D'Molls

Last updated
D'Moll
Also known asThe Chicago Molls (1984)
Origin Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres Heavy metal, [1] glam metal [2]
Years active1984-1991, 2018 - Present
Labels Atlantic, FnA Records, Valley of Fire
MembersDesi Rexx (vocals, guitar)
Jonni Lightfoot (bass, vocals)
Van Christensen (drums, vocals)
Mick James (lead guitar, vocals)
Past membersLizzy Valentine
S. Scot Priest
Billy Dior
Sean Freehill
Jim Bashaw

D'Molls is an American heavy metal and glam metal band. Featuring lead vocalist/guitarist Desi Rexx, bassist Lizzy Valentine, guitarist S. S. Priest, and drummer Billy Dior, [3] the band signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records in the 1980s.

Contents

History

Billy McCarthy, a drummer from Chicago, played with the bands Kid Rocker [4] and the Screamin' Mimis. After trying his luck in Los Angeles for five years, McCarthy came back to Chicago in 1984, changed his name to Billy Dior, [4] and founded The Chicago Molls together with Desi Rexx and Lizzy Valentine. [5] The band played hard rock and glam rock. After rehearsing for about a year and performing in The Limelight nightclub in the style of the New York Dolls —even sporting lingerie [4] —the band later toned down this approach [6] when they relocated to Los Angeles at Dior's urging; he found the city to be the best place to pursue a recording contract. [5] Guitarist S. Scot ("S.S.") Priest was still under contract with his other band Diamond Rexx, so he could not follow the band there, [7] and instead was replaced by Sean Freehill. [8]

Two weeks after arriving in Los Angeles, while the band was recording demos in a recording studio, they decided to have a few drinks at a pub down the street. There, they met two girls who were friends with an A&R person, and brought the girls back to the studio with them. When the A&R person came looking for the girls, the bandmates played their demos for him. Although seemingly disinterested at first, he agreed to try and get them a recording contract. Eight months later, the band, now under the name D'Molls, signed a contract with Atlantic Records, [5] with Priest rejoining the band at this time. [7] Two years later, they released their debut album, D'Molls. [5] The video for "777" received some airplay on MTV, but album sales failed to prosper. [9] In 1990, the band released their second and final album on the Atlantic label, Warped. [5] [7] Featuring tracks "Real Love" and "Father Time", it combined simple sounding musical patterns with varying beat speeds. [10] However, vocalist Rexx quit D'Molls and joined The David Lee Roth Band before the album's promotion campaign even got off the ground, [11] and the group disbanded shortly thereafter. [9] They did not release another album until 1996, when Delinquent Records featured the group's third and final album, Beyond D'Valley Of D'Molls, which featured three live tracks as well as previously unreleased studio recordings. There also exists a best of compilation CD, The Best of Everything, which came out in 2007. In 2011 Rexx released Desi Rexx's D'Moll's "D'Sides" on FnA Records. [4]

Dior and Valentine permanently left D'Molls in 1990 after the band officially disbanded.[ citation needed ]

In 2004, Dior published a thriller novel under his birth name, Billy McCarthy, The Devil of Shakespeare, [12] inspired in part by his experiences with the band and the 1980s Los Angeles glam rock scene. [4] In 2015, he sued Poison for copyright infringement on several Poison hit songs, including, "Talk Dirty To Me," for which the band failed to credit him as co-writer. Dior had played with Poison guitarist C.C. Deville when both were members of Kid Rocker and Screamin' Mimis. Poison ultimately settled with Dior out of court for an undeclared sum. In 2017, McCarthy published his sophomore effort at writing, Beat Me Till I'm Famous, [4] [13] an autobiographical memoir of his experience as a professional musician in the 1980s, most of which covers the entire D'Molls story.McCarthy is the executive producer of Ferocious Drummers, a feature documentary on legendary drummers due in 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

=

Former members

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York Dolls</span> American rock band

New York Dolls were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1971. Along with the Velvet Underground and the Stooges, they were one of the first bands of the early punk rock scenes. Although the band never achieved much commercial success and their original line-up fell apart quickly, the band's first two albums—New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974)—became among the most popular cult records in rock. The line-up at this time consisted of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, guitarist and pianist Sylvain Sylvain, and drummer Jerry Nolan; the latter two had replaced Rick Rivets and Billy Murcia, respectively, in 1972. On stage, they donned an androgynous wardrobe, wearing high heels, eccentric hats, satin, makeup, spandex, and dresses. Nolan described the group in 1974 as "the Dead End Kids of today".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poison (band)</span> American glam metal band

Poison is an American glam metal band formed in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 1983. The most successful incarnation of the band consists of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Bret Michaels, drummer Rikki Rockett, bassist Bobby Dall and lead guitarist C.C. DeVille. The band achieved huge commercial success in the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s and sold over 40 million records and DVDs worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hanoi Rocks</span> Finnish rock band

Hanoi Rocks were a Finnish rock band formed in 1979. They were the first Finnish band to chart in the UK and they were also popular in Japan. By 1984, the band was considered to be on the verge of an international breakthrough when they released their first major label album for CBS and headed for their first US tour. The tour was however cut short when their drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley died in a drunk driving incident with Vince Neil behind the wheel in December 1984. The band never recovered from the loss and announced their split in June 1985. After their initial break-up, lead singer Michael Monroe became the first Finnish artist to chart on the American Billboard 200 in 1989. Monroe and original lead guitarist Andy McCoy reunited in 2001 with a new lineup that lasted until 2009. Although musically closer to traditional rock n' roll and punk, Hanoi Rocks has been cited as a major influence in the glam metal genre for bands such as Guns N' Roses, Skid Row and Poison.

Frehley's Comet was an American rock band formed and led by ex-Kiss lead guitarist Ace Frehley. The group released two studio albums and one live EP before Frehley left the band to release his 1989 solo album, Trouble Walkin'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britny Fox</span> American glam metal band

Britny Fox was an American glam metal band from the Philadelphia area, initially active from 1985 to 1992 then subsequently reforming from 2000 to 2003, again in 2006 to 2008 and final time reforming in 2015 to 2016. They are best known for their music video for "Girlschool" and their minor hit "Long Way to Love". Bassist Billy Childs has been the only band member to be a part of each of the band's many lineups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinderella (band)</span> American rock band

Cinderella was an American rock band formed in the suburbs of Philadelphia in 1983. The band emerged in the mid-1980s with a series of multi-platinum studio albums and hit singles whose music videos received heavy MTV rotation and popularity. Cinderella initially had a glam metal sound throughout the late 1980s before shifting into a more blues rock-based sound during the early to mid 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jani Lane</span> American rock singer (1964–2011)

Jani Lane was an American singer and the lead vocalist, frontman, lyricist and main songwriter for the glam metal band Warrant. From Hollywood, California, the band experienced success from 1989 to 1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. Lane left Warrant in 2004 and again in 2008 after a brief reunion. Lane also released a solo album, Back Down to One, in 2003, and the album Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner with a new group, Saints of the Underground, in 2008. Lane contributed lead vocals and songwriting to various projects throughout his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lizzy Borden (band)</span> American heavy metal band

Lizzy Borden is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. To date, the band has charted on the Billboard 200 four times. Lizzy Borden is eponymous of the band's lead vocalist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Monroe</span> Finnish rock musician

Matti Antero Kristian Fagerholm, better known by his stage name Michael Monroe, is a Finnish rock musician who rose to fame as the vocalist and saxophonist for the glam punk band Hanoi Rocks, and has served as the frontman for all-star side projects, such as Demolition 23 and Jerusalem Slim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enuff Z'Nuff</span> American glam metal band

Enuff Z'Nuff is an American glam rock band from Blue Island, Illinois, founded by singer Donnie Vie and bassist Chip Z'Nuff. The band charted two times on the US Hot 100; "Fly High Michelle" (#47) and "New Thing" (#67).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steelheart</span> American glam metal band

Steelheart is an American glam metal band from Norwalk, Connecticut, that formed in 1989. At the time that their debut was recorded, the band's members consisted of vocalist Miljenko Matijevic, lead guitarist Chris Risola, rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo, bassist James Ward and the now deceased drummer John Fowler. The current lineup contains Miljenko Matijevic, Mike Humbert, Joe Pessia and James Ward.

<i>A Little Aint Enough</i> 1991 studio album by David Lee Roth

A Little Ain't Enough is the third full-length studio album by David Lee Roth, released on January 15, 1991, through Warner Music Group. It was certified gold on April 11, 1991. Produced by Bob Rock, the album featured the lead guitar work of Jason Becker, a then up-and-coming guitarist who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis a week after joining the band. He managed to finish recording the album, but was unable to tour in support of the album, as his condition left him with little strength in his hands.

<i>Under the Influence</i> (Warrant album) 2001 studio album by Warrant

Under the Influence is the sixth studio album by American rock band Warrant released in 2001. The album is a covers album with two original new tracks, "Face" and "Sub Human". The album is the last to feature vocalist Jani Lane, as the band's next release - Born Again features Black 'n Blue vocalist Jaime St. James.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock City Angels</span> Former rock band from Florida, United States

Rock City Angels was an American rock band from Florida. They found only limited success, and are perhaps best known for having Johnny Depp as a guitarist before he pursued his acting career.

London is an American glam metal band formed in Hollywood, California in 1978. The band included several members that would go on to play in more famous bands, such as Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, W.A.S.P. and Cinderella.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talk Dirty to Me</span> 1987 single by Poison

"Talk Dirty to Me" is a single from American glam metal band Poison. Released on February 18, 1987, it was the second single from their debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In. The song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's first top 40 hit in the United States and establishing Poison as one of the top-selling rock acts of the decade.

Tuff is an American glam metal band formed in 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona by guitarist Jorge Manos (DeSaint) and bassist Todd Chaisson (Chase). The initial incarnation of Tuff was prior to taking on its "Glam" image, and the music was significantly "heavier". This little documented line-up played in the local Phoenix market for roughly a year, at such clubs as Rockers and Bootlegger, opening for various National Acts, including Flotsam and Jetsam.

Diamond Rexx is an American heavy metal / glam metal band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1985 by singer Nasti Habits and guitarist Scott St. Lust.

Stephen M. Perry, who used the stage name Lizzie Grey, was an American musician. He is perhaps best known for his membership as a guitarist in the heavy metal band London and for co-writing the Mötley Crüe song "Public Enemy #1". From 1990 until his death in 2019, he performed with the glam rock band Spiders & Snakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Dee (musician)</span> American heavy metal drummer

Johnny Dee is an American heavy metal drummer.

References

  1. ↑ "D'Molls – Artist Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  2. ↑ Popoff, Martin (2014). The Big Book of Hair Metal: The Illustrated Oral History of Heavy Metal's Debauched Decade. Voyageur Press. pp. 57, 83, 121, 182, 190. ISBN   978-0-76034-546-7.
  3. 1 2 Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 92. ISBN   0-85112-656-1.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "'Beat Me 'Til I'm Famous' is drummer Billy McCarthy's book filled with ghosts of '80s music". Chicago Tribune. 2018-02-02. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Popson, Tom (Aug 24, 1990) "Careers and Luck: Two Tales From Styx and D'Molls", Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  6. ↑ Darling, Cary (December 6, 1987) Headbangers' Haven: L.A. Plays Host to a New Generation of Glam and Speed-Metal Bands", Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 Caro, Mark (Nov 9, 1990) D'Molls Left Out as Game of Musical Chairs Continues, Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Sleaze Roxx: d'Molls". Archived from the original on 2012-02-06. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  9. 1 2 Harward, Randy. "R'Solved". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
  10. ↑ Miller, Glen (July 26, 1990) Recent Releases", Calgary Herald. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  11. ↑ Herrmann, Brenda (April 21, 1991) "Metal's Alloys: New Breed of Rockers Could Be Heavy Hitters", Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  12. ↑ Billy McCarthy (July 20, 2017). The Devil of Shakespeare. bENBELLA BOOKS/ipg Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN   978-1548898502.
  13. ↑ Billy McCarthy (July 20, 2017). Beat Me Till I'm Famous. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN   978-1548424251.
  14. ↑ "D'Molls Discography". Sprit-of-metal.com. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  15. ↑ "FnA Records: Desi Rexx - D'Molls D-sides". Fnarecords.net.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.