The iconic hard rock band KINGDOM COME has officially debuted a powerful new track, tentatively titled "Payback’s A Bitch," during a electrifying performance on July 12 at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan. This pivotal live showcase marks a significant moment for the band, not only by introducing fresh material but also by solidifying its revitalized lineup featuring original guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, alongside bassist Johnny B. Frank. Joining this veteran core are the dynamic vocal talents of Ezekiel "Zeke" Kaplan and the driving force of drummer Matt Muckle, signaling a robust continuation of the KINGDOM COME legacy.
The emergence of "Payback’s A Bitch" from the live stage follows recent pronouncements from within the band about their creative output. Matt Muckle, in a candid interview with Doc Rock’s Metal Shop 101, detailed the band’s ambitious plans for new music. "We have three [new songs] finished right now," Muckle stated, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "We’re gonna probably release a single every few months, I think. And the first single’s called ‘Payback’s A Bitch.’ It’s banging. It’s a banger." This strategic approach to releasing new material as singles suggests a deliberate effort to maintain momentum and engage fans with consistent content. Muckle further elaborated on the anticipated release of "Payback’s A Bitch," indicating an end-of-summer or early September timeframe, contingent on the completion of mastering and final mixing. "If you like rock and roll, then you’re gonna like it," he confidently asserted, underscoring the band’s commitment to their signature sound.
A New Voice Emerges: Zeke Kaplan’s Journey to KINGDOM COME
The addition of Ezekiel "Zeke" Kaplan to KINGDOM COME represents a crucial chapter in the band’s recent history. Kaplan, a vocalist with a deep appreciation for classic rock, shared the serendipitous nature of his recruitment in a September 2024 conversation with Big Talk Nation. His journey began in December 2023 when an acquaintance, who had connections within KINGDOM COME, reached out to him. Recognizing the band’s search for a new frontman, the acquaintance believed Kaplan’s vocal abilities would be an ideal match. This led to an impromptu audition scheduled for the very next day with the band’s management and members.
Kaplan recounted the pressure of the situation, having to learn the KINGDOM COME classic "Get It On" on the spot. Following a jam session where they performed several songs, the band quickly expressed their conviction that Kaplan was their chosen vocalist. "And it just kind of went from there," Kaplan explained. "My first show with them was in March of [2024]." This rapid integration into the band highlights the immediate chemistry and shared vision that emerged.
Honoring the Legacy, Forging a New Path
Kaplan’s familiarity with KINGDOM COME stems from his extensive experience working in record stores, where he encountered the band’s distinctive album artwork and their foundational sound. He acknowledged the classic status of the band’s first two albums, noting that while he was familiar with the singles, he delved deeper into their catalog to prepare for his role. "I learned that it’s really, really cool, original classic rock-sounding stuff at a time when everyone was really cheesy, and they were kind of just very blues-oriented," he observed.
His vocal approach draws heavily from his upbringing, influenced by legendary rock vocalists like Roger Daltrey of THE WHO and Robert Plant of LED ZEPPELIN. Kaplan admitted the challenge of emulating original KINGDOM COME singer Lenny Wolf’s vocal range, which he described as "insanely difficult" and surpassing even that of Robert Plant. Despite the formidable vocal demands, Kaplan expressed his dedication to honoring the band’s sonic heritage. "I don’t know. I think I’m doing an okay job," he humbly stated.
The Road to Revival: A Chronology of Change
The current iteration of KINGDOM COME has been actively touring and re-establishing their presence on the live circuit. Their inaugural performances with Kaplan and Muckle took place on March 15, 2024, at The Lamp Theater in Irwin, Pennsylvania, followed by a show on March 16, 2024, at The Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio. The response from KINGDOM COME’s dedicated fanbase to these initial outings has been overwhelmingly positive.
"I have had really, really great feedback. I’m very happy with the feedback," Kaplan shared, reflecting on the fan reception. "There’s been a lot of YouTube videos on the return of KINGDOM COME. And I’ve been reached out to a lot saying that this is the best that the band has sounded since the olden days with Lenny. So, certainly, it’s a good ego boost. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished and how we sound after only a number of months of rehearsals and kind of really quickly getting the ball rolling." This enthusiastic endorsement from fans suggests that the new lineup has successfully recaptured the spirit and musical prowess that defined KINGDOM COME’s early success.
Building the New Foundation: From Auditions to the Stage
The search for a new frontman began in August 2023, as detailed by drummer Matt Muckle in a February 2024 interview with "The Pennsylvania Rock Show." The band embarked on an extensive audition process, evaluating numerous vocalists. Muckle described the challenging yet ultimately rewarding search, highlighting the discovery of Zeke Kaplan. He lauded Kaplan’s vocal style, comparing him to a potent blend of John Corabi during Mötley Crüe’s "Hooligan’s Holiday" era and Tom Keifer of Cinderella, with the added advantage of playing rhythm guitar. "He’s just an animal," Muckle enthused, while also acknowledging the indelible mark left by original singer Lenny Wolf. "No one will ever replace Lenny, ’cause he was the best singer, to me, as a kid. When I had KINGDOM COME posters on my walls, I just knew he was special, man. I knew that dude was no joke. I think he’s one of the best rock singers that ever walked on stage, in my opinion. But this new dude is killing it. We’re super excited."
Navigating Transitions: The Departure of Keith St John and the Passing of James Kottak
The current formation of KINGDOM COME follows a period of significant transition. In February 2024, vocalist Keith St John announced his departure after a five-year tenure with the band. St John had joined KINGDOM COME in 2018, stepping in after original frontman Lenny Wolf opted not to participate in the band’s reunion. The reunion at that time also included drummer James Kottak, along with Stag, Steier, and Frank.
St John’s exit occurred shortly after the tragic passing of drummer James Kottak, who died at the age of 61 on January 9, 2024. Kottak’s death sent ripples through the rock community, given his extensive career with bands like the SCORPIONS, WARRANT, and DIO, as well as his own project KRUNK. Kottak had been open about his struggles with alcoholism. Prior to his death, KINGDOM COME had utilized Blas Elias of SLAUGHTER as their drummer for the majority of shows in the preceding eighteen months due to Kottak’s declining health.
A New Digital Frontier and Statement of Intent
In February 2024, Stag, Steier, and Frank launched a new official website, kingdomcomerockband.com, signaling their intent to continue under the KINGDOM COME banner with the addition of Kaplan and Muckle. The band issued a statement regarding their parting ways with Keith St John, attributing the decision to St John’s need to focus on his other musical commitments, including BURNING RAIN, "Raiding The Rock Vault," and his solo projects. The statement expressed sincere well wishes and gratitude for St John’s contributions to the band’s reformation in 2018.
Details surrounding James Kottak’s passing were limited at the time of the announcement, with his daughter Tobi confirming his death in Louisville, Kentucky. Kottak’s musical legacy extended beyond his drumming prowess; he also sang lead vocals and played guitar in the 1990s band KRUNK. His personal life included a marriage to Athena Lee, sister of MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee, from 1996 to 2010.
The Enduring Appeal of KINGDOM COME’s Sound
KINGDOM COME, known for their blues-infused hard rock sound that often drew comparisons to LED ZEPPELIN, has maintained a dedicated following since their inception in the late 1980s. The band’s initial success was propelled by their debut album, Kingdom Come, released in 1988, which spawned the hit single "What Love Can Do." Their subsequent albums, including In Your Face (1989) and Hands of Time (1991), further cemented their reputation as purveyors of authentic, riff-driven rock.
The current revitalized lineup, with the introduction of Zeke Kaplan and Matt Muckle, appears poised to build upon this rich musical heritage. The live debut of "Payback’s A Bitch" is a clear indication of the band’s commitment to creating new music that resonates with their established sound while potentially pushing sonic boundaries. The strategic release of singles and the positive reception from fans suggest that KINGDOM COME is embarking on a promising new chapter, ready to deliver their signature brand of hard rock to audiences old and new. The band’s renewed energy and creative output, coupled with the strong foundation of original members, position them for a significant impact in the contemporary rock landscape. The anticipation for the official single release of "Payback’s A Bitch" and future new material is palpable, marking an exciting period for the enduring legacy of KINGDOM COME.
