Little Caesar is arguably one of the greatest hard rock bands ever to grace rock ‘n’ roll. Nobody quite knew what to think of these longhaired, tattooed bikers singing such soulful, yet ballsy, rock music when they arrived on the scene in Los Angeles in 1987.
The band, which was formed featuring Ron Young (vocals), Apache (guitar), Loren Molinare (guitar), Fidel Paniagua (bass) and Tom Morris (drums), first appeared on Metal Blade's “Street Survivors” compilation. The band then released a four song EP titled “Name Your Poison” (produced by Joe Hardy of ZZ Top fame), which subsequently led to a deal with Geffen records, a deal that was the largest deal ever seen for a new band. Little Caesar’s eponymous 1990 Geffen debut was produced by the infamous Bob Rock (producer of Metallica’s self titled 1991 multi-platinum release, Motley Crue’s “Dr. Feelgood”, and The Cult’s “Sonic Temple” among others). The album was a no-nonsense collection of hard rock in the vein of '70s giants like Bad Company and Humble Pie, and was also brimming with classic R&B influences, garnering widespread acceptance and positive reviews from the rock media. It also featured two Motown covers, including a ballsy rendition of the classic Aretha Franklin track, "Chain of Fools," which hit the Billboard Top 100 chart and received strong airplay nationwide on both rock radio and MTV.
The group toured extensively opening for such legendary acts as Jane's Addiction, KISS, Social Distortion, Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They also headlined their own club tours, and appeared on TV's popular “Arsenio Hall Show”, “The Rick Dee’s Show”, and MTV’s “Sex in the 90’s”. Vocalist Ron Young was also featured in the movie “Terminator 2” as a tough talking biker that gets into a fight with the film’s star, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
1992 would bring the second full-length album, “Influence”, which would have Earl Slick (of John Lennon, David Bowie, and Ian Hunter fame) replacing Apache on guitar. The “Influence” album was produced by the well respected Howard Benson (who has recently produced releases for platinum artists like Daughtry, Papa Roach, and P.O.D. among others). The band completed its first tour of Europe after the release of the album and drew rave reviews and sold out crowds across multiple countries including a sold out headlining performance at the famous Marquee club in London.
In 2002, the original line-up (sans Apache) reunited alongside new guitarist, Chris Latham. Since the reformation, the band has played high profile shows at venues such as the House of Blues, the Key Club in LA, and the Knitting Factory among others.
In 2008, Little Caesar is prepared to move forward with a vengeance on a worldwide level with plans to launch a new website, release new music and a historical DVD, as well as touring in the US, Europe, and Japan.
8/08/08 New Flash!
LITTLE CAESAR has confirmed that original lead guitarist, Apache, has now rejoined the ranks. The band is now moving forward with their complete original line-up of Ron Young (vocals), Loren Molinare and Apache (guitars), Fidel Paniagua (bass) and Tom Morris (drums). Ron Young says "we are really excited about Apache's return. His talent and style was truly missed and Little Caesar is once again whole and back to our true essence.
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