Previously known as HOOKER, with a line-up of guitarists Nick Burr and Tim Jones, bassist Geoff Curtis and drummer Mike Fisher, this Gloucester Hard Rock quartet adopted the title of IDOL RICH during 1984. Adding new singer Lee Silver (a.k.a. Lee Doherty), the group promptly recorded the self-financed, four track 'Working Girls' EP which, despite the cheapness of its appearance gained IDOL RICH a good deal of attention from magazines such as 'Kerrang!' and 'Metal Forces'. The record also quickly sold out of the number allotted to then London Rock specialist store 'Shades'.

Despite the support IDOL RICH failed to get the major labels to bite and, in late 1986, Geoff Curtis quit to join GRIM REAPER; his position quickly being filled by former PERSIAN RISK bassist Nick Hughes. Lee Silver was superseded in 1986 by ex-FAY WRAY singer MARK THOMPSON-SMITH before he parted company the following year and was replaced former TOBRUK frontman Snake (a.k.a. Stuart Neale). Another former TOBRUK member soon joined Snake in the ranks when Mike Fisher was ousted in favour drummer Eddie Fincher. The ousted Silver forged the short-lived SHOCK PROMISE in alliance with ex-CLOVEN HOOF and DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS guitarist Mick Grafton.

IDOL RICH persevered but, following a support tour to BERNIE TORMÉ, the band split in 1988, with Nick Burr and Tim Jones joining PASSION, the band assembled by ex-JAGGED EDGE members vocalist Rob Armitage, bassist Billy Kulke and drummer Steve Hopgood. This act would prove high profile but short-lived.

Burr later recorded demos for MIDNIGHT BLUE before joining KILLERS then becoming a member of LIONSHEART. In early 1999 Burr was still working with LIONSHEART vocalist Steve Grimmett in another new band project. Lee Silver later fronted LOVE AND WAR with ex-MARSHALL LAW bassist Malcolm Gould whilst his successor Thompson-Smith joined FLIGHT 16 and PRAYING MANTIS (for an EP and tour of Japan) and issued solo product. Snake emerged in an early incarnation of THE WILDHEARTS. Hughes later featured as bassist for an OZZY OSBOURNE tribute band WIZARDS OF OZ.

Snake passed away from congestive heart failure on December 20th 2006.