History
Angel
1970s Pomp Rock Band
Angel was formed in the mid-1970s by Punky Meadows and Mickie Jones, who had previously been in the band Daddy Warbux (later BUX). After meeting Gregg Giuffria, Barry Brandt, and Frank Dimino, they decided to form a new group, settling on the name Angel. Discovered by Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, the band secured a deal with Casablanca Records in 1975.
The original lineup featured Barry Brandt on drums, Punky Meadows on guitar, Frank DiMino on vocals, Gregg Giuffria on keyboards, and Mickey Jones on bass. Their self-titled debut album, Angel, released in 1975, showcased a heavy pomp rock sound with lyrics often inspired by historical battles and events. The band was also known for its elaborate stage shows, characterized by a pure white aesthetic and various illusions, which garnered them a dedicated fanbase.
Their second album, Helluva Band, released in 1976, included the notable track "The Fortune Tower" and marked one of their few songs to receive significant radio airplay. This album also saw Angel adopt a more pop/rock-oriented sound and introduced a distinctive logo that read the same upside down. Following Micky Jones's departure, Felix Robinson joined on bass for the subsequent albums, White Hot (1977) and On Earth As It Is In Heaven (1977).
In 1979, Angel contributed to the movie "Foxes" alongside Cherie Currie. However, due to declining sales, Casablanca Records dropped the band. Angel disbanded in 1980 after the release of their live album, Live Without A Net. Gregg Giuffria went on to form his own group with guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Chuck Wright, and drummer Alan Krigger, and later played in House of Lords.
Reformation and Later Years
Angel reunited in the late 1990s with original members Barry Brandt and Frank DiMino. Their comeback album, In the Beginning, was released in 1999 and featured contributions from various musicians, including guest appearances by Punky Meadows and Felix Robinson. Since their reformation, Angel has continued to tour and perform at major festivals such as Sweden Rock and Bang Your Head.
The current lineup has included Frank DiMino, Barry Brandt, guitarist Steve Blaze (Lillian Axe/Near Life Experience), keyboardist Michael T. Ross (Lita Ford/Hardline), and bassist Randy Gregg (Thin Lizzy/Lauren Harris).
In 2008, Lovember Records reissued On Earth As It Is In Heaven as a limited edition. This remastered version included a 16-page booklet with liner notes by Dave Reynolds, a track-by-track breakdown by Frank DiMino, lyrics, and unreleased photographs.
In 2018, Meadows and Dimino toured together under the name 'Punky Meadows and Frank Dimino of Angel,' performing classic Angel songs and solo material. They were accompanied by Danny Farrow on rhythm guitar, Charlie Calv on keyboards, Steve Ojane on bass, and Billy Orrico on drums. In 2019, this lineup reformed as Angel, returning to their signature all-white attire and releasing the album Risen, which received critical acclaim and charted on multiple Billboard positions.
