New Music: '89

Formed in 1989 in Spokane, Washington, Champagne Alley is a hard rock band rooted in the grit, attitude, and ambition of the late-’80s American club scene. Founded by guitarist Mike Lane and drummer Karl Bingle, the band quickly became a staple of the Inland Northwest music circuit, bringing high-energy performances to iconic local venues like The Big Dipper and Gatsby’s.

The classic lineup—featuring Brian “Swave” Stevens on vocals and Fred Potts on bass—captured the band’s early sound on Basement Heroes, a release that showcased their blend of driving riffs, melodic hooks, and barroom swagger. As the band evolved, lineup changes led to a second chapter and the release of City of Pain, further cementing Champagne Alley’s place in Spokane’s rock landscape.

Like many bands of the era, Champagne Alley’s trajectory intersected with a changing musical climate. After Lane’s move to Seattle and several lineup shifts, the band played its final show in 1993 at Riverfront Park, closing the book on its original run.

Three decades later, that story found a new chapter.

Reuniting after 30 years, Lane and Bingle brought Champagne Alley back to life with a renewed creative energy and a modern edge. The current lineup features powerhouse vocalist Tony Malson (State Line Empire, The Devil in California), along with Rachel Pitts on backing vocals, adding depth and dynamism to the band’s sound.

Since their return, Champagne Alley has released a steady stream of new music, including singles like Lipstick and Whiskey, The Devil You Know, Vamonos, A.I. May I, Gimme a Reason, 1989, and Silence. These tracks blend the band’s hard rock roots with contemporary production and songwriting, proving that time away has only sharpened their edge.

From the alleyways of Spokane to a renewed presence in the digital era, Champagne Alley is a band that never lost its identity—only gained perspective.

Here’s to shooting for the stars, collecting scars, and raising a glass to rock & roll.

Karl started taking guitar lessons at age 6 but switched to drums at age 7. From age 10-14 he also took private violin lessons and continued with private drum lessons. This led to a strong musical foundation and early exposure to performing with school groups and city orchestra. Karl studied Music Production at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and also under Alan Parsons, best known for his work at Abbey Road Studios (EMI) with The Beatles and as engineer/producer of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon".

After playing in a number of bands through the 1970's and '80's, Karl and Mike crossed paths in the late 1980's which became the foundation of Champagne Alley. As the two were rehearsing in a rented storage space in the Spokane Valley, they bounced around ideas for a band name. Sharing wine coolers in the alley between the units, they agreed that "One day, we'll be drinking Champagne in this Alley". And the rest, as they say, is history.

Karl is currently living in Pawleys Island, South Carolina and owns Mission Control Studios.  He has recorded over 50 albums and continues to work as a musician, engineer and producer. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS aka "The Grammys") and a voting member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES). His work has been featured world wide on networks including HBO, Discovery Channel, History Channel, and independent films. Karl also owns and operates the Indi record label Mission Control Records and the Internet Radio station Mission Control Radio. 

Mike Lane’s life changed forever on March 20, 1984—the day he attended his first rock concert at the Boone Street Barn. The headliner was an iconic British heavy metal singer, but Mike was there for the opening act: four badasses from Los Angeles called Mötley Crüe. From that moment on, playing rock and roll mattered a whole lot more than football or baseball.

The following week, Mike bought a $30 pawnshop guitar and rented a tiny Peavey practice amp from Hoffman Music in Spokane Valley. His playing style draws heavily from legends like Angus Young, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. At the same time, his father filled their home with the sounds of Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings, giving Mike an ear for country that still influences his approach today.

In the early ’90s, Mike wrote, recorded, and performed with Champagne Alley while also contributing guitar work to several Spokane-area radio commercials. He eventually left the band to pursue opportunities in the Seattle music scene, returning two years later to reunite with Karl for Champagne Alley’s final performance.

After stepping away from the music industry, Mike continued to play while building a full life—getting married, raising a daughter, and establishing a successful career. Now retired, he spends as much time as possible on Lake Chelan aboard his 25-foot pontoon party barge, appropriately named “Motley Cruise.”

When he’s not on the water, Mike is still doing what started it all—playing guitar—currently performing with Whisky Trail, an award-winning classic rock cover band.