It was formed in 1990, by former Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm, future Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, drummer Kevin Valentine of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, and bass player Bruce Turgon who later joined Foreigner with Gramm after the split of Shadow King.
[1] Although plans were made for a tour, they performed only once, at the Astoria Theatre in London, England, on December 13, 1991.
Shortly afterward, Vivian Campbell announced he was leaving Shadow King to join Def Leppard.
[1] Although replacements were considered, the band members eventually went their separate ways, with Gramm rejoining Foreigner in 1992 bringing in Turgon along with him.
Shadow King released their self-titled debut album on October 1, 1991, for Atlantic Records.