Jump to content

Phantom Blue: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Same reason as last time.
Line 7: Line 7:
| Background = group_or_band
| Background = group_or_band
| Alias =
| Alias =
| Origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[United States]]
| Origin = [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[United States]]
| Genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy Metal]]
| Genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]], [[hard rock]], [[glam metal]]
| Years_active = [[1989]]–[[2001]], [[2009]]
| Years_active = 1987–2001, 2009-present
| Label = [[Shrapnel Records]]<br> [[Geffen Records]]<br> [[Roadrunner Records]]<br> [[Marlin Records]]<br>[http://www.drzentertainmentgroup.com/ DRZ Records]
| Label = [[Shrapnel Records|Shrapnel]], [[Geffen Records|Geffen]], [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]], [[Marlin Records|Marlin]], [http://www.drzentertainmentgroup.com/ DRZ]
| Associated_acts = [[The Iron Maidens]]<br> [[Meldrum]]<br> [[The Little Dolls]]<br>Warbride<br>[http://www.thundherstruck.com/ ThundHerStruck]<br> [[Vixen (band)|Vixen]]<br>[[Sinboy]]
| Associated_acts = [[The Iron Maidens]], [[Meldrum]], [[The Little Dolls]], [[Warbride]], [http://www.thundherstruck.com/ ThundHerStruck], [[Vixen (band)|Vixen]], [[Sinboy]], [[Post Mortem (band)|Post Mortem]]
| URL = [http://www.phantomblue.com/ www.phantomblue.com]
| URL = [http://www.phantomblue.com/ Official site]
| Past_members = [[Gigi Hangach]]<br>[[Michelle Meldrum]]<br>[[Nicole Couch]]<br>[[Kim Nielsen-Parsons]]<br>[[Linda McDonald]]<br>See [[#Members|Members list]]
| Past_members = [[Gigi Hangach]]<br/>[[Michelle Meldrum]]<br/>[[Nicole Couch]]<br/>[[Kim Nielsen-Parsons]]<br/>[[Linda McDonald]]<br/>See [[#Members|Members list]]
}}
}}
'''Phantom Blue''' was an all-female [[United States|American]] [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[Los Angeles, California]], formed in 1987. After a promising start they were undermined by lineup instability and finally disbanded in 2001. The surviving original members reunited in 2009.

'''Phantom Blue''' was an all-female [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band formed in [[Hollywood]], [[California]], [[United States]] in 1987. The band was signed to Shrapnel Records by guitar guru, Mike Varney, only three months after forming.
==Career==
==Biography==
===Formation and main career (1987-2001)===
Phantom Blue was founded in Los Angeles, CA, in 1987 by guitarists [[Michelle Meldrum]] and [[Nicole Couch]]. Couch and Meldrum were both students of guitar wizards, Paul Gilbert and Bruce Bouilette. Along with drummer [[Linda McDonald]], the band was completed with [[Gigi Hangach]] on vocals and [[Debra Armstrong]] on bass. Phantom Blue recorded a demo that won them a contract with [[Shrapnel Records]] in 1988, but before work on an album started, Armstrong left the band and was replaced by [[Kim Nielsen-Parsons|Kim Nielsen]].
Phantom Blue was formed in 1987 in [[Hollywood]], [[California]] by best friends [[Michelle Meldrum]], [[Nicole Couch]] and [[Linda McDonald]]. The band recorded a demo in 1988{{fact|date=January 2009}} that won them a contract with [[Shrapnel Records]]. The band released their [[Phantom Blue (album)|self-titled debut album]] in the summer of 1989, attracting transatlantic interest, and it included a minor hit single "Why Call it Love?". However, the band resented the [[glam metal]] image given by their record company, which did not equate with their actual heavier sound, and also being made to shoot the video for "Why Call it Love?" at a male [[Prison|penitentiary]]. Much momentum was lost in finding new management and a record deal, finally made with [[Geffen Records]], and their follow-up studio album ''[[Built to Perform]]'' did not emerge until 1993. During that time, Couch had left the band and was replaced by guitarist [[Karen Kreutzer]].


⚫
A reasonably successful [[Europe]]an tour to promote ''Built to Perform'' followed in 1994. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due to the emergence of [[alternative rock]] and [[Grunge music|grunge]] and some destabilizing lineup changes, Geffen Records dropped Phantom Blue dropped Phantom Blue following the release of ''Built to Perform'', Meldrum and bassist [[Kim Nielsen-Parsons|Kim Nielsen]] parted ways with the band. Kreutzer also left months after breaking her leg in a skiing accident, which forced the band to cancel majority of their 1994 U.S. tour. The band independently released their third album ''[[Prime Cuts & Glazed Donuts]]'' in 1995, which also featured a comic book on the band that was packaged with the CD. The band's live album ''[[Caught Live (Phantom Blue album)|Caught Live!]]'' was released in 1997. By the end of the decade, vocalist [[Gigi Hangach]] had left, leaving drummer McDonald the only surviving founding member of the band. Nevertheless the band soldiered on, releasing the EP ''[[Full Blown (Phantom Blue album)|Full Blown]]'' in 1998 before calling it quits.
The band's [[Phantom Blue (album)|self-titled debut album]] was released in the Summer of 1989, attracting transatlantic interest, and minor hit single "Why Call it Love?". Phantom Blue embarked on a three month European tour in support of their debut album and upon returning to the states, caught the attention of Don Dokken, who took the band under his wing and brought them to the attention of Geffen Records A&R man, Tom Zutaut. The band signed with Geffen and Couch and Meldrum immediately began writing material for the Geffen release. Shortly before recording began,, Nicole Couch left the band and was replaced by guitarist [[Karen Kreutzer]]. Michelle Meldrum successfully recorded all guitar parts for Built to Perform with the exception of a few guest solos by John Norum and Marty Friedman. Built to Perform saw the light of day in 1993.


⚫
Both Phantom Blue's Shrapnel debut and Geffen release, Built to Perform are regarded by fans and critics alike to be the most techinically accomplished albums ever to be recorded by an all-female band.{{fact|date=December 2009}}
⚫
A reasonably successful European tour to promote Built to Perform followed in 1994. Unfortunately, due to the emergence of Alternative/Grunge music and some destabilizing lineup changes, Geffen Records dropped Phantom Blue following the release of ''Built to Perform''. Meldrum and Nielsen parted ways with the band. Kreutzer also left months after breaking her leg in a skiing accident, which forced the band to cancel the majority of their 1994 U.S. tour. By the end of the decade, Hangach had left, leaving McDonald the only surviving original member of the band. Nevertheless, McDonald carried on using the name Phantom Blue, recruiting some impressive players along the way, before finally calling it quits in 2001.


⚫
===Post-disbandment (2001-present)===
⚫
Both Phantom Blue's Shrapnel debut and Geffen release, Built to Perform are regarded by fans and critics alike to be the most techinically accomplished albums ever to be recorded by an all-female band.
⚫
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:PB.jpg|thumb|Phantom Blue - ''[[Built to Perform]]'' Lineup: Linda McDonald, Michelle Meldrum, Gigi Hangach, Karen Kreutzer, Kim Nielsen]] -->


⚫
[[Image:gigi 94.jpg|thumb|[[Gigi Hangach]]: 1 March 1994 - Camden Underworld London, UK]]
⚫
===Post-disbandment===
⚫
[[Image:PB.jpg|thumb|Phantom Blue - ''[[Built to Perform]]'' Lineup: Linda McDonald, Michelle Meldrum, Gigi Hangach, Karen Kreutzer, Kim Nielsen]]


⚫
Drummer [[Linda McDonald]] and guitarist [[Sara Marsh]] (who was part of the 2001 lineup) went on to play in two tribute bands. The first being [[The Iron Maidens]] (billed as "The world's only female tribute to [[Iron Maiden]]"), who have released a [[The Iron Maidens: World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden|self-titled tribute album]] in the USA and Japan, the CD/DVD release ''[[Route 666 (album)|Route 666]]'' and the EP ''[[The Root of All Evil (EP)|The Root of All Evil]]'' in Japan on [http://www.powerslaverecords.com/ Powerslave Records]. The second being [[The Little Dolls]] ("All female all [[Ozzy Osbourne|Ozzy]] all the time, covering all eras of Ozzy"). In addition, McDonald is involved in the cover bands [http://www.myspace.com/valleydollsrock Valley Dolls], Unholy Pink (also with Marsh), Half-Cocked and Hot Box.
⚫
[[Image:gigi 94.jpg|thumb|[[Gigi Hangach]]: [[1 March]] [[1994]] - Camden Underworld London, UK]]


Guitarist [[Jojo Draven|Josephine Soegijanty]] (from the 1997-2001 lineups) co-founded The Iron Maidens in 2001 with McDonald and Marsh, but left in 2005 - just months after the band released their debut album. Today, she goes by the name Jojo Draven and composes music for movies produced and directed by her husband [[Danny Draven]].
⚫
Guitarist [[Michelle Meldrum]] went on to form an international band called [[Meldrum]]. The band have toured with [[Zakk Wylde]]'s [[Black Label Society]], [[Motörhead]], [[Sepultura]], [[Nashville Pussy]] and [[Danzig]]. They have released a live DVD, ''[[Loaded Live]]'', and two albums, ''[[Loaded Mental Cannon]]'' and ''[[Blowin' Up the Machine]]'', the latter featuring her former Phantom Blue band mate, drummer Linda McDonald. Sadly, on May 21, 2008, Meldrum died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage. She is survived by her husband [[John Norum]] (of [[Europe (band)|Europe]]) and their son Jake.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=97469 Blabbermouth.net - Guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM Passes Away At Age 39 - May 22, 2008]</ref>


Bassist [[Dyna Shirasaki]] and guitarist [[Tina Wood (musician)|Tina Wood]] (from the 1997 lineup) are currently with the all-female [[AC/DC]] [[Tribute act|tribute band]] [http://www.thundherstruck.com/ ThundHerStruck], with Shirasaki on lead vocals. <ref>[http://www.thundherstruck.com/dynabio.html ThundHerStruck - Dyna Shirasaki's Bio]</ref> <ref>[http://www.thundherstruck.com/tinabio.html ThundHerStruck - Tina Wood's Bio]</ref>
⚫
Drummer [[Linda McDonald]] and guitarist [[Sara Marsh]] (who was part of the 2001 lineup) went on to play in two tribute bands. The first being [[The Iron Maidens]] (billed as "The world's only female tribute to [[Iron Maiden]]"), who have released a [[The Iron Maidens: World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden|self-titled tribute album]] in the USA and Japan, the CD/DVD release ''[[Route 666 (The Iron Maidens album)|Route 666]]'' and the EP ''[[The Root of All Evil (EP)|The Root of All Evil]]'' in Japan on [http://www.powerslaverecords.com/ Powerslave Records]. The second being [[The Little Dolls]] ("All female all [[Ozzy Osbourne|Ozzy]] all the time, covering all eras of Ozzy"). In addition, McDonald is involved in the cover bands [http://www.myspace.com/valleydollsrock Valley Dolls], [http://www.myspace.com/unholypink Unholy Pink] (also with Marsh) and [http://www.drzentertainmentgroup.com/halfcocked.html Half-Cocked].


Lead vocalist [[Lucienne Thomas]] (from the 1998 lineup) became the lead vocalist of the [[Heart (band)|Heart]] tribute band [http://www.myspace.com/tribute2heart Dreamboat Annie] after leaving Phantom Blue. <ref>[http://www.allaccessmagazine.com/vol4/issue01/lucienne_thomas.html All Access Magazine Interview with Lucienne Thomas]</ref>
⚫
Guitarist [[Karen Kreutzer]] (from the 1993-1997 lineups) retired after moving to West River, MD. She is currently married with two daughters and is working as a data analyst for a content solutions company.

Bassist [[Rana Ross]] (from the 1994 lineup) went on to tour with [[Vixen (band)|Vixen]] in 1997 before she and former bandmate Karen Kreutzer formed the band [[Sinboy]]. Sadly, she died of liver failure on May 3, 2003. <ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11772 Blabbermouth.net - Former PHANTOM BLUE/VIXEN Bassist Passes Away - May 6, 2003]</ref>

⚫
Guitarist [[Karen Kreutzer]] (from the 1993-1997 lineups) retired after moving to West River, MD. She is currently married with one daughter and is working as a data analyst for a content solutions company.


Bassist Kim Nielsen (who now goes by her married name [[Kim Nielsen-Parsons]]) has become a successful session musician, tour production and artist management assistant, working with many top bands in the music industry. Her most notable work outside of Phantom Blue is in [[Asia (band)|Asia]]'s 2004 album ''[[Silent Nation]]''.
Bassist Kim Nielsen (who now goes by her married name [[Kim Nielsen-Parsons]]) has become a successful session musician, tour production and artist management assistant, working with many top bands in the music industry. Her most notable work outside of Phantom Blue is in [[Asia (band)|Asia]]'s 2004 album ''[[Silent Nation]]''.


Lead vocalist [[Gigi Hangach]] currently resides in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]] and is a fierce supporter of animal rights. Critics claimed her performance at the 2009 Phantom Blue reunion show was captivating and she is regarded to be one of the most underated hard rock/metal vocalists in music history.
Lead vocalist [[Gigi Hangach]] currently resides in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]] and is a fierce supporter of animal rights. Critics claimed her performance at the 2009 Phantom Blue reunion show was captivating and she is regarded to be one of the most underrated hard rock/metal vocalists in music history.{{fact|date=November 2009}}


Guitarist [[Nicole Couch]] currently lives in New York City with her husband and two children and is in the process of recording an album due to be released next year.
Guitarist [[Nicole Couch]] currently lives in with her husband and two children and is in the process of recording an album due to be released next year.{{fact|date=December 2009}}


Original Bassist Debra Armstrong currently lives in [[Sioux City, Iowa]] with her husband. After leaving the band in 1988, she went on to pursue a career in 3D modeling and engineering, working for clients such as Disney Imagineering, DARPA and others.
Original Bassist [[Debra Armstrong]] currently lives in [[Sioux City, Iowa]] with her husband. She left the music industry soon after being replaced by Kim Nielsen in 1988, and went on to pursue a career in 3D modeling and engineering, working for clients such as Disney Imagineering, DARPA and others.


⚫
Guitarist [[Michelle Meldrum]] went on to form an international band called [[Meldrum]]. The band have toured with [[Zakk Wylde]]'s [[Black Label Society]], [[Motörhead]], [[Sepultura]], [[Nashville Pussy]] and [[Danzig]]. They have released a live DVD, ''[[Loaded Live]]'', and two albums, ''[[Loaded Mental Cannon]]'' and ''[[Blowin' Up The Machine]]'', the latter featuring her former Phantom Blue band mate, drummer Linda McDonald. Sadly, on May 21, 2008, Meldrum died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=97469 Blabbermouth.net - Guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM Passes Away At Age 39 - May 22, 2008]</ref> She is survived by her husband [[John Norum]] (of [[Europe (band)|Europe]]) and their son Jake.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=97469 Blabbermouth.net - Guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM Passes Away At Age 39 - May 22, 2008]</ref>
⚫
===Reunion===


⚫
===Reunion (2009-present)===
On May 26, 2009, Linda McDonald, Gigi Hangach and Kim Nielsen-Parsons reunited as Phantom Blue for the Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert at the [[Whisky a Go Go]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood, CA]]. Meldrum's position was filled by Tina Wood (from the 1997 lineup), while [[Sara Marsh]] and [[Courtney Cox (musician)|Courtney Cox]] of The Iron Maidens filled in for Nicole Couch.<ref>[http://www.michellemeldrum.com/ Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert site]</ref><ref>[http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/iron-maidens/413413-phantom-blue-reunion-show-may-26th-2009-a.html The Iron Maidens Forums - Phantom Blue Reunion Show - May 26, 2009]</ref><ref>[http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/iron-maidens/492473-michelle-meldrum-tribute-show-05-26-09-whisky.html The Iron Maidens Forums - Michelle Meldrum Tribute Show 05/26/09 @ The Whisky]</ref>
On May 26, 2009, Linda McDonald, Gigi Hangach and Kim Nielsen-Parsons reunited as Phantom Blue for the Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert at the [[Whisky a Go Go]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood, CA]]. Meldrum's position was filled by Tina Wood (from the 1997 lineup), while [[Sara Marsh]] and [[Courtney Cox (musician)|Courtney Cox]] of The Iron Maidens filled in for Nicole Couch.<ref>[http://www.michellemeldrum.com/ Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert site]</ref><ref>[http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/iron-maidens/413413-phantom-blue-reunion-show-may-26th-2009-a.html The Iron Maidens Forums - Phantom Blue Reunion Show - May 26, 2009]</ref><ref>[http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/iron-maidens/492473-michelle-meldrum-tribute-show-05-26-09-whisky.html The Iron Maidens Forums - Michelle Meldrum Tribute Show 05/26/09 @ The Whisky]</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
⚫
*''[[Phantom Blue (album)|Phantom Blue]]'' ([[1989 in music|1989]])
*''[[My Misery]]'' (promo CD, 1993)
*''[[Phantom Blue (album)|Phantom Blue]]'' (1989)
*''[[Built to Perform]]'' ([[1993 in music|1993]])
*''[[Built to Perform]]'' (1993)
*''[[Prime Cuts & Glazed Donuts]] (1995)
*''[[Prime Cuts & Glazed Donuts]]'' (1995)
⚫
*''[[Caught Live (Phantom Blue album)|Caught Live]]'' (live album - 1997)
*''[[Full Blown (Phantom Blue album)|Full Blown]]'' (EP - 1998)


==Members==
===EPs===
⚫
*''[[Full Blown (Phantom Blue album)|Full Blown]]'' (1998)


===Live albums===
⚫
*''[[Caught Live (Phantom Blue album)|Caught Live]]'' (1997)

===Singles===
*"[[Why Call it Love?]]" (1989)
*"[[Time to Run]]" (1993)
*"[[My Misery]]" (1994, promo CD)

==Members==
{| class="toccolours" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="float: lleft; width: 420px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;"
{| class="toccolours" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="float: lleft; width: 420px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;"
|+ <big>'''Phantom Blue lineups</big>
|+ <big>'''Phantom Blue lineups</big>
Line 94: Line 107:
*'''[[Rana Ross]]''' – bass
*'''[[Rana Ross]]''' – bass
*'''Linda McDonald''' – drums
*'''Linda McDonald''' – drums


|-
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | '''Reunion <br/> (2009)'''
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | '''Reunion <br/> (2009)'''
Line 111: Line 122:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
*[http://www.phantomblue.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.phantomblue.net -site developed by original Phantom Blue members to honor the memory of Michelle Meldrum * COMING NOVEMBER 2009!!
⚫
*[http://www.myspace.com/phantombluerock Unofficial artist page at] [[MySpace]]
*[http://www.phantomblue.com - For up-to-date info on past members latest projects!!
⚫
*[http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/metalqueens/phantomblue-.htm Metal Queens artist page]
*[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24982902190 Phantom Blue Facebook Group]
*[http://www.myspace.com/phantombluerock Phantom Blue Unofficial MySpace]
*[http://www.myspace.com/karencee Karen Kreutzer's official MySpace page]
*[http://www.myspace.com/michellemeldrum Michelle Meldrum's Official MySpace]
*[http://www.bassgirl.com/Home/home.html Rana Ross's official website]
*[http://www.myspace.com/nicolecouch9 Nicole Couch's Official MySpace]
*[http://www.myspace.com/dynarock Dyna Shirasaki's official MySpace]
*[http://www.myspace.com/gigi_h Gigi Hangach's Official MySpace]
*[http://www.famousinterview.ca/interviews/phantom_blue.htm Interview with Kim Nielsen]
*[http://www.myspace.com/kimnielsenparsons Kim Nielsen-Parsons' Official MySpace]
⚫
*[http://www.myspace.com/lindamcdonald Linda McDonald's Official MySpace]
⚫
*[http://www.myspace.com/karencee Karen Kreutzer's Official MySpace]
*[http://www.famousinterview.ca/interviews/phantom_blue.htm Interview with Bassist Kim Nielsen]
⚫
*[http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/metalqueens/phantomblue-.htm Phantom Blue - Metal Queens]


{{Phantom Blue}}
{{Phantom Blue}}


[[Category:California heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:California heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Hard rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Glam metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles, California]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles, California]]
[[Category:All-women bands]]
[[Category:All-women bands]]
[[Category:Geffen Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2001]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2001]]
[[Category:Geffen Records artists]]
[[Category:1980s music groups]]
[[Category:1990s music groups]]


[[de:Phantom Blue]]
[[de:Phantom Blue]]

Revision as of 01:48, 27 February 2010

Phantom Blue

Phantom Blue was an all-female American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1987. After a promising start they were undermined by lineup instability and finally disbanded in 2001. The surviving original members reunited in 2009.

Biography

Formation and main career (1987-2001)

Phantom Blue was formed in 1987 in Hollywood, California by best friends Michelle Meldrum, Nicole Couch and Linda McDonald. The band recorded a demo in 1988[citation needed] that won them a contract with Shrapnel Records. The band released their self-titled debut album in the summer of 1989, attracting transatlantic interest, and it included a minor hit single "Why Call it Love?". However, the band resented the glam metal image given by their record company, which did not equate with their actual heavier sound, and also being made to shoot the video for "Why Call it Love?" at a male penitentiary. Much momentum was lost in finding new management and a record deal, finally made with Geffen Records, and their follow-up studio album Built to Perform did not emerge until 1993. During that time, Couch had left the band and was replaced by guitarist Karen Kreutzer.

A reasonably successful European tour to promote Built to Perform followed in 1994. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due to the emergence of alternative rock and grunge and some destabilizing lineup changes, Geffen Records dropped Phantom Blue dropped Phantom Blue following the release of Built to Perform, Meldrum and bassist Kim Nielsen parted ways with the band. Kreutzer also left months after breaking her leg in a skiing accident, which forced the band to cancel majority of their 1994 U.S. tour. The band independently released their third album Prime Cuts & Glazed Donuts in 1995, which also featured a comic book on the band that was packaged with the CD. The band's live album Caught Live! was released in 1997. By the end of the decade, vocalist Gigi Hangach had left, leaving drummer McDonald the only surviving founding member of the band. Nevertheless the band soldiered on, releasing the EP Full Blown in 1998 before calling it quits.

Both Phantom Blue's Shrapnel debut and Geffen release, Built to Perform are regarded by fans and critics alike to be the most techinically accomplished albums ever to be recorded by an all-female band.[citation needed]

Post-disbandment (2001-present)

File:Gigi 94.jpg
Gigi Hangach: 1 March 1994 - Camden Underworld London, UK

Drummer Linda McDonald and guitarist Sara Marsh (who was part of the 2001 lineup) went on to play in two tribute bands. The first being The Iron Maidens (billed as "The world's only female tribute to Iron Maiden"), who have released a self-titled tribute album in the USA and Japan, the CD/DVD release Route 666 and the EP The Root of All Evil in Japan on Powerslave Records. The second being The Little Dolls ("All female all Ozzy all the time, covering all eras of Ozzy"). In addition, McDonald is involved in the cover bands Valley Dolls, Unholy Pink (also with Marsh), Half-Cocked and Hot Box.

Guitarist Josephine Soegijanty (from the 1997-2001 lineups) co-founded The Iron Maidens in 2001 with McDonald and Marsh, but left in 2005 - just months after the band released their debut album. Today, she goes by the name Jojo Draven and composes music for movies produced and directed by her husband Danny Draven.

Bassist Dyna Shirasaki and guitarist Tina Wood (from the 1997 lineup) are currently with the all-female AC/DC tribute band ThundHerStruck, with Shirasaki on lead vocals. [1] [2]

Lead vocalist Lucienne Thomas (from the 1998 lineup) became the lead vocalist of the Heart tribute band Dreamboat Annie after leaving Phantom Blue. [3]

Bassist Rana Ross (from the 1994 lineup) went on to tour with Vixen in 1997 before she and former bandmate Karen Kreutzer formed the band Sinboy. Sadly, she died of liver failure on May 3, 2003. [4]

Guitarist Karen Kreutzer (from the 1993-1997 lineups) retired after moving to West River, MD. She is currently married with one daughter and is working as a data analyst for a content solutions company.

Bassist Kim Nielsen (who now goes by her married name Kim Nielsen-Parsons) has become a successful session musician, tour production and artist management assistant, working with many top bands in the music industry. Her most notable work outside of Phantom Blue is in Asia's 2004 album Silent Nation.

Lead vocalist Gigi Hangach currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a fierce supporter of animal rights. Critics claimed her performance at the 2009 Phantom Blue reunion show was captivating and she is regarded to be one of the most underrated hard rock/metal vocalists in music history.[citation needed]

Guitarist Nicole Couch currently lives in with her husband and two children and is in the process of recording an album due to be released next year.[citation needed]

Original Bassist Debra Armstrong currently lives in Sioux City, Iowa with her husband. She left the music industry soon after being replaced by Kim Nielsen in 1988, and went on to pursue a career in 3D modeling and engineering, working for clients such as Disney Imagineering, DARPA and others.

Guitarist Michelle Meldrum went on to form an international band called Meldrum. The band have toured with Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society, Motörhead, Sepultura, Nashville Pussy and Danzig. They have released a live DVD, Loaded Live, and two albums, Loaded Mental Cannon and Blowin' Up The Machine, the latter featuring her former Phantom Blue band mate, drummer Linda McDonald. Sadly, on May 21, 2008, Meldrum died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.[5] She is survived by her husband John Norum (of Europe) and their son Jake.[6]

Reunion (2009-present)

On May 26, 2009, Linda McDonald, Gigi Hangach and Kim Nielsen-Parsons reunited as Phantom Blue for the Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert at the Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, CA. Meldrum's position was filled by Tina Wood (from the 1997 lineup), while Sara Marsh and Courtney Cox of The Iron Maidens filled in for Nicole Couch.[7][8][9]

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

Live albums

Singles

Members

Phantom Blue lineups
Pre-Shrapnel Era
(1987-1988)
Shrapnel/Roadrunner Era
(1988-1993)
  • Gigi Hangach – lead vocals
  • Michelle Meldrum – guitar
  • Nicole Couch – guitar
  • Kim Nielsen – bass
  • Linda McDonald – drums
Geffen Era
(1993-1994)
  • Gigi Hangach – lead vocals
  • Michelle Meldrum – guitar
  • Karen Kreutzer – guitar
  • Kim Nielsen – bass
  • Linda McDonald – drums
(1994-1996)
  • Gigi Hangach – lead vocals
  • Michelle Meldrum – guitar
  • Karen Kreutzer – guitar
  • Rana Ross – bass
  • Linda McDonald – drums
Reunion
(2009)
  • Gigi Hangach – lead vocals
  • Tina Wood - guitar
  • Sara Marsh – guitar
  • Courtney Cox - guitar
  • Kim Nielsen-Parsons – bass
  • Linda McDonald – drums

References

  1. ^ ThundHerStruck - Dyna Shirasaki's Bio
  2. ^ ThundHerStruck - Tina Wood's Bio
  3. ^ All Access Magazine Interview with Lucienne Thomas
  4. ^ Blabbermouth.net - Former PHANTOM BLUE/VIXEN Bassist Passes Away - May 6, 2003
  5. ^ Blabbermouth.net - Guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM Passes Away At Age 39 - May 22, 2008
  6. ^ Blabbermouth.net - Guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM Passes Away At Age 39 - May 22, 2008
  7. ^ Michelle Meldrum Memorial Concert site
  8. ^ The Iron Maidens Forums - Phantom Blue Reunion Show - May 26, 2009
  9. ^ The Iron Maidens Forums - Michelle Meldrum Tribute Show 05/26/09 @ The Whisky
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Phantom_Blue&oldid=346607889"