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{{Short description|British glam rock band}}
{{Short description|British rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2022}}
{{More footnotes|date=December 2010}}
{{lead too short|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Heavy Metal Kids
| name = Heavy Metal Kids
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| origin = [[London]], [[England]]
| origin = London, England
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[glam rock]], [[hard rock]], [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[glam metal]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[glam rock]], [[hard rock]]
| years_active = 1972–1985, 2002–present
| years_active = 1972–1985, 2002–present
| label = [[Apple Records|Apple]], [[Parlophone]], [[RAK Records|RAK]], [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] ([[United States|US]] and [[Canada]]), [[EMI]], [[MPL Communications|MPL]], [[Hear Music]], [[Major League Productions|MLP]]
| label = [[Apple Records|Apple]], [[Parlophone]], [[RAK Records|RAK]], [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] ([[United States|US]] and [[Canada]]), [[EMI]], [[MPL Communications|MPL]], [[Hear Music]], [[Major League Productions|MLP]]
| current_members = Keith Boyce<br />Cosmo Verrico<br />PJ Phillips<br />Simon Gordon<br />Andy Fuller
| associated_acts = [[Flash (band)|Flash]], [[The Koobas]]/(Gary & Stu), [[Uriah Heep (band)|Uriah Heep]], [[Jimmy Nail]], [[Mark Knopfler]], Casino Steel, The Kids, The Actors, [[Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich]]
| past_members = [[Gary Holton]]<br />[[Mickey Finn (guitarist)|Mickey Waller]]<br />[[Danny Peyronel]]<br />[[John Sinclair (musician)|John Sinclair]]<br />Barry Paul<br />Jay Williams<br />Marco Barusso<br />Marco Guarnerio<br />Matteo Salvadori<br />[[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]]<br />[[Phil Lewis (musician)|Phil Lewis]]<br />Ricky Squires<br />Ronnie Thomas<br />Ronnie Garrity<br />Justin McConville<br />[[Paul Manzi]]
| current_members = Keith Boyce<br/>Cosmo<br/>Justin McConville<br/>PJ Phillips<br/>Paul Manzi
| past_members = Ronnie Thomas<br/>[[Gary Holton]]<br/>[[Mickey Finn (guitarist)|Mickey Waller]]<br/>[[Danny Peyronel]]<br/>[[John Sinclair (musician)|John Sinclair]]<br/>Barry Paul<br/>Jay Williams<br/>Marco Barusso<br/>Marco Guarnerio<br/>Matteo Salvadori<br/>[[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]]<br />[[Phil Lewis (musician)|Phil Lewis]]<br />Ricky Squires<br/>Ronnie Garrity
}}
}}
The '''Heavy Metal Kids''' are a British [[glam rock]] band.
'''Heavy Metal Kids''' are a British rock band.


==Biography==
== History ==
===Early years (1973–1985)===
=== Early years (1973–1985) ===
The Heavy Metal Kids were formed in 1972 by the merger of two previous bands: [[Heaven (British band)|Heaven]] and Biggles.<ref name="LarkinHM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1995|edition=Second|isbn=0-85112-656-1|page=164}}</ref> They took their name from a gang of street kids, featured in the novel ''[[Nova Express]]'' by [[William S. Burroughs]].
Heavy Metal Kids were formed in 1972 by the merger of two previous bands: [[Heaven (British band)|Heaven]] and Biggles.<ref name="LarkinHM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1995|edition=Second|isbn=0-85112-656-1|page=164}}</ref> They took their name from a gang of street kids, featured in the novel ''[[Nova Express]]'' by [[William S. Burroughs]].


The initial, pre-recording line-up consisted of [[Mickey Finn (guitarist)|Mickey Waller]] (guitar), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), [[Gary Holton]] (lead vocals), Keith Boyce (drums) and Cosmo (guitar).<ref name="LarkinHM"/> They were the first signing by [[Atlantic Records]]' new London offices, having been spotted by their [[A&R]] man, [[Dave Dee]].<ref name="billboard1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=15431 |title=Biography - Heavy Metal Kids |website=Billboard.com |date= |accessdate=20 November 2008}}</ref> In 1973, they were joined by keyboard player [[Danny Peyronel]]. In January 1974, they recorded their first, self-titled [[album]],<ref name="LarkinHM"/> [[record producer|produced]] by Dave Dee and engineered by Phil Chapman.
The initial, pre-recording line-up consisted of [[Mickey Finn (guitarist)|Mickey Waller]] (guitar), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), [[Gary Holton]] (lead vocals), Keith Boyce (drums) and Cosmo (guitar).<ref name="LarkinHM" /> They were the first signing by [[Atlantic Records]]' new London offices, having been spotted by their [[A&R]] man, [[Dave Dee]].<ref name="billboard1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=15431 |title=Biography – Heavy Metal Kids |website=Billboard.com |date= |accessdate=20 November 2008}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 1973, they were joined by keyboard player [[Danny Peyronel]]. In January 1974, they recorded their first, self-titled [[album]],<ref name="LarkinHM" /> at the [[Olympic Studios]], [[record producer|produced]] by Dave Dee and engineered by Phil Chapman.


Waller left the band shortly before they went in to Island Studios, to record the follow-up album ''Anvil Chorus'', in January 1975,<ref name="LarkinHM"/> which was produced by [[Andy Johns]]. At this point Danny Peyronel left to join [[UFO (band)|UFO]] and was replaced by John Sinclair. Shortly after, Cosmo was replaced by Barry Paul, and the band moved to [[Mickie Most]]'s [[RAK Records]] where they recorded ''Kitsch'', which was produced by Most.<ref name="LarkinHM"/>
Waller left the band shortly before they went in to Island's [[Basing Street Studios]], to record the follow-up album ''Anvil Chorus'', in January 1975,<ref name="LarkinHM" /> which was produced by [[Andy Johns]]. At this point Danny Peyronel left to join [[UFO (band)|UFO]] and was replaced by John Sinclair. Shortly after, Cosmo was replaced by Barry Paul, and the band moved to [[Mickie Most]]'s [[RAK Records]] where they recorded ''Kitsch'', in the Château du Regard, northern France. The record was produced by Most.<ref name="LarkinHM" />


John Sinclair left to join [[Uriah Heep (band)|Uriah Heep]] and was replaced by Jay Williams.<ref name="billboard1"/><ref name="heavymetalkids1">{{cite web|url=http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/band.htm |title=Heavy Metal Kids |website=Heavymetalkids.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2008-11-20}}</ref>
John Sinclair left to join [[Uriah Heep (band)|Uriah Heep]] and was replaced by Jay Williams.<ref name="billboard1" /><ref name="heavymetalkids1">{{cite web|url=http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/band.htm |title=Heavy Metal Kids |website=Heavymetalkids.co.uk |date= |accessdate=20 November 2008}}</ref>


Keith Boyce left and was replaced by Ricky Squires, previously of the dEAd ENd KIdS.
Keith Boyce left and was replaced by Ricky Squires, previously of the dEAd ENd KIdS.


===Reunion (2002–present)===
=== Reunion (2002–present) ===
After Holton's death in 1985, the band went into a long hiatus until, in 2002, they recorded a new album, ''Hit The Right Button'', released in 2003 and featuring Peyronel, now on lead vocals and keyboards, Ronnie Thomas, Keith Boyce, Marco Barusso (guitars, backing vocals) and Marco Guarnerio (guitars, backing vocals). The album was produced by Barusso.<ref name="heavymetalkids1"/>
After Holton's death in 1985, the band went into a long hiatus until, in 2002, they recorded a new album, ''Hit the Right Button'', released in 2003 and featuring Peyronel, now on lead vocals and keyboards, Ronnie Thomas, Keith Boyce, Marco Barusso (guitars, backing vocals) and Marco Guarnerio (guitars, backing vocals). The album was produced by Barusso.<ref name="heavymetalkids1" />


''Hit The Right Button'' enjoyed critical success. The 'twentieth century' Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a series of tours of the UK and Europe. In early 2008, a 'special edition' of the album was released by Angel Air Records. Under the name ''Hit The Right Button Plus'', the [[Compact disc|CD]] featured four of their songs performed live in London and Milan between 2003 and 2005 as bonus tracks, as well as fully re-designed artwork.
''Hit The Right Button'' enjoyed critical success. The 'twentieth century' Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a series of tours of the UK and Europe. In early 2008, a 'special edition' of the album was released by Angel Air Records. Under the name ''Hit The Right Button Plus'', the [[Compact disc|CD]] featured four of their songs performed live in London and Milan between 2003 and 2005 as bonus tracks, as well as fully re-designed artwork.


In October 2008, and now featuring Matteo Salvadori replacing Guarnerio, the Heavy Metal Kids went into Massive Arts Studio in Milan, where initial recordings were made. Barusso worked for nearly two years with Salvadori and Peyronel trying to finish the album, but it was never completed.
In October 2008, and now featuring Matteo Salvadori replacing Guarnerio, Heavy Metal Kids went into Massive Arts Studio in Milan, where initial recordings were made. Barusso worked for nearly two years with Salvadori and Peyronel trying to finish the album but it was never completed.


On 8 August 2010, Peyronel left the band and shortly after this, the [[actor]] [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]] was unveiled as the new lead singer. Altman was a friend of the original frontman, Holton, and he appeared with him in ''[[Quadrophenia (film)|Quadrophenia]]''.
On 8 August 2010, Peyronel left the band and, shortly after this, the [[actor]] [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]] was unveiled as the new lead singer. Altman was a friend of the original frontman, Holton, and he appeared with him in ''[[Quadrophenia (film)|Quadrophenia]]''.


In October 2010, the Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a tour with the new line-up featuring John Altman (lead vocals), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), Cosmo (guitar), Keith Boyce (drums) and Justin McConville (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). They have been working on their album to be titled 'Uncontrollable!'. A single of the same title has been released.
In October 2010, Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a tour with the new line-up featuring John Altman (lead vocals), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), Cosmo (guitar), Keith Boyce (drums) and Justin McConville (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). They have been working on their album to be titled 'Uncontrollable!'. A single of the same title has been released.


In early 2011, John Altman announced he was leaving the band to focus on his other commitments. [[L.A. Guns]] frontman [[Phil Lewis (musician)|Phil Lewis]] joined the band for a couple of gigs and would return to the band for some performances later in the year. The band then performed as a four-piece with Justin McConville taking on lead vocal duties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/news.htm |title=Heavy Metal Kids |publisher=Heavy Metal Kids |accessdate=2014-07-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630055603/http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/news.htm |archivedate=30 June 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
In early 2011, John Altman announced he was leaving the band to focus on his other commitments. [[L.A. Guns]] frontman [[Phil Lewis (musician)|Phil Lewis]] joined the band for a couple of gigs and would return to the band for some performances later in the year. The band then performed as a four-piece with Justin McConville taking on lead vocal duties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/news.htm |title=Heavy Metal Kids |publisher=Heavy Metal Kids |accessdate=23 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630055603/http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/news.htm |archivedate=30 June 2014 }}</ref>


In October 2011, Ronnie Thomas appeared in the [[List of Rounds in Never Mind the Buzzcocks|Identity Parade]] round of ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'', preceded by video clip of the ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' recording of ”She's No Angel”. In 2012, Thomas left the band and was replaced by Ronnie Garrity until August 2015 when PJ Phillips was recruited for bass and backing vocal duties.<ref name="heavymetalkids1"/>
In October 2011, Ronnie Thomas appeared in the [[List of Rounds in Never Mind the Buzzcocks|Identity Parade]] round of ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'', preceded by video clip of the ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' recording of "She's No Angel". In 2012, Thomas left the band and was replaced by Ronnie Garrity until August 2015 when PJ Phillips was recruited for bass and backing vocal duties.<ref name="heavymetalkids1" />


==Discography==
== Discography ==
*''Heavy Metal Kids'' (1974)
*''Heavy Metal Kids'' (1974)
*''[[Anvil Chorus (album)|Anvil Chorus]]'' (1975)<ref name="billboard1"/>
*''Anvil Chorus'' (1975)<ref name="billboard1" />
*''[[Kitsch (album)|Kitsch]]'' (1976)
*''Kitsch'' (1976)
*''[[Chelsea Kids]]'' (1987)
*''Chelsea Kids'' (1987)
*''Live and Loud !!'' (1988)
*''Live and Loud !!'' (1988)
*''[[Hit The Right Button]]'' (2003)<ref name="heavymetalkids1"/>
*''Hit the Right Button'' (2003)<ref name="heavymetalkids1" />
*''[[By Appointment...Best Of The Old Bollocks]]'' (2004)<ref name="heavymetalkids1"/>
*''By Appointment... Best of the Old Bollocks'' (2004)<ref name="heavymetalkids1" />
*''[[Delirious, Classic Kids Capers]]'' (DVD) 2006<ref name="heavymetalkids1"/>
*''Delirious, Classic Kids Capers'' (DVD) 2006<ref name="heavymetalkids1" />
*''Heavy Metal Kids With Phil Lewis Live At Camden Underworld'' (DVD) 2011
*''Heavy Metal Kids with Phil Lewis Live at Camden Underworld'' (DVD) 2011


== Members ==
== Members ==
=== Current Members ===
* Simon Gordon — lead vocals (2019-present)
* Cosimo «Cosmo» Verrico — guitar (1972, 1974-1975, 2010-present)
* Andy Fuller — keyboards (2019-present)
* PJ Phillips — bass, backing vocals (2019-present)
* Keith Boyce — drums (1972-1982, 2002-present)

=== Former Members ===
* [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]] — lead vocals (2010)
* Justin McConville — rhythm guitar, bass guitar, vocals (2010-2019)
* Ronnie Garrity — bass, backing vocals (2012-2019)
* Marco Guarnerio — rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2002-2008)
* [[Gary Holton]] — lead vocals (1972-1978, 1983—1985)
* [[John Sinclair (musician)|John Sinclair]] - keyboards, backing vocals (1975-1978, 1983-1985)
* Jay Williams - rhythm guitar, lead guitar (1976-1978, 1983—1985)
* Barry Paul - lead guitar, backing vocals (1975-1978)
* [[Mickey Waller]] - guitars (1972-1974)
* [[Danny Peyronel]] - keyboards, backing vocals, lead vocals (1973-1975, 2002-2010)
* Marco Barusso - lead guitar, backing vocals (2002-2010)
* Ronnie Thomas - bass, backing vocals (1972-1978, 2002-2011)
* Ricky Squires - drums (1983-1985)

==Images==
<gallery Caption="The Heavy Metal Kids in 1974">
<gallery Caption="The Heavy Metal Kids in 1974">
Image:MickeyWaller74.png|Mickey Waller
File:MickeyWaller74.png|Mickey Waller
Image:GaryHolton1974.jpg|Gary Holton
File:GaryHolton1974.jpg|Gary Holton
Image:DannyPeyronel_HMK_1974.png|Danny Peyronel
File:DannyPeyronel HMK 1974.png|Danny Peyronel
Image:MickeyWaller_and_RonnieThomas1974.png|Mickey Waller & Ronnie Thomas
File:MickeyWaller and RonnieThomas1974.png|Mickey Waller & Ronnie Thomas
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Current members ===
==References==
* Keith Boyce – drums {{Small|(1973–1978, 1982–1985, 2002–present)}}
* Cosimo "Cosmo" Verrico – guitar {{Small|(1974–1975, 2010–present)}}
* PJ Phillips – bass guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(2015–2019, 2021–present)}}
* Simon Gordon – lead vocals {{Small|(2022–present)}}
* Andy Fuller – keyboards {{Small|(2022–present)}}

=== Former members ===
* [[Gary Holton]] – lead vocals {{Small|(1972–1978, 1983–1985; his death)}}
* [[Mickey Finn (guitarist)|Mickey Waller]] – guitars {{Small|(1972–1974; died 2013)}}
* Ronnie Thomas – bass guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(1972–1978, 1983–1985, 2002–2011)}}
* [[Danny Peyronel]] – keyboards, lead and backing vocals {{Small|(1973–1975, 2002–2010)}}
* Barry Paul – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(1975–1978, 1983–1985)}}
* [[John Sinclair (musician)|John Sinclair]] – keyboards, backing vocals {{Small|(1975–1976)}}
* Jay Williams – lead guitar {{Small|(1976–1978, 1983–1985)}}
* Ricky Squires – drums {{Small|(1983–1985)}}
* Marco Guarnerio – rhythm guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(2002–2010)}}
* Marco Barusso – lead guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(2002–2010)}}
* [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]] – lead vocals {{Small|(2010)}}
* [[Phil Lewis (musician)|Phil Lewis]] – lead vocals {{Small|(2010–2011)}}
* Ronnie Garrity – bass guitar, backing vocals {{Small|(2012–2015)}}
* Justin McConville – rhythm guitar, bass guitar, lead and backing vocals {{Small|(2010–2019)}}
* [[Paul Manzi]] – lead vocals {{Small|(2015–2016, 2020–2021)}}

=== Timeline ===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/10/1972 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1973
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1973

Colors =
id:lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:lguitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:rguitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass_guitar
id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:studio value:black legend:Studio&nbsp;albums
id:live value:gray(0.6) legend:Live_release_recordings
id:bars value:gray(0.92)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars


LineData =
layer:back color:live
at:06/04/1976
at:09/08/1977
at:24/05/2011

color:studio
at:01/07/1974 #Heavy Metal Kids
at:01/05/1975 #Anvil Chorus (as The Kids)
at:01/07/1976 #Kitsch
at:17/06/2003 #Hit the Right Button

BarData =
bar:Gary text:"Gary Holton"
bar:John text:"John Altman"
bar:Phil text:"Phil Lewis"
bar:Paul text:"Paul Manzi"
bar:Simon text:"Simon Gordon"

bar:Mickey text:"Mickey Waller"
bar:Cosmo text:"Cosimo Verrico"
bar:Barry text:"Barry Paul"
bar:Jay text:"Jay Williams"
bar:Marco text:"Marco Guarnerio"
bar:Matteo text:"Matteo Salvadori"

bar:Barusso text:"Marco Barusso"
bar:Justin text:"Justin McConville"

bar:Ronnie text:"Ronnie Thomas"
bar:Garrity text:"Ronnie Garrity"
bar:Phillips text:"PJ Phillips"

bar:Danny text:"Danny Peyronel"
bar:Sinclair text:"John Sinclair"
bar:Andy text:"Andy Fuller"

bar:Keith text:"Keith Boyce"
bar:Rick text:"Rick Squiers"

PlotData =
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
color:lvocals
bar:Gary from:start till:30/04/1978
bar:Gary from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Danny from:01/01/2002 till:08/08/2010
bar:John from:08/08/2010 till:14/04/2011
bar:Phil from:15/04/2011 till:31/12/2011
bar:Justin from:01/01/2012 till:30/06/2015 width:3
bar:Paul from:01/07/2015 till:30/06/2016
bar:Justin from:01/07/2016 till:31/12/2019 width:3
bar:Paul from:01/07/2020 till:31/12/2021
bar:Simon from:01/01/2022 till:end

color:lguitar
bar:Mickey from:start till:31/10/1974
bar:Cosmo from:start till:30/06/1973
bar:Cosmo from:01/11/1974 till:31/07/1975
bar:Barry from:01/08/1975 till:31/12/1976
bar:Jay from:01/01/1977 till:30/04/1978
bar:Jay from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Marco from:01/01/2002 till:14/08/2008
bar:Matteo from:15/08/2008 till:14/10/2010
bar:Cosmo from:15/10/2010 till:31/12/2019
bar:Cosmo from:01/07/2020 till:end

color:rguitar
bar:Cosmo from:start till:30/06/1973 width:3
bar:Mickey from:start till:31/10/1974 width:3
bar:Cosmo from:01/11/1974 till:31/07/1975 width:3
bar:Barry from:01/08/1975 till:31/12/1976 width:7
bar:Barry from:01/01/1977 till:30/04/1978
bar:Barry from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Barusso from:01/01/2002 till:14/10/2010
bar:Justin from:15/10/2010 till:14/08/2019
bar:Cosmo from:15/08/2019 till:31/12/2019 width:3
bar:Cosmo from:01/07/2020 till:end width:3

color:keys
bar:Danny from:01/07/1973 till:31/07/1975
bar:Sinclair from:01/08/1975 till:31/12/1976
bar:Danny from:01/01/2002 till:08/08/2010 width:3
bar:Andy from:01/01/2022 till:end

color:bass
bar:Ronnie from:start till:30/04/1978
bar:Ronnie from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Ronnie from:01/01/2002 till:31/12/2011
bar:Garrity from:01/01/2012 till:30/06/2015
bar:Phillips from:01/07/2015 till:14/08/2019
bar:Justin from:15/08/2019 till:31/12/2019
bar:Phillips from:01/07/2020 till:end

color:drums
bar:Keith from:start till:30/04/1978
bar:Rick from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Keith from:01/01/2002 till:31/12/2019
bar:Keith from:01/07/2020 till:end

color:bvocals width:3
bar:Ronnie from:start till:30/04/1978
bar:Danny from:01/07/1973 till:31/07/1975
bar:Sinclair from:01/08/1975 till:31/12/1976
bar:Barry from:01/08/1975 till:30/04/1978
bar:Ronnie from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Barry from:01/10/1983 till:25/10/1985
bar:Ronnie from:01/01/2002 till:31/12/2011
bar:Barusso from:01/01/2002 till:14/10/2010
bar:Justin from:15/10/2010 till:31/12/2011
bar:Garrity from:01/01/2012 till:30/06/2015
bar:Justin from:01/07/2015 till:30/06/2016
bar:Phillips from:01/07/2015 till:14/08/2019
bar:Phillips from:01/07/2020 till:end
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==Bibliography==
== Bibliography ==
*York, W, (1982). ''Who's Who In Rock'', Arthur Barker, Ltd.
*York, W, (1982). ''Who's Who In Rock'', Arthur Barker, Ltd.
*Jasper, T & Oliver, D, (1983). ''The International Encyclopedia of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal'', Sidgwick and Jackson, Ltd. {{ISBN|978-0283061028}}
*Jasper, T & Oliver, D, (1983). ''The International Encyclopedia of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal'', Sidgwick and Jackson, Ltd. {{ISBN|978-0283061028}}
Line 95: Line 237:
*Popoff, M, (2005). ''UFO Shoot Out The Lights'', Metal Blade, Inc. {{ISBN|978-0975280720}}
*Popoff, M, (2005). ''UFO Shoot Out The Lights'', Metal Blade, Inc. {{ISBN|978-0975280720}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/ Official website]
*[http://www.heavymetalkids.co.uk/ Official website]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:English rock music groups]]
[[Category:English glam rock groups]]
[[Category:English glam rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1972]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1972]]

Latest revision as of 17:30, 30 December 2024

Heavy Metal Kids
OriginLondon, England
GenresRock, glam rock, hard rock
Years active1972–1985, 2002–present
LabelsApple, Parlophone, RAK, Capitol, Columbia (US and Canada), EMI, MPL, Hear Music, MLP
MembersKeith Boyce
Cosmo Verrico
PJ Phillips
Simon Gordon
Andy Fuller
Past membersGary Holton
Mickey Waller
Danny Peyronel
John Sinclair
Barry Paul
Jay Williams
Marco Barusso
Marco Guarnerio
Matteo Salvadori
John Altman
Phil Lewis
Ricky Squires
Ronnie Thomas
Ronnie Garrity
Justin McConville
Paul Manzi

Heavy Metal Kids are a British rock band.

History

[edit]

Early years (1973–1985)

[edit]

Heavy Metal Kids were formed in 1972 by the merger of two previous bands: Heaven and Biggles.[1] They took their name from a gang of street kids, featured in the novel Nova Express by William S. Burroughs.

The initial, pre-recording line-up consisted of Mickey Waller (guitar), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), Gary Holton (lead vocals), Keith Boyce (drums) and Cosmo (guitar).[1] They were the first signing by Atlantic Records' new London offices, having been spotted by their A&R man, Dave Dee.[2] In 1973, they were joined by keyboard player Danny Peyronel. In January 1974, they recorded their first, self-titled album,[1] at the Olympic Studios, produced by Dave Dee and engineered by Phil Chapman.

Waller left the band shortly before they went in to Island's Basing Street Studios, to record the follow-up album Anvil Chorus, in January 1975,[1] which was produced by Andy Johns. At this point Danny Peyronel left to join UFO and was replaced by John Sinclair. Shortly after, Cosmo was replaced by Barry Paul, and the band moved to Mickie Most's RAK Records where they recorded Kitsch, in the Château du Regard, northern France. The record was produced by Most.[1]

John Sinclair left to join Uriah Heep and was replaced by Jay Williams.[2][3]

Keith Boyce left and was replaced by Ricky Squires, previously of the dEAd ENd KIdS.

Reunion (2002–present)

[edit]

After Holton's death in 1985, the band went into a long hiatus until, in 2002, they recorded a new album, Hit the Right Button, released in 2003 and featuring Peyronel, now on lead vocals and keyboards, Ronnie Thomas, Keith Boyce, Marco Barusso (guitars, backing vocals) and Marco Guarnerio (guitars, backing vocals). The album was produced by Barusso.[3]

Hit The Right Button enjoyed critical success. The 'twentieth century' Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a series of tours of the UK and Europe. In early 2008, a 'special edition' of the album was released by Angel Air Records. Under the name Hit The Right Button Plus, the CD featured four of their songs performed live in London and Milan between 2003 and 2005 as bonus tracks, as well as fully re-designed artwork.

In October 2008, and now featuring Matteo Salvadori replacing Guarnerio, Heavy Metal Kids went into Massive Arts Studio in Milan, where initial recordings were made. Barusso worked for nearly two years with Salvadori and Peyronel trying to finish the album but it was never completed.

On 8 August 2010, Peyronel left the band and, shortly after this, the actor John Altman was unveiled as the new lead singer. Altman was a friend of the original frontman, Holton, and he appeared with him in Quadrophenia.

In October 2010, Heavy Metal Kids embarked on a tour with the new line-up featuring John Altman (lead vocals), Ronnie Thomas (bass, backing vocals), Cosmo (guitar), Keith Boyce (drums) and Justin McConville (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). They have been working on their album to be titled 'Uncontrollable!'. A single of the same title has been released.

In early 2011, John Altman announced he was leaving the band to focus on his other commitments. L.A. Guns frontman Phil Lewis joined the band for a couple of gigs and would return to the band for some performances later in the year. The band then performed as a four-piece with Justin McConville taking on lead vocal duties.[4]

In October 2011, Ronnie Thomas appeared in the Identity Parade round of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, preceded by video clip of the Top of the Pops recording of "She's No Angel". In 2012, Thomas left the band and was replaced by Ronnie Garrity until August 2015 when PJ Phillips was recruited for bass and backing vocal duties.[3]

Discography

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  • Heavy Metal Kids (1974)
  • Anvil Chorus (1975)[2]
  • Kitsch (1976)
  • Chelsea Kids (1987)
  • Live and Loud !! (1988)
  • Hit the Right Button (2003)[3]
  • By Appointment... Best of the Old Bollocks (2004)[3]
  • Delirious, Classic Kids Capers (DVD) 2006[3]
  • Heavy Metal Kids with Phil Lewis Live at Camden Underworld (DVD) 2011

Members

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  • The Heavy Metal Kids in 1974
  • Mickey Waller
    Mickey Waller
  • Gary Holton
    Gary Holton
  • Danny Peyronel
    Danny Peyronel
  • Mickey Waller & Ronnie Thomas
    Mickey Waller & Ronnie Thomas

Current members

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  • Keith Boyce – drums (1973–1978, 1982–1985, 2002–present)
  • Cosimo "Cosmo" Verrico – guitar (1974–1975, 2010–present)
  • PJ Phillips – bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–2019, 2021–present)
  • Simon Gordon – lead vocals (2022–present)
  • Andy Fuller – keyboards (2022–present)

Former members

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  • Gary Holton – lead vocals (1972–1978, 1983–1985; his death)
  • Mickey Waller – guitars (1972–1974; died 2013)
  • Ronnie Thomas – bass guitar, backing vocals (1972–1978, 1983–1985, 2002–2011)
  • Danny Peyronel – keyboards, lead and backing vocals (1973–1975, 2002–2010)
  • Barry Paul – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1975–1978, 1983–1985)
  • John Sinclair – keyboards, backing vocals (1975–1976)
  • Jay Williams – lead guitar (1976–1978, 1983–1985)
  • Ricky Squires – drums (1983–1985)
  • Marco Guarnerio – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2002–2010)
  • Marco Barusso – lead guitar, backing vocals (2002–2010)
  • John Altman – lead vocals (2010)
  • Phil Lewis – lead vocals (2010–2011)
  • Ronnie Garrity – bass guitar, backing vocals (2012–2015)
  • Justin McConville – rhythm guitar, bass guitar, lead and backing vocals (2010–2019)
  • Paul Manzi – lead vocals (2015–2016, 2020–2021)

Timeline

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 164. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. ^ a b c "Biography – Heavy Metal Kids". Billboard.com. Retrieved 20 November 2008.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Heavy Metal Kids". Heavymetalkids.co.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  4. ^ "Heavy Metal Kids". Heavy Metal Kids. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • York, W, (1982). Who's Who In Rock, Arthur Barker, Ltd.
  • Jasper, T & Oliver, D, (1983). The International Encyclopedia of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, Sidgwick and Jackson, Ltd. ISBN 978-0283061028
  • Van den Heuvel, J A, (1990). Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Encyclopedia, Arcana Editrice, Srl.
  • Popoff, M, (2005). UFO Shoot Out The Lights, Metal Blade, Inc. ISBN 978-0975280720
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