During Lillian Axe’s hiatus, Steve Blaze’s creativity and songwriting continued on and in 1995, Near Life Experience was born. The band would be fronted by Blaze and showcased his beautifully striking vocals, front and center. NLE’s repertoire, would consist of over 100 original songs, and would self release 3 demo CD’s and 2 official releases. The s/t Near Life Experience album and Day of Silver Sun album are still available for purchase on Amazon. You can also stream these albums.
Members have included:
- Founder, lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and songwriter, Keyboards, Strange Noises – Steve Blaze
- Guitar, Backing Vocals – Sam Poitevent
- Guitar, Backing Vocals, Keyboards – Richard Kendrick
- Guitar, Kemenche – Bob Bearden
- Bass – Paul Starnes
- Bass – Eric Morris
- Bass – Okie
- Drums – Craig Nunenmacher
- Drums – Rob Hovey
- Drums – Dennis Papaleo
Near Life Experience was an extraordinary force to be reckoned with, having opened for Godsmack, Deftones, Shinedown, Type O Negative, Lacuna Coil, Seven Mary Three, Skid Row, Quiet Riot, Ratt, S.O.D., Down, Jackyl, Wasp, and LA Guns. NLE’s members have collectively sold well over 1 million albums worldwide. The band had extensive media exposure with worldwide radio, internet, and print interviews. Notable major publications included Billboard, Metal Edge, Hit Parader, Creem, Kerrang, SPIN, Burrn!, and Rock Hard. Also notable is a wide variety of television exposure, including an ABC news story and live concert appearance on Louisiana Jukebox.
NLE’s solid foundation was built by constant touring and promotion and fueled by the desire of hungry fans who still hope for a reunion.
