M.A.R.S.

This short-lived UK heavy rock supergroup project was assembled in 1987. Featuring Tony MacAlpine (guitar), Tommy Aldridge (drums), Robert Rock (vocals) and Rudi Sarzo (bass), their collective pedigrees promised more than they delivered. Produced by Mike Varney, their sole album would have been indistinguishable from Vinnie Moore’s, Tony MacAlpine’s, Marty Friedman’s, Jason Becker’s or Greg Howe’s instrumental sets, were it not for the additional vocals of Rock. Project Driver clearly lacked identity, with the all-too transparent influences of Yngwie Malmsteen and Rainbow unbalancing the collection. The band dissolved soon after the release, with Sarzo and Aldridge joining Whitesnake, Rock taking over vocals in Joshua and MacAlpine resuming his solo career.