Ron Keel Interview

Abstract

This oral history interview was conducted by Gregory Peek as part of The Joe Anthony Project. Summary of the interview by Gregory Peek: "Ron Keel is a singer and musician for a variety of bands including Keel, Steeler, and Saber Tiger. He talks about his early days and influences, which led him down the path towards musical performance. Mr. Keel believes that he first learned that his band music was being played in San Antonio in January 1985, in particular a song called “The Right to Rock.” He learned from his management that San Antonio was an important market for hard rock and heavy metal artists trying to break nationally. He understood Joe Anthony’s importance to his career at that early point in time. The band met Joe Anthony during their first visit to San Antonio and they were interviewed by Joe Anthony live on the air. He describes Joe Anthony’s persona as larger-than-life. Talks about the reaction by San Antonio fans to his bands first show particularly strong memories of banners fans brought with them, unveiled, and hung from the balcony and San Antonio Majestic theater. He laments the current state of rock radio, it has become too corporate and disconnected from the tastes of the audience.