Wild Dogs

Wild Dogs is an American heavy metal band that got its start in Portland, Oregon, back in 1981. The original lineup included Jeff Mark, Danny Kurth, Matt McCourt, and Pete Holmes, with other notable members like Mick Zane and Jaime St. James joining the fold at different points. The band’s early days were shaped by local scenes and impromptu recording sessions—such as the now-classic “Born to Rock,” which helped them gain exposure on Portland radio and caught the attention of Shrapnel Records’ Mike Varney. Originally called DMZ, they became Wild Dogs after being inspired by two old hound dogs they’d see every day outside their rehearsal space.

Wild Dogs released several albums and live recordings between the 1980s and 2010s, blending classic heavy metal with power metal influences. Their discography includes fan favorites like “Man’s Best Friend,” “Reign of Terror,” and the live album “Live at the Roseland.” Over the years, members went on to play in other notable bands like Malice, Black ‘n Blue, and even Metal Church, but the Wild Dogs name has maintained a cult status among fans of old-school American metal.