Biography

Formed in 1980 in Evesham, Worcestershire, England, as a Black Sabbath -influenced band, it was another two years before Wrathchild emerged at the forefront of the new glam rock scene. Original members Rocky Shads (vocals) and Marc Angel (bass) were joined by ex-Medusa personnel Lance Rocket (guitar) and Eddie Starr (drums). They subsequently released an EP on Bullet Records and toured heavily to promote it. By 1983 they had developed a melodramatic live show and perfected their Kiss / Angel influences, while retaining an ‘English’ quality. A year later their hard work paid off with a contract with Heavy Metal Records, but a bad choice of producer (Robin George) led to a slick but flat sound that was not at all representative. Soon afterwards they entered into a long-running legal battle with the company, which almost killed off the group. During this time indie label Dojo released a compilation of early material that was far superior to the official album - it also contained the definitive version of live favourite and title track, ‘Trash Queens’. In 1988, they made their comeback with the aptly titled The Bizz Suxx. ‘Nukklear Rokket’ was also released and was followed with a tour that lacked the early aggression and visual drama. The follow-up album in 1989 fared badly against the more established glam rock bands such as Mötley Crüe, and the band once again entered a legal battle, this time to stop an American thrash metal band using their moniker. They won, and their namesakes appended America to their tag. However, they disappeared from view shortly thereafter.