Ron Keel describes Steve Riley who played on Keel’s ‘The Right To Rock’ as “always driven to succeed”

Ron Keel describes Steve Riley who played on Keel’s ‘The Right To Rock’ as “always driven to succeed”

Keel, Steeler and Ron Keel Band frontman Ron Keel was recently interviewed by Chuck Shute for the Chuck Shute Podcast.

L.A. Guns and former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley played drums on Keel‘s album The Right To Rock (1985). Ron Keel was asked if he had a theory on how Riley keeps surviving and persevering to which the Keel frontman stated (as transcribed by the Chuck Shute Podcast with slight edits):

“Well, he’s driven. Let’s put it that way. Steven was always driven to succeed and to play. And if you — his preparation is great. I mean, you’ve got to be ready for those opportunities when they knock. Steven left Keel to join W.A.S.P. right after the sessions were done. And okay, he spent a long time in L.A. Guns, as you probably know, yeah. There’s still two versions of L.A. [Guns], right, his version and the other version. Sure. He’s a good dude, man. He’s a great player. I was glad that we were able to cross paths and we continue to see each other and do a show together from time to time in events like the Monsters of Rock Cruise. He was in L.A. Guns at the time, and Keel was on the cruise and Steven came up and sang “The Right to Rock” with me on stage. That’s cool. Probably what 2014?

Yeah, but a great guy and great player. I’ve had more great bands than I think that Steven has. I’ve been super fortunate as I have to have Steeler, Keel, Iron Horse, Fair Game… Saber Tiger. Now, the Ron Keel Band. So many projects that I’m extremely proud of and blessed to have to have been able to steer the ship. Yeah, as the captain of those projects and bring some great music to the audience and the listeners through the years.”

You can read the rest of the interview with Ron Keel by the Chuck Shute Podcast via Buzz Sprout‘s website.

Wikipedia stated the following in part about Keel‘s album The Right To Rock (with slight edits): “The Right To Rock is the second studio album by American glam metal band Keel. It was the first to be produced by KISS‘ Gene Simmons under their new label Gold Mountain Records (which was distributed by A&M Records at the time). When the band started recording the album, drummer Bobby Marks left. He was replaced by different drummers: Fred Coury (who went on to join Cinderella), Barry Brandt (of Angel) and Steve Riley (who plays on the entire album but subsequently left to join the band W.A.S.P.). Dwain Miller eventually became the band’s permanent drummer right before the album was released.”

Keel‘s “The Right To Rock” video: