Hero

A Danish hard rock group known for its aggressive, yet melodic sound, Hero released one acclaimed LP in 1986 before ceasing operations just two years later. Founded in 1984 in the small town of Kalundborg, Hero featured the talents of guitarists Johnny Thomas and Peter Fernando, vocalist Steen Larsen, drummer Michael Fast, keyboardist Bo Brinck, and bassist Rik Jensen. The band went from regional favorites to countrywide stars shortly after forming, sharing stages in Copenhagen with the likes of Nazareth and Cinderella. Hero inked a deal with Vertigo in 1986 and decamped to the studio with producer Nils Henriksen. They emerged shortly after that with an eponymous debut that hewed closely to the NWOBHM-inspired hard rock of contemporaries like Def Leppard, TNT, and fellow countrymen Pretty Maids. The LP elicited acclaim both at home and abroad, but the group's momentum was cut short after the death of frontman Steen Larsen, who took his own life in 1987. Hero conscripted singer Kenny Lübcke to take his place, but the band elected to call it quits the following year.
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