Danger Danger

Danger Danger

Danger Danger is a US hard rock band from Queens, New York, active since 1987. The group forms around bassist Bruno Ravel and drummer Steve West, with early lineup changes shaping its first years. Initial vocalist Mike Pont is replaced by Ted Poley, who has previously played drums and occasionally sung with Prophet. Guitarist Al Pitrelli and keyboardist Kasey Smith are also part of the early formation.

Early releases and major line-up changes

The band records a demo that leads to a contract with Epic Records. Pitrelli leaves in 1988, later contributing to the compilation Rare Cuts. Tony Rey briefly joins in 1988 and plays on part of the debut album before returning to his previous band. Andy Timmons replaces him and completes recording of the self-titled debut Danger Danger, released in 1989. The album includes the singles “Naughty Naughty” and “Bang Bang”; “Naughty Naughty” receives airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Danger Danger tours with Kiss, Alice Cooper, Extreme and Warrant.

Albums in the 1990s and 2000s

The second album, Screw It!, appears in 1991 and produces the singles “Monkey Business” and “I Still Think About You”. After that tour, Kasey Smith leaves to form Shock with former drummer Michael Bellusci. In 1993, the band completes Cockroach, but disputes with Poley lead to his departure and legal problems delay its release. Paul Laine becomes the new lead singer and re-records the vocals. Epic Records later shelves the album. Andy Timmons also leaves to pursue a solo career.

Ravel and West form Low Dice Records and issue Dawn in 1995 with Laine. The album has a more introspective tone, and bassist Scott Brown joins for touring. Four the Hard Way follows in 1997, with contributions from former members Andy Timmons and Kasey Smith. The Return of the Great Gildersleeves is released in 2000. In 2001, Cockroach comes out through Epic Records in two versions, one with Laine’s vocals and one with Poley’s.

Later activity and releases

In 2002, “Naughty Naughty Christmas” appears in the film The Santa Clause 2. Rare Cuts, a compilation of unreleased tracks and early demos with Pitrelli, is released in 2003. Laine leaves in 2004 and Poley returns, although the live album Live and Nude appears in 2005 with Laine on vocals. In 2008, rock and roll comic C.C. Banana releases the parody song “Ted Poley” on the album Kiss My Ankh, inspired by Poley’s first meeting with Paul Stanley of Kiss.

Frontiers Records releases Revolve in 2009, with Poley on lead vocals and Rob Marcello on guitar. In 2014, the classic lineup of Ted Poley, Bruno Ravel, Steve West, Andy Timmons and Kasey Smith reunites for a series of tour dates.

Style and membership

Danger Danger is associated with hard rock and glam metal, and is also linked with alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge and post-grunge. Members connected with the band include Al Pitrelli, Ted Poley, Bruno Ravel, Steve West, Andy Timmons, Paul Laine, Rob Marcello and Kelly Nickels.