Guitarist Bernie Torme....how have I not heard of this dude before?

So I discovered guitarist Bernie Torme today, and I don't know how I never knew of his existence. I came across his name when looking into what some of the guys from the 70s punk band London did after. London singer Riff Reagan apparently co-wrote a song that Torme recorded for a comp in the 80s called Metal Killers (which contains pretty much a bunch of standard bands I had heard of, plus Torme).

So digging in a little, I see Torme is most well known for playing on Ian Gillian's 4 albums from 79 to 81. But the reason I'm surprised I've never heard of him is that he first released punk records in the late 70s as the Bernie Torme band. I'm pretty well versed in that sub-genre, but obviously I come across stuff all the time I never heard of.

But combine that with the fact that he did 2 albums, under the name Torme, with Phil Lewis on vocals (between Girl's last album and LA Guns first album)...well, what the hell? I am also pretty well versed in 80s glammy rock n' roll. I figure between those two genres, I should've come across him at some point. Looks like in 93 he also recorded a Torme album with ex-Samson vocalist Gary Owen.

As much as the internet has changed things, often times for the worst, it can be cool to just come across these records that have somehow gone under your radar forever.

Bernie Torme also played on Bloodied But Unbowed, the ill fated debut release by Dee Snider's post-Twisted Sister band, Desperado.

Fat Freddy wrote:

Bernie Torme also played on Dee Snider's ill-fated Desperado release, Bloodied But Unbowed.

I read that too. Looks like he has a pretty sizable list of album/band credits in general.

He also was Ozzy's guitarist right after Randy and before Brad.

Great guitarist. Loved him with GILLAN!

People often mix up Ian Gillan Band and Gillan. Ian Gillan Band was Ian's solo project after Deep Purple. Gillan was not a "solo project" but was a band formed with bassist/songwriter John McCoy in July '78. The band stayed together through December of '82, after which time, Ian had a short stint with Black Sabbath before rejoining Deep Purple. The Gillan records are fantastic British heavy metal/hard rock. It's odd that Gillan were so massively popular in Europe but practically unknown in the States.

I have a cheap looking vinyl comp that has "Unchain Your Brain" on it.

Gillan - Mr Universe! If you haven't heard it, you are really missing out on something special.

Boris2008 wrote:

Gillan - Mr Universe! If you haven't heard it, you are really missing out on something special.

Any of the Gillan albums from the 80's are great. Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, Magic...all were great.

ultmetal wrote:

Boris2008 wrote:

Gillan - Mr Universe! If you haven't heard it, you are really missing out on something special.

Any of the Gillan albums from the 80's are great. Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, Magic...all were great.

True but I do have a real soft spot for that album.

journeyman wrote:

He also was Ozzy's guitarist right after Randy and before Brad.

From what I understand, he didn't last too long. Only a handful of live shows. Anyone know what happened?

Anyone have the Torme album Back to Babylon? I've played a couple of tracks on YouTube and I kinda like what I hear, but I'm wondering how well an album from '86 holds up in 2017?

Is it terribly dated with horrible 80's overproduction and synths?

Bernie is in very poor health...

Quote :

The family of Bernie Tormé says that there has been no improvement in the guitarist's health after he was hospitalized earlier this week with double pneumonia.

It was reported a few days ago that the Irish musician was "extremely ill" and he has since been placed on a ventilator.

The family's statement reads: "Whilst Bernie remains in great hands in hospital, there has been no improvement in his condition and last night he was placed on a ventilator.

"Bernie remains in intensive care.

"Your continued thoughts, prayers and best wishes are most welcome."

Truthfully, I don’t know much about Bernie other than his brief stint as Randy Rhoad’s temporary replacement. I’m sorry to hear of his poor health. Although his chances don’t look good, I truly hope he recovers.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Bernie is in very poor health...

Quote :

The family of Bernie Tormé says that there has been no improvement in the guitarist's health after he was hospitalized earlier this week with double pneumonia.

It was reported a few days ago that the Irish musician was "extremely ill" and he has since been placed on a ventilator.

The family's statement reads: "Whilst Bernie remains in great hands in hospital, there has been no improvement in his condition and last night he was placed on a ventilator.

"Bernie remains in intensive care.

"Your continued thoughts, prayers and best wishes are most welcome."

I hope he pulls through.

Sad to hear.

I read a Ozzy book - and it covered the early days - various guitarists -
Obviously Bernie was a major subject - and he discussed -
the shoes - he had to fill - pronto. He was a nervous wreck, as you can imagine.
Sharon was a tough ole goat too with him -

MetalGuy71 wrote:

journeyman wrote:

He also was Ozzy's guitarist right after Randy and before Brad.

From what I understand, he didn't last too long. Only a handful of live shows. Anyone know what happened?

He was a different player for sure. He was an absolute nervous wreck but also his playing wasn't as heavy as Randy's was. He just couldn't hang and left the group after 4 shows and that is when Brad Gillis took over. Brad had the gig by Bernie's 2nd show but was not ready and Bernie continued until Brad was ready. That's really all I know.

Listened to his “ Turn Out The Lights “ today. Somewhat reluctantly.
But something told me that the CD wasn’t that bad. Worth it.
So I spun it.
What a fun listen ! I do recommend it. A touch punky. Hard rock.
Bernie looked a little like George Lynch too - Tooth and Nail days.
Does anyone recommend GIRL - with Phil Lewis ?