Formed in New York City in the late 1980s, WINGER soared to immediate success with its 1988 self-titled release. The album spawned the hit singles “Seventeen” and “Headed For A Heartbreak” and achieved platinum sales status. “Winger” also stayed on The Billboard 200 chart for over 60 weeks where it peaked at #21. Their next album, “In The Heart Of The Young”, also achieved platinum status behind the singles “Can’t Get Enuff” and “Miles Away”.
The change in musical climate of the mid-’90s, compounded with unprovoked ridicule on MTV‘s popular “Beavis And Butt-Head” show, led the band to go on hiatus in 1994. In 2001, WINGER reunited and has not looked back since. Kip Winger also earned a 2016 Grammy nomination for the classical album “C.F. Kip Winger: Conversations With Nijinsky”, recorded with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.
Initially marketed based on the look of their lead singer – Kip Winger – the high-quality musicianship of the band tends to get overlooked. Reb Beach, the guitarist, has received recognition from other musicians for his exceptional skills, and along with ex-Dixie Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein and keyboardist Paul Taylor, form a trio which brings a unique progressive metal influence to many of their songs; including well-crafted, and played impeccably passages, with unexpected melodies, riffs, and guitar solos that keep the listener off-balance. WINGER are also one of the only bands formed during the late ’80s that still features all original members. Guitarist John Roth was added in 1992.
The band’s upcoming album “Seven” is set to be released on May 5th this year and – you guessed it – will band’s 7th studio album. It promises to be a great addition to their already impressive discography, with the two video singles already released, proving the band is aging as fine wine.
“Seven” Album Artwork
Pre-order “Seven”on CD/LP/Digital HERE.
To know in details what went down during the inception of “Seven”, our restless interviewer Rodrigo Altaf sat down with Kip Winger for a relaxed chat peppered with interesting facts and details about the record, their upcoming tours and much more. Watch or listen to their entertaining conversation below; and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new content we publish on a daily basis.
