This week's entry is the closest I've ever come to having a "I knew them before they were rock stars" story - Memphis based Tora Tora.

Rock 98 was a local Memphis radio station that had an annual Battle of The Bands. The winners received a bunch of free instruments, studio time and most importantly airplay on the station. In 1987 it was won by a band that included my neighbor growing up on bass, Patrick Francis. Patrick was a few years older than me, but still a teenager at the time. They used the studio to record a 5 song EP 'To Rock, To Roll'. 2 of the tracks, "Love's A Bitch" and "Phantom Rider" became 2 of the most requested songs on Memphis radio. All 1000 copies of the cassette only EP sold out in weeks. I held onto my copy for 23 years, finally losing it in the flood of 2010.

Anyway, the constant airplay lead to record deal with A&M in 1988. A label unfortunately not known for it's hard rock/metal roster. Their first album, 1989's "Surprise Attack" produced a Top 10 MTV video for the single "Walkin' Shoes". Opening slots with L.A. Guns and Dangerous Toys and a club tour of their own helped the album go Gold within a few months. High hopes were expected for the followup.

The album 'Wild America' was delayed multiple times throughout 1991. By the time it was finally released in May 1992 grunge and alternative had completely taken over. The record was dead before it ever had a chance. The label pulled the plug almost immediately and all promotion and tour support were gone. A shame, if for no other reason than how much better it was then the far more successful debut. The 3 years between albums the band had grown by leaps and bounds. In 1993 they recorded a 3rd record, 'Revolution Day' that was shelved without even being released. Finally coming out on an independent label 20 years later.

They may not have ever sold millions of records or headlined arenas, but there was still something unbelievably cool about seeing a guy I'd known since I was 5 years old being interviewed on Headbanger's Ball.