Artist:Saigon Kick
Song:Love Is on the Way
Album:The Lizard
The 1992 single Love Is on the Way was a top 20 hit. It was the only chart single for the hard rock band Saigon Kick. So it is a one hit wonder. They were formed in 1988 in Coral Springs, FL. The band leader is Jason Bieler. He was lead guitarist, one of two lead singers, wrote most of the songs and produced. The other members were the other lead singer Matt Kramer, bassist Tom Defile and drummer Phil Varone. The band name came from a discussion about late 80s Vietnam War films and they wanted an edgy name. After playing the local club scene, Saigon Kick signed with Third Stone Records with Atlantic distribution. Third Stone was owned by actor Michael Douglas and record producer Richard Rudolph. Saigon Kick released their 1991 self titled debut album produced by veteran hard rock producer Michael Wegener. Bieler wrote most of the songs. Kramer wrote a couple. Saigon Kick toured to support it but it didn't sell. When Saigon Kick went to Sweden to record The Lizard, Bieler convinced the label to let him produce. The end result was a more diverse album. Love Is on the Way was the lead single and it reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold. The album was also certified Gold. It's available as a budget CD. So Saigon Kick had success. Shouldn't they be happy? Apparently not. Love Is on the Way is an acoustic song commonly known as a Power Ballad. The band was unhappy that they softened their hard rock sound to achieve commercial success. The most notable example of a heavily criticized Power Ballad is Aerosmith's 1973 single Dream On. So there were problems in Saigon Kick. Tom Defile was replaced by Chris McLennon in 1992. They returned to Sweden to record the 1993 album Water. Matt Kramer was upset about the band's direction and there were financial disputes. This is why some bands split the royalties evenly. He returned to Florida during recording and was not replaced. Bieler took over as lead singer. Atlantic released Saigon Kick after the 1993 album Water didn't sell. Bieler is the only original member remaining. They recorded for the Japanese label Pony Canyon as Saigon Kick had success in Japan. They last recorded in 1999. The original members of Saigon Kick reunited for a tour in 2012. Bieler still leads a version of the band. They will tour in the spring. Here's the video for Love Is on the Way by Saigon Kick.
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