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Posted by missy 'frank' in brick. nj @ 04:01 on Mar 3 2013
I remember how much our family enjoyed the First Love Band. Mom and Dad let them stay at our house in Ocean, N.J. back in the 80's, and we went to many of their concerts. I hope they are all still abiding in our Lord.
I remember how much our family enjoyed the First Love Band. Mom and Dad let them stay at our house in Ocean, N.J. back in the 80's, and we went to many of their concerts. I hope they are all still abiding in our Lord.
Posted by Jonathan Kohns in Michigan @ 12:29 on Jul 4 2007
This was the third album from this band and the first as "First Love Band". This was their first and only serious rock effort. Their previous albums sported a few rock songs but were mostly inspirational ballads. This album rocks in a true early 80s vein. Fans of Journey or Foreigner will truly appreciate this album (if you can find it). The one down turn is the country influenced "Last Chance". It was included because it had become a fan favorite from playing it live. To me the highlight of this album are the first songs on each side. they were written by keyboard player Keith Burgin and they show more musical depth. The album labal states that all songs were written by John Volz but this is not true. John wrote the lyrics, but the other members of the band wrote the songs. The song list for the album is:
Artifical Respiration
Mind Games
Last Chance
You Better Mean Business
Blind Watchman/Silent Dogs
Thin Ice
Wake Up
So Inviting
War is Declared
The band toured extensively on this album and were planning a follow up album which never happened. A demo tape exist from this era presenting some very interesting material. One highlight was an instrumental based on the Hallelujah Chorus. After another year of trying to "make it big" the band split and went their seperate ways. Keith (kb) and John (vocals) would play together in a nouveau metal band reminiscent of Queensryche, Rip (guitar) and Henry (Bass) would join Christian Stephens for a time (in fact FLBs version of the Hallelujah Chorus appeared on a later Christian Stephens album). I do not know what became of Joe (drums). The long and the short of it is - if you can find this album buy it! It will never be released on CD although it is one fantastic album.
This was the third album from this band and the first as "First Love Band". This was their first and only serious rock effort. Their previous albums sported a few rock songs but were mostly inspirational ballads. This album rocks in a true early 80s vein. Fans of Journey or Foreigner will truly appreciate this album (if you can find it). The one down turn is the country influenced "Last Chance". It was included because it had become a fan favorite from playing it live. To me the highlight of this album are the first songs on each side. they were written by keyboard player Keith Burgin and they show more musical depth. The album labal states that all songs were written by John Volz but this is not true. John wrote the lyrics, but the other members of the band wrote the songs. The song list for the album is:
Artifical Respiration
Mind Games
Last Chance
You Better Mean Business
Blind Watchman/Silent Dogs
Thin Ice
Wake Up
So Inviting
War is Declared
The band toured extensively on this album and were planning a follow up album which never happened. A demo tape exist from this era presenting some very interesting material. One highlight was an instrumental based on the Hallelujah Chorus. After another year of trying to "make it big" the band split and went their seperate ways. Keith (kb) and John (vocals) would play together in a nouveau metal band reminiscent of Queensryche, Rip (guitar) and Henry (Bass) would join Christian Stephens for a time (in fact FLBs version of the Hallelujah Chorus appeared on a later Christian Stephens album). I do not know what became of Joe (drums). The long and the short of it is - if you can find this album buy it! It will never be released on CD although it is one fantastic album.
Reply by Joe Redding in Emmitsburg, MD @ 20:29 on Dec 1 2007
Hi, I'm Joe Redding - Original First Love Band Drummer on the Thin Ice Album, I'm here... Still On The Planet Earth..... PTL
Thanks for The Great Review.... Where were you in 1983 ?
Hi, I'm Joe Redding - Original First Love Band Drummer on the Thin Ice Album, I'm here... Still On The Planet Earth..... PTL
Thanks for The Great Review.... Where were you in 1983 ?
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
While I never had the opportunity to see First Love live, I played with John and Keith in the hard rock/metal band Radical Boy that immediately followed First Love. I also met Rip once and had the pleasure of playing with him when he joined us on stage at a RB show. I have many great memories from the days of making music with these truly gifted men of God. I maintain occasional contact with John and Keith through Facebook and I look forward to making music with them again one day, if not here on earth, before the throne of God in heaven.