Glam Metal’s Bluesy Rebels
—From ‘80s anthems to blues-infused rock, their music left a lasting mark.
Cinderella was an American glam metal band that rose to fame in the mid-1980s, known for their blues-influenced hard rock sound and power ballads.
Formed in 1982 in Philadelphia by lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Keifer, the band gained mainstream success with their 1986 debut album, Night Songs, which featured hits like "Nobody's Fool" and "Shake Me."
Their follow-up albums, Long Cold Winter (1988) and Heartbreak Station (1990), showcased a shift toward a bluesier rock sound, with tracks like "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" becoming anthems of the era.
Despite the decline of glam metal in the early '90s and Keifer’s vocal cord issues, Cinderella maintained a loyal fan base and continued performing until going on hiatus in 2017.
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Cinderella’s classic lineup featured:
Tom Keifer – Lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar, keyboards
Eric Brittingham – Bass, backing vocals
Jeff LaBar – Lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Fred Coury – Drums, backing vocals (joined in 1986)
Earlier drummers included Tony Destra (who played on early demos before his passing in 1986) and Jim Drnec, who briefly played on Night Songs before Coury took over. While Coury was the official drummer, studio recordings often featured session drummers like Cozy Powell and Kevin Valentine.
Rising from Philly clubs to ‘80s rock stardom, their legacy endures.
Cinderella emerged from Philadelphia’s vibrant rock scene, with frontman Tom Keifer honing his craft while attending Springfield High School. The band gained traction playing gritty local clubs like The Empire Rock Room, The Galaxy, and Pulsations Nightclub. Their high-energy shows, featuring blistering guitar solos and Keifer’s raw vocals, built a loyal local following. Known for their mix of originals and classic rock covers, they became one of Philly’s top live acts, paving the way for their big break.
CINDERELLA LIVE CONCERT