete
Juan Alderete is an American bassist known for his work with the band The Mars Volta. Prior to his work with that band, he was known for playing in Racer X, where he received credit as John Alderete.-Biography:...
then changed his name to Miro Berglund and joined a short lived San Francisco band led by Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson
Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson is an American bassist, singer, record producer, music manager, A&R executive, entrepreneur, and television personality. He is best known as a judge on American Idol and executive producer for MTV's America's Best Dance Crew...
of American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
fame and Italian producer Corrado Rustici called Holiday of Hands. Through his relationship with Rustici, Mark (Miro) contributed songs to various recording artists in Italy during the 80's and 90's including Loredana Berte
Loredana Bertè
Loredana Bertè is an Italian singer. In her long career she has worked with some of the best Italian songwriters such as Enrico Ruggeri, Pino Daniele, Ivano Fossati, Mario Lavezzi, Enzo Jannacci and Mango, among others. She has experimented with different genres, from rock to reggae, from funk to...
, Gianluigi De Franco, Enzo Avitabile
Enzo Avitabile
thumb|280px|Enzo Avitabile.Enzo Avitabile is an Italian saxophonist and singer-songwriter. He plays a fusion of World music and jazz fusion music....
and Corrado Rustici's own solo effort. Mark can also be heard singing background vocals on the Narada Michael Walden
Narada Michael Walden
Narada Michael Walden is an American producer, drummer, singer, and songwriter. He was given the name Narada by guru Sri Chinmoy in the early 1970s and his musical career spans three decades, in which he was awarded several gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards...
album
Divine Emotion.
James Ray continued performing and writing in several bands following Head On including Sybil and Mother Jones completing independent album releases for both. Joining forces with comedian Rob Schneider and Rob's brother John, James managed the successful South of Market nightclub DNA in San Francisco.
After moving to Los Angeles, Howard Teman worked with Guns 'N Roses on the Lies and Use Your Illusion albums as well as becoming a prominent graphic artist focusing on celebrity and music related works. While continuing his graphic art work, he now has become one of the most sought after tattoo artists in Los Angeles and owns and operates T-Man Tattoo.
Frank Wilsey (aka Frankie Wilsex) went on to perform with the Sea Hags
Sea Hags
Sea Hags was an American glam metal band from San Francisco, California. Their style has primarily been referred to as sleaze metal.-History:...
in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles and joining Arcade
Arcade (band)
Arcade is a rock band formed in 1991 by ex-Ratt vocalist Stephen Pearcy, ex-Sea Hags guitarist Frankie Wilsex , ex-Talas/Michael Monroe guitarist Johnny Angel, and Cinderella drummer Fred Coury. Its originally proposed name was to be Taboo....
followed by a long musical relationship with Stephen Pearcy
Stephen Pearcy
Stephen Erica Pearcy is the lead singer of the 80's metal band Ratt. He has also been in the bands Arcade, Vicious Delite, Vertex, Nitronic, and Band From Hell...
and various incarnations of Ratt
Ratt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
.
Collaborations
In 2002 an effort was made by Rob Schneider
Rob Schneider
Robert Michael "Rob" Schneider is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a successful career in feature films, including starring roles in the comedy films Deuce Bigalow:...
's manager (and brother) John to reunite the writing team of James Ray and Mark Berglund. Mark and James were asked to write some original music for the then up-coming Rob Schneider film, 'The Hot Chick
The Hot Chick
The Hot Chick is a 2002 American comedy film about a teenage girl whose body is magically swapped with that of a 30-year-old criminal. It was directed by Tom Brady and produced by Guy Riedel for Happy Madison and Touchstone Pictures, from a screenplay by Tom Brady and Rob Schneider...
'. The re-connection proved to be successful and not only resulted in a collection of new material but re-established Mark and James' collaborative musical relationship.
2010 reunion
On August 28, 2010, the five original members of Head On regrouped and played their first show together in 25 years. The sell out San Francisco crowd greeted the band with open arms and sang along while Head On charged through a powerful and sometimes emotional set. From the first note, the audience seemed to gel into a single mass hanging on the band's every move. The band did not disappoint, displaying their notorious ability to capture and entertain an audience. The shear fact that the audience knew the words to songs they had only heard played in clubs a quarter of a century before was a testament to this band's impact on the 1980s San Francisco music scene.Given the crowd's response and the quality of the band’s music and performance, it seems a shame that Head On was never given the opportunity to share itself with the rest of the world.
Washington & Battery Album
On February 11, 2011 Head On released its first full length album titled, Washington & Battery (the title being a nod to the location of the legendary Old Waldorf nightclub in San Francisco where the band cut it's teeth). The release, on Demon Doll Records, contains a collection of demos and promo recordings recorded during the band's peak period (1981–1983), remixed and remastered. It also includes a newly recorded version of their live show staple 'Look the Other Way'.Members
- Mark Berglund – vocals, keyboards, guitar
- James Ray – guitar, vocals
- Howard Teman – drums
- Rick Tweed – bass (1980–1983)
- Frank Wilsey – guitar, vocals