WASP

W.A.S.P. is and has always been the brainchild of Blackie Lawless. Formed in 1982, after both he and co-founder Randy Piper had taken a first run at Heavy Metal on a band called Sister Sister. Chris Holmes and Tony Richards. The band stayed in the bar scene until late 1983, when Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood saw the band live and was so impressed that he decided to get involved with them. This produced the signing of the band to Capitol Records. The first single from the band, “Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)” was not included in the first release on Capitol because it would have meant it banned from major stores. There were plans to release it in Europe only, packaged in a plastic bag with a warning sticker. In the end, it is through a one off deal with Music For Nations that the single gets released in its original format and packaging. In August the self-titled debut album is released. Just before the start of the British Tour, Tony Richards leaves the band. Ex-Keel drummer Steve Riley replaces him. After the 1985 release of their second album, the band continues to tour through the year, and it is until 1986, that they are faced with two major issues. First, Randy Piper leaves the band and is replaced by bassist Johnny Rod (King Kobra). Also, the P.M.R.C. (Parents' Music Resource Center) began to run a campaign against W.A.S.P. and Blackie, whom they called sick. The summer of 1986 saw the band in the studio recording their third release, and in September of that year, “Inside The Electric Circus” was released. Before the start of their European Tour, the band flies in a few days early to appear at the "Town and Country Club" for a BBC2 special called "Rock Around The Clock". Their usual grand finale with Blackie's codpiece exploding in a shower of sparks was deemed to be unsuitable and was not filmed or aired. Also around this time there were bomb threats at arenas were W.A.S.P were playing and Blackie had his life threatened by gunshots. The following year say the band touring and playing in many festivals. They were billed as fifth at the “Monsters of Rock” festival at Castle Donington. “Live…In The Raw” is released. The following year, a live version of “Animal…” is released by “Music For Nations”. The band goes in the studio to record their next album. Steve Riley leaves the band, and Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali fills in for the album recording sessions. Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heep) is added on keyboards. A tour is planned for start of1989; but it is postponed due to the inability of the band to find a suitable drummer. In May of that year, the tour gets under way, when Banali is free to join W.A.S.P. on stage. Rumors begin spreading that Chris Holmes is leaving the band. This is confirmed, along with news that Blackie is working on a rock opera to be entitled “The Crimson Idol”. The new opera is released in 1992, and the band tours extensively. Many changes in the lineup happen at this time, including Frankie Banali leaving and Johnny Rod being recruited for the tour to fill in the guitar work of Bob Kullick, who was only present for the studio sessions. After the “Monsters of Rock” in Castle Donington and a best of release, Lawless officially announces the dissolution of the band to pursue a solo career. The next release is billed as Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P. According to the man himself, it would not have been accurate to disassociate the band from such an album. There is no tour, but Blackie does personal appearances to promote the record. In 1997, the band is reinstated with the return of Chris Holmes, Stret Howland, and Mike Duda to the line up and the release of a new album. A deal is signed with CMC International Records and Lawless wins a court case, giving him control over the band’s back catalogue. The entire catalogue is released with B-sides and live performances included in the packages. Following albums and tours continue. In April 2001, W.A.S.P. puts together a Netcast show at the Key Club in Los Angeles. This show is broadcast all over the world via the Internet and marks a historic event for the band. The show is later compiled and released as an album entitled “The Sting”. In October, “Unholy Terror” was released. The album dealt with socio, religious, and political hypocrisy. The presence of charisma as one of the thematic targets of the songs precludes the future conception of “The Neon God”. In 2002, letters from soldiers fighting the Gulf War inspired Lawless and the group to create “Dying For The World”. Newcomer Darrell Roberts makes his first appearance in a studio recording after joining the band for the Unholy Terror U.S. Tour. The album is based on actual letters the band received from combatants in the war, and was triggered by the events of 9/11. The band canceled the U.S. tour for this album that was scheduled for fall 2002. They needed to concentrate efforts on the creation and conclusion of their next venture, a double album rock opera called “The Neon God” “The Neon God Part 1 – The Rise” was released in April 2004. The second installment, “The Neon God Part 2 – The Demise” saw the light on September 2004. Extensive touring has followed, as the albums have accumulated critical and fan acclaim.

Source : the-metal-head.com