Liverpool AOR act TORINO gained a few column inches upon their arrival into the world for boasting ex-ROX guitarist Paul Diamond (a.k.a. Paul Hopwood) on bass. Formed in 1984 as STRANGEHEART and then GRAN TORINO, the Scouse outfit debuted with a two track demo produced by former RAGE guitarist Mick Devonport and recorded with original bassist Steve Perry and guitarist Colin Guthrie. The group released a further seven track demo and then a two track effort produced by Steve Morris, landing a deal with the Wolverhampton based FM Revolver label.

As the band became TORINO, Diamond joined the band in April 1987, following a brief period spent working with JAILBAIT in a pre-DARE and TEN era VINNY BURNS, along with new guitarist Barry McKeown. The group signed to FM Revolver and recorded the 'Customized' debut album in a mere two weeks, with EXPORT guitarist Steve Morris producing. It was released in 1988.

A second record appeared in on FM Revolver during 1989 entitled 'Rock It', by which time Paul Diamond had departed, being replaced by former GRAN TORINO member and ex-TOKYO bassist Stephan James. A second guitarist in Sheffield native Simon Peters had also been added to the ranks.

Following the release of the album, Fox was replaced by former LARRAKIN vocalist TONY O'HORA, although with TORINO's demise O'Hora joined Thrashers ONSLAUGHT. Post TORINO, Brian Dixon formed CONTAGIOUS in 1991, recording an impressive demo tape and playing club gigs in Liverpool and Nottingham before the band split. After a stint with CAPRICE, Dixon auditioned for Doom giants CATHEDRAL and promptly got the job.

O'Hora would post ONSLAUGHT join HIGHWIRE then NWoBHM veterans PRAYING MANTIS and release a solo album credited to HORA-KANE. By 2003 O'Hora was fronting fabled 70s Glamsters SWEET. Taking up the bass guitar, O'Hora enrolled with London act STATETROOPER in 2004. TORINO reformed for a one off appearance at the September 2004 'Z Rock' festival in Liverpool.

TONY O'HORA issued his debut album, 'Escape Into The Sun', through the Italian Frontiers label in January 2006. Acting as guitarist and producer for the project would be Swedish Magnus Karlsson of STARBREAKER and RUSSELL ALLEN / JORN LANDE repute.