Ray Gillen was a talented and charismatic rock singer who rose to fame in the 1980s with bands like Black Sabbath, Badlands, and Phenomena. He had a powerful voice and a versatile style that could handle hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal. However, his promising career was cut short by a deadly disease that he kept secret from the public until his final days. This article will explore the life, music, and death of Ray Gillen, and how he is remembered by his fans and peers.
## Early Life and Career
Ray Gillen was born on May 12, 1959, in New York City, but was raised in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. He was an only child and started singing while in high school. He played the New Jersey club circuit with various bands, including Quest, F-66, Savage, and Harlette. In 1985, he joined Bobby Rondinelli’s band, Rondinelli, and recorded an album called Wardance.
In 1986, he got his big break when he was hired by Black Sabbath to replace Glenn Hughes, who had lost his voice due to a fist-fight. Gillen toured with the band for the Seventh Star album, and impressed the fans and critics with his vocal performance. He also recorded the next album, The Eternal Idol, with Black Sabbath, but left the band before it was released due to management and financial issues. His vocals were replaced by Tony Martin, but some of his recordings were later released as bonus tracks on the 2010 deluxe edition of the album.
## Badlands and Phenomena
After leaving Black Sabbath, Gillen joined forces with former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee to form a new band called Badlands. The band also featured bassist Greg Chaisson and drummer Eric Singer, who had also played with Black Sabbath. Badlands released their self-titled debut album in 1989, which was well-received by the fans and critics. The album featured a blend of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, and showcased Gillen’s vocal range and emotion. Some of the notable songs from the album include High Wire, Dreams in the Dark, Winter’s Call, and Rumblin’ Train.
Badlands also recorded two more albums, Voodoo Highway and Dusk, but faced several problems along the way. The band had conflicts with their record label, Atlantic Records, who wanted them to change their musical direction and image. The band also had internal tensions, especially between Gillen and Lee, who had different visions for the band. Gillen also struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, which affected his health and performance. He eventually left the band in 1992, and was replaced by singer John West.
During his time with Badlands, Gillen also participated in another project called Phenomena, which was a concept album series created by producer Tom Galley and his brother, guitarist Mel Galley. Gillen sang on four tracks on the third album, Dream Runner, which was released in 1987. He also appeared in the music video for the song Did It All For Love, although he did not sing on that track.
## Final Years and Death
After leaving Badlands, Gillen tried to form a new band with guitarist Al Romano, bassist Mike Sciotto, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. The band was called Sun Red Sun, and recorded some demos in 1993. However, the band never released an official album, and Gillen’s health deteriorated rapidly.
Gillen had contracted HIV in the late 1980s, but kept his condition a secret from the public and most of his friends and family. He did not seek proper medical treatment, and continued to abuse drugs and alcohol. He also had several relationships with women, some of whom he infected with the virus. He was sued by one of his former girlfriends, who claimed that he had knowingly exposed her to HIV.
Gillen died from AIDS-related complications in a New York hospital on December 1, 1993, at the age of 34. His death was announced by his former bandmate, Greg Chaisson, who also revealed that Gillen had AIDS. His death shocked and saddened the rock community, and many of his fans and peers paid tribute to him.
## Legacy and Influence
Ray Gillen is widely regarded as one of the best rock singers of his generation, and one of the most underrated and overlooked. His voice was powerful, expressive, and versatile, and he could sing with passion and soul. He influenced many singers who came after him, such as Jorn Lande, Russell Allen, and Jeff Scott Soto. He is also remembered for his charisma and stage presence, and his ability to connect with the audience.
Gillen’s music lives on through his recordings with Black Sabbath, Badlands, Phenomena, and Sun Red Sun, which have been reissued and remastered over the years. His fans also cherish his live performances, which are available on bootlegs and videos. His former bandmates have also honored him by playing his songs and dedicating albums to him.
Ray Gillen was a rock star who had it all: talent, fame, and success. But he also had a dark side that led him to his downfall: addiction, disease, and secrecy. He died too young, and left behind a legacy of music and mystery. He was a tragic hero, and a legend in his own right.
