Warrant

Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S. Genres Glam metal hard rock heavy metal Warrant is an American glam metal band formed in 1984 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, that experienced success from 1989 to 1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. The band first came into the national spotlight with their double platinum debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989) and one of its singles, "Heaven", which reached No. 1 in Rolling Stone and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] The band's success continued in the early 1990s with the double platinum album Cherry Pie (1990), which provided the hit song of the same name. Following the critically-acclaimed gold album Dog Eat Dog (1992), the band started to experience frequent changes to the line-up and despite the drop in popularity with the arrival of grunge, they released Ultraphobic in 1995 and a successful greatest hits album in 1996. The band also changed their musical direction with the release of the grunge-influenced Belly to Belly in 1996, but returned to their roots very quickly by the end of the decade. The band experienced highs and lows in the 2000s with successful tours, a new covers album Under the Influence, lead singer Jani Lane leaving, a new album called Born Again with Black 'n Blue singer Jaime St. James and a brief reunion of the original line up. In 2011, Jani Lane died of alcohol poisoning. As of 2024, the band is still recording music and performing, now with former Lynch Mob lead vocalist Robert Mason.

Early years (1984–1987) Warrant was formed in 1984[1] by high school drummer Max Asher (born Max Asher/Masursky), who also named the band. In addition to Asher, the original line-up included lead vocalist Adam Shore, guitarists Josh Lewis (born Josh Cohen) and Erik Turner, and bassist Chris Vincent, who was quickly replaced by Jerry Dixon. The band gigged all over California, opening for Hurricane, Ted Nugent, Stryper and Black 'n Blue among others. In September 1986, Shore and Asher quit to create Hot Wheelz. Later that month, Erik Turner was at a gig watching a band called Plain Jane who had become a regular feature in the Los Angeles club circuit, and, impressed by the band's songwriting and vocal performance, invited lead singer Jani Lane and drummer Steven Sweet (born Steven Chamberlin/Chamberlain) to jam with Warrant at Hollywood's db Sound in September 1986. Lane and Sweet, along with guitarist Joey Allen (born Joey Cagle), who replaced Lewis, completed the revamped lineup in 1987. The recruitment of Lane proved pivotal in the band's future, with the singer quickly assuming the role of songwriter.[citation needed] After rising to fame on the Los Angeles club scene, the band recorded a demo tape in September 1987 for Paisley Park Records, a label owned by musician Prince. With other major labels taking an interest, and after recording tracks for A&M Records, Warrant also contributed to the soundtrack for Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Eventually, it was announced that the band had signed with Columbia Records.[4] Lane immediately spent his advance on a black Corvette, which he promptly crashed. Warrant opened their tour in September, billed with D'MOLLS, followed by dates with Britny Fox. The label immediately arranged for them to work with in demand producer Beau Hill, on what would become the band's debut album.[5] Peak of popularity (1988–1993) Warrant signed a contract with Columbia Records in January 1988, and in April they began recording their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.[4] Released on January 31, 1989, the record was a significant success, charting at number 10 on the Billboard 200.[6] The album spawned four hit singles on the US charts: the No. 2 power ballad "Heaven", the No. 20 Power Ballad "Sometimes She Cries", the No. 27 rock anthem "Down Boys", which is now Warrant's alias, and "Big Talk", which reached No. 30.[4] Warrant became an instant hit, fitting perfectly among the popular big-hair glam metal bands of the era, and their music videos made much of their look.[4] The band toured with Paul Stanley, Poison, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, Cinderella and Kingdom Come, alongside copious MTV coverage.[citation needed] The band was featured in Screamer Magazine several times before finally landing the cover of its June 1989 issue.[citation needed] Warrant's first video album, Warrant: Live – Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich was released in 1990 on VHS and Laserdisc, featuring the band performing live in concert. The video was certified platinum[7] The band's momentum at this point carried them to further success with the much anticipated second album Cherry Pie in 1990.[4] Once more produced by Beau Hill, the album's title track was released as the first single and immediately propelled itself to a top 10 placing in the American singles chart.[3] The album had tentatively been titled 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' after the original opening track. However, the label wanted an 'anthem' track, resulting in Lane coming up with "Cherry Pie" and the track becoming not only the lead cut but the album's title track.[4] The video for the song employed model actress Bobbie Brown, whom Lane would later marry.[5] The album charted at No. 7 on The Billboard 200[3] and featured guest appearances by Poison's C.C. DeVille, Danger Danger's Bruno Ravel and Steve West, and Fiona. The album, which spawned the hit singles "Cherry Pie" (Featured in Guitar Hero II), "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (the acoustic intro was performed by Eric Oswald – Jani's brother), "Blind Faith" and "I Saw Red" which also reached the Top Ten in the United States, and the album went on to sell three million copies.[citation needed] The release of "Cherry Pie" was followed by a world tour with Poison, which ended in January 1991 after a conflict between the two bands over stage room.[8] The band's European tour with David Lee Roth was cut short after Lane fractured several ribs in a stage dive in Birmingham, England.[4] Warrant soon returned to touring, headlining shows in America on their 'Blood, Sweat And Beers' tour, supported by FireHouse and Trixter.[citation needed] The band released their second video album Cherry Pie: Quality You Can Taste in 1991. The video features backstage interviews, concert clips including a preview of the band's next album and all the music videos from Cherry Pie.[citation needed] In 1992, Warrant released their third album the critically acclaimed Dog Eat Dog.[4] The record achieved only moderate commercial success compared with the first two albums,[4] but still sold over 500,000 copies reaching Gold status and charting at No. 25 on the US charts. While the record suffered poor sales performance in America, it was still considered as Warrant's strongest record, and a favorite among many devoted fans.[citation needed] The band snared a European touring slot, playing a number of shows on the "Monsters Of Rock" festival, headlined by Iron Maiden.[9] The album featured the singles "Machine Gun", "The Bitter Pill" and "The Hole in my Wall".[citation needed] Warrant also cut two tracks for the Gladiator movie in a cover version of Queen's anthem "We Will Rock You" and "The Power".[citation needed] Changing times (1994–1999) The 1990s were characterized by frequent changes to the band's line-up.[4] Following their Dog Eat Dog world tour Lane temporarily left the band to start a solo career and the band was then dropped by Columbia, following the arrival of grunge and the death of Warrant's long-time manager Tom Hulett.[4] In September 1993, Lane returned to the band and a short U.S. club tour commenced. In May 1994, guitarist Allen left Warrant and was followed by drummer Sweet in the following month.[4] In November 1994, former Kingdom Come member, Rick Steier replaced Allen on guitar and fellow Kingdom Come alumnus James Kottak replaced Sweet on drums.[4] Shortly thereafter, a new record deal was signed with Tom Lipsky of CMC Records in September 1994. A Japanese deal was signed with Pony Canyon Records at the same time.[citation needed] The band's fourth album Ultraphobic was released in March 1995 and, although critically acclaimed, was not as successful as its predecessors. The new album (produced by a returning Beau Hill) saw Warrant acknowledging the grunge phenomenon with a record that openly admitted to a Seattle influence, although was still a natural progression from the hard edged Dog Eat Dog.[10] The album featured the singles "Family Picnic", "Followed" and the ballad "Stronger Now" and the band went on tour again, touring America, Japan and Europe.[citation needed] Drummer Kottak left the band in March 1996 and was replaced by Bobby Borg, formerly of Beggars & Thieves. The Best Of Warrant was the band's first compilation album released in 1996 which was good timing and sold well, featuring all of the hits from previous albums.[citation needed] Adopting the official handle of WARRANT 96 (in order to signify the group's new musical direction), the group came up with their fifth studio album, the grunge infested Belly to Belly in October 1996. The record dispensed with the melodic rock niceties of previous works.[citation needed] The record was described by guitarist Steier as a "concept album" that follows a rags-to-riches-to-rags storyline concerning fame, fortune and the examination of one's value system once the spotlight fades.[11] Warrant released their first live compilation Warrant Live 86-97 in July 1997. It was recorded live at Harpos Concert Theatre, Detroit, Michigan on November 22, 1996. Warrant toured in 1997 opening for Alice Cooper in America alongside label mates Dokken and Slaughter.[citation needed] In October 1997, drummer Borg left the band to pursue a career as an author of several books including The Musicians Handbook, and was briefly replaced by touring drummer Vikki Foxx. The band was featured on the Rock Never Stops Tour in 1998. In 1999 Warrant released Greatest & Latest album featuring new re-recorded versions of some their classic songs and three new tracks.[citation needed] Lane leaves, solo albums, new singer (2000–2007) Guitarist Steier and keyboardist Danny Wagner (the latter of whom also performed drums) left the band in January 2000. Keri Kelli replaced Steier on guitars as a touring member and Mike Fasano became the newest in a long line of drummers. Keri Kelli and Mike Fasano had previously played together in Dad's Porno Mag. In August 2000, Kelli toured with Slash's Snakepit.[citation needed] Warrant's next record was an album of cover versions, Under the Influence, released in May 2001, also featuring two new original tracks: "Subhuman" and "Face" Produced by Jerry Dixon. The band toured with Poison again in the summer of 2001, but the tour was cut short due to back injuries sustained by Poison bassist Bobby Dall.[citation needed] Lane released his official debut solo album, Back Down to One, in 2002 through Z Records. It carried a "power pop" sound which was more closely aligned with the sound of Warrant than his unreleased Jabberwocky project. Shortly after the album's release Lane was admitted to a rehab center for alcohol and drug-related exhaustion.[12] The band again featured on the Rock Never Stops Tour in 2003 and in April 2003, Warrant replaced drummer Fasano with Kevan Phares.[citation needed] Following rehab, Lane officially quit Warrant again in January 2004. After a few appearances on tribute compilations, Lane attempted to restart his own version of Warrant which would be stopped by legal action from his former bandmates.[13] Mike Fasano was briefly rehired in early 2004, before Steven Sweet rejoined the band. Joey Allen also rejoined in February 2004 and Lane was replaced with former Black N' Blue vocalist Jaime St. James.[citation needed] Warrant released their seventh studio album entitled Born Again on February 4, 2006, with producer and engineer Pat Regan, who has previously worked with Ace Frehley, Deep Purple, Mr. Big and L.A. Guns. Music Videos were shot for all the songs on Born Again including the singles "Bourbon County Line" and "Dirty Jack", they appear on the DVD "Born Again: Delvis Video Diaries" along with behind the scenes footage, on tour clips and the making of the album. This was the first album to not feature Lane on lead vocals. On July 14, 2007, Warrant performed at the hard rock festival Rocklahoma.[citation needed] Original lineup reunion (2008) In January 2008, the band's agent, the William Morris Agency, issued a new photograph of the band with Lane prominently featured, confirming his return to the band for the 20 year anniversary. This version of the band was scheduled to play at Rocklahoma 2008. In March 2008, Warrant announced on its official website that it would co-headline with Cinderella on a summer reunion tour after Rocklahoma 2008. Ultimately, the tour was canceled after Cinderella singer Tom Keifer's left vocal cord hemorrhaged, making it impossible for him to sing in the immediate future. They had several shows outside of the Cinderella tour including 2 dates in Canada, Rocklahoma, and several in August.[citation needed] On September 5, 2008, Jani Lane left Warrant and Robert Mason (ex-Lynch Mob) took over vocals.[14] A statement from the band, published by Blabbermouth.net, said that:[14] It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce that Jani Lane will no longer be performing with Warrant. From the beginning of our reunion talks to the last note of our last show together in Houston this past weekend (on August 31 at the Rock the Bayou festival), we have had nothing but good intentions of bringing a quality original Warrant show to our fans and friends. We wish Jani nothing but the best and remain friends. We are very excited that we have found an unbelievable voice in Robert Mason (Lynch Mob). We have three dates confirmed, come out and judge for yourself… We don't think you will be disappointed! On September 10, Rita Wilde's Rock Report confirmed that Jani Lane was out of Warrant due to song writing disagreements, but offered no further details on replacements or the band's future. Mason eventually agreed not only to finish the tour but also to become a permanent member of the band.[citation needed] A compilation reunion DVD was released in late 2008 titled They Came From Hollywood.[citation needed] Post Jani Lane (2009–2011) In December 2010 Turner and Dixon appeared with longtime friend David Castagno on RadioScreamer to discuss Warrant's long and successful career as well as the band's next album plans.[citation needed] On January 27, 2011, Allen announced that the bass and drums for fourteen songs for Warrant's next album had been completed, with the rhythm guitar parts for seven also completed.[15] The release of the new album, titled Rockaholic, on May 13, 2011, in Europe and May 17, 2011, in North America was confirmed by Frontiers Records.[16] It subsequently peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart.[3] The album features two new music videos for the singles: "Life's a Song" and "Home".[citation needed] The Rockaholic Tour of Canada and the US with label mates Whitesnake as well as Cinderella and fellow Sunset Strip Kings Poison, had Warrant playing over 50 dates in support of the album.[17] Death of Jani Lane (2011) On Thursday evening, August 11, 2011, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that Jani Lane, 47, former lead singer (1986–2004, 2008), had been found dead. It was confirmed that Lane was officially pronounced dead by fire department personnel who responded to a call shortly before 5:30 p.m. at a Comfort Inn hotel on the 20100 block of Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, California.[18] Lane died of acute alcohol poisoning.[19][20] A public memorial concert for Lane – with performances by fellow metal rock bands, including Great White, Slammin' Gladys, Quiet Riot and L.A. Guns — was held on Monday, August 29, 2011, at the Key Club in Hollywood, California.[21] Recent events (2012–present) In 2016, Warrant guitarist Allen announced that the band intended to enter a recording studio in the fall (possibly in Nashville or Los Angeles) to begin its follow up to 2011's Rockaholic. The band already had nine new songs fully demoed and another 20 ideas "floating around".[22] On May 12, 2017, Warrant released their ninth studio album, Louder Harder Faster. The album features a remake of the classic Merle Haggard song "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink" as the first single and the 'Professional Bull Riders' new "party anthem". The official video premiered at an official kickoff party at St Louis in Ballpark Village on February 25, accompanied by a live performance. The clip was filmed in Anaheim.[23] The band also released the single and music video for the album's title track "Louder Harder Faster" on May 4, 2017.[24] The album charted at No. 19 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart.[25] Currently, Robbie Crane is playing bass for Warrant on the first few shows coming back from Covid 19 freeze on live shows.

Warrant的音乐在他们20年的音乐生涯中，经历了重大的发展，所以很难去总结他们的风格。然而，在经历过80年代和90年代初的乐队，仍然可以概括出他们的音乐风格。在80年代的时期，他们最为知名的，当然还是他们的流行金属风格和慢板情歌。

Warrant最初是由吉他手Erik Turner， 1984年8月，在Los Angeles 所创立的。不久，贝司手Jerry Dixon加入进来。在Jerry Dixon之前，warrant的贝司，曾由Chris Vincent担任，他曾是Los Angeles本地乐队SilverPants的贝司。Warrant早期的成员包括主唱Adam Shore, 吉他手 Josh Cohen, 鼓手 Max Asher。主唱 Jani Lane (后来代替Adam Shore) 和鼓手 Steven "Sweet" Chamberlin (后代替Max Asher) 在1986年9月加入了warrant 。后来吉他手Joey Allen （取代了Lewis？（这里原文没看懂，Lewis在上文没有出现过，可能Lewis就是Josh Cohen吧，或者是另一个吉他手））于1987年初步完成了乐队的阵容。Lane 和 Sweet 原来曾在乐队 Plain Jane 呆过，并有过几张demo 。加入的Lane被认为是乐队的未来，并成为了乐队的主唱，同时也承担了warrant的作曲。 在L.A的club 中被认为是声名狼藉之后（早期靠“作”，呵呵），乐队于1987年灌录了一张demo寄给了Paisley Park唱片公司。同时，A&M 唱片公司购买了这张demo的所有权，并邀请他们在motion picture “Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure”中献唱一首。但是一切的这些都被证明是不成功的，warrant献唱的这首"Game of War"最终没有被采纳，同时也没有获得A&M的签约。

1988年1月，warrant签约Columbia Records，4月，开始录制他们的第一张专辑Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich ，这张专辑取得了相当大的成功，包括3首著名单曲：排名达到#2 的慢板情歌"Heaven" 和 "Sometimes She Cries", 以及传统摇滚曲风的 "Down Boys"。在发行了这张专集之后，他们和Paul Stanley, Queensrÿche, Cinderella, Poison, Mötley Crüe 和 Kingdom Come 开始了巡演。Kingdom Come 的成员 Rick Steier 和 James Kottak 甚至后来加入了 Warrant 。 乐队的第二张专辑，Cherry Pie ，于90年9月发行，这张专辑邀请了Poison乐队的吉他手 C.C. DeVille, Danger Danger的 Bruno Ravel 和 Steve West, 以及 Fiona 前来助阵。这张专集同样也是一张优秀的专辑，包括单曲"Cherry Pie"（US排行榜#10）, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" 和 "I Saw Red"（US排行榜#10）, 并都进入了美国的top 10，并且买卖出了3百万张。这张专辑的同名单曲，在MTV大肆播放，并成为了乐队最有名的单曲。 之后乐队和Poison乐队进行了巡演，但是两只乐队在后台相处的并不是很融洽，最终与91年结束了这次巡演。 Warrant和David Lee Roth的欧洲巡演，因为主唱Lane在England 的Birmingham的现场时，一次舞台dive（就是那种，摇滚现场经常有的，从舞台上跳向人群的动作）中，摔断了几根肋骨而不得不缩短。 不久，Warrant又继续着他们的名为Blood, Sweat And Beers的美国巡演，这次巡演担任暖唱的乐队为FireHouse 和 Trixter。

90年代被形容为乐队成员频繁更替的时期。92年，Warrant 发行了新专辑 Dog Eat Dog。 这张专辑，被乐队成员形容为“是他们真正想作的专辑而不是从前他们被要求作的专辑”，Dog Eat Dog 甚至赢得了乐评苛刻的赞扬。但是商业成绩却平平，只卖出1张金唱片（50W张）。具有讽刺意味的是，虽然在美国没有大卖，但是在欧洲确实很受欢迎，赢得了一系列的"Monsters Of Rock" festival演出机会。（不过主角是Iron Maiden） 年后，主唱Lane 暂时离开了Warrant ，原因是被唱片公司Columbia Records 开除了。接着，坏消息一个接着一个，nirvana的grunge 王朝的来临，以及乐队经纪人Tom Hulet的死。。。。。。都让这只乐队陷入了低糜。 在94年5月，吉他手Joey Allen 离开了Warrant，一个月后，鼓手Sweet也离开了Warrant。 此时，Lane又重新回归乐队，并于94年9月签约新公司CMC Records ，同时开始酝酿新专辑。 11月，Rick Steier 加入乐队并成为吉他手， James Kottak 接替 Sweet成为鼓手。 95年3月，新专辑Ultraphobic 发行，但是由于nirvana王朝影响，这张专辑甚至还没有上张专辑Dog Eat Dog 成功。 鼓手Kottak在96年3月离开了乐队，不久，他的位置由Bobby Borg所代替，Beggars & Thieves, Left For Dead, 和 Opinion的前鼓手。新专辑Belly to Belly 于 1996 年7月在日本发行，并 1996 年10月在美国发行。97年10月，鼓手Borg离开乐队，又由Vik Foxx所代替，但是Vik Foxx又在98年被Danny Wagner a.k.a. Mitch Dynomite 所代替。

Warrant在98年到2003年之间，参加了Rock Never Stops Tour的巡演。在此期间，吉他手Steier 和 鼓手Dynomite在2000年1月离开了乐队。他们的位置分别由Keri Kelli和Mike Fasano所取代。Keri Kelli 和 Mike Fasano曾是Dad's Porno Mag的成员。在2000年8月，Kelli离开乐队，去参加Slash's Snakepit的巡演，他的位置，被吉他手Billy Morris所取代。 Warrant的下一张专辑是张version专辑，Under the Influence,发行于01年5月。乐队又与Poison乐队在01年夏开始了巡演，但是这次巡演又被缩短了，原因还是两只乐队曾经的矛盾（主要是Poison的贝司手Bobby Dall）。03年4月，Warrant用Kevin Pharis代替了鼓手Fasano。 04年1月，主唱Lane再次离开了乐队，同时带走了吉他手Morris 和 鼓手Pharis。接着Lane的在Michigan的一系列个人巡演被迫取消，是因为warrant的其他成员联合起来，组织他在他的巡演中使用warrant的标志。鼓手Mike Fasano在原鼓手Steven Sweet归队之前，又再次被缺少了主唱Lane的Warrant招回。2月，原吉他手Joey Allen 归队。目前，Warrant的主场是来自Black N' Blue乐队的Jaime St. James。 Warrant于06年2月4日发行了他们的第七张录音室专辑，Born Again 。这次与他们合作的是Pat Regan，曾经与KISS, Deep Purple, Mr. Big 和 L.A. Guns合作过的producer。