Winger was formed in 1987 by Kip Winger after he did some backing vocals on Twisted Sister’s fifth album Love Is for Suckers. Kip Winger was a former member of Alice Cooper’s band as was lead guitarist Reb Beach, who also worked on the Love Is for Suckers album. Paul Taylor was also a natural recruit for Winger, having also played with Alice Cooper’s band. To round out the line up, they recruited former Dixie Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein. The band initially wanted to call themselves “Sahara,” but since the name was taken by another band, the group chose the name Winger. The name “Sahara” can still be seen on the cover of their first album. It was Alice Cooper who suggested the group call itself Winger (using Kip’s last name).
Winger – Winger (1988)
Band
Kip Winger – bass guitar, string arrangements, vocals
Reb Beach – guitars, vocals
Rod Morgenstein – drums, vocals
Paul Taylor – keyboards, vocals
