Fire and Ice

The song "Fire and Ice" by Touch from their 2021 album Tomorrow Never Comes is a fiery track that captures the band's signature melodic hard rock sound. In a 2021 interview with Rockpages, lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Mangold shared that the song's lyrical inspiration came from the push-and-pull of intense relationships, blending passion with conflict, much like the elemental imagery of its title. He described the writing process as a late-night jam session where the band layered lush vocal harmonies over a driving guitar riff, aiming to evoke the energy of their early '80s performances. On Touch's official Facebook, they posted a behind-the-scenes clip of the recording, revealing that the song's iconic bridge was nearly cut but saved after drummer Glenn Kithcart insisted it was the "heart of the track." Fans on the Touch - AOR/Melodic Rock Fan Group have speculated that the song's outro solo was improvised on the spot, a claim Mangold playfully dodged confirming in a Q&A, saying, "Let's just say magic happens when you let the moment take over."

Touch began their journey in the late 1970s in New York City, a time when the rock scene was buzzing with creativity. Mark Mangold, a classically trained pianist with a knack for songwriting, formed the band after years of gigging in local clubs and collaborating with artists like Michael Bolton. According to a bio on their official website, Mangold recruited guitarist Craig Brooks, bassist Doug Howard, and drummer Glenn Kithcart, bonding over a shared love for bands like Journey and Styx. Their big break came with their 1980 self-titled debut album, released on Atco in the U.S. and Ariola in Europe, which spawned the hit single "Don't You Know What Love Is." The song's success landed them a spot as the first band to perform at the inaugural Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington in 1980, a milestone they still celebrate in posts on their Instagram. The band's lush harmonies and dynamic stage presence quickly earned them a cult following in the AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) scene.

Despite a hiatus in the mid-'80s, Touch reunited in the 2000s, driven by fan demand and their own passion for music. Their 2021 album Tomorrow Never Comes, which includes "Fire and Ice," marked a triumphant return, with critics praising its nod to their classic sound while embracing modern production. The band actively engages with fans through their X account, often sharing throwback photos and teasers for new music. Beyond their official channels, fans have created spaces like the Touch - AOR/Melodic Rock Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees trade vinyl finds, concert stories, and trivia about the band's discography. While no official fan websites exist, the group's legacy is kept alive through these community-driven platforms and their enduring presence in the melodic rock scene.