- Monsters of Rock (band)
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Monsters of Rock 
Monsters of Rock on June 12, 2009 in San Diego, CA at 4th and B.Background information Also known as MOR or M.O.R. Origin San Diego, California, United States Genres Heavy metal, hard rock Years active 2005 to present Labels None Associated acts None Website Monsters of Rock Members Ron Lerma
Gavin O'Hara
Sergio Estrada
David Kendall
Roger EstradaPast members A.J. Wolfe, Jeff Sheets, Tom Hogue, Jerry Fluery Monsters of Rock is a tribute band formed in San Diego, California, USA in March 2005. They are billed as "San Diego's Ultimate Metal Tribute Band."
Contents
Background
Monsters of Rock are a San Diego-based multi-metal tribute act dedicated to performing the songs of the well-known metal bands that dominated the 1970s, 1980's, and 1990's--especially bands that performed in England's "Monsters of Rock" festivals. The Monsters of Rock pay tribute to bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Queensryche, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and many others.
Monsters of Rock have performed in venues within the Southern California area and received a third place award and a $4,000 cash prize in the "Ultimate Music Challenge 2: Battle of the Cover Bands" at Viejas Casino [1] in Alpine, California on August 3, 2008.[2]
Monsters of Rock also competed the following year in the "Ultimate Music Challenge 3: Battle of the Cover Bands" at Viejas Casino in Alpine, California on July 8, 2009 winning second place and a $8,000 cash prize.[3]
History
Monsters of Rock originally formed in February 2005 by bassist Jeff Sheets (formerly of Hunter), lead guitarist Gavin O'Hara (formerly of Sabotage, Street Liegal, and Sinor), drummer A.J. Wolfe, and lead vocalist Ron Lerma (formerly of Piece of Mind, Deeper Purple, and Teabag). Jeff Sheets, Gavin O'Hara, and A.J. Wolfe were all formerly in the band Wolfgaard in 2004 playing originals and covers. The band name was changed from Wolfgaard to Monsters of Rock when Ron Lerma joined the group and suggested the name change. Ron was also involved in an original project with the band Sator Square at the time of Monsters of Rock's formation.[4]
In April 2005, A.J. Wolfe accepted a job offer and relocated to Oregon. He was replaced by Tom Hogue (formerly of Cynical Man and Malady who are presently known as Benedictum and have since released three albums/CDs in Europe). Eventually the band decided that they would need a second guitarist to fill ou their sound. After auditioning several candidates they recruited lead guitarist Sergio Estrada (formerly of Sweet Vengeance)in mid-April 2005.
The members of this line up all brought previous experience having played alongside acts such as Quiet Riot, Ratt, Great White, Motorhead, and others at such legendary San Diego venues as the Bachannal, Rios, Straight Ahead Sound, 4th&B, The Spirit, and Brick bt Brick to name a few. While they were playing original material at the time, in hopes of a recording contract, this time around the purpose of their band was to play heavy metal covers that influenced them to become musicians in the first place.
In May 2006, due to musical differences, Jeff Sheets left the band. Bass player Dave Kendall (formerly of The Spoilers & The Late Edition) joined the band the same month. Dave was a friend of both Tom Hogue and Sergio Estrada. In May 2010, Tom Hogue also left the band. Tom was initially replaced by Jerry Fluery (formerly of 6one9 and Black Diamond w/Gavin O'Hara). Jerry had to quit the band due to work constraints and was replaced by Sergio's brother, Roger Estrada in September 2010.
In this current state, the band has been playing venues, such as The House of Blues, The Belly Up, Paladinos, and are a house band at the Second Wind Bars in Santee and San Carlos, CA.
Members
Ron Lerma - Lead Vocals (2005–present)
Gavin O'Hara - Lead Guitar & backing vocals (2005–present)
Roger Estrada - Drums (2010–present)
Sergio Estrada - Lead Guitar & backing vocals (2005–present)
Dave Kendall - Bass Guitar & backing vocals (2006–present)Former Members
A.J. Wolfe - Drums (2004–2005)
Jeff Sheets - Bass Guitar & backing vocals (2005–2006)
Tom Hogue - Drums & backing vocals (2005–2010)
Jerry Fluery- Drums (2010)References
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viejas_casino
- ^ http://www.ultimatemusicchallenge.com/ Ultimate Music Challenge 2
- ^ http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/jul/08/bloodless/ Ultimate Music Challenge 3
- ^ http://www.satorsquare.net
External Links:
Monsters of Rock main website
Monsters of Rock MySpace website
Monsters of Rock BlipTV Website
Monsters of Rock Facebook website
M.O.R. at Lo-Cal Music websiteCategories:- Musical groups from San Diego, California
- Heavy metal musical groups from California
- Tribute bands
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