Montrose: The Legendary Hard Rock Band
Introduction
Montrose was a pioneering hard rock band that emerged in the 1970s, known for their powerful, guitar-driven sound and iconic lineup. Formed in 1973 by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, the band released four studio albums during their original run, leaving an indelible mark on the rock genre. Despite numerous lineup changes, Montrose’s impact on rock music remains significant, marked by classic tracks like "Rock Candy" and "Bad Motor Scooter."
Ronnie Montrose: The Founding Guitarist
Ronnie Montrose was the driving force behind Montrose, forming the band in 1973 after previously working with artists like Van Morrison and Edgar Winter. He played on all four of the band’s original studio albums: Montrose (1973), Paper Money (1974), Warner Bros. Presents Montrose! (1975), and Jump on It (1976). Montrose’s influence extended beyond his own band as he went on to have a successful solo career, forming Gamma in the late 1970s and releasing several solo albums.
Sammy Hagar: The Original Vocalist
Sammy Hagar was the original vocalist for Montrose, joining the band in 1973 and contributing to the band’s first two albums, Montrose and Paper Money. Hagar’s powerful and dynamic vocal style helped define the band’s sound during its formative years, with standout performances on tracks like "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Space Station No. 5." Hagar left Montrose in 1975 due to creative differences and went on to a highly successful solo career before joining Van Halen in 1985, replacing David Lee Roth.
Denny Carmassi: The Drummer
Denny Carmassi joined Montrose as the drummer in 1973, playing on the first four albums before leaving the band in 1977. His powerful drumming style was a key component of the band’s early sound, driving tracks like "Space Station No. 5" and "I Got the Fire." After his tenure with Montrose, Carmassi continued to build an impressive career, playing with Sammy Hagar’s solo band and later joining Heart during their 1980s resurgence.
Bill Church and Alan Fitzgerald: The Bassists
Bill Church played bass on Montrose’s debut album in 1973, laying down the foundational grooves that helped establish the band’s sound. He left the band in 1974 and was replaced by Alan Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald’s melodic bass style complemented Ronnie Montrose’s guitar work, and he played on the albums Paper Money (1974) and Warner Bros. Presents Montrose! (1975).
Bob James and Jim Alcivar: The Vocalists and Keyboardist
Bob James replaced Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist in 1975 and sang on the albums Warner Bros. Presents Montrose! and Jump on It (1976). His vocal style differed from Hagar’s, bringing a bluesier and more laid-back feel to the band’s later work. Jim Alcivar joined Montrose as the keyboardist in 1975, adding a new dimension to the band’s sound on their later albums.
Randy Jo Hobbs, Glenn Letsch, and Johnny Edwards: Later Members
Randy Jo Hobbs briefly played bass for Montrose in 1976, appearing on some live performances but not on any studio recordings. Glenn Letsch played bass during Montrose’s 1987 reunion for the album Mean. Johnny Edwards joined Montrose as the lead vocalist for the 1987 reunion album Mean, bringing a powerful vocal presence to the band’s sound during this brief period.
James Kottak: The Drummer
James Kottak joined Montrose on drums for the 1987 reunion album Mean, bringing a fresh energy to the band’s late 80s lineup. Before Montrose, Kottak played with bands like Kingdom Come, and he later gained fame as the drummer for the Scorpions, where he played for nearly two decades.
Conclusion
Montrose’s legacy is a testament to the power of rock music, with their iconic sound and lineup influencing generations of musicians. Despite the band’s short-lived original run, their music remains a staple of classic rock, and their impact on the genre is still felt today.
FAQs
Q: Who was the founding guitarist of Montrose?
A: Ronnie Montrose
Q: Who was the original vocalist of Montrose?
A: Sammy Hagar
Q: Who played bass on Montrose’s debut album?
A: Bill Church
Q: Who replaced Bill Church on bass?
A: Alan Fitzgerald
Q: Who was the keyboardist of Montrose?
A: Jim Alcivar
Q: Who played drums on Montrose’s 1987 reunion album Mean?
A: James Kottak
Q: Who was the lead vocalist of Montrose’s 1987 reunion album Mean?
A: Johnny Edwards
