Ron Keel’s professional career started in 1983 with his band Steeler (featuring a very young Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar), and kicked into high gear when his namesake band Keel signed to A&M Records in 1984 and went on to sell more than 2 million records. Over the years, Ron has been recruited as the singer for Black Sabbath, he has been produced and mentored by Gene Simmons of KISS, has toured with some of the legends of rock and roll, had multiple bands and radio programs, and now has his very own entertainment company called RFK Media, where he is mentoring and promoting great new rock and roll bands like The Fifth and Crashing Wayward.
This interview took place as Ron was preparing for Keelfest II on March 18, 2023 at Bowie’s in Nashville, where fans will see Steeler play a set of music, along with Keel, The Ron Keel Band, The Fifth, and Crashing Wayward. Ron took the time to talk to us about everything from his beginnings with Yngwie Malmsteen and Steeler, to playing in front of 70,000 or 80,000 people at Texxas Jam ’86. Hear his stories and his thoughts about the music business, fans, bands, and family. Please enjoy listening to one of the smartest and nicest guys in the business, Ron Keel.
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!
