Fred Coury
Fred Coury is an American musician best known as the drummer for the glam metal band Cinderella.
In the heyday of glam metal, the illustrious drummers remained an elusive breed, swallowed by the shadows of their more ostentatious counterparts—the lead singers and guitar virtuosos. Tim Gaines, the former bassist of Stryper, bemoaned the inconspicuous fate that befell ’80s metal band bassists, relegating them to the role of mere constituents in the grand symphony.
However, one cannot deny that both the bassist and the drummer, if catapulted to the heights of popularity during that era, possessed an element of extraordinary prowess. Figures like Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, Jason Bonham (whose prominence, one must confess, owed much to his distinguished surname), and Lars Ulrich etched their indelible imprints on the melodic tapestry.
Oh, where have all the virtuosic drummers vanished?
When the name Cinderella resounds, conjuring memories of the late 1980s, it is the drummer Fred Coury who readily springs to mind. A curious phenomenon, indeed, for although his percussive talents graced only a solitary album, his name adorned the first two opuses of Cinderella, despite his absence behind the drum kit during those inaugural endeavours.
Alas, Cinderella, once the epitome of sonic enchantment, has since embarked on a vanishing act following their final tour in 2013. Tom Keifer, the band’s lead vocals and song writer, assures us that they have not formally disbanded, yet the tribulations that plague its members render collaboration an insurmountable challenge.
These trials primarily revolve around the health issues of Jeff LaBar, the band’s guitarist entangled in the throes of alcohol addiction, battling against his own personal demons, and ultimately succumbing in 2021.
Fred’s journey has been one imbued with vast experiences. He entered the scene when he joined London, assuming the role of Bobby Marks’ replacement. At that juncture, London had just unveiled their inaugural album, Non-Stop Rock (1985). However, Fred don’t hit the drums in their debut album but had name on sleeve and departed before partaking in the recording of their second opus, thus relinquishing the chance to leave his mark upon their musical canvas.
In due course, his path intersected with Ozzy Osbourne’s, stepping in for the injured Randy Castillo during their tour. It was during this juncture that Fred’s acquaintance with Kiss drummer Eric Singer paved the way for his introduction to Cinderella, who had already finished their debut album and ready to hit the road. Regrettably, he found himself bereft of an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Alas, the moment finally arrived with the advent of Cinderella’s second album, Long Cold Winter (1988). However, Fred’s inexperience within the confines of the recording studio led to a decision made by the producer, Andy Johns. As the band toiled within the hallowed walls of the recording studio, discussions arose with a representative from the company, suggesting the possibility of enlisting another drummer.
The details of who proposed the idea elude my memory, but it appears that someone jestingly suggested the esteemed Cozy Powell, already a legend among drummers. To our astonishment, the company representatives assented with nonchalance, and thus Cozy Powell graced the album with his remarkable drumming prowess. Rooted in blues and jazz, his enchanting rhythms reverberate through tracks like “Long Cold Winter” and “Coming Home,” breathing life into the album and imprinting it with an irrefutable allure. It was the percussive cadence that shimmered amidst that particular endeavour, leaving an indelible impression upon our collective consciousness.
It was not until the advent of Cinderella’s third album, Heartbreak Station (1990), that Fred finally had the opportunity to unfurl his skills in their full splendour. However, his tenure was brief, for upon the album’s completion, he resigned from the band to embark upon a new venture with Arcade.
It was not until 1996 that fate would circle back, leading Fred to once again re-join the ranks of Cinderella, carrying with him the wealth of experiences that had sculpted his journey.
Fred Curie, the drummer, took an unexpected turn and found his fame in the realm of television. It all began when an opportunity presented itself for him to compose a song for the LA Kings hockey team, who had previously utilized Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll Part Two” as their resounding anthem.
However, Gary’s ignominious entanglement in the scandalous rape of a minor led to the expulsion of his song from the Kings’ repertoire, thereby necessitating the search for a new musical accompaniment. Fortuitously, Fred, an ardent hockey aficionado, possessed a fortuitous connection with Luke Robitelli, a renowned former hockey player who had ascended to the position of CEO of the LA Kings. Thus, since the early ’80s, Fred seized the opportunity to present the song he had composed to the LA Kings.
https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/the-music-in-me-fred-coury/c-643968
Yet, the song crafted by Fred for the L.A. Kings transcended the confines of a singular composition; it manifested as an entire ensemble. “Thunder March” and “Power Ride” resounded triumphantly during crucial scoring moments, while “A King Ransom” assumed the mantle of the team’s resolute theme song, and “Win Like a King” provided respite during breaks, infusing the arena with an air of reality. Notably, it was Gene Simmons of KISS who bestowed upon Fred the chance to contribute to the soundtrack of “The Family Jewels,” Season 3.
And thus, this marked the inception of Fred’s foray into the realm of composing music for television programs. His melodious endeavours extended to TV dramas such as “The Night Shift,” where his musical prowess continued to resonate even into the latest season, Season 4. Additionally, his compositions found a home in the game show “The Wall” on NBC, while he lent his singing talents to the basketball team, the Portland Trailblazers.
Moreover, Fred’s creative genius birthed “L.A. Kings Black & White,” a production in association with Fox Sports West that garnered a coveted nomination for a 2017 Emmy Award.
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Fred starred in The Human Race and the Jungle Yard Willy Movie: Lost In Transit.
He spends his spare time driving NASCAR races.
He currently spends time in the Double Forte Music recording studio. to make music mainly for television and sports