Formed 1985, U.S.A.
Albums:
1989
Surprise Attack
1992
Wild America
History:
Blues-based, Led Zeppelin inspired metal that should have made Tora Tora a
household name, but sadly didn't. One of the best-unknown bands in the hard rock
genre, but lack of label support killed any chance the band had for massive success.
Formed in Memphis, Tennessee, by Anthony Corder (vocals), Keith
Douglas (guitar), Patrick Francis (drums) and John Patterson
(drums). They quickly beat out sixty other groups in a Battle of the Bands contest and
received some free studio time. They cut one track in Memphis before using the prize money
they had won to record an entire independent EP called To Rock, To Roll. The
studio was so impressed with the recordings that they offered to help shop the demo and
gave them even more free recording time. Tora Tora eventually singed with A&M
and the debut album made the Billboard Top 100, and hovered on the brink of
breaking wide open. Later that same year "Dancing With A Gypsy" would appear on the
soundtrack for Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. The follow-up, while being
another classic, sold even less copies then the debut. A third album was recorded but
never released due to label restructuring. Realizing that their due date had expired,
the band folded.
Recent years have seen Corder and Francis perform live as
either Tora Tora or Homemade Flavor. Rumors circulate that the unreleased
third album may finally see the light of day, and one can only hope. A band that
should regroup and release another killer album on the unsuspecting public.
Links:
Bill's Best Rock Music Page
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