Blacksmith II 1987 - 1991

Formed from the ashes of the original Blacksmith, David Smith recruited childhood friend and bass player (and former band member in high school group Dead End) Chris Madsen. David and Chris formed a tight partnership and hired drummer Chris Caglione and lead vocalist Malcolm (Mania) Lovegrove. Blacksmith II picked up where the first version of the group left off. Many gigs and demos later Blacksmith signed with Tropical Records and Manager, producer Mark Avnet (Mad Dog Studios LA, Leatherwolf, Megadeth, Stryper) in late 1988. Topical Records released " Fire From within" in early 1989, the band hit the road and played everywhere they possibly could.

Rock clubs, concert halls, colleges, shitholes headlining and opening for everyone, everywhere. The band charted on commercial and college radio with songs like" Hell to pay, House and Black Attack". Blacksmith appeared on MTV, along with many other cable access programs regionally. The group had some of their music featured in several Fox syndicated television programs. Media coverage in the US and Europe followed, the band was on a roll. Product endorsements and live performance invitations came and went. In 1990 Blacksmith recorded their follow up album with Tropical "Time out of mind", again with Mark Avnet in Massachusetts.

Overall the songs were better, the music was heavier and a good felling was in the air. 1991 David was looking for a change, his musical tastes were changing (along with the rest of the world). He and Malcolm (never the best of friends) were having, as they say "artistic differences". David decided that Blacksmith had run it's course, he had taken it as far as it could go, the idea was over and ready to be retired with dignity and respect.

Overall the Blacksmith life span was eight years. To this day David still gets many correspondences from fans all over the world in regard to Blacksmith. A European book called "US Power Metal" on the history of US metal music featured a chapter on BLACKSMITH. A German hard music magazine called "That's Metal" featured a 5 page full color Blacksmith band history last year. Every once an awhile promoters from Europe have invited David to reassemble Blacksmith for gigs, or inclusion in outdoor metal fests. Over sea's independent record labels have negotiated to re-release Blacksmiths music, as well. You never know what could be ahead for the mighty Blacksmith name, or what the future may hold? Many good and bad times were had, many lessons were learned and much good music was made! Friendships formed, friendships were broken. Loves gained and loves lost. All's fair in love, war and Rock and Roll. In late 1991 David Smith, Chris Madsen and Chris Caglione were ready for the next phase Freaknation….

BLACKSMITH FOREVER!

BLACKSMITH I 1984 - 1987

David Smith - guitar
Heidi Black - vocals
Michael J. Marino - bass
Tommy Roy - drums 84 -85, 86 - 87
George Fortune Snyder - drums 85 - 86

BLACKSMITH II 1987 - 1991

David Smith - guitar
Chris Madsen - bass
Malcolm (mania) Lovegrove - vocals
Chris Caglione - drums