Singers, Hookers & Thieves

The song "Singers, Hookers & Thieves" from Ron Keel's 2014 album Metal Cowboy is a standout track that blends country and rock with a tongue-in-cheek narrative. According to a review by Simone, The Metal Mistress, on rockposer.com, the song is distinctly non-metal, leaning heavily into a country vibe with a playful storytelling style. It features a duet with Paul Shortino, known for his work with Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot, adding a rich vocal dynamic to the track. Keel himself wrote the entire Metal Cowboy album, and this song is noted for its collaboration with notable musicians like Frank Hannon of Tesla and Brent Muscat of Faster Pussycat, as mentioned in a review on Soil Chronicles. A post on Keel's Patreon highlights a live studio version of another track from the album, suggesting Keel's preference for raw, one-take recordings, which likely influenced the authentic feel of "Singers, Hookers & Thieves."

In a 2022 interview with VWMusic, Keel described his musical philosophy, which resonates with the song's genre-blending spirit. He emphasized his commitment to creating music on his own terms, combining his hard rock roots with southern rock and country influences. The song's title and lyrics reflect Keel's storytelling prowess, drawing from his diverse experiences in both metal and country scenes. A review on Maximum Volume Music praises the track for its "no little skill" and country flair, noting its appeal to fans open to genre experimentation. Keel's Facebook and Instagram often share behind-the-scenes glimpses of his performances, where he engages with fans about tracks like this, reinforcing his connection with his audience, whom he calls #Keelaholics.

Ron Keel began his musical journey in Tennessee with a band called Lust, laying the foundation for his versatile career. As detailed on his official website and Wikipedia, he relocated his Nashville-based band Steeler to Los Angeles in 1981, quickly becoming a staple in the Southern California music scene. Signing with Shrapnel Records in 1983, Steeler released their self-titled debut album, featuring Yngwie Malmsteen, which marked Keel's entry into the heavy metal spotlight. His brief stint with Black Sabbath in 1984, recording demos before parting ways due to creative differences, showcased his vocal prowess. Keel then formed the band Keel, producing hits like "The Right to Rock" under the guidance of KISS's Gene Simmons, as noted on his X account, where he often reflects on his career milestones.

In the 1990s, Keel reinvented himself as Ronnie Lee Keel, embracing country music and releasing the album Western Country in 1995. He fronted The Rat'lers, touring U.S. military bases in Europe, and wrote songs for major films and TV shows like X-Files and King of the Hill. His return to heavy metal in 1997 with Saber Tiger and the formation of IronHorse in 2000, blending country and southern rock, demonstrated his genre fluidity. Keel's autobiography, Even Keel: Life On The Streets Of Rock N Roll, published in 2014 alongside Metal Cowboy, chronicles his journey, as highlighted on his Facebook. His Vimeo and YouTube channels offer fans visual insights into his performances and career.

Fans of Ron Keel, known as #Keelaholics, connect through various platforms. His Patreon serves as a modern fan club, offering exclusive content and VIP access. The Ron Keel Band Facebook page is a hub for updates and fan interactions, while Instagram showcases live performance snippets. On X, Keel engages directly with followers, sharing tour dates and music releases. Fan-driven communities include the Ron Keel Band Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other supporters discuss his music, including tracks like "Singers, Hookers & Thieves." His label, RFK Media, also supports emerging artists, reflecting Keel's ongoing influence in the music industry.