Lionel Hicks
Lionel Hicks has been performing as a professional drummer in bands since
he was 15 years old, gigging non-stop to create a name for himself. Lionel
has played with such prominent bands such as UFO and Gene loves Jezebel, playing
as a session drummer for them. However, Lionel's most memorable experiences
have been with bands such as Lady Luck, Kid
Wicked, Mr Meaner and Stigma, major touring bands that toured extensively
during his career.
The gigs that stand out most in his mind have been with Lady Luck, playing in 1989 in Berlin, Germany on the night before the Iron Curtain fell, and playing with Balance of Power in Atlanta,Georgia in 2002. This was especially memorable because it was Balance of Power's first high profile gig in the USA and they were well received.
While still in Kid Wicked, Lionel went to The School of Audio Engineering in London for 2 years where he graduated with flying colours, his specialty being in Audio Engineering and Production. Since then, Lionel has earned himself a name in the trade.
He has produced all the Balance of Power albums up to date as well as USM (United States of Mind) and many others. Lionel's personal tastes in music are diverse. His favourite bands include Queensryche, Rush and Pink Floyd.
Lionel's' page assumes is a more biographical approach.
What is your all-time favourite album?
“ Queensryche's Rage for Order, Rush's 2112 and Pink Floyd's Animals. ”
What is your favourite song?
“ Pink Floyd's I Wish you Were Here from the albumAnimals. ”
Of those which you have played in, which are your favourite bands?
“ Lady Luck, Kid Wicked and Balance of Power. ”
What is your most memorable (or favourite) albums that you have produced?
“ USM (United States of Mind) in 2002 and Balance of Power's Heathen Machine in 2003. ”
Which live shows that you've played in are the most memorable?
“ Quite a few. Playing with Lady Luck in Berlin, Germany in 1989 the
night before The Berlin Wall came down, The last gig in Trossingen, Germany
on the Ten More Tales tour in 2000 with Balance of Power supporting
Pink Cream 69. This gig was the most memorable of the tour because it was
the biggest of the tour. Everyone was getting along and partying and I was
relieved that the tour went so well while being great fun.
Also, the gig with Balance of Power in Atlanta, Georgia 2002, because it was Balance of Power's first major gig in the US - we were well received. Touring Japan with Kid Wicked in 1992 was a very cool time and passing out in a phone box ,thus getting arrested for suspected drug abuse, in Germany was a hoot! ”
Previous/Other involvements
Gypsy {1979-85}
Recorded works: We Came to be Free (Vynil 7", 1983) and Bent (Massacre Records).
Teaser (1985-88)
Lady Luck (1988-92)
Recorded works: 'Hammer to the Heart' (Marimba, 1988), 'Heading for the Future' (Marimba, 1990) and 'All in the Name of Rock' EP (Marimba, 1998).
Kid Wicked (1991-96)
Kid Wicked was a Groove-Funk Metal outfit (occasionally including live trumpet
and trombone players) who recorded the Hand to Mouth demo album (1992)
and Non-Stop Primitive (1992), both produced by Eddie Golga (ex Blackfoot
Sioux/Outside Edge). These albums and demos were toured extensively across
Europe and Japan during 1992. Worth noting is the fact that Kid Wicked were,
at the time, the first unsigned rock band in Japan's history to tour there,
giving Kid Wicked< an unexpected cult status! Despite the band being unsigned,
they toured non-stop, including countless packed gigs at the Marquee Club
(Charing Cross Road) in London and had a very respectable following in the
UK, Europe and Japan during the rise of the grunge movement.
The band also recorded a video of the live favourite War Party at
the Marquee Club in 1992. Kid Wicked re-branded in 1995/6 as Stigma and moved
towards a more modern edge. This outfit included Tony (again, as vocalist)
nd Pete, the current BOP guitarist. The current BOP graphic and web designer
played the Bass!
Recorded works: 'Non-stop Primitive' (Wickedtunes, 1992).
Mr Meaner, Gene Loves Jezebel {1992}
Lionel undertook short live and studio duties with these outfits during 1992.
USM (United States of Mind {2000}
Producing of a project that included Pete and Tony (vocals) of BOP.
Recorded works: 'Silver Step Child' (Massacre, 2000).
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