MODERN DESIGN, founded by former Buffalo, New York native and former CHEATER and BANG BANG guitarist Ronnie Mancuso, did not issue any product this early 80's Los Angeles club band made quite an impact due to its erstwhile members activities.

MODERN DESIGN's original vocalist Louie Merlino and bass player Dana Strum had both been members of late 70s act BADAXE that band breaking up as Strum teamed up with OZZY OSBOURNE.

Merlino would relocate back to New York and was replaced by MARK FREE, already at that stage a veteran of acts such as MAXX BONE, CHOKE, SKY BLUE and HOWARD HUZE. During 1979 Free and Mancuso, together with guitarist Mike Bruman, bassist Ron Murray and HOWARD HUZE drummer Joey DiPompei had created the band known as LICKS. Following one solitary gig in September 1979 at the legendary Starwood club in Hollywood the group folded. 1980 found Free fronting KID AMERICA but by June of 1981 he was ready to reunite with his former HOWARD HUZE band mates Mancuso and DiPompei with LICKS man Ron Murray to forge MODERN DESIGN.

Mancuso graciously suggested Free team up with former VANILLA FUDGE drummer CARMINE APPICE for a proposed touring line up of D.N.A. However, following Appice's touring sojourn with OZZY OSBOURNE, this union resulted in Appice's KING KOBRA. During 1984 Strum, Mancuso and DiPompei featured as session players and singwriters on the DANNY SPANOS album 'Looks Like Trouble'.

Strum and ex NITRO drummer BOBBY ROCK formed the rhythm section for VINNIE VINCENT INVASION, led by ex KISS guitarist Vincent Cusano. Strum later forged the platinum status act SLAUGHTER.

Mancuso reunited with Merlino to create BEGGARS & THIEVES. Mancuso also laid down guitars on VANILLA FUDGE's comeback album 'Mystery'.

Post KING KOBRA Free would be involved with SIGNAL, BLUE MURDER, BLACK ROSES and UNRULY CHILD and literally re-invent himself as a mortgage banker. It would not be the only change fans would witness as 'he' also became a woman wishing to be known as MARCIE FREE.

Rock was to join NELSON and issue a 1996 solo album 'Out Of Body'.