If you’re a fan of supergroups from the classic rock era, but think you’ve discovered every group out there, I might just prove you wrong today. I, personally, had never heard of this particular supergroup. And that’s not surprising, considering they were together for a little over a year between 1990 and 1991. And that supergroup was Shadow King.
Videos by American Songwriter
Lou Gramm of Foreigner released a couple of solo records after he left the legendary classic rock band. After that, though, he decided to call up Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Vivian Campbell to potentially work together. The result was Shadow King, a hard rock supergroup that featured Gramm and Campbell, as well as Donnie Iris And The Cruisers drummer Kevin Valentine. Bassist Bruce Turgon also joined the band, and would later join Foreigner when Gramm reunited with his OG band in 1992.
The group only released one album, a self-titled effort, in 1991. It’s a solid album, honestly. It was produced by Keith Olsen, who had previously worked with Foreigner on the album Double Vision. They recorded another song as well, titled “One Dream”, which appeared on the Highlander II soundtrack, though they were credited as the Lou Gramm Band. It doesn’t get more early 90s than that.
So, what happened? Shadow King made some killer tunes together, but really didn’t last long at all.
Why Shadow King, Lou Gramm and Vivian Campbell’s Hard Rock Supergroup, Only Lasted About a Year
Things were looking up for Shadow King. After the release of their album, the band was making plans for a tour. However, they only performed one single time. That set took place in London at the Astoria Theatre in late 1991. Rick Seratte of Whitesnake and Foreigner joined Shadow King for that particular performance.
However, shortly after their sole performance, Campbell announced that he was leaving the supergroup to join the band Def Leppard. Gramm considered replacing Campbell. However, the band ultimately decided to just call it quits. Gramm would later rejoin Foreigner with Turgon in tow in 1992.
The short-lived nature of Shadow King is quite a bummer, but at least we got one good album out of them. “Russia” and “This Heart Of Stone” are essential tracks, but I recommend giving the whole of Shadow King a thorough listen. It’s really a treat if you love early 90s classic rock.
Photo of Shadow King via YouTube screenshot
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.