MelodicRock Classics is excited to team up with one of hard rock’s premiere voices – the great JOHN WEST. John has an extensive resume that dates back to the late 80s, yet his emergence as one of hard rock’s go to vocalists didn’t come until the mid-90s.
Fronting such legendary bands as Royal Hunt, Artension and Sun Red Sun, as well as delivering several solo records, his unmistakable and powerful vocals founded a solid following of fans.
This album also features 3x Grammy winning producer/songwriter, keyboardist Lonnie Park.
This collection of early works, some of which were released on cassette only under his own name and the group name Destiny were all recorded between 1988 and 1991.
The lineup for these tracks was:
John West – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Lonnie Park – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ian Budha – Drums, Backing Vocals
Billy Ray Gunn – Bass, Backing Vocals
John West: “My plan was never to end up as a journeyman lead singer. I was a band guy, and even more so – a band of friend’s guy. I assembled a group of friends and players to form Destiny with Ian and Billy, after our days in Adam/West together. Here you will find the Destiny four song cassette that we released and sold at shows. You will also find the six songs from my first solo release. In addition, we have some demos to throw in for you music lovers. Not perfect, but perfectly ready to be heard by the world! Enjoy -and thanks to all involved in my formative years and beyond. What a career, and all based on plan B.”
Lonnie Park: “When I first saw John and Ian play I was 17 years old and instantly became a fan of them both. When they started the band Destiny and invited me to join, I jumped at the chance. It was also the beginning of a lifelong brotherhood. These recordings take me back to being a hungry but clueless kid learning how to record, write, perform, a lot about the business, and discipline.”
Billy Ray Gun: “I’m truly honored to grow up as one of John West’s best friends and I’ll always have a profound appreciation for everyone in this band – seriously some of the greatest years of my life. PLAY IT LOUD!”
Ian Budha: “At the age of 17 I was fortunate enough to cross paths with John who saw something in my playing and took me under his wings. Just a couple of kids with big dreams, drive and determination to be successful in the music business. The culmination being these 13 songs we recorded in our band called Destiny. Unfortunately, we came up just a little short in our quest but this was the bedrock we all stood upon to launch our music careers.”
MRC will release JOHN WEST – Days Of Destiny on March 24.
PRE-ORDER NOW AT: https://melodicrockclassics.com/johnwest.html
Track Listing and Track Info:
01. Look Into My Eyes #
02. Side By Side *
03. Set Me Free +
04. Fountain Of Youth
05. Burning Summer Nights +
06. Sail On #
07. Don’t Run Away *
08. The End #
09. Lady Ice #
10. All My Life *
11. Do You Want Me *
12. You Say I Say #
13. Save Your Love #
* Officially released as Destiny on the 4-song cassette
# Recorded after Destiny broke up (But same lineup). Released as John’s first solo record on cassette
+ Recorded after and never released
Remastered by JK Northrup
