Origins in the L.A. Metal Scene
One of the most notorious bands to emerge was W.A.S.P., a group known as much for their theatrics and controversy as their music. In the early 1980s, Los Angeles was the epi-center of a heavy metal explosion. Clubs like the Whisky a Go Go and The Troubadour were launching pads for a new generation of rockers. I guess at the time you needed to stand out as there were already a lot of very good bands getting established, a heap of bands newer bands clawing at their feet and unfortunately a whole bunch of bands that never got established, despite being good enough to really make some waves.
Founded in 1982 by Blackie Lawless (born Steven Duren), W.A.S.P. fused the shock-rock influences of Alice Cooper with the raw power of heavy metal. Lawless had previously played in bands like Sister and Killer Kane, the fomer was actually with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe.
Well nobody really knows what W.A.S.P. is actually short for. Though never confirmed by Blackie Lawless, fans suggested acronyms like “We Are Sexual Perverts” and “We Are Satan’s Preachers.” “White Anglo Saxon Prodestants” were a few that were thrown around to my memory, but of course Lawless kept the mystery alive, refusing to clarify, which only added to the band’s allure. Maybe he just felt the need to throw in a few dots around the place? Who knows?
The First Lineup
The classic W.A.S.P. lineup included Blackie Lawless on vocals and bass, Chris Holmes on lead guitar, Randy Piper on rhythm guitar, and Tony Richards on drums. Holmes’ wild image and aggressive guitar work and super macho onstage presence helped define the band’s image and chaotic live energy.
Early shows in L.A. were spectacles—complete with buzzsaw codpieces, blood, and slabs of raw meat thrown into the crowd. These stunts made them notorious and quickly built a cult following. Underlying all this was the fact the band really could play. Blackie Lawless already had an amazing voice before the first album was recorded and everyone in the band was re at least competant to quite skilled in regards to musical talent and songwriting ability.
Signing a Record Deal and First Releases
W.A.S.P.’s raw energy and the publicity shitstorm that no doubt would have followed them around, led to a record deal after the 1983 release of their debut single, “Animal (F*** Like a Beast)”. The song, banned in the U.S. for its explicit content, was released in the UK by Music for Nations and became an underground sensation.
In 1984, they signed with Capitol Records and released their self-titled debut album. Featuring tracks like “I Wanna Be Somebody” and “L.O.V.E. Machine”, the record blended catchy hooks with heavy riffs and aggressive themes. The album charted on the Billboard 200 and marked the start of W.A.S.P.’s mainstream breakthrough.
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For a more complete review of W.A.S.P.’s album WASP be sure to read our review here |
Controversy and the PMRC
In 1985, W.A.S.P. became a key target of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), an organization pushing for music censorship. Their track “Animal (F*** Like a Beast)” was one of the first to receive attention from the PMRC’s “Filthy Fifteen” list.
Blackie Lawless was vocal in his opposition to censorship, often calling out the PMRC in interviews. Ironically, the controversy only increased their popularity among teens who saw W.A.S.P. as a rebellious force against establishment control.
Touring and Rise to Fame
Following their debut, W.A.S.P. embarked on a global tour, opening for acts like Iron Maiden. Their elaborate stage shows—complete with fire, props, and shocking visuals (of course along with very well written songs) earned them a reputation as one of the most thrilling live bands in the metal world.
With their unique blend of shock rock, social commentary, and glam-infused metal, W.A.S.P. carved out a distinct identity in the 1980s music scene. Their early years set the foundation for a career that would span decades and challenge norms every step of the way.
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