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| genre = [[Hard Rock]]
| genre = [[Hard Rock]]
| occupation =
| occupation =
| years_active = [[1988 in music|1988]]–[[2000 in music|2000]]
| years_active = [[1988 in music|1988]]–[[2000 in music|2000]], [[2012 in music|2012]]–present
| label = Third Stone, Atlantic
| label = Third Stone, Atlantic
| associated_acts = Cold Sweat<br>Left For Dead<br>[[Prunella Scales (band)|Prunella Scales]]<br>[[Skid Row (U.S. band)|Skid Row]]<br>Super Transatlantic
| associated_acts = Cold Sweat<br>Left For Dead<br>[[Prunella Scales (band)|Prunella Scales]]<br>[[Skid Row (U.S. band)|Skid Row]]<br>Super Transatlantic
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| past_members = [[Tom Defile]]<br>Pete Dembrowski<br>Ricky Sanders<br>[[Jeff Blando]]
| past_members = [[Tom Defile]]<br>Pete Dembrowski<br>Ricky Sanders<br>[[Jeff Blando]]
}}
}}
'''Saigon Kick''' was an [[United States of America|American]] [[rock music|rock]] band from [[Miami, Florida]] that formed in 1988.
'''Saigon Kick''' is an [[United States of America|American]] [[rock music|rock]] band from [[Miami, Florida]] that formed in 1988.


==History==
==History==
===Formation and mainstream success (1988–1992)===
Saigon Kick was formed by lead vocalist [[Matt Kramer (musician)|Matt Kramer]] and guitarist [[Jason Bieler]] along with bassist Tom Defile, and drummer [[Phil Varone]]. They gained a following on the local club scene and generated enough of a buzz to be signed to Third Stone records in 1990 and release their first album in 1991. They toured at length but the album only made a marginal national showing.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}
Saigon Kick was formed by lead vocalist [[Matt Kramer (musician)|Matt Kramer]] and guitarist [[Jason Bieler]] along with bassist Tom Defile, and drummer [[Phil Varone]]. They gained a following on the local club scene and generated enough of a buzz to be signed to Third Stone records in 1990 and release their first album in 1991. They toured at length but the album only made a marginal national showing.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}


They went immediately back into the studio to record their second album, ''[[The Lizard (Saigon Kick album)|The Lizard]]'' which was released in 1992. The album spawned the bands biggest hit single, "[[Love Is on the Way (song)|Love Is on the Way]]", which reached No.&nbsp;12 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and received a [[RIAA certification|gold record]], and whose video was in the top 10 MTV countdown for many weeks. Just before touring for the album commenced, bassist Tom DeFile was fired. He was replaced by ex-Cold Sweat bassist Chris McLernon. They toured from summer 1992 to spring 1993, enjoying gold status sales for ''The Lizard''.
They went immediately back into the studio to record their second album, ''[[The Lizard (Saigon Kick album)|The Lizard]]'' which was released in 1992. The album spawned the bands biggest hit single, "[[Love Is on the Way (song)|Love Is on the Way]]", which reached No.&nbsp;12 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and received a [[RIAA certification|gold record]], and whose video was in the top 10 MTV countdown for many weeks. Just before touring for the album commenced, bassist Tom DeFile was fired. He was replaced by ex-Cold Sweat bassist Chris McLernon. They toured from summer 1992 to spring 1993, enjoying gold status sales for ''The Lizard''.


===Later years and breakup (1993–2000)===
The band then headed to Sweden to record their third album ''[[Water (Saigon Kick album)|Water]]''. During recording, Matt Kramer became disgusted with the direction that the band was heading both musically and stylistically. Kramer also argues that there were financial differences within the band, and that Bieler took most of the money.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} Matt flew back to Florida.
The band then headed to Sweden to record their third album ''[[Water (Saigon Kick album)|Water]]''. During recording, Matt Kramer became disgusted with the direction that the band was heading both musically and stylistically. Kramer also argues that there were financial differences within the band, and that Bieler took most of the money.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} Matt flew back to Florida.


With Kramer gone, Bieler decided to take over all of the vocal duties as well as playing guitar on the album. The basic tracks were recorded in Sweden, with finishing touches added at sessions in Tampa, Florida. ''Water'' sold significantly less than the previous album and Atlantic dropped the group. It took two years for Saigon Kick to find another record label to sign them.
With Kramer gone, Bieler decided to take over all of the vocal duties as well as playing guitar on the album. The basic tracks were recorded in Sweden, with finishing touches added at sessions in Tampa, Florida. ''Water'' sold significantly less than the previous album and Atlantic dropped the group. It took two years for Saigon Kick to find another record label to sign them.


Former Cryer guitarist Pete Dembrowski joined the band for their fall 1993 tour, and performed on the band's fourth album, ''[[Devil In The Details|Devil in the Details]]'', released in 1995. The band toured to large success globally in 1994, 1995 and 1996, but Saigon Kick never managed to build on the success of ''The Lizard'' in the USA.
Former Cryer guitarist Pete Dembrowski joined the band for their fall 1993 tour, and performed on the band's fourth album, ''[[Devil In The Details|Devil in the Details]]'', released in 1995. The band toured to large success globally in 1994, 1995 and 1996, but Saigon Kick never managed to build on the success of ''The Lizard'' in the USA.


Bieler, Dembrowski, and drummer Rick Sanders would record the final Saigon Kick album, ''[[Bastards (Saigon Kick album)|Bastards]]'' for release in the Far East before changing their name and starting anew as Super TransAtlantic. The album would not see release until 1999.
Bieler, Dembrowski, and drummer Rick Sanders would record the final Saigon Kick album, ''[[Bastards (Saigon Kick album)|Bastards]]'' for release in the Far East before changing their name and starting anew as Super TransAtlantic. The album would not see release until 1999.
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In 2000, Kramer, Varone, and DeFile resurrected the Saigon Kick name for a short tour. Bieler, being involved with Super TransAtlantic and wanting no part of a reunion, was replaced by DeFile's former Left For Dead bandmate [[Jeff Blando]], who is currently playing with [[Slaughter (band)|Slaughter]] and [[Vince Neil]]. After the tour, the members scattered, and it was thought that Saigon Kick was done for good. Saigon Kick was supposed to have a reunion at the Rock Gone Wild festival, however the show was canceled.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}
In 2000, Kramer, Varone, and DeFile resurrected the Saigon Kick name for a short tour. Bieler, being involved with Super TransAtlantic and wanting no part of a reunion, was replaced by DeFile's former Left For Dead bandmate [[Jeff Blando]], who is currently playing with [[Slaughter (band)|Slaughter]] and [[Vince Neil]]. After the tour, the members scattered, and it was thought that Saigon Kick was done for good. Saigon Kick was supposed to have a reunion at the Rock Gone Wild festival, however the show was canceled.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}


===Post-breakup (2001–2011)===
As of 11/15/2012 Rehearsals of the original lineup Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitars), Phil Varone (drums), Tom Defile (bass) & Chris McLernon (rhythm guitar) listed as the current members have begun although no show dates are given yet.


===Post-breakup===
Matt Kramer and Jason Bieler both later released solo albums.
Matt Kramer and Jason Bieler both later released solo albums.


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Jason Bieler, Ricky Sanders and Chris McLernon are currently in the studio recording new material under the name Owl Stretching.
Jason Bieler, Ricky Sanders and Chris McLernon are currently in the studio recording new material under the name Owl Stretching.


===Reunion (2012–present)===
On 21 September, 2012, via the official Siagon Kick page on Facebook, the following message was posted:
On 21 September, 2012, via the official Siagon Kick page on Facebook, the following message was posted:
"Saigon Kick will be reuniting with all of the original members Matt Kramer, Phil Varone, Jason Bieler, Tom Defile and Chris McLernon. Dates to be announced shortly."
"Saigon Kick will be reuniting with all of the original members Matt Kramer, Phil Varone, Jason Bieler, Tom Defile and Chris McLernon. Dates to be announced shortly." The band has discussed the possibility of new material.<ref>{{cite web| title = Saigon Kick Drummer Doesn't Rule Out New Music| work = [[Blabbermouth.net]]| date = 2013-02-22| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186577| accessdate = 2013-02-22}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
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[[Category:Musical groups established in 1988]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1988]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2012]]


[[de:Saigon Kick]]
[[de:Saigon Kick]]

Revision as of 14:24, 22 February 2013

Saigon Kick
Saigon Kick
Saigon Kick
Background information
OriginMiami, Florida, United States
GenresHard Rock
Years active19882000, 2012–present
LabelsThird Stone, Atlantic
MembersMatt Kramer
Jason Bieler
Phil Varone
Chris McLernon
Past membersTom Defile
Pete Dembrowski
Ricky Sanders
Jeff Blando
WebsiteOfficial site

Saigon Kick is an American rock band from Miami, Florida that formed in 1988.

History

Formation and mainstream success (1988–1992)

Saigon Kick was formed by lead vocalist Matt Kramer and guitarist Jason Bieler along with bassist Tom Defile, and drummer Phil Varone. They gained a following on the local club scene and generated enough of a buzz to be signed to Third Stone records in 1990 and release their first album in 1991. They toured at length but the album only made a marginal national showing.[citation needed]

They went immediately back into the studio to record their second album, The Lizard which was released in 1992. The album spawned the bands biggest hit single, "Love Is on the Way", which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a gold record, and whose video was in the top 10 MTV countdown for many weeks. Just before touring for the album commenced, bassist Tom DeFile was fired. He was replaced by ex-Cold Sweat bassist Chris McLernon. They toured from summer 1992 to spring 1993, enjoying gold status sales for The Lizard.

Later years and breakup (1993–2000)

The band then headed to Sweden to record their third album Water. During recording, Matt Kramer became disgusted with the direction that the band was heading both musically and stylistically. Kramer also argues that there were financial differences within the band, and that Bieler took most of the money.[citation needed] Matt flew back to Florida.

With Kramer gone, Bieler decided to take over all of the vocal duties as well as playing guitar on the album. The basic tracks were recorded in Sweden, with finishing touches added at sessions in Tampa, Florida. Water sold significantly less than the previous album and Atlantic dropped the group. It took two years for Saigon Kick to find another record label to sign them.

Former Cryer guitarist Pete Dembrowski joined the band for their fall 1993 tour, and performed on the band's fourth album, Devil in the Details, released in 1995. The band toured to large success globally in 1994, 1995 and 1996, but Saigon Kick never managed to build on the success of The Lizard in the USA.

Bieler, Dembrowski, and drummer Rick Sanders would record the final Saigon Kick album, Bastards for release in the Far East before changing their name and starting anew as Super TransAtlantic. The album would not see release until 1999.

In July 1997, the band attempted a reunion with Matt Kramer on lead vocals. Phil Varone had quit and been replaced by former Cryer and future Super TransAtlantic drummer Ricky Sanders. A new song was recorded with this line-up called "Dizzy's Vine" which was released on their Moments from the Fringe CD. The reunion was quite short lived however and Bieler left after two shows, effectively ending the band.[citation needed]

In 2000, Kramer, Varone, and DeFile resurrected the Saigon Kick name for a short tour. Bieler, being involved with Super TransAtlantic and wanting no part of a reunion, was replaced by DeFile's former Left For Dead bandmate Jeff Blando, who is currently playing with Slaughter and Vince Neil. After the tour, the members scattered, and it was thought that Saigon Kick was done for good. Saigon Kick was supposed to have a reunion at the Rock Gone Wild festival, however the show was canceled.[citation needed]

Post-breakup (2001–2011)

Matt Kramer and Jason Bieler both later released solo albums.

Matt Kramer released his debut solo album titled War & Peas on September 11, 2002 through Lascivious Records, and added the release of his debut book of poetry, An American Profit, on October 31, 2007 through Lascivious Books. Kramer has 3 additional books finished and slated for released in the near future.

Bieler, Dembrowski, and Sanders along with bassist Pat Badger of Extreme formed Super TransAtlantic' and released the album Shuttlecock in 2000. They also appeared on the American Pie soundtrack with the song "Super Down".

Phil Varone joined Skid Row, and also played in the band Prunella Scales with Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan. Phil left Skid Row, citing his ongoing battle with cocaine addiction and his need to turn his life around. Afterwards, he began promoting his movie Waking up Dead in which a film crew followed him around for several years to document the life of a rock star and the ups and downs that come with it. Varone is now clean and sober. His focus is no longer primarily music, and up until the Summer of 2010, he was booking and hosting standup comedy shows in Los Angeles. In the Fall of 2010, Varone moved to Las Vegas and Directs a series for Vivid Entertainment and has a signature toy line released by California Exotics Novelties.

Tom Defile is now a massage therapist still pursuing music, and living in South Florida.

Chris McLernon and Ricky Sanders teamed up to form Two Heads Music working in television, film and advertising music production. Jason Bieler and his brother Aaron now own a music studio and record label in South Florida called Bieler Bros. Records. Ricky Sanders is currently the touring drummer for former Bad Company lead singer Brian Howe.

Jason Bieler, Ricky Sanders and Chris McLernon are currently in the studio recording new material under the name Owl Stretching.

Reunion (2012–present)

On 21 September, 2012, via the official Siagon Kick page on Facebook, the following message was posted: "Saigon Kick will be reuniting with all of the original members Matt Kramer, Phil Varone, Jason Bieler, Tom Defile and Chris McLernon. Dates to be announced shortly." The band has discussed the possibility of new material.[1]

Discography

Albums

Year Album US Sales / certifications
1991 Saigon Kick 100,000+
1992 The Lizard 80[2] Gold (500,000+)[3]
1993 Water 70,000+
1995 Devil in the Details 15,000+
1998 Greatest Mrs.: The Best of Saigon Kick 5,000+
1998 Moments from the Fringe
1999 Bastards
2000 Greatest Hits Live
2007 Live Around the World 1991–1996

Singles

Year Single Chart positions[4] Certifications
U.S. Hot 100 U.S. Main. Rock U.S. Main. Top 40
1992 "Love Is on the Way" 12 8 9 Gold[3]
"All I Want" 15

References

  1. ^ "Saigon Kick Drummer Doesn't Rule Out New Music". Blabbermouth.net. 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2013-02-22.
  2. ^ "Saigon Kick's Billboard album history". All Media Guide / Billboard. Retrieved 2011-10-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ a b "RIAA searchable certification database". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2011-10-28.
  4. ^ "Saigon Kick's Billboard singles history". All Media Guide / Billboard. Retrieved 2011-10-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)