Episode 16: Hit The Ground Runnin' - Sudden Impact (1989)

Some bands really get that close to "making it big". Where it is a lack of promotion, or a music video for MTV/Much Music or single released or a tour that should of happened; the possible causes of a bands lack of commercial success are undeniably different and unique to every situation. Has your fate ever been determined by a "flip of a coin?" it is the most unreal story that I have ever encountered on this podcast. It is amazing how close this band got to sign with one of the largest management companies back in the day and had even bigger opportunities to achieve their well deserved success. Hit The Ground Runnin' is a fantastic group who eventually found their way and got signed with Autograph Records in Canada and with the right connections, production and managerial backing for a short period of time seemed that their 1989 release "Sudden Impact" would be a commercial success. Produced by Dan McKeown and Managed by Hillary Shacter and with backing and approval from well known TV host and DJ Dick Clark of "American Bandstand" and a feature in Canada's RPM magazine; the band was given up way to quick by their associate label as they embarked on their promotional tour across Canada ending in Winnipeg. With many opportunities to rebound and have a song considered on soundtracks such as "Rocky V", "Backdraft" and "Ted 2" the band almost seemed "short changed" by the fantastic songs and musicianship that should of been included in all of these films. The band has a huge "cult following" and there is a huge demand with their music over 30 years later. The band's CD on their 1989 Release "Sudden Impact" is regarded as one of the most valuable AOR releases with copies selling for 1500 U.S. and above on Ebay and other websites like Discogs. The band's sound well very unique has some progressive overtones in the vein of bands like Yes, Asia, Journey and Lodgic with overlayed keyboards and a hard edged sound. This is a fantastic release that needs to have a place in your AOR rock collection. Hopefully soon a proper re-release of their 1989 album will happen. Stay tuned this band isn't done yet!