Tony MacAlpine

Initially trained as a classical pianist, Tony Macalpine graduated to the electric guitar with an ambition to fuse rock and classical influences into a musical form that would have widespread appeal. Teaming up with ex- Journey drummer Steve Smith and ex- David Lee Roth bassist Billy Sheehan, he recorded EDGE OF INSANITY, which featured a set of classical-jazz-rock fusion instrumental numbers. The album was characterized by Macalpine's ability to improvise and imbue feeling and emotion even at break-neck speed. Following this, he experimented with the idea of forming a straightforward rock band. He signed up Tommy Aldridge (drums), Rudi Sarzo (bass) and Robert Rock (vocals) to record Project Driver under the M.A.R.S. monicker; a disappointing Rainbow-style collection of hard-rock numbers. The band split up soon after the release and Macalpine returned to former solo status, forming his own Squawk label. He released another all-instrumental album, but realized afterwards that he had taken the format as far as it could go. On EYES OF THE WORLD, he added Alan Schorn on lead vocals, Mark Robertson (keyboards), Billy Carmassi (drums) and Mike Jacques (drums) to form Macalpine, the band. They specialized in highly polished and melodic rock, punctuated by fluid but economical guitar breaks.