"Face First" with Masque

Fortune has come full circle for MASQUE, which began as one of the 80's hottest underground bands and, some twenty years later, released its successful CD entitled Face First in 2008 featuring songs recorded during their Hollywood / Sunset Strip heyday.

MASQUE burst onto the Hollywood scene in early 1985 quickly attracting a loyal following and selling out legendary hot spots including The Troubadour, Whisky, The Roxy Theatre, Gazzarri's and other L.A. venues. MASQUE was formed by lead-vocalist Tony Kelly after Kelly departed Hollywood band Network with Drew Forsyth, drummer of original Quiet Riot with Randy Rhoads. Kelly joined forces with original Lead Guitarist Dale Fine in Hollywood to form MASQUE along with Network bassist Bruff Brigham and completing their lineup with drummer Ross Cristao, originally with Chicago based metal band Thrust.

Wanting to stand out from the crowd MASQUE focused on unique clothing and stage show influenced by their 70's glam rock heroes including Sweet, New York Dolls, T-Rex, Kiss and Bowies' Ziggy Stardust to name a few. MASQUE shared the bill with various unsigned bands including Poison, Warrant, Stryper and Guns N’ Roses, who at the time were an opening act.

Original members Tony Kelly and Bruff Brigham announced that Masque will be returning in 2009 with a new record and live shows. The band also plans to update its image to coincide with its new music and sound. "As much as we were part of the original Hollywood glitter-glam movement and appropriate at the time, its best that look stays a part of rock history," states Kelly. "But don't be fooled, we won't look like your typical American Idols and we're going to put on one hell of a show for our fans."

You can purchase Masque's "Face First" CD at Suncity Records here;
http://www.suncityrecords.com/main.php?page=Pages/CD%20Orders/Cart.php&action=add&id=25

Also, check out Masque on Myspace;
http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodmasque

Here's their video for "Sweet Revenge" -