Hailing from Norwalk, CT, Steelheart was one of the very last hair metal bands to score a hit with a power ballad, just before Nirvana and their ilk exterminated the genre completely. Originally called Red Alert, the quartet (which included singer Michael Matijevic, guitarist Chris Risola, bassist James Ward, and drummer Frank Dicostanzo) spent most of the decade playing the tri-state area and honing their act. After years of hard work, the band finally secured a record deal with MCA, and changed their name to Steelheart.