Rage Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Rage are a German Speed/Power/Thrash band. They were originally name Avenger and released several demos, an ep, and their first album Prayers of Steel before changing their name to Rage. Bassist/vocalist Peavy Wagner is the heart of the band and only original and consistent member. The line up of Rage has changed often. The earliest line up was Peavy along side guitarist Jochen Schroeder and drummer Jörg Michael. That period of the band saw there other guitarist come and go, Alf Meyerratken, Thomas Grüning, and Rudy Graf, I’m not sure if Alf or Rudy contributed to any writing while in the band. In 1987 was the first major line up change with the band then consisting of Peavy, guitarist Manni Schmidt and drummer Chris Efthimiadis. The next change in the early 90’s would see Manni replaced with guitarists Spiros Efthimiadis and Sven Fischer. In 1999 another big change in the line up, with now Peavy along side Victor Smolski on guitar and keyboards and Mike Terrana on drums. Mike would be replaced with André Hilgers on drums in 2007. Another overhaul happened in 2015 with new guitarist Marcos Rodriguez and drummer Vassilios "Lucky" Maniatopoulos. The band has once again undergone another change with Jean Bormann and Stefan Weber now on guitar. This line up will be on the 2021 album yet to be released and their influences will not be listed at this time. All other members that have contributed to writing will have their influences noted, but keep in mind Peavy is the only consistent member.

 
Louie Bellson was a jazz drummer and pioneer of double bass drumming.  Mike named him as an influence.

Louie Bellson was a jazz drummer and pioneer of double bass drumming. Mike named him as an influence.

Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich is one of the biggest names in big band drumming and a all time great.  Mike says he listens to a lot of big band swing and said Buddy is the greatest drummer.

Buddy Rich is one of the biggest names in big band drumming and a all time great. Mike says he listens to a lot of big band swing and said Buddy is the greatest drummer.

Irv Cottler

Irving Cottler was a big band jazz drummer (also another drummer with Sinatra).  Mike named him as an influence.

Irving Cottler was a big band jazz drummer (also another drummer with Sinatra). Mike named him as an influence.

Sonny Payne

Sonny Payne was a jazz drummer, most notably playing with Count Basie as well as Frank Sinatra who Mike is a big fan of.  Mike named him as an influence.

Sonny Payne was a jazz drummer, most notably playing with Count Basie as well as Frank Sinatra who Mike is a big fan of. Mike named him as an influence.

The Beatles are among the biggest rock bands ever.  Peavy said they was and influence on him as a kid and that he is still a fan.

The Beatles are among the biggest rock bands ever. Peavy said they was and influence on him as a kid and that he is still a fan.

Tony Williams

Tony Williams has played with jazz guys like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock and considered a pioneer of jazz fusion.  Mike named him as an influence.

Tony Williams has played with jazz guys like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock and considered a pioneer of jazz fusion. Mike named him as an influence.

Cream are an important blues based psychedelic band.  Mike named Ginger Baker as an influence.

Cream are an important blues based psychedelic band. Mike named Ginger Baker as an influence.

Deep Purple are influential hard rock and early heavy metal.  Peavy said they were one of his favorites when he was young.

Deep Purple are influential hard rock and early heavy metal. Peavy said they were one of his favorites when he was young.

Johnny Winter is an influential blues guitarist out of the late 60’s.  Manni named him as an influence.

Johnny Winter is an influential blues guitarist out of the late 60’s. Manni named him as an influence.

Led Zeppelin are one of the biggest and earliest hard rock bands.  Peavy said they was one of his favorites.

Led Zeppelin are one of the biggest and earliest hard rock bands. Peavy said they was one of his favorites.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal.  Peavy said they were a favorite when he was young. Mike named Bonham as one of his biggest influences.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Peavy said they were a favorite when he was young. Mike named Bonham as one of his biggest influences.

Rory Gallagher was a blues rock player from Ireland. Manni named him as an influence.

Rory Gallagher was a blues rock player from Ireland. Manni named him as an influence.

Cozy Powell has played for important bands including Rainbow and Black Sabbath.  Mike named him as an influence.

Cozy Powell has played for important bands including Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Mike named him as an influence.

Scorpions are hard rock and heavy metal legends who pioneered both in Germany.  Manni named both Uli and Michael Schenker as influences.

Scorpions are hard rock and heavy metal legends who pioneered both in Germany. Manni named both Uli and Michael Schenker as influences.

Mother’s Finest was a funk rock band.  Mike named drummer B.B. Queen as one of his main influences.

Mother’s Finest was a funk rock band. Mike named drummer B.B. Queen as one of his main influences.

Tommy Aldridge

Tommy Aldridge has played with some very proment bands starting with Black Oak Arkansas then Pat Travers, Gary Moore, Ozzy, and others.  Mike and André named him as an influence.

Tommy Aldridge has played with some very proment bands starting with Black Oak Arkansas then Pat Travers, Gary Moore, Ozzy, and others. Mike and André named him as an influence.

Judas Priest helped define heavy metal perhaps more than any band.  Peavy said they were inspired by their simple but heavy riffs.

Judas Priest helped define heavy metal perhaps more than any band. Peavy said they were inspired by their simple but heavy riffs.

Rush are progressive hard rock legends.  Peavy said they got him into progressive rock and named Geddy as a bass influence.

Rush are progressive hard rock legends. Peavy said they got him into progressive rock and named Geddy as a bass influence.

AC/DC are the quintessential  hard rock band.  Manni named them as an influence.

AC/DC are the quintessential hard rock band. Manni named them as an influence.

Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio is a drum virtuoso notably playing with Frank Zappa.  Mike named him as an influence.

Terry Bozzio is a drum virtuoso notably playing with Frank Zappa. Mike named him as an influence.

Motorhead are hard rock and heavy metal legends.  Peavy said Lemmy inspired him to play bass in the first place.

Motorhead are hard rock and heavy metal legends. Peavy said Lemmy inspired him to play bass in the first place.

The Police were a post-punk, new wave band.  Peavy said he was inspired by their stripped down yet energetic arrangements.

The Police were a post-punk, new wave band. Peavy said he was inspired by their stripped down yet energetic arrangements.

Simon Phillips

Simon Phillips has played with quite a few bands from jazz fusion to progressive bands to even Judas Priest.  Mike named him as an influence.

Simon Phillips has played with quite a few bands from jazz fusion to progressive bands to even Judas Priest. Mike named him as an influence.

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands.  Marcos named them as an influence.

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands. Marcos named them as an influence.

Venom are the fathers of extreme metal, inspiring the generations of extreme metal to follow them.  Peavy was a fan despite their “lousy” playing.

Venom are the fathers of extreme metal, inspiring the generations of extreme metal to follow them. Peavy was a fan despite their “lousy” playing.

Dave Weckl

Dave Weckl is a influential jazz/fusion drummer.  Mike named him as an influence.

Dave Weckl is a influential jazz/fusion drummer. Mike named him as an influence.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash metal.  Peavy and Marcos named them as an influence.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash metal. Peavy and Marcos named them as an influence.

Dennis Chambers

Dennis Chambers is a jazz / fusion / funk drummer.  Mike named him as an influence.

Dennis Chambers is a jazz / fusion / funk drummer. Mike named him as an influence.

Queensryche are important for the development of progressive metal.  Peavy named Geoff Tate as a vocal influence early on.

Queensryche are important for the development of progressive metal. Peavy named Geoff Tate as a vocal influence early on.

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a fusion and instrumental rock guitarist who’s collaborated with many.  Victor said he is inspired by guys like him.

Shawn Lane is a fusion and instrumental rock guitarist who’s collaborated with many. Victor said he is inspired by guys like him.

Of course everyone knows the story of thrash father Dave Mustaine forming Megadeth after being kicked out of Metallica.  Peavy named them as an influence.

Of course everyone knows the story of thrash father Dave Mustaine forming Megadeth after being kicked out of Metallica. Peavy named them as an influence.

If a band lasts long enough eventually they may just end up with members who grew up listening to the band.  In this case, Marcos was a huge fan of Rage before joining.

If a band lasts long enough eventually they may just end up with members who grew up listening to the band. In this case, Marcos was a huge fan of Rage before joining.

Testament are Bay Area thrash legends.  Peavy is a fan and said Chuck’s more brutal vocal style has influenced him more recently.

Testament are Bay Area thrash legends. Peavy is a fan and said Chuck’s more brutal vocal style has influenced him more recently.

Peavy said he started playing guitar around 8 or 9 with classical style, then Spanish style and said The Beatles was an influence before discovering Motorhead and switching to bass. He said he finds inspirations in newer bands such as Opeth but it probably doesn’t show in his music. Other prog bands he listens to include Spock´s beard, Transatlantic, Dream Theater, and Liquid Tension Experiment. He named favorite classical composers as Bach, Villa Lobos, Rachmaninov, Dvorak, and Debussy.

Jochen Schroeder was on guitar for the first few albums as well as being co-writer. I’m unsure of his influences.

Alf Meyerratken was the lead guitarist in Avenger and co-wrote on some of Prayer of Steel. He was not in the band after the name change and I’m sure of his influences.

Thomas Grüning was the lead guitarist on the first Rage album and co-wrote on a few songs. I’m unsure of his influences.

Guitarist Manni was the guitarist through the late 80’s to the mid 90’s. His early influences are Status Quo and Ac/dc. His main influences include the bands noted above. When he named Michael Schenker he didn’t specifically limit to Scorpions although he did say Uli from the Scorpions. It is possible that Schenker’s other bands (MSG, UFO) are also an influence. Possibly Uli’s as well.

Drummer Chris Efthimiadis co-wrote while in the band throughout the late 80’s and 90’s, I’m unsure of his influences. His brother Spiros Efthimiadis would join on guitar in the late 90’s and also write in the band. I couldn’t find his influences either. Along side Spiros was Sven Fischer who also wrote in the band. I haven’t found his influences either.

Victor started with cello and piano before picking up guitar as a kid. He said he grew up with jazz and later rock. He doesn’t name many influences, he when to college for jazz and rock guitar and tries to combine all these different things.

Drummer André Hilgers only has one co-writing credit in the band. Some of his influences include Mike Portnoy, Deen Castronovo, Tomas Haake, Tommy Lee, and Tommy Aldridge.

Before joining Rage, Marcos played in a professional cover band for 10 years. He said they played everything from B.B. King to Pantera.

To my knowledge drummer Vassilios has not contributed to writing.

 

Sources:

http://www.friday13thmetal.co.uk/Page%203%20-%20Interviews/Grave%20Digger/new_page_1.htm
https://www.wearethepit.com/2019/12/rages-peter-peavy-wagner-5-albums-that-change-my-life/
https://www.therockpit.net/2016/interview-peter-peavy-wager-rage/
https://www.bleeding4metal.de/index.php?show=interview&id=49
https://www.auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/rage2008-uk.html
https://kalejdoskopy.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/energy-of-metal-is-the-best-interview-with-victor-smolski-from-almanac/
http://themetalist.net/an-interview-with-victor-smolski-almanac/
https://buffalonews.com/news/the-buffalo-roots-of-beau-nasty/article_f07a06be-d0c8-5a64-a667-cd7b610f0dec.html
https://drummerszone.com/artists/mike-terrana/3357/profile/#biography
http://www.rocknreviews.net/Interview/Mike-Terrana/Interview.html
https://pearldrum.com/artist/andre-hilgers/13861
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3obg33kg5E

Vicious Rumors Family Tree

Metal Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Vicious Rumors.jpg

Although the Bay Area is known for it’s thrash metal scene, Vicious Rumors were heavy metal. They are often considered part of The USPM scene. Guitarist Geoff Thorp has been the heart of the band since the beginning and drummer has been on ever album with the exception of one. The classic line up consisted of Mark McGee on guitar, Dave Star on bass, and on vocals Carl Albert. Starting in the mid 90’s the line up would be far less consistent. This family tree at this time will only focus on the classic line up. This is because I am unsure of writing credits after that point. If at a future point I have information on later line ups and respective writing credits I will revisit the VR family tree.

The Beatles are probably the worlds most influential rock band. Mark named them as an influence.

The Beatles are probably the worlds most influential rock band. Mark named them as an influence.

Steve Howe

Steve Howe most notably played in Yes and Asia as well as solo.  Mark named him as an influence.

Steve Howe most notably played in Yes and Asia as well as solo. Mark named him as an influence.

The Who are an inflectional rock band who ventured in to a harder sound at the time.  Mark named them as an influence.

The Who are an inflectional rock band who ventured in to a harder sound at the time. Mark named them as an influence.

Jimi Hendrix was easily the most influential guitar player in his day. Geoff named him as an early influence along with others that he first heard from his older sister.  Vinnie also named him as an influence.

Jimi Hendrix was easily the most influential guitar player in his day. Geoff named him as an early influence along with others that he first heard from his older sister. Vinnie also named him as an influence.

David Gilmour

David Gilmour was the long time guitarist of Pink Floyd and has done tons of stuff with other artists as well as solo albums.  Geoff named him as an influence.

David Gilmour was the long time guitarist of Pink Floyd and has done tons of stuff with other artists as well as solo albums. Geoff named him as an influence.

Aynsley Dunbar

Aynsley Dunbar is a drummer who has played with literally every band ever.  Larry named him as an influence.

Aynsley Dunbar is a drummer who has played with literally every band ever. Larry named him as an influence.

Jethro Tull were a progressive rock band most remembered for their frontman’s use of the flute.  Geoff named them as an early influence.

Jethro Tull were a progressive rock band most remembered for their frontman’s use of the flute. Geoff named them as an early influence.

Deep Purple were super influential to many. Larry named them as a band he idolized. Mark and Vinnie also named Ritchie as an influence.

Deep Purple were super influential to many. Larry named them as a band he idolized. Mark and Vinnie also named Ritchie as an influence.

Led Zeppelin are easily one of the most influential hard rock bands. Geoff named them as one of his influences growing up. Larry said Bonham was the reason he started drumming. Mark named Led Zep as an influence. Vinnie named Jimmy as an influence.

Led Zeppelin are easily one of the most influential hard rock bands. Geoff named them as one of his influences growing up. Larry said Bonham was the reason he started drumming. Mark named Led Zep as an influence. Vinnie named Jimmy as an influence.

Bill Bruford

Bill Bruford is a prog rock drummer who notably played with Yes and King Crimson.  Larry named him as an influence.

Bill Bruford is a prog rock drummer who notably played with Yes and King Crimson. Larry named him as an influence.

Yes were a influential progressive rock band.  Although they weren’t directly named as an influence, Larry named yes drummer Bill Bruford as an influence and Mark named guitarist Steve Howe as an influence.

Yes were a influential progressive rock band. Although they weren’t directly named as an influence, Larry named yes drummer Bill Bruford as an influence and Mark named guitarist Steve Howe as an influence.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of heavy metal. Geoff named them as an influence. Larry named them as a band he idolized.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of heavy metal. Geoff named them as an influence. Larry named them as a band he idolized.

Thin Lizzy have been a very influential hard rock band with their twin lead harmonies.  Dave named them as an influence and said that Phil Lynott is his favorite bassists.

Thin Lizzy have been a very influential hard rock band with their twin lead harmonies. Dave named them as an influence and said that Phil Lynott is his favorite bassists.

UFO are influential hard rockers. Dave named bassist Pete Way as one of his influences.

UFO are influential hard rockers. Dave named bassist Pete Way as one of his influences.

Neal Schon

Neal Schon has been part of a bunch but most notably Journey.  Geoff named him as an influence.

Neal Schon has been part of a bunch but most notably Journey. Geoff named him as an influence.

Billy Cobham is a influential jazz drummer.  Larry named him as an influence.

Billy Cobham is a influential jazz drummer. Larry named him as an influence.

Steve Hackett

Steve Hackett is a progressive rock guitarist best known for his work with Genesis and his solo albums.  Mark named him as an influence.

Steve Hackett is a progressive rock guitarist best known for his work with Genesis and his solo albums. Mark named him as an influence.

One of the great American blues based hard rock bands, Aerosmith.  Geoff named them as an influence growing up.

One of the great American blues based hard rock bands, Aerosmith. Geoff named them as an influence growing up.

Queen have been a big influence on many over the years especially guitarists and vocalists.  Mark named them as and and influence and Vinnie also named Brian May as an influence.

Queen have been a big influence on many over the years especially guitarists and vocalists. Mark named them as and and influence and Vinnie also named Brian May as an influence.

Judas Priest are one of the most important and influential metal bands. Geoff named them as an influence growing up. Dave named Ian Hill as one of his bass influences.

Judas Priest are one of the most important and influential metal bands. Geoff named them as an influence growing up. Dave named Ian Hill as one of his bass influences.

Kiss are one of the biggest american hard rock bands known for their great live shows (and also the face paint).  Dave named Gene as one of his bass influences.

Kiss are one of the biggest american hard rock bands known for their great live shows (and also the face paint). Dave named Gene as one of his bass influences.

Ted Nugent was an American hard rock guitar icon.  Geoff named him as an influence growing up.

Ted Nugent was an American hard rock guitar icon. Geoff named him as an influence growing up.

Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio is known for playing with Frank Zappa and having to many drums/cymbals.  Larry named him as an influence.

Terry Bozzio is known for playing with Frank Zappa and having to many drums/cymbals. Larry named him as an influence.

AC/DC became the quintessential hard rock band. Geoff named them as an influence. Mark also named Angus as an influence.

AC/DC became the quintessential hard rock band. Geoff named them as an influence. Mark also named Angus as an influence.

 

Randy Rhoads

Randy is best known for his two albums with Ozzy, however before that he two albums with Quit Riot. It was with Quit Riot Randy first made an impression on Geoff after seeing them play live.

Randy is best known for his two albums with Ozzy, however before that he two albums with Quit Riot. It was with Quit Riot Randy first made an impression on Geoff after seeing them play live.

 
One of the most influential metal bands, Iron Maiden came out of the NWOBHM movement. Geoff named them as an influence.

One of the most influential metal bands, Iron Maiden came out of the NWOBHM movement. Geoff named them as an influence.

Dimebag Darrel

Dimebag Darrel is the father of groove metal and was the heart of Pantera. Geoff named him as an influence although that would be a later influence since Geoff started playing years before Dime became known.

Dimebag Darrel is the father of groove metal and was the heart of Pantera. Geoff named him as an influence although that would be a later influence since Geoff started playing years before Dime became known.

Geoff talks about seeing The Runaways, Quit Riot (with Randy Roads), and Van Halen all before they became big. He said this really set a fire for him to take music seriously.

Geoff named Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath as the main influences for Vicious Rumors.

Vinnie Moore played on the first album and wrote some on it. His influences include Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppilin), and Brian May (Queen). Also Larry Carlton and Al DiMeola and later Joe Pass and Pat Martino. He said he started as a rock guy and got more into classical and jazz. When asked to name three musical hero he named Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen.

Dave Starr was the bassists on the first four VR albums. He started playing guitar before bass but switched when VR had trouble finding bass players. Dave says he’s a better guitar player than bassist. Some of his guitar influences are Glen Tipton, KK Downing, Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Gary Moore, Michael Schenker, Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley. He also names often names Savatage as one of his favorite bands.

Gary St. Pierre sung and wrote on the first album but I am unsure of his influences.

Jim Cassero and Mark Tate, guitars and vocals respectively, have writing credits on the first album but were no longer with the band when it was recorded.

Mark McGee also mentions being into bands like  Scorpions, Aerosmith, UFO, Rush, and Kiss when he was younger but didn’t name them directly as influences. He also mentions being influenced by 70’s pop.

Carl Albert sung and wrote with the classic line up doing four albums with VR. He tragically died in a car accident fairly young. I’m unsure of his influences.

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quqrn-lmq2o
http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=5767
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/geoff_thorpe_vicious.htm
https://rockoverdose.gr/geoff-thorpe-vicious-rumors-rock-overdose-new-album-concussion-protocol-takes-ride/
https://www.vintageguitar.com/2920/vinnie-moore/
https://www.deanguitars.com/vinnie_moore_alt.php#:~:text=He%20is%20playing%20his%20Signature%20Dean%20guitar%20%26%20pickup.&text=Once%20Vinnie%20Moore%20picked%20up,%2C%20Deep%20Purple%2C%20and%20Queen.
http://wildestarr.com/bio_davestarr.htm
http://www.leviathanrecords.com/chasioads.htm
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/features/interview_with_wildestarrs_dave_starr/
https://musicmonstersandmuscle.wordpress.com/larry-howe-vicious-rumors/
https://www.ballbustermusic.com/2015/11/03/interview-drummer-larry-howe/
https://www.sonomanews.com/article/entertainment/sonoma-musician-spotlight-mark-mcgee/
http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2013/03/mark-mcgee-of-luvplanet-interview/
http://www.davesontour.com/interviews/m_mcgee.html