W.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P. is an American heavy metal band of the 1980s, initially consisting of Blackie Lawless, Chris Holmes, Randy Piper and Tony Richards. They initially became famous for their raunchy live shows and their early single, entitled "Fuck Like A Beast". They signed to Capitol Records for their debut LP, W.A.S.P. in 1984 (1984 in music). "L.O.V.E. Machine" and "I Wanna Be Somebody" helped the album sell well, and set the band up for "Blind in Texas" (off The Last Command from 1985). The band became a target of the Parents Music Resource Center, an organization led by Tipper Gore and dedicated to opposing violent and sexual lyrics. The publicity helped sales greatly, though PMRC's efforts were unsuccessful.
The later 1980s saw the band's fortunes dwindle swiftly and the band effectively disbanded in 1989 (1989 in music). Mainman Blackie Lawless started to work on a solo project, but felt that the result sounded so much like WASP that he finally released it as a WASP album. Ironically, many critics feel that this album ("The Crimson Idol") has been the best WASP output so far. Chris Holmes returned to WASP in 1996 and left again in 2002.
In April 2004 WASP released the first part of "The Neon God", a concept album about an abused and orphaned boy who finds that he has the ability to read and manipulate people. The second part is due to be released in September 2004.
Current Band Members
Former Band Members
- Tony Richards - Drums & Vocals
- Johnny Rod - Bass Guitar and Vocals
- Frankie Banali - Drums & Percussion
- Stet Howland - Drums, Vocals & Percussion
- Chris Holmes - Lead and Rhythm Guitarist
- Randy Piper - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
- Steve Riley - Drums & Vocals
- Bob Kulick - Lead Guitarist
- Doug Blair - Guitarist
Trivia
- The band can be seen briefly in the movie "The Dungeonmaster" (1985) about an evil wizard.
- WASP contributed "Scream Until You Like It" for the horror film
