Chris Risola

Chris Risola (born June 30, 1958) is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the original lead guitarist for the glam metal band Steelheart.

Career Risola first started playing guitar at age 13. In high school, he studied music theory and formed numerous bands. They were signed to MCA Records in 1990 and the name of the band was then changed to Steelheart. Risola played on the first two Steelheart albums, Steelheart and Tangled in Reins. His solos focused on hard blues, rock, speed, tapping and harmonies with rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo.

Steelheart released their self-titled debut album in 1990. It sold 33,000 copies on its first day in Japan alone, and quickly hit platinum status. The album peaked at #40 on Billboard's Top 200 albums listing.