Winger

Born in 1987 under the initiative of former ALICE COOPER band member Kip Winger (vocals, bass) and Reb Beach (guitars), WINGER’s line-up was completed by Paul Taylor (another ex ALICE COOPER on guitars and keyboards) and former DIXIE DREGS drummer Rod Morgenstein. WINGER recorded three very successful studio albums. The self-titled debut, was released in 1988 on Atlantic, achieved platinum status in the United States, and gold in Japan and Canada sporting such hits as “Madalaine”, “Seventeen” and “Headed For A Heartbreak”.

In 1990, the band was nominated for an American Music Award for “Best New Heavy Metal Band”. Shortly after, WINGER released its second album “In the Heart of the Young”, which went platinum in the U.S. and gold in Japan. The album included WINGER’s biggest hit “Miles Away”, who topped at #12 of Billboard charts in the USA. Their third and last studio album, “Pull”, was recorded in 1992/93 as a three-piece band, following Paul Taylor’s departure. Produced by Mike Shipley, on the following tour John Roth was called in to replace Paul Taylor.

After the “Pull” tour, Kip Winger embarked on a solo career which encompassed 3 successful solo albums, singing with ALAN PARSONS live Project, 2 film scores plus performing over 400 acoustic shows and writing and producing for countless other artists. Reb Beach recorded one solo album, joined ALICE COOPER, DOKKEN and now WHITESNAKE, later joining Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Timothy Drury (WHITESNAKE) and Doug Pinnick (KING’S X) to form the Hard Rock combo “THE MOB”. Rod Morgenstein went on to form the RUDESS / MORGENSTEIN project with Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) and later JELLY JAM with Ty Tabor (KING’S X) and John Myung (DREAM THEATER). He is currently associate professor at Berkley College of Music.

In 2001 the band returned to the studio to record the song “On the Inside” for “The Very Best of Winger”. In 2002 they reunited to tour the US and Canada on a bill with POISON and CINDERELLA. After years of consideration Kip Winger decided to reunite WINGER for a brand new album in 2006. The release of “IV” brought Winger to tour Europe, US and Japan with great success and was followed by the release of the band’s first live CD and DVD.

The inspiration for a new WINGER came about at the end of 2008, when Kip had the vision to melt the more commercial, heavier and song oriented approach of the first two albums with the more “thinking-man” approach of the last two studio records. Hence the title, “Karma” which represents Winger completing its full musical circle.

The result is an amazing new record where the four band members: Kip, Reb, Rod and John shine with an incredible instrumental and vocal prowess at the service of superb Hard Rock songs but with an uncanny sense of melody.