Autograph - Beyond

[Stefan]

 

Press release from Frontiers:

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to welcome legendary ’80s hard rockers Autograph to the roster. The band, featuring vocalist Simon Daniels, guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Randy Rand, and drummer Marc Wieland, are currently working on material for a new studio album.

”Exciting news for AUTOGRAPH!! We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new studio album with Frontiers Music Srl. We are looking forward to introducing our newest collection of hard rock music across the globe. A very special thank you to Serafino, Mario, and the entire Frontiers Family.” – Autograph

Autograph, whose hit ‘Turn Up The Radio’ was a staple of the hard rock soundtrack of the ’80s, disbanded in 1989, but in 2011, founding members bassist Randy Rand and guitarist Steve Lynch decided to meet up at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. They rekindled their friendship first before even thinking about a musical reunion. With their personal relationship rebuilt, they made a collective decision to play again. “We approached our original singer Steve Plunkett about a reunion,” recalls Rand. “He didn’t have the time to join the band again due to his busy schedule. He did give us his blessing to move forward though, and that was important. We missed our fans. This is for them.”

Fully embracing the future, the remaining members begin a search for a new singer. They discovered some videos of singer/guitarist/songwriter Simon Daniels (of Jailhouse, Flood, 1RKO) on YouTube and instantly, they sensed a connection and knew that he was the right fit for the band. “He was perfect to front Autograph,” smiles Rand. ”His hard-edged, bluesy voice and massive riffing sharpen our edge. He’s given us a new energy, and he impressed us immediately. We all had a euphoric feeling after the first rehearsal,” Rand adds.

Rand says that during his long-lived career, he has only loved playing with two drummers; one is the great late Randy Castillo, and then there is Autograph’s new drummer Marc Wieland. As Rand puts it, “We’re heavier than before. At the same time, the melodic vocals and catchy hooks are still an integral part of our sound.”

In 2019, Lynch decided to leave the group to pursue different musical styles and was replaced by international monster shredder guitarist Jimi Bell (House of Lords, Maxx Explosion). The band hasn’t skipped a beat since and is ready to continue their rock n’ roll journey on their next studio album.

Autograph, the platinum-selling Southern California hard rock band who gave the world the ubiquitous hit ‘Turn Up The Radio’, has released seminal albums such as ”Sign In Please” [1984], ”That’s The Stuff” [1985], and ”Loud and Clear” [1987]. Over the course of their career, they have played shows with everybody from Mötley Crüe and Ronnie James Dio to Van Halen and Aerosmith. Successfully touring again since the beginning of 2014, Autograph has strived and shined at arenas, casinos, major music festivals such as M3, Monsters of Rock Cruise, The Moondance Jam, 80’s in the Park, Grand Rock Tember, Cat Club Festival at Irvine Meadows, and Firefest UK, among others. In 2017, Autograph released a new album on ex-Megadeth member David Ellefson’s EMP Label Group, hitting # 21 on the Billboard Classic Rock Sales Chart, as well as placing two new singles on the top 10 Hard Rock Mediabase Radio Chart.

 

www.autographband.com

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Edited May 31, 2022 by Stefan

[lettard]

Is it Autograph though... I mean really?

I know we have this conversation about a few bands that continue...when its not really them anymore...anyones thoughts on this one? I haven't been much of a fan for a while now.

[Jez]

I used to love this band back in the day 'Sign In Please' is one of my all time favourites.  We were on the same bill on the 2020 MORC and I caught their pool deck gig, which was pretty good, although obviously no Steve Plunkett or Steve Lynch and only bassist Randy Rand from the original line up. Their last album 'Get Off Your Ass' was a major letdown for me, so they are going to have to go some to get back on my radar tbh.

[Mr.AOR]

24 minutes ago, lettard said:

Is it Autograph though... I mean really?

Nope, it's another fuckin' cover band.

[auslander]

Really, if I wanted an autograph from members of Autograph, I'd really only want Rand's from this line up.

[martinsane]

No rub but this is a sad bait and switch cash grab by using the name, even if the music is good it isn't Autograph.

[Captain Howdy]

Pretty much any band that does not have their classic vocalist for me is not the same band.

A few bands got away with changing vocalists back in the day, which was acceptable, but trying to pass themselves off as the same band 30+ years later without the most defining sound any band has (the vocalist) is just not gonna pass muster for me.

Don't even get me started with Quiet Riot.

[Geoff]

Nice to see a band called Autograph scored a record deal. I wonder if they're aware the name was already used by a band in the 80s. 

Bone crushing hilarity aside, I actually wouldn't mind hearing what this band come up with. Always loved Jailhouse, and also Bell's work. Even the inclusion of Autograph's bass player is pretty cool. Like a poor man's "super group."

Based on how I view things, I'd call this closer to a new Jailhouse album than Autograph, but pretty keen to hear it. 

[Thomas/Coastline]

Hope it comes with a certificate of authenticity. ; )

[Doug]

So, I saw these guys last summer, outdoor venue, they were not listed on the bill, but they performed first, then the Bulletboys, KIx (who totally stole the show), Slaughter and then Warrant. I ain't kidding you, Autograph took the stage, no announcement, just started playing, the crowd thought they were some local warm up type band, and then they played, "Turn it Up," and literally we all looked at each other and said, "holy shit, this is Autograph."  

[martinsane]

18 hours ago, Geoff said:

Nice to see a band called Autograph scored a record deal. I wonder if they're aware the name was already used by a band in the 80s. 

Bone crushing hilarity aside, I actually wouldn't mind hearing what this band come up with. Always loved Jailhouse, and also Bell's work. Even the inclusion of Autograph's bass player is pretty cool. Like a poor man's "super group."

Based on how I view things, I'd call this closer to a new Jailhouse album than Autograph, but pretty keen to hear it. 

Autojail?

Autohouse?

Jailgraph?

Oh ferget it.

 

Wait wait, Graphhouse!

[Geoff]

33 minutes ago, martinsane said:

Autojail?

Autohouse?

Jailgraph?

Oh ferget it.

 

Wait wait, Graphhouse!

The only problem there is too many awesome options. 

[auslander]

1 hour ago, martinsane said:

Autojail?

Autohouse?

Jailgraph?

Oh ferget it.

 

Wait wait, Graphhouse!

Sentence

[Stefan]

2 hours ago, martinsane said:

 

 

Wait wait, Graphhouse!

 

For a moment I read Craphouse. 

[Stefan]

'Beyond' out September 9.

[AlphaMale]

[Dead Planet]

I'll withhold judgement until I hear some music.....

[The Rocker]

It could possibly be decent, but without SP's vocals and songwriting it's not Autograph

[Captain Howdy]

I'm not sure there is any need for samples if you heard their last album from 2017.

Never bothered buying that one as what I heard gave me very little interest.

 

[Metal T]

If someone tells me Steve Plunkett and Steve Lynch are reforming a version of the band- i'm in.

These guys need to alter that name otherwise...

[Geoff]

I'll be interested enough to hear the new Jailhouse album, or whatever this projects calls itself these days.

Surely this album release is like a tribute to Rand, but they're not seriously going to tour without one single member of the original band, are they? 

[Stefan]

'Beyond' out November 18.

Tracklisting:
1. This Ain’t The Place I Wanna Be
2. Your Slave Tonight
3. Everything
4. Gotta Getcha 
5. Take Me Higher
6. Run For Your Life
7. Beautiful Disaster
8. Love Is A Double Edge Sword
9. Heart Of Stone
10. Feels So Good
11. Flying High
12. To Be Together
13. Mind Of Fear (Bonus Track Digital only)

Line-Up:
Randy Rand - Bass
Simon Daniels - Vocals
Jimi Bell - Guitar
Marc Wieland - Drums

 

 

Edited February 6, 2023 by Stefan

[Stefan]

New song 'This Ain't The Place I Wanna Be'.

 

 

Edited August 26, 2022 by Stefan

[lettard]

Its ok...but nothing like Autograph...as discussed a name change would suit em

[whiplash1972]

I like the song… just not making  me think of Autograph at all…