Hard Rock outfit formed in 1988 by former KEEL guitarist MARC FERRARI after recording demos with ex-LIZZY BORDEN guitarist Gene Allen, his new outfit originally used the moniker of FERRARI until the illustrious Italian Car manufacturer objected. The guitarist had also made his mark on celluloid, appearing in the hit comedy 'Wayne's World' in the fictional club band of actress Tia Carrere. The original band incarnation comprised Ferrari, ex-WAYSTED guitarist Eric Gamans, lead vocalist Jesse 'Oni' Logan, ex-LAST CHILD and WILD BUNCH bassist Marc Normand, who had been playing with a resurrected version of ANGEL, and drummer Anthony White. White had previously been in Los Angeles club bands JAG WIRE, CARRERA, HONEY and NO SUGAR. Before moving to Los Angeles he had recorded with the Las Vegas outfit X-CURSION alongside would be SLAUGHTER frontman Mark Slaughter. The quintet, with business affairs handled by Wendy Dio's Niji Management organisation, was signed as FERRARI to MCA Records. Shortly before signing Marc Normand was replaced by Chris McLernon. Apparently Ferrari had suggested McLernon take on the stage name 'Chris Thomas', this being leaked to the press, but this sobriquet was never adopted. Logan defected to ex-DOKKEN guitarist George Lynch's LYNCH MOB, on the very day COLD SWEAT was due to sign with MCA Records, necessitating the recruitment of new frontman. Many applicants auditioned, including Mike Stone (latter day QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist) and Ralph Saenz, before the band decided upon Rory Cathey. The new frontman had been located singing for a Florida covers band and had been persuaded to switch his real first name of Roy to 'Rory' for the occasion. Unable to use the FERRARI name, the band changed to CRYIN' SHAME. Unfortunately, they were unable to use this name as well and eventually chose COLD SWEAT and ensuring the use of a 'C.S.' logo that had already been designed for the debut album cover. The band's album, 'Breakout', was produced by Kevin Beamish at Sound City studios. Once these sessions were completed, COLD SWEAT took to road action in the USA, firstly opening for SAVATAGE in June then partnering with Dutch outfit SLEEZ BEEZ until August. Subsequent higher profile dates had the band packaged with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and headliners DIO. European dates included a spot at the 'Monsters of Rock' festival in Mannheim, Germany and a headliner at the Borderline Club in London. Returning to North American shows, COLD SWEAT undertook shows running through until November 1990 with support from Baltimore's CHILD'S PLAY. Despite this live campaign, and the issue of a promotional video for the track 'Let's Make Love Tonight', MCA Records promptly offloaded the band. Following the departure of Ferrari the outfit carried on briefly, going under the handle of SWEATING BULLETS. Billy D'Vette was hired in the guitarist's place but the band folded shortly afterward. Guitarist Erik Gamans sought to resurrect WAYSTED with legendary UFO bassist PETE WAY but this project floundered. Along with Cathey he would then hook up with the former BRUNETTE duo of bassist Jay Scott King and drummer Darek Thomas Cava to found PAIN SOCIETY. White and bassist McLernon teamed up with former BLACK N' BLUE men Tommy Thayer and Jaime St, James in the KISS tribute band COLD GIN playing the roles of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons respectively before McLernon relocated to Florida to join SAIGON KICK for a highly successful run. During 2002 vocalist Rory Cathey, using his real given name of Roy, unveiled his new, North Carolina based band project THE FIFTH. Copyright Musicdetector Websites 2009 Rock.