Hopewell, New Jersey: Born and raised in rural Hopewell, New Jersey.
The Bass Choice: Started playing bass at age 13. He chose the instrument strategically, noting, "Everyone wanted to play guitar or drums, so being a bass player, I could be in as many bands as I wanted to be in."
Pre-Riot Bands: Played in various local bands before joining the band Mistress in 1977.
Luthier Work (Pre-1980): During a difficult "disco era" for rock, he temporarily stepped away from performing and became a luthier, building acoustic guitars from scratch, showcasing his deep technical and craft-based connection to music.
Joining Riot (Spring 1980): Leming joined Riot, replacing Phil Feit, thus solidifying the band's "classic lineup." This lineup, at various times, included vocalists Guy Speranza and Rhett Forrester, guitarists Mark Reale and Rick Ventura, and drummer Sandy Slavin.
The Discography: His work provided the powerful, driving foundation for the band's transition into a full-fledged heavy metal force across his active years with Riot (1980–1984):
Fire Down Under (1981): This seminal album, recorded shortly after his arrival, cemented Riot's reputation and led to extensive European touring, including sharing the stage with Sammy Hagar.
Restless Breed (1982): Featured the introduction of new vocalist Rhett Forrester.
Riot Live (EP, 1982)
Born in America (1983)
Musical Impact: Leming's work is considered integral to the "classic" sound of Riot, providing the rhythmic stability necessary for the band's signature dual-guitar attack.
Touring Reality: He noted the financial reality of the time, stating, "Touring is the only money you make in rock and roll," to emphasize the intensity of their schedule.
Leming's work is considered integral to the "classic" sound of Riot, providing the rhythmic stability for the dual-guitar attack and the powerful vocals of Guy Speranza and Rhett Forrester.
Career Transition (Post-1984): Following the dissolution of this Riot lineup around 1984, Leming shifted careers into the automotive industry.
Automotive Success: Starting by washing cars at a repair shop, he built a successful, decades-long career as a mechanic, specializing in Mercedes-Benz, a job that required travel to the company's factories in Germany.
Current Status (As of 2018): The 2018 interview confirms that Kip Leming remains a Lady's Island resident in South Carolina and is still actively involved with music and sailing, continuing to discuss his time as a touring and recording artist.
Interview link:
