Midnight Rush “Out of Mind” - Ultra rare AOR 1989’s Best-Kept Secret.
This story, band, and music are entirely fictional, created using AI as a tribute to the era when bands like Midnight Rush ruled the airwaves. And no… no one was harmed during the recording sessions or the photoshoot. And no… don’t go looking for the CD or tape mentioned… well... at least not just yet 😉.
The Rise and Fall of Midnight Rush
Formed in 1987, Midnight Rush was a band that embodied the spirit of melodic rock with powerful guitar riffs, keyboard-driven hooks, and soaring choruses. The band consisted of two pairs of brothers: Tommy and Rick Saunders (bass and lead vocals/guitar) and Jimmy and Danny Parker (drums and keyboards). All four sang background vocals, adding depth to their harmonies.
Midnight Rush came together after two local bands—Shadowed Light and Electric Heart—merged. Their six-track demo, "Midnight Rush - Demo ’87", quickly became sought after. Only 50 cassettes were pressed, making it a rare collector’s item with countless bootleg copies made over the years.
The demo caught the attention of Tony Callahan, an A&R rep at Monarch Records, who saw their potential. Monarch took the band into Soundwave Studios in Los Angeles to work with producer Vince Romano, known for his work in the AOR scene. The result was the album "Out of Mind", blending keyboards with razor-sharp guitar work and Rick Saunders’ charismatic vocals.
A Promising Future and International Success
Released in 1989, "Out of Mind" marked a milestone. Monarch made deals with Sunset Sound in Japan and exported the album to Europe and South America. Critics praised the band:
“Not one filler – a perfect blend of power, edge, and melodies.” – Rock N’ Roll Journal
“Midnight Rush are destined for greatness with hooks that won’t quit.” – Melodic Rock Monthly
“Rick Saunders is the future of AOR.” – Power Chord Weekly
The album peaked at #83 on the Billboard Top 100. Midnight Rush toured extensively, opening for bands like Tyketto and Europe, further cementing their place in the melodic rock scene.
The Changing Tides and the Second Album That Almost Was
By 1991, Midnight Rush was back in the studio with a solid collection of songs for a follow-up album. However, Seattle’s grunge movement was gaining momentum. By the summer of 1992, their second album, "Into the Shadows", was complete, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. With the rise of grunge, Monarch released the album with minimal promotion, and it was lost in the wave of grunge that overtook the airwaves. The band dissolved soon after, victims of the changing musical landscape.
Where Are They Now?
After disbanding, the members went their separate ways. Jimmy Parker became a drumming instructor, Tommy Saunders joined a local cover band in New Jersey, and Danny Parker found success writing film scores. Rick Saunders pursued a solo career, releasing a few albums in the mid-90s on smaller labels, but they never reached commercial success. Eventually, Rick left the music industry, started a family, and became a carpenter, far removed from the rock star life he was once destined for.
The Comeback
In recent years, Midnight Rush has sporadically reunited for festivals in Europe, Japan, and AOR-themed cruises in the Caribbean. The band has teased the idea of recording a new album, but nothing is confirmed. For now, they continue to enjoy performing for the loyal fans who still remember them as one of AOR’s hidden gems.
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