Winger disbanded in 1994. In 2001 they reunited and have since conducted several successful tours. In 2006, the band's 1993 touring line-up (minus Paul Taylor but including John Roth) reunited to record the band's first studio album in over 13 years, IV, and toured in support of the album into 2008.
In 2009, the band released their fifth album, Karma. As of 2013, Winger was performing on mini-tours, festivals and private events. Their most recent album, Better Days Comin', came out in 2014.
History:
Main career and break-up (1987–1994).
The debut album, Winger, was released on August 10, 1988 on Atlantic Records. The record was a success, achieving platinum status in the United States, and gold status in Japan and Canada. On February 11, 1989, the album peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, and was in various places on the chart for 63 weeks. Radio and MTV hits from the album included "Madalaine", "Seventeen", "Headed for a Heartbreak" and "Hungry". In 1990, the band was nominated for an American Music Award for "Best New Heavy Metal Band".
Shortly after that tour, Winger released its second album In the Heart of the Young, which went 1-and-1/2 platinum in the U.S. and gold in Japan. Hit radio tracks and MTV videos included "Can't Get Enuff", "Miles Away" and "Easy Come Easy Go".
Winger followed the release of its second album with a 13-month world tour, playing over 230 dates with Kiss, Scorpions, ZZ Top, Extreme and Slaughter. Paul Taylor left the band after the tour, citing exhaustion after years of touring. Their third studio album, Pull, produced by Mike Shipley, was recorded in 1992/1993 as a three-piece band. It was originally to be called Blind Revolution Mad, after the opening song. Reportedly, Kip Winger, anticipating that critics would dismiss the album out of hand, renamed it Pull as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the CD being used by critics as a skeet-shooting target. The album was not as successful as the previous albums sales wise, but gained solid reviews. On the following tour, John Roth was called in to replace Paul Taylor on rhythm guitar. The album coincided with the rise of grunge, which swept aside the brand of melodic pop metal that Winger represented.
In the 1990s, Winger was subject to mockery from MTV's animated series Beavis and Butt-head. Series creator Mike Judge later revealed that he had been incorrectly informed that Kip Winger had asked the network not to make jokes about the band on the series, which led to further jokes about the band, but later learned from Winger himself that he had never made any such stipulation. “Stewart”, an early character from the TV show, wore a Winger t-shirt during the shows original run on MTV during the early 90s.
After disbanding in 1994, bassist/lead vocalist Kip Winger went on to a solo career, guitarist Reb Beach went on to touring projects with artists Dokken, Alice Cooper and has held a permanent guitar spot in Whitesnake since 2002. The band's other members pursued or resumed careers as session musicians.
Reunions (2001–present)
In 2001, it was announced that all original members of the band would return to the studio to record the song "On the Inside" for The Very Best of Winger. In 2002, all five members embarked on a reunion tour of the U.S. and Canada on a bill with Poison. According to Kip Winger, in a 2008 interview with rock and roll comic C.C. Banana, it was important to include all five members because "it was the big, long-awaited reunion so I wanted to include everybody who had ever been in the band." In 2003, it was confirmed that activity had been halted due to Reb Beach's touring commitment with Whitesnake as well as his solo album "Masquerade" and involvement with "super-group" project The Mob with King's X frontman Doug Pinnick and Night Ranger drummer Kelly Keagy.
On July 16, 2005, it was announced that Kip Winger would perform as the lead singer for the Alan Parsons Live Project at the Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing, Michigan. In May 2006, it was confirmed that Winger had reformed without one of its original members Paul Taylor, to record another album and tour Europe. The album, IV, was released in Europe in October and the nine-country "Winger IV Tour" ran in the last two weeks of the same month.
On February 25, 2008, the band performed in Providence, Rhode Island, as part of a benefit for survivors of the Station nightclub fire. The concert, along with other artists was debuted on VH1 Classic on March 23, 2008. In late 2009, it was confirmed that Winger would record a fifth album Karma, with a tour to support it. Most recently, John Roth became the guitarist for Giant and would appear on their forthcoming album Promise Land then set for release in February/March of 2010.
Winger released their sixth studio album titled, Better Days Comin' in April 2014, after teasers were published on Kip Winger's website and on the official Winger Facebook page as well.
As of late 2018, Winger was playing club dates. They were scheduled on Dec 29, 2018 in Westland, Michigan.
Style and influences.
The band's musical style combines elements of glam metal and progressive metal. Kip Winger, in description of the band's musical ability and style, said, "Our band was known to musicians, and a lot of musicians showed up to see me play — watching, trying to figure out how I'm playing. We were like the 'hair band' (version of) Dream Theater."
Loosen Up
Winger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's about the time (Got to get away)
I get a little closer to a fast car
Get away from the grind (It´s about the time)
Every damn day we're under pressure
About to lose it
Lose my mind
I need to loosen up (loosen up)
I need (a) little juicin´ up
I´ve been hangin´ from the noose
Baby won´t you cut me loose
Come on everybody: Loosen up!
I need it fast, I´m in need of the buzz
When we´re all together (I´m in need of the buzz)
Like a time bomb I´m about to explode
We´ve got to come together (before I blow)
I´m spendin´ too many days under pressure
About to lose it, lose my mind
The song "Loosen Up" by Winger is an anthem about the need to break free from the daily grind and find a release from the constant pressure and stress of life. The song starts with the singer realizing that he has had enough and needs to get away from it all. He plans to get closer to a fast car, which symbolizes the freedom and excitement that he is seeking. The chorus emphasizes the need for the singer to loosen up and find some relief from the mental strain that he is under.
The second verse continues the theme of needing a release from the stress, but presents the idea that being together with others can provide a sense of relief. The singer is in need of a buzz, or a rush of excitement, and feels like he is about to explode like a time bomb. He implores everyone to come together before he blows. The chorus repeats the need to loosen up and find some relief from the daily pressures.
Overall, the song is a message about the importance of taking care of mental health and finding ways to let go of stress and pressure. The fast-paced, energetic music and the lyrics encourage the listener to let loose and enjoy life more fully.
Line by Line Meaning
I've had enough, got to get away
I am tired of my situation and I need to escape from it
It's about the time (Got to get away)
I have been waiting for the right time to escape from my current situation
I get a little closer to a fast car
I am seeking the thrill of speed as a means of escape
Get away from the grind (It´s about the time)
I am tired of the day-to-day routine and I need a break from it
Every damn day we're under pressure
I am constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed
About to lose it
I am nearing the breaking point
Lose my mind
I am struggling to maintain my sanity
I need to loosen up (loosen up)
I need to relax and let go of my stress and worries
I need (a) little juicin´ up
I need a boost of energy and excitement
I´ve been hangin´ from the noose
I feel trapped and constrained in my current situation
Baby won´t you cut me loose
I am asking for someone to help me break free from my troubles
Come on everybody: Loosen up!
I am urging others to let go of their stress and join me in having a good time
I need it fast, I´m in need of the buzz
I am seeking a quick rush of excitement to help me forget my problems
When we´re all together (I´m in need of the buzz)
I find solace in the company of others and the energy of a group
Like a time bomb I´m about to explode
I feel like I am on the verge of breaking down or losing control
We´ve got to come together (before I blow)
I am asking for others to provide support and help me before I reach my breaking point
I´m spendin´ too many days under pressure
I have been dealing with stress and anxiety for far too long
About to lose it, lose my mind
I am close to reaching my breaking point and losing control
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KIP WINGER, PAUL TAYLOR, REB BEACH, ROD MORGENSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind