W.A.S.P

It was during 1983 that Los Angeles shockrockers W.A.S.P. earned their reputation as a no-nonsense act with an unforgettable stage show. With outrageous costumes and over the-top antics, W.A.S.P. put on one of the most decadent shows ever. Unsigned at the time, bassist/vocalist Blackie Lawless, guitarists Chris Holmes and Randy Piper, and drummer Tony Richards had such a strong following that they were able to sell out venues like the 3,000-seat Santa Monica Civic Hall.

By 1984 W.A.S.P. signed with Capitol Records for what was at the time the largest signing advance ever given to any unsigned band. Produced by Mike Varney and Blackie Lawless, W.A.S.P.'s self-titled debut album was released on August 17th, 1984 and reached #74 on the Billboard album chart.

Shortly after the debut albums' release, Tony Richards left and was replaced by drummer Steve Riley. W.A.S.P. then embarked on their first world tour but their reputation had preceded them. Initial dates in Ireland were canceled. In England, promoters tried to get the band to sign agreements promising not to torture anyone, release rats, or throw raw meat at the audience!

Meanwhile, the debut album acheived Gold status in the U.S. and eventually sold more than one million copies worldwide

SINGLES RELEASED OFF W.A.S.P. - W.A.S.P.

Animal (Re-mastered)	I Wanna Be Somebody	L.O.V.E. Machine	School Daze