Axe hails from the southern rock capital of the world, Jacksonville, Florida - the state that brought you Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, .38 Special and Tom Petty.  Axe were part of the 'biker metal' or 'boogie rock' sub genre of southern rock, which featured such bands as the Godz, the Boyzz and Doc Holliday on the 'biker' side, with Foghat and Spider on the other.  Axe, like their musical brethren in Point Blank, were just one of those bands that failed to make a .38 Special styled crossover to widespread mainstream success.

Fronted by vocalist Edgar Riley, they signed to MCA, issuing an eponymous debut in '79 and a sophomore effort in 1981, Living on the Edge.  It was their third album, 1982's Offering, that became the bands biggest seller - thanks to the FM hit "Rock n' Roll Party in the Streets."  Although they followed with another hit, "I Think I'll Remember You Tonight," from 1983's Nemesis, their bright future was darkened by the car related death of vocalist Edgar Riley.

Guitarist, main songwriter Bobby Barth quickly found work with Blackfoot - known for their hit "Train, Train" - on their 1984 album Verticle Smiles and 87's Rick Medlocke and Blackfoot.  While working in Blackfoot, Barth issued a solo album in 1986 on Atco - the old home of Axe - entitled Two Hearts, One Beat.  In 1989, Barth recruited Andy Parker of UFO -a band also known for their 'big' hits, "Doctor, Doctor," and "Too Hot to Handle" - for a reformed version of Axe.