Neal Kay
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Neal Kay is a London-based DJ who along with Tommy Vance was a significant factor in the rise of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). He himself coined this term for this sub-genre.
He owned a rock club called 'NEAL KAY'S HEAVY METAL SOUNDHOUSE' originally resident in the back room of the Prince of Wales public house in Kingsbury, North London; this back-room venue was known as the 'BANDWAGON' As well as hosting rock discos and inviting live bands to perform, he also had use of a recording studio at Spaceward Studios Cambridge and allowed new bands to cut demos there. Amongst these bands were Praying Mantis and the now legendary Iron Maiden; the resulting popularity of Iron Maiden's recording led to a record contract and ultimately major success. Several other NWOBHM bands also gained contracts due to their Soundhouse demos.
Kay compiled many of these demos onto an album called "Metal For Muthas", and several volumes were released, becoming collector's items for fans. He also got involved in promoting heavy metal concerts and tours, and was an enthusiastic champion of US band Riot. He later went on to manage and help co-ordinate an excellent, if sadly short-lived UK AOR sextet, Venture. Disappointingly, after a sole show at London's Marquee Club, the band fell apart due to personal and musical differences. Kay turned his managerial eye to several other up-and-coming bands throughout the rest of the 80s and early 90s.
At the various incarnations of the Soundhouse, Neal Kay managed to bring together fans of both the softer Melodic Rock (Styx, Kansas, Boston etc.) and lovers of the harder-edged Heavy Metal (AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Motorhead). Though occasionally criticized for refusing to play requested tracks not to his personal liking (i.e. Kiss were rarely featured on the Soundhouse turntable), Kay did have a knack for instantly recognising quality rock music.
Without Kay's prolific technical support, heavy metal in its resultant form may never have emerged, but because he has only recently moved into broadcasting, he is virtually unknown outside of rock circles. However the rock club he founded, the SOUNDHOUSE, now with its own website, continues to be a strong forum for rock fans.
Neal Kay has recently re-emerged onto the live music scene; appearing on live internet radio station TOTAL ROCK on the last saturday of each month at 6 pm; also he hosts an annual reunion of 'Bandwagon' and 'Soundhouse' faithful. A full and informative website providing up to date news, a vast in-depth history of Neal Kay's heavy Metal Soundhouse, a lively forum and comprehensive photo gallery resides at the soundhouse website.
