Although the band came and went in the wink of an eye, they're members had actually been active for a number of years, even rubbing musical shoulders with several prestigious outfits during the 70's, including Tom Petty's Mudcrutch and cult hard rock act White Witch. The big break came with the formation of Fortress yet, sadly, through no fault of their own, success failed to materialise. Based in Los Angeles, the band attracted the ears of Freddie Piro a producer who had already made a big splash recording the progressive rock band Ambrosia. Prio's Fortress demos attracted the attention of Atlantic Records who promptly signed them, resulting in 'Hands In The Till', one of the most impressive heavy and melodic rock albums of the early 80s, attracting eager comparisons to the likes of Journey, Roadmaster, Foreigner and Boston. Sadly, like many other stunning examples, changes in the hierarchy at their label put paid to their dreams.