The Front (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Kansas City, Missouri, United States |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Kansas City , United States |
| Products | Rock music albums and singles |
The Front was a rock ensemble originating from Kansas City, Missouri in 1984, achieving moderate acclaim during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1987, they were initially presented with a recording offer from Sire/Warner Brothers Records. The group secured exclusive management under Scott and Doc McGhee of McGhee Entertainment, renowned for their work with Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Skid Row. Following a competitive bidding process, The Front inked a deal with CBS Records in 1989. Their sole album under this label, titled after the band, was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Andy Wallace and included the tracks "Fire" and "Le Motion".
The single "Fire" reached number 29 on The Billboard Rock chart in 1990, gaining widespread radio airplay and heavy rotation on MTV. The Front embarked on extensive tours throughout the United States alongside artists such as Bang Tango, Jason Bonham, and Alice Cooper. In spring 1990, they expanded their reach to Europe touring with Lenny Kravitz, headlining performances in cities like Berlin and Düsseldorf. Later that year, they participated in the Monsters of Rock Tour with headline acts Aerosmith and Whitesnake, appearing at prominent venues including Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle and Mannheim’s Eisstadion.
Notably, The Front was the inaugural band to be showcased on both MTV's Headbangers Ball and 120 Minutes within the same weekend, establishing a milestone for alternative rock exposure. Additionally, they are recognized for releasing the final major vinyl 45 RPM single on Columbia Records.
In 1992, dissatisfied with their standing at CBS, The Front parted ways with the label. CBS permitted their transition to its affiliate, Epic Records, thus remaining under Sony's umbrella. Under Epic's guidance, they recorded a new album with producer Mark Dodson, adopting the name Bakers Pink as requested by the label.
Band members
- Michael Anthony Franano – lead vocals, guitar
- Mike Greene – lead and rhythm guitars
- Randy Jordan – bass guitar, backing vocals (deceased 1998)
- Bobby Franano – keyboards
- Shane Miller – drums
Albums
The Front (1989, Columbia Records)
- US chart position: 118
Label: CBS – CK 45260, Columbia – CK 45260 Formats: CD, cassette, vinyl LP Origin: US Release year: 1989 Genre: Rock International editions: CBS 466143 1 (LP), 466143 2 (CD)
The Front - Live In New York City 1990 (2012) Formats: CD, digital download Origin: US Release year: 2012 Genre: Rock/Alternative
Singles
- "Fire" (1989, Columbia Records)
- US chart position: 29
- "Le Motion" (1990, Columbia Records)