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."
Witness
Winger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
keeps you in the dark
you're staring at the window all alone
You keep yourself apart
from everything you long for
could you walk away from everything you've known
right or wrong, it's your release so
don't give up
find the love to finally find your way out
of the life that let you
life that let you down
would you dare open your heart?
would you dare come out of the dark?
who'll be there to catch your fall?
someone there to see it all
if you're there then I'll be there
You see the sun go down
The emptyness around you
you only know the war inside your head
You beg to hear a sound
and not the world around you
you only hear the echo of regret
And don't be afraid
right or wrong, you'll always have your
right to change
find the strength to finally find your Way out
of the loneliness
loneliness inside you
would you dare open your heart?
would you dare come out of the dark?
who'll be there to catch your fall?
someone there to see it all
who'll be there to honor your life
if you're there then I'll be there
would you dare open your heart?
would you dare come out of the dark?
who'll be there to catch your fall?
someone there to see it all
who'll be there to honor your life
if you're there then I'll be there
if you're there then I'll be there
The song Witness by Winger is a song about facing your fears and stepping out of the darkness in order to find light and love. The lyrics describe a person who is trapped by a shadow in their heart and is keeping themselves apart from everything they long for. They stare out the window alone, seeking comfort and connection but their fear holds them back. The chorus encourages the listener to find the courage to break free from the life that has let them down and to find their way out.
The second verse talks about the war inside the person's head and their desperate desire to escape the loneliness they feel. The lyrics suggest that change is possible and that the person has the right to find their own way out of their pain. The chorus repeats the admonition to open their heart and come out of the dark, promising that they will not be alone in doing so. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, urging the person to take the step forward and find healing and love.
Overall, Witness is a powerful song of encouragement for those struggling with fear and isolation. It inspires listeners to take action and overcome their obstacles, promising support and love along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a shadow in your heart
You are carrying a deep pain or burden that weighs on your heart
keeps you in the dark
This pain or burden is keeping you in a state of darkness or despair
you're staring at the window all alone
You are isolated and alone in your pain, feeling trapped and powerless
You keep yourself apart
You are intentionally distancing yourself from others, afraid to let anyone in
from everything you long for
This distance is keeping you from pursuing your dreams and desires
could you walk away from everything you've known
You are faced with the difficult decision of whether to leave behind the familiar but painful aspects of your life
And don't look back
Regardless of your decision, it's important to move forward without dwelling on the past
right or wrong, it's your release so
Whatever decision you make about your life, it will ultimately be your own form of liberation
don't give up
Even in the face of adversity, it's important to persevere and keep fighting for a better life
find the love to finally find your way out
Love and connection can be powerful tools to help you escape your pain and move forward
of the life that let you
The life you've been living so far has been a source of disappointment and hurt to you
life that let you down
This disappointment has led you to feel let down by life itself
would you dare open your heart?
Are you brave enough to risk vulnerability and reveal your true self to others?
would you dare come out of the dark?
Will you be courageous enough to step out of your comfort zone and face your challenges head-on?
who'll be there to catch your fall?
Do you have a support system to help you when you stumble or fall?
someone there to see it all
Is there someone who will truly see and understand your struggles, without judgment or criticism?
if you're there then I'll be there
The singer is offering their support and friendship, emphasizing that no one has to face their struggles alone
You see the sun go down
Despite the darkness you've been living in, there are moments of beauty in the world you've been missing
The emptiness around you
You've been feeling empty and hollow inside, unable to fully experience the world around you
you only know the war inside your head
Your internal struggles have consumed your thoughts and emotions, leading to a constant feeling of unrest or conflict
You beg to hear a sound
You're searching for something to break through the silence and stillness of your loneliness
and not the world around you
You're seeking a connection that goes deeper than the superficial distractions of the outside world
you only hear the echo of regret
Rather than hope or positivity, your thoughts are focused on the things you wish you had done differently or the mistakes you've made
And don't be afraid
Despite your fears and doubts, it's important to be brave and take risks in life
right or wrong, you'll always have your
Ultimately, you have to live with the consequences of your decisions, regardless of whether they turn out positively or negatively
right to change
No matter where you are in life, you always have the right to make a change and strive for something better
find the strength to finally find your Way out
It's important to draw upon your inner strength and resources to overcome your challenges and pursue your goals
of the loneliness
Your loneliness has been a constant source of pain and suffering, but it doesn't have to define your life
loneliness inside you
Rather than an external or circumstantial isolation, your loneliness is something that exists within you and your emotional state
who'll be there to honor your life
The singer is emphasizing the value and worth of your life, regardless of your struggles or circumstances
Contributed by David J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.