HERO was a Californian Rock act centred on Toronto born guitarist Neil Citron. HERO comprised former HOLLYWOOD STARS singer Scott Phares (having replaced original singer Gary), Citron, second guitarist Mike Houle, keyboard player Cue Houle and drummer Jeff Jones. Notably, prior to Phares enrolling, DAVID LEE ROTH requested an audition with the band. HERO's major label debut for RCA subsidiary 20th Century Records, produced by Michael Lloyd, was recorded when Citron was just seventeen. An early 80s line-up would include former ARMAGEDDON vocalist David Donato, bassist Mike Christie and drummer J.R. Saenz. This version of the group evolved into HEAD SHAKER. A later, unnamed, studio project, recording demos with Andy Johns acting as producer, involved Donato, Citron, Saenz and former DEEP PURPLE star GLENN HUGHES.

Donato would enjoy a brief burst of publicity when he joined the ranks of BLACK SABBATH in 1985. He subsequently forged WHITE TIGER with guitarist Mark Norton (a.k.a. 'Mark St. John) of KISS repute.

In 1989 KISS drummer PETER CRISS assembled a new act entitled KEEP working with Michael McDonald, ex-707 guitarist Kevin Russell and bassist Joey Mudarri. 'Michael McDonald' was apparently a pseudonym for David Donato. In later years Neil Citron worked with symphonic Rock diva LANA LANE on a succession of albums.

A solo career for Citron proved lucrative. Besides being engaged as a composer for major movie scores, Citron also composed the W.A.S.P. track 'Scream Until You Like It'. Notably, Citron played an integral role in the production of the Tom Hanks movie 'That Thing You Do', not only recording all the soundtrack's guitar parts but also coaching the actors for their onscreen performances.

Citron was announced as having joined QUIET RIOT in February 2006.