Originating from New Jersey and growing up during the mid-1980s, KINGS HAREM emerged amidst the vibrant culture of shopping malls and hair bands. This era was a rich tapestry of music, musicians, and fashion, where being part of a band or associating with one was considered the pinnacle of cool. Rising alongside notable acts like Bon Jovi, Skid Row, and Trixter, KINGS HAREM gained local recognition, particularly through airplay on WSOU and WDHA, as their popularity surged at the dawn of the 1990s. Renowned for their high-energy stage performances, the band excelled at delivering unforgettable shows and was also known for hosting lively after-show gatherings, often preparing 5 to 10 pounds of pasta to feed their crew and guests. With a lineup composed mainly of Italian-American members, they were a group of local boys reveling in their musical journey.
KINGS HAREM was established in the spring of 1988 by founding members John Crisci, guitarist, and Jerry Capri, bassist, both of whom had been active in the Jersey club scene with various bands. Their paths crossed when John, a fresh music college graduate, responded to an ad in the 'Aquarian' where he met Jerry. The two quickly bonded and sought a drummer to join their jam sessions, which led them to Jon Orth, who was performing at a local club. During these sessions, Jon's close friend, keyboardist John Seput, was invited to participate.
The core of KINGS HAREM was formed through these early jam sessions, with John Crisci taking on lead vocal duties as the songwriting progressed. As the band honed their material and live performances, they recognized the need for a charismatic frontman. One night, while promoting a gig by distributing flyers, John Crisci encountered Ruben Gomez Kane at a local 7-Eleven coffee shop. Ruben, a former member of the pop band Menudo, was seeking a rock project, and he was invited to sing at an upcoming show. Their performance of Bad Company’s "Rock Steady" was a turning point, showcasing captivating vocals, powerful guitar hooks, and high-energy performances.
The lineup of KINGS HAREM includes:
Ruben Gomez - Lead Vocals and Backing Vocals: An international recording artist from Menudo, Ruben joined the band in 1991. John Crisci met him serendipitously at a Jersey 7-Eleven while getting coffee, unaware of Ruben's fame. Their friendship has endured since that day, and Ruben's solo career has expanded his musical reach, amassing a Facebook fan base of 75,000.
John Crisci - Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals: A graduate of William Paterson University in NJ, John has a decade of experience in jingle sessions, film soundtracks, production, and engineering. He emphasizes the band's commitment to stage performance and has played alongside many Jersey greats, including Ray Gillan of Badlands, fostering a close-knit community of musicians.
Jerry Capri - Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals: Known for his lead-guitar-like approach to the bass and charismatic stage presence, Jerry captivates audiences with his energetic performances. His background as a college radio DJ adds to his engaging persona.
Jon Orth - Drums, Percussion, and Backing Vocals: A versatile drummer, Jon's understanding of rhythm and song arrangement helps bind the group together. His extensive skill set allows him to adapt to any musical style, making him both a showman and a reliable friend.
John Seput - Keyboards and Backing Vocals: Another graduate of William Paterson University, John is a technical wizard who enhances the band's sound with his knowledge of tonal changes and complex chord progressions. His impressive keyboard skills often give KINGS HAREM a distinctive edge during their performances.
