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BulletBoys

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BulletBoys is an American hard rock/glam metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1987. The group's original lineup was composed of singer Marq Torien (formerly of Ratt, King Kobra, and Kagny & the Dirty Rats), guitarist Mick Sweda (formerly of King Kobra), bassist Lonnie Vencent (formerly of King Kobra), and drummer Jimmy D'Anda. The group released two successful albums and had a number of singles featured on MTV between 1988 and 1991. From the 1990s onward, the group went through numerous lineup changes, with Torien as the only consistent member. Their most recent album From Out of the Skies was released in 2018. The original lineup reunited for one-off shows in 2011 and 2019.

BulletBoys
BulletBoys performing in 2008; group leader Marq Torien at left
BulletBoys performing in 2008; group leader Marq Torien at left
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresHard rock,[1] glam metal[2]
Years active1987–1995, 1998–present
LabelsWarner Bros., Wounded Bird, Swordholio, Perris, Crash Music, Cleopatra, Deadline, Chavis
MembersMarq Torien
Ira Black
Brad Lang
Fred Aching
Past membersSee List of former members
Websitebulletboysofficial.com

The group were strongly influenced by AC/DC and Van Halen, with Torien drawing comparisons to Van Halen singer David Lee Roth.

History

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Platinum-selling artists BulletBoys were formed in 1987 in Los Angeles, California,[1] by former King Kobra members Marq Torien (also formerly of Ratt) on vocals, Mick Sweda on guitar, Lonnie Vencent on bass and Jimmy D'Anda on drums.[3] After signing a deal with Warner Bros., the group released their debut album BulletBoys in 1988 with the album peaking at number 34 on the Billboard 200.[4] The group released two singles, a cover of the classic O'Jays tune, "For the Love of Money" (which peaked at number 30 on the Mainstream Rock Chart[5] and number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100[5]), and "Smooth Up in Ya" (which peaked at number 23 on the Mainstream Rock Chart[5] and number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100[5]), with both receiving airplay on MTV.[1] They released their second album, Freakshow, in 1991; however, the album only peaked at number 69 on the Billboard 200.[4] The single "Hang On St. Christopher", a cover of the Tom Waits song, peaked at number 22 on the Mainstream Rock Chart.[5] The group released their final album with Warner Bros., titled Za-Za, a name suggested by D'Anda taken from The Godfather Part III character Joey Zasa,[6] in 1993, but it failed to chart, as well as the album's singles. Both Sweda and D'Anda left the group the same year.[7] The group continued and released Acid Monkey in 1995 through Swordholio/Perris Records however they disbanded soon after.

In 1998, the group reformed, with Torien and Vencent adding former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler and future Guns N' Roses guitarist DJ Ashba[8] briefly, with a tour of the US planned with Faster Pussycat, Bang Tango and Enuff Z'nuff.[8] In 1999, Ashba left the group to form Beautiful Creatures with Bang Tango singer Joe Lesté while Adler left also sometime after, going on to form Adler's Appetite in 2003.[9] A compilation album, titled Burning Cats and Amputees, was released in 2000, through Deadline Records.[10]

In 2002, Vencent was rumored to be involved in a tour of Europe with former Anthrax members Joey Belladonna, Dan Spitz and former W.A.S.P. drummer Stet Howland[11] while former drummer Jimmy D'Anda formed the group Zen Lunatic with John Corabi (formerly of The Scream and Mötley Crüe) and Stevo Bruno (formerly of Revel 8).[12] D'Anda went on to tour with George Lynch as part of Lynch Mob and opening up for Dio around the states during 2001.[citation needed] In 2009, D'Anda played drums for former Warrant singer Jani Lane doing shows in California, New Mexico and Nevada.[citation needed] In September 2010, Jimmy performed at the Groove Remains the Same, a tribute to John Bonham.[13]

The BulletBoys cover of The O'Jay's R&B song from 1973 entitled "For the Love of Money" appears briefly in the 2003 TV movie Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Three's Company'.[14]

Remaining members Torien and Vencent, released the group's fifth album (their first in seven years), titled Sophie, in 2003 which featured a guest appearance by former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach.[15] A tour was to follow, with L.A. Guns, however this was soon canceled after an incident with the group's bus driver.[16] Guitarist Keri Kelli, who was filling for Tracii Guns in L.A. Guns, performed with BulletBoys before leaving at the insistence of L.A. Guns drummer Steve Riley.[16] Jason Hook was briefly a member of BulletBoys during this time.[17] In 2004, Torien was in line to tour with Stephen Pearcy (formerly of Ratt), Joey Belladonna (formerly of Anthrax), Ron Keel (Keel, IronHorse) and Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Watchtower) as part of the "Bastards of Metal" tour. However, this tour never came to pass.[18]

In January 2006, the group was announced as support, along with Bang Tango, to Stephen Pearcy on his tour,[19] however they soon pulled out[20] while they performed at the Raven's Heart benefit concert, which featured members of Guns N' Roses, Queens of the Stone Age and Dio among others performing also.[21] Torien also announced that BulletBoys were to reunite and record a new album stating:

"In 2006 there will be a BulletBoys reunion and I wanted to let you know that on your show. The powers that be are working on it right now, so you will be seeing the BulletBoys out there. But, I wanted to let everyone out there know that we will be coming back out and that we are coming back out for our fans as well as for rock 'n' roll. But I don't really feel that I should be out there touring if I don't have anything new to offer to the musical community like a new fresh record. So that will be happening. A new BulletBoys record will be coming out this year. It's time to go at it and it's time to get it back together again..."[22]

Drummer Jimmy D'Anda stated that none of the original members were involved in the reunion album soon after,[23] while Torien stated that only D'Anda was "resistant to the idea" with the other former members (Sweda and Vincent) willing to return.[24] However, a reunion failed to materialize. BulletBoys went on to tour with the Tracii Guns-led L.A. Guns[25] and announced plans for a live album as well as an album of new material in 2007.[26] The group released the live album, titled Behind the Orange Curtain, on April 3, 2007, through Crash Music[27] while they were one of the confirmed acts for Rocklahoma in July of the same year.[28] Also in 2006, the song "Hard as a Rock" appeared briefly in the movie Beerfest.[29]

 
The band performing in 2009

In 2009, they released their sixth album, titled 10c Billionaire, on Chavis Records. The material was originally written in 2006[24] with plans, by Torien, for a new project using the same name.[24][30] However, they eventually released it under the BulletBoys moniker. In October, original bassist Lonnie Vincent returned to the group while guitarist Tony Marcus (XYZ, Arcade, Vicious Delite) was also added to the lineup[31] with a tour of the US announced soon after.[32]

In January 2010, the group was confirmed to play the Stockholm Rock Out Festival on April 30 of the same year.[33] In March, the song "Smooth Up In Ya" appeared briefly in the movie Hot Tub Time Machine.[29] In April, they were confirmed to play another Festival, Rock N America, that took place July 23–25.[34]

On August 28, 2011, former drummer Johnny Giosa died in a car accident in Los Angeles at the age of 42.[35]

On December 12, 2019, BulletBoys announced that their original lineup would be reuniting. The reunion kicked off with a hometown gig on December 30, 2019, at the Whisky a Go Go.[36] The reunion lasted until January 2022 when drummer Jimmy D'Anda and guitarist Mick Sweda left the band due to "toxicity" within the band.[37] The newest lineup of the band was announced shortly after, which would consist of guitarist Ira Black, bassist Brad Lang, and drummer Fred Aching, thus alleging original bassist Lonnie Vencent had also left the band.[38]

Musical style and influences

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According to AllMusic, BulletBoys' style was heavily influenced by AC/DC and Van Halen, before later taking a bluesier direction.[1] Vocalist Marq Torien has been compared to Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth.[1] In his review of the debut album, Oliver Klemm (Metal Hammer) also highlighted the similarity to AC/DC, which he considered striking.[39] An example of Van Halen similarity on the debut album is the track "Crank Me Up". According to Markus Baro (Break Out), passages of the follow-up album Freakshow also sound like Van Halen's Fair Warning.[40] In his book HAIRcyclopedia Vol. 1 – The Legends, Taylor T. Carlson said BulletBoys were "unfairly" described as Van Halen clones.[41] Werner Theurich, on the other hand, considers BulletBoys "quite rightly reviled as Van Halen clones".[42]

The band compared themselves to early Montrose and Van Halen, but more in terms of attitude than music.[43] However, the debut albums of both bands were the sonic model for the production, which is why Ted Templeman was chosen.[44] The blues was added because it increased the chances of being played on the radio.[45]

Personnel

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Current members

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  • Marq Torien – vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, congas (1987–present)
  • Ira Black – lead guitar (2022–present)
  • Brad Lang – bass (2022–present)
  • Fred Aching – drums (2022–present)

Former members

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  • Lonnie Vencent – bass, backing vocals (1987–2000, 2006, 2009–2014, 2019–2022)
  • Mick Sweda – lead guitar, backing vocals (1987–1993, 1999–2000, 2011, 2019–2022)
  • Jimmy D'Anda – drums, backing vocals (1987–1993, 1999–2000, 2011, 2019–2022)
  • Tommy Pittam – lead guitar (1993–1998)
  • Robby Karras – drums (1993–1998) (died 2012)
  • Tony Marcus – lead guitar (1993, 2009–2010)
  • DJ Ashba – lead guitar (1998–1999)
  • Steven Adler – drums (1998–1999)
  • Jason Hook – lead guitar (2000–2002)
  • Brent Fitz – drums (2000–2001)
  • Vik Foxx – drums (2000)
  • Scott Taylor – bass (2002–2006)
  • Keri Kelli – lead guitar (2002–2004)
  • Ryche Green – drums (2005–2010, 2012–2013)
  • Michael Thomas – lead guitar (2006, 2007–2008)
  • Scott Griffin – bass (2007)
  • Don "Dish" Bish – drums (2007)
  • Rob Lane – bass (2008–2009)
  • Tory Stoffregen – lead guitar (2009)
  • Nick Rozz – guitars (2010–2011, 2012–2019)
  • Troy Patrick Farrell – drums (2010–2011)
  • Johnny Giosa – drums (2010) (died 2011)
  • Chad MacDonald – bass, backing vocals (2011, 2014–2019)
  • Stephen Jude Mills – drums (2012–2014, 2015, 2019)
  • Shawn Duncan – drums (2014–2016, 2019)
  • Joaquin Revuelta – drums (2016–2018)
  • Anthony "Tiny" Biuso – drums (2018–2019)
  • Phil Varone – drums (2018)

Discography

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Studio albums

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Live albums

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Compilation albums

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Box sets

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  • The Warner Albums 1988–1993 (2021)

Singles

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Title Release Peak chart positions
US US
Main
"Smooth Up in Ya" 1989 71 23
"For the Love of Money" 78 30
"Hang On St. Christopher" 1990 — 22
"THC Groove" — —
"Talk to Your Daughter" 1991 — —
"Mine" 1993 — —
"Laughing with the Dead" — —
"Balls to the Wall" 2009 — —
"Road to Nowhere" — —
"Symphony" 2014 — —
"D-Evil" 2018 — —
"Holy Fuck" 2022 — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Huey, Steve. "Bulletboys Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016.
  2. ^ McPadden, Mike (September 23, 2015). "The Hair Metal 100: Ranking the '80s Greatest Glam Bands, Part 3". VH1. Viacom. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  3. ^ Credits section in the BulletBoys album (CD release) listing on Discog's.com, (accessed December 13, 2014).
  4. ^ a b "BulletBoys Album Charts". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d e "BulletBoys Singles Charts". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  6. ^ Za-Za (CD Booklet). BulletBoys. Warner Bros. Records. 1993.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ "Za-Za Review". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  8. ^ a b "Steven Adler Goes From Guns To Bullets While Ex-Guns Remain Active". MTV. Archived from the original on January 15, 2009. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  9. ^ "Former GUNS N' ROSES Drummer Chooses Name For New Project". Blabbermouth.net. March 1, 2003. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011.
  10. ^ Listing of Burning Cats and Amputees on Discogs.com, (accessed December 13, 2014).
  11. ^ "ANTHRAX Drummer Finds Black Metal Inspiration". Blabbermouth.net. March 5, 2002. Archived from the original on November 2, 2003.
  12. ^ "Ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE Singer Teams Up With BULLETBOYS Drummer In ZEN LUNATIC". Blabbermouth.net. July 11, 2002. Archived from the original on January 16, 2004.
  13. ^ Images from the event (2010) listing D'Anda (accessed December 13, 2014).
  14. ^ "For The Love of Money". Songfacts.com. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  15. ^ "BULLETBOYS: New Album To Include Guest Appearance By SEBASTIAN BACH". Blabbermouth.net. October 12, 2003. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  16. ^ a b "BULLETBOYS Cancel Tour". Blabbermouth.net. November 14, 2003. Archived from the original on December 7, 2005.
  17. ^ "BULLETBOYS Singer: We Were Drawing A Lot More People Than Headliners L.A. GUNS". Blabbermouth.net. January 26, 2004. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012.
  18. ^ "Former RATT, ANTHRAX Singers To Embark On 'Bastards Of Metal' Tour". Blabbermouth.net. September 10, 2004. Archived from the original on September 17, 2004.
  19. ^ "STEPHEN PEARCY, BULLETBOYS, BANG TANGO To Team Up For U.S. Tour". Blabbermouth.net. January 14, 2006. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012.
  20. ^ "BULLETBOYS Drop Off STEPHEN PEARCY's METAL IN AMERICA Tour". Blabbermouth.net. January 24, 2006. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  21. ^ "GUNS N' ROSES, DOKKEN, TYPE O NEGATIVE, QUIET RIOT Members To Perform At Benefit Concert". Blabbermouth.net. January 16, 2006. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012.
  22. ^ "BULLETBOYS Vocalist Announces Reunion Tour And New Album". Blabbermouth.net. January 22, 2006. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  23. ^ "Former BULLETBOYS Drummer Sets Record Straight About 'Reunion' Tour". Blabbermouth.net. January 23, 2006. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012.
  24. ^ a b c "Former BULLETBOYS 'Semi-Reunion' In The Works". Blabbermouth.net. July 26, 2006. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013.
  25. ^ "L.A. GUNS, BULLETBOYS: U.S. Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth.net. September 27, 2006. Archived from the original on October 11, 2009.
  26. ^ "BULLETBOYS Frontman: Live Album, 'Major' U.S. Tour, 'the Surrreal Life' Appearance In The Works". Blabbermouth.net. December 19, 2006. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  27. ^ "BULLETBOYS: 'Behind The Orange Curtain' Track Listing, Audio Sample Available". Blabbermouth.net. January 8, 2007. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012.
  28. ^ "ROCKLAHOMA Lineup Announced: POISON, RATT, VINCE NEIL, WARRANT Confirmed". Blabbermouth.net. March 27, 2007. Archived from the original on December 22, 2008.
  29. ^ a b "BulletBoys". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  30. ^ Suehs, Bob. "ROCK N ROLL EXPERIENCE – Bullet Boys Interview 2009!". Angelfire. Archived from the original on July 29, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  31. ^ "BULLETBOYS Rejoined By Bassist LONNIE VINCENT". Blabbermouth.net. October 27, 2009. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012.
  32. ^ "BULLETBOYS: New Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth.net. October 28, 2009. Archived from the original on November 1, 2009.
  33. ^ "VINCE NEIL Confirmed For Sweden's STOCKHOLM ROCK OUT Festival". Blabbermouth.net. January 31, 2010. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  34. ^ "SCORPIONS, TWISTED SISTER, RATT To Headline Oklahoma's ROCK N AMERICA Festival". Blabbermouth.net. April 1, 2010. Archived from the original on April 30, 2010.
  35. ^ "BulletBoys Drummer Johnny Giosa Dies in Car Accident". Noisecree.comp. August 29, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  36. ^ "It's Official: Original BULLETBOYS Lineup Reunites For More Than 50 Shows, New Music". Blabbermouth.net. December 12, 2019. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  37. ^ "BULLETBOYS Part Ways With Original Guitarist MICK SWEDA And Drummer JIMMY D'ANDA". Blabbermouth.net. January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  38. ^ "Eddie Trunk on Breakup of BulletBoys, "The band will continue to play RokIsland Fest 2022," NEW Lineup Revealed – Marq Torien". Full in Bloom. January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  39. ^ Oliver Klemm: BulletBoys. In: Metal Hammer/Crash. October 1988, p. 62 (in German).
  40. ^ Markus Baro: Bullet Boys. Freakshow. In: Break Out. May 1991, Ear Gear, p. 34 (in German).
  41. ^ Carlson, Taylor T. (2014). "BulletBoys". HAIRcyclopedia Vol. 1 – The Legends (3 ed.). Lulu.com. pp. 39 ff. ISBN 978-1-312-28618-4.
  42. ^ Werner Theurich: BulletBoys. Zaza [sic]. In: Musikexpress/Sounds. Nr. 450, July 1993, p. 64 (in German).
  43. ^ Markus Baro: Bullet Boys. Keine Böcke auf Kommerz. In: Break Out. May 1991, p. 36 f. (in German).
  44. ^ Oliver Klemm: BulletBoys. Scharfschützen. In: Metal Hammer/Crash. Nr. 20/1989, September 22, 1989, p. 84 f. (in German).
  45. ^ Das etwas andere Backstage-Interview: Marq und Mick (Bullet Boys) und Lita Ford. In: Metal Star. May 1991, Hollywood News, p. 16 (in German).
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