Platinum Blonde

Platinum Blonde was formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1982. The band’s classic lineup consisted of Mark Holmes on vocals and bass, Sergio Galli on guitar, and Chris Steffler on drums. This configuration was augmented in 1985 when Kenny MacLean joined as bassist, allowing Mark Holmes to focus solely on vocals. The band quickly gained recognition in the 1980s with singles such as “Standing in the Dark,” “Not in Love,” “Doesn’t Really Matter,” “Situation Critical,” and “Crying Over You.” Their debut full-length album, “Standing in the Dark,” released in 1983, sold over 200,000 copies in Canada, achieving double platinum certification.

By 1984, Platinum Blonde was one of Canada’s top-selling bands, second only to Rush. Their videos for “Standing in the Dark” and “Doesn’t Really Matter” were nominated for Video of the Year at the 1984 Juno Awards. The launch of MuchMusic in 1984 further expanded their audience. The band toured with Bryan Adams in 1983 and Billy Idol in 1984, also performing at New York City’s The Ritz with Dead or Alive. In 1985, their second album, “Alien Shores,” was released and sold over 500,000 copies, with the single “Crying Over You” becoming a #1 hit and earning a Gemini Award for best music video.

After a period of evolving sound, including the 1988 album “Contact” which integrated funk elements and featured guest musicians like Alex Lifeson of Rush, the band disbanded in 1989. However, the core members, Holmes, Galli, and Steffler, reunited in 2010. That same year, they were inducted into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame. On September 28, 2023, Platinum Blonde was further honored with an induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.