Icon

Icon is an American hard rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, that emerged during the peak of the glam metal movement in the early 1980s. Formed in 1979 as The Schoolboys, the band rebranded as Icon and signed to Capitol Records, releasing their self-titled debut in 1984.

Their sound is characterized by a high-fidelity blend of heavy metal aggression and melodic rock sensibility, often compared to contemporaries like Dokken or Ratt but with a distinct emphasis on dual-guitar harmonies provided by Dan Wexler and John Aquilino. Their second album, 'Night of the Crime' (1985), is widely regarded by genre aficionados as a cult classic of melodic hard rock, featuring production by legendary engineer Eddie Kramer. Despite critical acclaim and a strong regional following, the band faced lineup changes, most notably the departure of original vocalist Stephen Clifford, which hampered their commercial momentum. They represent a bridge between the traditional heavy metal of the late 70s and the highly polished AOR-influenced glam metal of the late 80s. The band's legacy persists among collectors of 'hair metal' rarities and fans of technical guitar work.