One can say that Howard Leese truly is a veteran when it comes to rocknroll, having begun his music career at the early age of 9. Born Howard M. Leese on June 13, 1951 in the entertainment capital of the world-Hollywood, California-Howard began studying piano at 9. Tiring of that, he borrowed a neighbor's guitar at 11, began teaching himself, and formed his first band-The Zoo- with friend and drummer Mike Flicker at 15. This was to begin a life-long friendship and musical career that would take him to the top of the charts. Together they landed that all-important record deal with Sunburst Records, in record time, and were among some of the youngest to ever be signed. at age 15. As signed recording artists, they played some of the largest concert venues in LA and opened for major bands of the day, such as Spirit, Canned Heat, and Butterfield Blues Band.
Leese went on to study music theory and classical music at Los Angeles City College, opting to leave for real-time experience in the studio when an opportunity presented itself for him to have full use of a recording studio in Vancouver, BC. He and long time friend Flicker relocated to Canada and eventually took over the studio "Can-base", started a record label called Mushroom Records with friend Shelley Seigel, and changed the name of the studio to Mushroom Studios.
The fateful meeting with the Wilson sisters took place not long after when local band "Heart" came in to record a demo in 1974. Leese ended up producing the demo. One year later Mushroom signed the band and they began production of Heart's first album "Dreamboat Annie" with Flicker producing. Leese was Asst. Producer, writing charts, conducting the orchestra, playing guitars and keyboards. At this point, the Wilsons began asking Howard to join the band, which he eventually did in '75. Two months later they were touring and playing major concert venues everywhere.
Leese played with Heart for 22 years, incorporating a variety of instruments on their albums, such as electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and keyboards. He also co-produced some of their 13 albums. To date Heart has had 20 top 40 singles, 3 International ..1 singles, a ..1 album ("Heart") in 85', has received 4 Grammy nominations and has sold 40 million records worldwide.
Leese grew up listening to the guitar greats and describes his very first live concert experience seeing guitar legend Dick Dale, as "a truly inspiring and amazing experience". Dick Dale would obviously be an influence early on in Lease's career as was Keith Richards, Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Eric Clayton and many of the classic rock players. He was particularly intrigued and inspired by Paul Kossoff from one of his favorite bands, "Free", which would eventually lead him into his current work of today.
With Heart not playing live very often, Leese decided to put together a group in Seattle called "The Brigade", and being a long time fan of "Free" they played some of their old music. In 1997 Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Co, and The Firm with Jimmy Page) had moved from England to Vancouver and was looking for a U.S. back-up band. Intrigued by how well Leese could play Kossoff's particular style and licks, he asked him to join his band. In 1998 Howard Leese joined "The Paul Rodgers Band" and has been touring Internationally as guitarist and Musical Director ever since.
Currently the decision to do a solo album with Black Star Records came about due to the long time friendship and musical affiliation with owner, Stuart Smith. They have known each other for 15 years, have played together along with co-owner Richie Onori, with a number of top artists, including Keith Emerson among others. They have all worked in the studio together as well, with Leese producing part of Heaven & Earth's current CD "Heaven & Earth, featuring Stuart Smith" and all of Smith's second CD, "Windows to the World".
Hey there How-Man! Thanks for the add! Hope your Paul Rogers shows went well for you, and we can't wait to see you on July 18th at the Emerald Queens. Alway's a great show! Hope all is well, ciao for now, Michael and Lisa
Thanks for adding me. I am a very long time fan of your music. I can't wait for your 1st solo cd to be released - great idea with different vocalists. I will be 1st in line to get your new cd. I heard you on Rockline radio show a couple of months ago and heard some of the new songs of the cd. You are an amazing guitar player. One of the Best! The 2 songs that are my favorites off the cd so far are Alive Again by Joe Lynn Turner and The Vine by Jimi Jamison. I see both of those songs being huge hits. I loved all the songs that were played that night - Paul does a great job also on vocals. I know Bobby Kimball will have a song also on there and that should be great. Those 4 guys are all amazing great singers and some of my all time favorites singers. I wish you great success with the new cd and can't wait for it to be released. I met you many years ago after an Ann's solo concert. You were so nice to talk to. Thanks, Debbie
Hi Howard....thanks for the ADD! I've been a huge fan for years! I went to see Heart last summer...not the same man. Congrats on your Solo Project...I'll be buying that when it comes out!! Keep on Rockin my friend, have a great week!! :o)
Howard- Fist saw you and Heart in June 1978 at the Mid-South Collisium in Memphis. I was only 15 at the time. Turns out that the first live song on Dog & Butter Fly was recorded that night and I was there. Also, met you at the Star Plaza Theater back in the day as well. Also, you were the first band to open Alpine Valley and I was there. Always loved your style and hope you are doing very well Howard. Take care and drop a line some time if you ever have time.
Howard Thanks for the add. it has been a long time since your Stallion Thumbrock Days. I used to be in a group called Sundance in Vancouver. We used to play along side of your band down in that Chinatown club. I was told Tommy Chong's dad used to own it. Keep a RocKin' "RocKit"
Big Love from DnB!!!
Hope to see you at a show someday!!!
Hosted By: Heidi When: Saturday Sep 23, 2006 at 10:00 PM Where: Di Piazza's Night Club 5205 E. PCH Long Beach, CA 90804 US Description: Dog 'n' Butterfly Rocks Heaven Down in Long Beach!! Be There!!
JUST DROPPING BY TO SHOW YOU, MY FRIEND, A COUPLE OF PICTURES TAKEN AT THE RECENT PERFORMANCE OF ME AND MY BAND, BANG TANGO, AT THE KEY CLUB ON THE SUNSET STRIP, FOR VH-1'S SPECIAL FOR RIKI RACHTMAN'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGENDARY CATHOUSE! WE SHARED THE NIGHT WITH FASTER PUSSYCAT, MOTORHEAD, FRED CURRY OF CINDERELLA, GILBY CLARKE, PHIL LEWIS AND MANY MORE! IF YOU HAD MISSED THE LIVE TELECAST ON VH-1, THEY WILL BE SHOWING IT AGAIN SOON, AS WELL AS RELEASING A CD AND DVD OF THE EVENT, AS WELL! I WISH YOU COULD OF BEEN THERE TO SEE US BLOW THE LID OFF THE PLACE WITH OUR PERFORMANCE! I HOPE YOU CAN GET AN IDEA WHAT THAT NIGHT WAS LIKE JUST FROM THESE FEW PHOTOS... I WILL BE POSTING MORE PHOTOS ON MY MYSPACE PAGE SOON. COMMENT ME! YOUR FRIEND, FELICITY!
