Legs Diamond is an American rock band formed in 1975.[1] They formed in Los Angeles, California, with original members Michael "Diamond" Gargano (bass), Jeff Poole (drums), Roger Romeo (guitar), Rick Sanford (vocals) and Michael Prince (keyboards and guitar) and were named for a 1920s gangster of the same name.[2]

Legs Diamond
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresHard rock, progressive rock, heavy metal
Years active1975–1980, 1984–present
LabelsAOR Heaven, Zoom Club, Music for Nations, Metal Blade, Target, Cream, Mercury
MembersKeith England
Roger Romeo
Michael Durham Prince
Jeff Poole
Adam Kury
Past membersMichael "Diamond" Gargano
Rick Sanford
John Levesque
Dusty Watson
Websitelegsdiamond.com

History

edit

The group released their self-titled debut album for Mercury Records in 1977.[2] The original band broke up in 1980 after three popular albums,[2] but reformed in 1984 after their original albums had begun to acquire a cult following and released 2 more albums.

In 1990 they released a new album on Metal Blade records and the lineup was Rick Sanford (vocals), Roger Romeo (lead guitar), Michael Prince (keyboards and guitar), Dusty Watson (drums) and Mike Christie (bass).

In 2005, original frontman Rick Sanford was replaced by ex-Montrose and Wild Horses vocalist John Levesque, and the band released the album, Diamonds Are Forever, in 2006. Original members include Roger Romeo (guitar), Michael Prince (keyboards/rhythm guitar), and Jeff Poole (percussion). The band still does the occasional gig in the Los Angeles area and at least once a year in San Antonio, Texas where they are still popular, the result of being a favorite of influential disc jockey Joe "the Godfather" Anthony (1940–1992).

Keyboardist Michael Prince is active in studio recording, in Los Angeles, working with some better known R+B and pop acts, including Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Usher, and Los Lobos.

Guitarist Roger Romeo is active in several bands including a band with Jeff Poole called the Riff Rockers.

On March 30, 2018, the band's first three studio albums, Legs Diamond, A Diamond Is a Hard Rock, and Fire Power, were re-issued by British label Rock Candy Records, each containing a plethora of bonus tracks.[3]

In 2019, Legs Diamond acquired a new lead singer, Keith England, and are currently working on a new album and eventually touring again.

Members

edit

Current

edit
  • Keith England – lead vocals (2019–present)
  • Roger Romeo – lead guitar (1975–1980, 1984–present)
  • Michael Prince – rhythm guitar, keyboards (1975–1980, 1984–present)
  • Adam Kury – bass (1992–present)
  • Jeff Poole – drums (1975–1980, 1984–present)

Former

edit
  • John Levesque – lead vocals (2005)
  • Dusty Watson – drums
  • Rick Sanford – lead vocals (1976–2005)
  • Michael "Diamond" Gargano – bass
  • Mike Christie – bass
  • Jim May – lead guitar & vocals
  • Jonathan Valen – drums
  • Jeff Marcus – guitar

Discography

edit

Albums

edit
  • Legs Diamond (1977)
  • A Diamond Is a Hard Rock (1977)
  • Fire Power (1978)
  • Out on Bail (1984) (US version is mini-album, EU version is full album with 2 extra songs)
  • Land of the Gun (1986)
  • Town Bad Girl (1990)
  • Captured Live (1992) (1990 live recording in San Antonio, Texas)
  • The Wish (1993)
  • Uncut Diamond (1999) (never released album recorded in 1980)
  • Collection (2003) (4 CD collection of the first three albums plus 'Uncut Diamond')
  • Favourites Volume One (2004) (compilation with two new songs)
  • Diamonds Are Forever (2006)
  • Right on Target (2008) (3-CD Box Set includes first three albums)[4]

Singles

edit
  • "Stage Fright" (1976) Mercury/Phonogram
  • "Woman" (1977) Mercury/Phonogram
  • "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (1978) Cream
  • "Help Wanted" (1979) Cream
  • "Turn to Stone" (1986) Metronome

References

edit
  1. ^ "Legs Diamond Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 199/200. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  3. ^ "Latest From Rock Candy – Legs Diamond, Morning Star & Nutz". MelodicRock.com. March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  4. ^ "Legs Diamond Discography". Legsdiamond.com. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
edit