Grammy Award-winning bassist David Ellefson is closing out the year with a nostalgic yet fresh take on Donnie Iris’ 1980s radio hit, “Ah! Leah!” With an all-star lineup, including Chip Z’nuff (Enuff Z’nuff) and Stephen Shareaux (Kik Tracee) on vocals, Drew Fortier (The Lucid) on guitar, and Paolo Caridi on drums, Ellefson brings a modern twist to the unforgettable classic. The revamped track is now available on all digital platforms can be streamed below.
Ellefson’s rendition of “Ah! Leah!” is a tribute to the creative explosion of the early 1980s, where rock and alternative sounds collided to create timeless hits. The track captures the original’s haunting beauty while infusing it with a modern edge, blending pop-rock melodies with a metallic punch that echoes Ellefson’s musical roots.
Ellefson shared his excitement about the project:
“The skinny tie alternative rock movement of the early ’80s was such a fun and creative era for music. ‘Ah! Leah!’ was not only a massive FM radio hit; it’s a hauntingly beautiful song with an unforgettable melody and lyric. Alongside acts like Aldo Nova, The Greg Kihn Band, Joe Jackson, and The Cars, this was a transformative time for rock music that shaped me as a young musician. This rendition brings together an amazingly talented group of friends and musicians to create a really cool version of this classic, setting a creative tone for the holiday season!”
Chip Z’nuff also commented on the collaboration:
“Anytime I get the opportunity to work with heavyweights on a classic 1980s hit, I sonically attack with as much reflection and intent as possible. David Ellefson picked an incendiary track with Donnie Iris’ Ah! Leah!, which is the perfect combination of pop meets metal in 2025!”
The track’s production is helmed by Ellefson and Drew Fortier, with mixing by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Recording Studios in Wembley, U.K. Ellefson’s bass work was recorded by John Aquilino at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, AZ, ensuring the track is polished, high-quality reimagining of the beloved hit.
Fans of Ellefson can look forward to seeing him live on his Bass Warrior Tour in 2025, which will take him across Europe from March 6 to March 29. This tour promises a celebration of his stories career, featuring tracks from his illustrious history as well as his new projects.
For more details and ticket information, visit: www.basswarriourtour.com.
Experience the magic of “Ah! Leah!” like never before, reimagined by David Ellefson and his powerhouse collaborators. Stream it now and relive the magic of the 1980s with a bold, contemporary twist that bridges generations of rock fans.
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