|
BulletBoys: Formation
The BulletBoys began as a collection of talented musicians from other
bands. Coming from the ranks of King Kobra and Ratt, the BulletBoys
were able to quickly capture the attention of music fans around the
world. Frontman Marq Torien emerged as one of the most underrated vocalists
of the era. Guitarist Mick Sweda and drummer Jimmy D’Anda formed
the core of the BulletBoys.
The BulletBoys formed
in 1988 at the very peak of the Los Angeles Glam Metal movement. With
record companies constantly on the lookout for new talent, the BulletBoys
had a pedigree that most bands would kill for. Unlike the other Glam
Rockers of the day, the BulletBoys were more of a combination of Hard
Rock and Blues than pure Hair Metal. BulletBoys’ comparison to
the likes of Aerosmith and especially Van Halen brought talent scouts
running. It took little time for the BulletBoys to receive their first
major label contract.
BulletBoys: Self-Titled
Debut Album
The self-titled debut BulletBoys was destined to be an instant success.
Hard Rock guru Ted Templeman was there to produce BulletBoys. Ted Templeman
had previously engineered the works of Van Halen, Van Morrison, David
Lee Roth, and other classic bands. Seen as a hit maker, Templeman and
the BulletBoys were a natural fit. The BulletBoys were also on a label
that specialized in their brand of Hard Rock.
The BulletBoys album
dropped in 1988. Single “Hard as a Rock” became a fan favorite
and was a hard-driving track. The thumping rock was continued with “Kissin’
Kitty” and “F#9”. Escaping the trends of most bands
of the era, the BulletBoys did not include a power ballad on their album.
Instead, BulletBoys kept the Rock and Blues coming with hit single “Smooth
Up in Ya”. Cover of the old Blues song “For the Love of
Money” was another hit. The BulletBoys established themselves
as the leaders of Party Rock.
Lead singer Marq
Torien quickly drew comparisons to David Lee Roth. Not only did they
share similar vocal styles, but Marq Torien also brought the crazy energy
and showmanship of Diamond Dave to live audiences every night. With
the success of BulletBoys, the band secured a coveted touring spot opening
for Bon Jovi. Other tours paired the BulletBoys with Ozzy Osbourne and
eventually led to huge headlining tours. The hits and tour led to BulletBoys
going platinum.
BulletBoys: Freakshow
The long touring schedule kept the BulletBoys from the recording studio
for years. The harsh years of never-ending shows took a toll on Marq
Torien’s voice, and he had to rest before the BulletBoys could
complete their second album, 1991’s Freakshow. Keeping the driving
Hard Rock alive and with Marq Torien’s banshee screams in full
force, the BulletBoys were officially back. “Talk to Your Daughter”
became a radio and fan favorite. “Thrill That Kills” and
“Hang on St. Christopher” were also big-time favorites and
could be heard bursting from car stereos all over the country.
After another busy
tour schedule, the BulletBoys entered the studio to record Za-Za in
1993. Za-Za was packed with a wide variety of music that touched everything
from power ballads to party themes. “Slow and Easy” became
a popular song off of the album. The effect of grunge and internal strife
pushed the BulletBoys apart and all of the founding members left except
for Marq Torien.
BulletBoys: Future
& Rock The Bayou
The BulletBoys continued to tour and release records through the Grunge
era and past the Nu-Metal era. Greatest Hits: Burning Cats and Amputees
reunited the BulletBoys’ original lineup temporarily in 2000.
The 2007 release Behind the Orange Curtain was well received by critics
and fans. The BulletBoys will light a huge audience on fire when they
head to Houston, Texas for the first-ever Rock The Bayou. Rock The Bayou
will be a four day festival spanning all of Labor Day Weekend from August
29-September 1, 2008.
BulletBoys: Greatest
Hits
* “Hard as
A Rock” from the BulletBoys album
* “Kissin’ Kitty” from the BulletBoys album
* “F#9” from the BulletBoys album
* “Smooth Up in Ya” from the BulletBoys album
* “For the Love of Money” from the BulletBoys album
* “Freakshow” from the Freakshow album
* “Thrill That Kills” from the Freakshow album
* “Talk to Your Daughter” from the Freakshow album
* “Hang on St. Christopher” from the Freakshow album
* “Slow and Easy” from the Za-Za album
|