Memphis’ PLAY ROUGH sign with FnA Records and release 16 track self-titled album
Being featured in Metal Edges ‘Rock On The Rise’ is no small feat, and PLAY ROUGH were named one of the most exciting new bands to get to know. PLAY ROUGH, who got their name from the b-side of a Night Ranger tune, formed in 1986, alongside bands like Poison, Cinderella, and Warrant. Their career would take them all across the Midwest with an eventual long-time stay over in Memphis (home of bands like Tora Tora, Roxy Blue, Lord Tracy, and Every Mothers Nightmare). PLAY ROUGH became regulars at the infamous Stage Stop in Memphis. Growing up in Ohio, the Hartzell brothers, were hit early on with the rock-n-roll bug at the tender age of 8. They were immediately mesmerized and captivated by bands like Kansas, Meat Loaf, Journey, Boston, Alice Cooper, Steve Miller, AC/DC, Queen, Aerosmith, and KISS. Eventually, thanks to their mom and dad buying them an electric guitar, a drum kit, and a keyboard, the brothers began learning their craft as their influences moved to heavier bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and Rush. Only in their pre-teen years, the brothers had already begun writing original music and making up fictitious band names and over the top live shows. Once they met a drummer and bass player, these dreams became a reality by playing basement parties and High School dances which then led to bar gigs (phil was just 14) and eventually to battle of the bands contests and festivals around the state. Their sound was starting to take on a LA glam sound and their look followed. As their local and regional following grew, the band signed with a talent agency out of Minneapolis. With a deal in place, PLAY ROUGH hit the road for the next 2 years straight. They travelled with a sound engineer, lighting director, and road crew...and this was starting to feel like the full package in action. PLAY ROUGH consists of Rawleigh Hartzell (vocals), Phil Hartzell (guitars), Kenny Miller (bass), and Jimmy Fulip (drums). Their self-titled album released on FnA Records features 16 blazing tracks written and recorded through the years. With song titles like “Hot, Sleazy, and Cheap”, “Sex Sells”, “Tame The Night”, and “Too Hot To Handle” and dressing in tacky, bright glam rock clothes – one can get an idea of what the band sounds and looks like.
The band wants you to know: This CD showcases the music of Play Rough from its very inception in 1986 all the way up to our relocation to Memphis in the year 1992. It captures a young and immature bunch of kids literally getting our feet wet that improved and matured as we set out across the country painting the landscape black and neon pink!! Play Rough Video Teaser:
