TORQUE - 103103

TORQUE - 103103

From Steve Luongo's Blog

Late in 2001 Steve Luongo and fellow Rat Race Choir member, guitarist Mark Hitt formed the progressive rock band TorQue. The two musicians co-wrote 11 songs for the debut album titled TorQue 103103.  The original band was started as a power trio with Mark Clarke (Billy Squier) on bass and vocals.  This line up was joined in the studio by Chris Clark on keyboards. The new quartet served as the backing band for 2 tracks on the CD Songs From The Material World - A tribute to George Harrison on Koch Records.  They performed with Leslie West on "Old Brown Shoe" and John Entwistle on "Here Comes The Sun."  The tracks were produced by Steve Luongo.

While recording 103103 Mark Clarke was tapped by his former band for a tour. Luongo & Hitt added bassist Jeff Ganz(Johnny Winter).  Luongo served as producer and lead vocalist in addition to his usual spot as drummer.  Both Luongo and Hitt have said that 103103 is among their proudest musical achievements. TorQue 103103 is considered to be a huge step in their progressive musical journey which began in 1974.  TorQue toured nationally in 2003-2005. 

The band has also backed up some familiar names on the live concert stage.  Robin Zander & Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult), Eddie Money and Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) to name a few. Mark and Steve recorded and toured in 2007 with Brian Johnson & Cliff Williams (AC/DC).  They also performed a set of Cream material with bass legend Jack Bruce for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

After a break Luongo and Hitt reformed the band as a trio with bassist Larry Hobbs.  They played some one off gigs in 2011 including an appearence at the famed Playboy Mansion in LA.  The band recently invited Tommy Zvoncheck(Blue Oyster Cult) to fill the keyboard seat and is once again performing as a four piece group.  This progressive rock band is looking forward to playing some "prog" festivals in the fall.  Dates will be announced here and on all of the band's media outlets.  

01. Hard Time

02. Too Much Talk

03. When You See The Light

04. I Won't Be Coming Back

05. Take Me

06. Is Anybody There

07. I'll Be Watching

08. We Live For Today

09. Lucky One

10. Rippin'

11. The Horror Rock Suite (Horror Rock/ PI/ Nightmare)

Steve Luongo - Drums, Lead Vocals

Jeff Ganz - Bass, Backing Vocals 

Mark Hitt - Guitar, Backing Vocals

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