Introduction
Donald Christopher "D. C." Cooper (born August 22, 1965) is an American singer and musician.
Biography
He started out playing in several area bands and touring the local club circuit in Pittsburgh while he studied singing under renowned opera coach Charlotte Coleman. His first thrust into the international spotlight was as a finalist to be Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest. Having created a buzz at the auditions, he found himself with offers to sing for many European and American bands. He selected Royal Hunt after much deliberation and officially joined the band on December 26, 1994.
After 4 years with Royal Hunt, Cooper was suddenly and unexpectedly fired from the band, which he discovered by reading the announcement on their website. For his next project, a solo album that he began in 1998, he enlisted the help of musicians from many well known bands (among them guitarist Tore Østby of Conception, and members of Pink Cream 69). He released D. C. Cooper in 1999.
After a successful tour, Cooper formed a new band with former Sinner guitarist Alex Beyrodt called Silent Force. They have released four studio albums of their own. In 2012, Cooper made an announcement saying he was leaving the band and a new line-up was announced in 2013. Cooper was replaced by singer Michael Bormann.
When Cooper is not on tour, he can frequently be found volunteering as a firefighter in his home state of Pennsylvania. Cooper is married to Michelle Cooper, and has two sons, Clayton (b. 2003) and Carson (b. 2005).
DC Cooper has recorded guest vocals for Australian progressive metal act Voyager. In 2011 he rejoined Royal Hunt and performed on their Japan and Russia tour. Later the same year it was announced that Cooper will make a new record with the band.
Con 2016 DC Cooper Recorded lead vocales for the italiano banda [Derdian] for their álbum release "Revolution Era".
Discography
The Tung Bandits
- The Tung Bandits (album) (1990)
Solo album
- D. C. Cooper (1999)
Royal Hunt
- Far Away (EP) (1995)
- Moving Target (1995)
- 1996 (1996)
- Paradox (1997)
- Closing the Chapter (1998)
- The Best (1998)
- The Best Live (1998)
- Show Me How To Live (2011)
- A Life To Die For (2013)
- Devil's Dozen (2015)
Silent Force
- The Empire of Future (2000)
- Infatuator (2001)
- Worlds Apart (2004)
- Walk the Earth (2007)
Missa Mercuria
- Missa Mercuria (2002)
Amaran's Plight
- Voice In The Light (2007)
Guest appearances
| Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Victory | Voiceprint | 1996 |
| Shadow Gallery | Tyranny | 1998 |
| Explorer's Club | Age of Impact | 1998 |
| Pink Cream 69 | Electrified | 1998 |
| Rage | Unity | 2002 |
| Various Artists | Missa Mercuria | 2002 |
| Edenbridge | Aphelion | 2003 |
| Gary Hughes | Once and Future King Part II | 2003 |
| Dol Ammad | Ocean Dynamics | 2006 |
| Steel Seal | By the Power of Thunder | 2007 |
| Persephone's Dream | Pyre of Dreams | 2007 |
| Daniele Liverani's Genius: A Rock Opera | Episode 3: The Final Surprise | 2007 |
| Voyager | The Meaning Of I | 2011 |