Warrant is an American glam metal band formed in 1984 in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The band achieved commercial success between 1989 and 1996, with five albums collectively selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. They gained national recognition with their debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" (1989), which was certified double platinum, and its single "Heaven", which reached number one on the Rolling Stone charts and number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Their success continued with the double-platinum album "Cherry Pie" (1990), which featured the hit single of the same name.
Following the release of the gold-certified album "Dog Eat Dog" (1992), Warrant experienced frequent lineup changes. Despite declining popularity amid the rise of grunge, the band released "Ultraphobic" in 1995 and a successful greatest hits compilation in 1996. They subsequently explored a grunge-influenced musical direction on "Belly to Belly" (1996), before returning to their earlier sound towards the end of the decade. During the 2000s, the band continued touring, released the covers album "Under the Influence" (2001), and underwent further lineup changes. Original vocalist Jani Lane departed in 2004 and was replaced by Jaime St. James, formerly of Black 'n Blue. The original lineup briefly reunited in 2008, before Lane left again and was replaced by Robert Mason, formerly of Lynch Mob. Lane died of acute alcohol poisoning in 2011. As of 2024, Warrant continues to record and perform with Mason as lead vocalist.
In 2013, The Houston Press ranked Warrant fourth on its list of "The 10 Worst Metal Bands of the '80s". In 2020, Jeff Mezydlo of Yardbarker included the band in his list of "The 20 Greatest Hair Metal Bands of All Time", placing them sixth.
Warrant was formed in 1984 by high school drummer Max Asher, who also named the band. The original lineup consisted of Asher, lead vocalist Adam Shore, guitarists Josh Lewis and Erik Turner, and bassist Chris Vincent, who was soon replaced by Jerry Dixon. The band performed extensively throughout California, opening for acts including Hurricane, Ted Nugent, Stryper and Black 'n Blue. In September 1986, Shore and Asher left to form Hot Wheelz. Later that month, Turner attended a performance by Plain Jane, a band active on the Los Angeles club circuit. Impressed by the group's songwriting and vocals, he invited its lead singer Jani Lane and drummer Steven Sweet to rehearse with Warrant at db Sound in Hollywood. Guitarist Joey Allen, who replaced Lewis, subsequently joined Lane and Sweet, completing the revised lineup in 1987. Lane became the band's principal songwriter.
After establishing a following on the Los Angeles club scene, Warrant recorded a demo in September 1987 for Paisley Park Records, the label founded by Prince. Several major record companies expressed interest in the band, which also recorded tracks for A&M Records and contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure". Warrant eventually signed with Columbia Records. Following the signing, the band began working with producer Beau Hill on its debut album.
Warrant signed with Columbia Records in January 1988 and began recording its debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich", in April. Released on 31 January 1989, the album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum. It produced four successful singles in the United States: "Heaven", which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100; "Sometimes She Cries", which reached number 20; "Down Boys", which reached number 27; and "Big Talk", which peaked at number 30. The band's melodic hard rock sound and glam metal image contributed to its popularity, while its music videos received extensive airplay on MTV. Warrant toured with artists including Paul Stanley, Poison, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, Cinderella and Kingdom Come.
The band appeared several times in Screamer magazine before being featured on the cover of its June 1989 issue. In 1990, Warrant released its first video album, "Warrant: Live – Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich", on VHS and LaserDisc. The concert video was subsequently certified platinum.
Warrant released its second studio album, "Cherry Pie", in September 1990. Produced by Beau Hill, the album was initially intended to be titled "Uncle Tom's Cabin", after its opening track. However, Columbia Records requested a more commercially oriented song, prompting Lane to write "Cherry Pie", which became the album's title track and lead single. The song reached the top 10 of the American singles chart, and its music video featured model and actress Bobbie Brown, whom Lane later married.
"Cherry Pie" reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album featured guest appearances by C.C. DeVille of Poison, Bruno Ravel and Steve West of Danger Danger, and Fiona. It produced several singles, including "Cherry Pie", "Uncle Tom's Cabin", "Blind Faith" and "I Saw Red". The latter also reached the top 10 in the United States. "Cherry Pie" was subsequently included in the video game "Guitar Hero II".
The album's release was followed by a world tour with Poison, which ended in January 1991 following a dispute between the bands over stage space. A subsequent European tour with David Lee Roth was curtailed after Lane fractured several ribs during a stage dive in Birmingham, England. Warrant later resumed touring in the United States with its "Blood, Sweat and Beers" tour, supported by FireHouse and Trixter. In 1991, the band released its second video album, "Cherry Pie: Quality You Can Taste", featuring backstage interviews, concert footage, a preview of its next album and the music videos from "Cherry Pie".
In 1992, Warrant released its third studio album, "Dog Eat Dog". The record received favourable critical attention but achieved lower commercial sales than its predecessors. It was certified gold in the United States, selling more than 500,000 copies, and reached number 25 on the Billboard 200. The album marked a heavier musical direction and featured the singles "Machine Gun", "The Bitter Pill" and "The Hole in My Wall". Warrant toured Europe, performing at several dates of the Monsters of Rock festival, headlined by Iron Maiden. The band also recorded two songs for the film "Gladiator": a cover version of Queen's "We Will Rock You" and the original song "The Power".
Following the "Dog Eat Dog" world tour, Lane temporarily left Warrant to pursue a solo career. Columbia Records subsequently dropped the band, amid the declining commercial popularity of glam metal, the growing prominence of grunge and the death of the group's longtime manager, Tom Hulett. Lane returned in September 1993, and the band began a short tour of American clubs.
In May 1994, guitarist Joey Allen left the band, followed by drummer Steven Sweet in June. Rick Steier, formerly of Kingdom Come, replaced Allen, while James Kottak, also formerly of Kingdom Come, replaced Sweet. In September 1994, Warrant signed a recording contract with CMC Records, arranged by Tom Lipsky, and secured a Japanese distribution deal with Pony Canyon Records.
The band's fourth studio album, "Ultraphobic", was released in March 1995. Produced by Beau Hill, the album incorporated elements of grunge and acknowledged the influence of the Seattle music scene, while retaining aspects of the heavier sound established on "Dog Eat Dog". It received favourable critical reviews but achieved lower commercial sales than the band's earlier albums. CMC Records reported worldwide sales exceeding 200,000 copies. The album featured the singles "Family Picnic", "Followed" and "Stronger Now". Warrant subsequently toured the United States, Japan and Europe.
Drummer James Kottak left the band in March 1996 and was replaced by Bobby Borg, formerly of Beggars & Thieves. Later that year, Warrant released "The Best of Warrant", its first greatest hits compilation, which included songs from its previous studio albums and achieved commercial success.
In October 1996, the band released its fifth studio album, "Belly to Belly", under the name WARRANT 96 to distinguish its new musical direction. The album departed from the melodic hard rock sound of its earlier releases, incorporating stronger grunge influences. Guitarist Rick Steier described it as a concept album following a narrative about fame, fortune and the reassessment of personal values after public attention fades.
In July 1997, Warrant released its first live album, "Warrant Live 86-97", recorded at Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, on 22 November 1996. The band toured with Alice Cooper in 1997, alongside Dokken and Slaughter. In October of that year, drummer Bobby Borg left to pursue a career as an author, publishing several books, including "The Musicians Handbook". Touring drummer Vikki Foxx briefly replaced him. In 1998, Warrant participated in the Rock Never Stops Tour. The following year, the band released "Greatest & Latest", a compilation featuring newly recorded versions of several earlier songs and three new tracks.
In January 2000, guitarist Rick Steier and keyboardist Danny Wagner, who also performed on drums, left Warrant. Keri Kelli joined as a touring guitarist, while Mike Fasano became the band's drummer. Kelli and Fasano had previously performed together in Dad's Porno Mag. In August 2000, Kelli toured with Slash's Snakepit.
Warrant released its covers album, "Under the Influence", in May 2001. Produced by bassist Jerry Dixon, the album included cover versions and two original songs, "Subhuman" and "Face". In the summer of 2001, the band toured with Poison, although the tour was curtailed after Poison bassist Bobby Dall sustained back injuries.
Lane released his debut solo album, "Back Down to One", in 2002 through Z Records. The album featured a power pop sound that was closer to Warrant's established musical style than his unreleased project "Jabberwocky". Shortly after its release, Lane entered a rehabilitation facility for exhaustion associated with alcohol and drug use.
In 2003, Warrant again participated in the Rock Never Stops Tour. In April, drummer Mike Fasano was replaced by Kevan Phares. Following his rehabilitation, Lane officially left the band in January 2004. After appearing on several tribute albums, he attempted to establish a separate version of Warrant, but legal action by his former bandmates prevented the project from proceeding.
Fasano briefly returned to the band in early 2004 before being replaced by original drummer Steven Sweet. Original guitarist Joey Allen also rejoined in February 2004. Lane was replaced by Jaime St. James, formerly the lead vocalist of Black 'n Blue.
Warrant released its seventh studio album, "Born Again", on 4 February 2006. The album was produced and engineered by Pat Regan, whose previous work included recordings by Ace Frehley, Deep Purple, Mr. Big and L.A. Guns. It was the band's first studio album without Lane on lead vocals. Music videos were produced for the album's songs, including the singles "Bourbon County Line" and "Dirty Jack". The videos and additional material were released on the DVD "Born Again: Delvis Video Diaries", which included behind-the-scenes footage, concert clips and recordings documenting the album's production. On 14 July 2007, Warrant performed at the Rocklahoma hard rock festival.
In January 2008, Warrant's booking agency, the William Morris Agency, issued a new photograph of the band featuring Lane, confirming his return for the group's 20th anniversary. The reunited lineup was scheduled to perform at Rocklahoma 2008. In March, Warrant announced plans to co-headline a summer reunion tour with Cinderella following the festival. However, the tour was cancelled after Cinderella vocalist Tom Keifer suffered a haemorrhage of his left vocal cord, temporarily preventing him from performing. Warrant nevertheless played several other concerts, including two dates in Canada, Rocklahoma and additional performances in August.
On 5 September 2008, Lane left Warrant again and was replaced by Robert Mason, formerly of Lynch Mob. The band announced his departure following its performance at the Rock the Bayou festival in Houston on 31 August. In a statement published by Blabbermouth.net, the remaining members expressed regret over Lane's departure, wished him well and confirmed Mason's appointment. The band subsequently continued its touring commitments with Mason, who agreed to become a permanent member. In late 2008, Warrant released the compilation DVD "They Came from Hollywood", documenting the band's history.
In December 2010, guitarist Erik Turner and bassist Jerry Dixon appeared on RadioScreamer with David Castagno to discuss Warrant's career and plans for a new album. On 27 January 2011, Allen announced that bass and drum recordings for 14 songs had been completed, along with rhythm guitar parts for seven tracks.
Warrant's eighth studio album, "Rockaholic", was released in Europe on 13 May 2011 and in North America on 17 May through Frontiers Records. The album reached number 22 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart and featured the singles "Life's a Song" and "Home", both accompanied by music videos. The band subsequently embarked on the Rockaholic Tour of Canada and the United States, performing more than 50 dates with Whitesnake, Cinderella and Poison.
On 11 August 2011, former Warrant vocalist Jani Lane was found dead at a Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 47. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed his death after emergency personnel responded to a call shortly before 5:30 p.m. The cause of death was acute alcohol poisoning. Lane had been the band's lead vocalist from 1986 to 2004 and again in 2008.
A public memorial concert for Lane was held on 29 August 2011 at the Key Club in Hollywood, California. The event featured performances by several rock bands, including Great White, Slammin' Gladys, Quiet Riot and L.A. Guns.
In 2016, guitarist Joey Allen announced that Warrant planned to enter a recording studio in the autumn to begin work on a follow-up to "Rockaholic". The band was considering recording in Nashville or Los Angeles and had completed demos of nine songs, with approximately 20 additional ideas under development.
Warrant released its ninth studio album, "Louder Harder Faster", on 12 May 2017. The album featured a cover version of Merle Haggard's "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink", released as its first single, as well as the title track. The band also recorded a music video for "Louder Harder Faster", released on 4 May 2017. The video for "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink" premiered at an event in Ballpark Village in St. Louis on 25 February 2017, accompanied by a live performance, and was filmed in Anaheim, California. The album reached number 19 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart. Following the suspension of live performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, bassist Robbie Crane performed with Warrant for several shows as the band resumed touring.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_(American_band)
Studio albums
Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989)
Cherry Pie (1990)
Dog Eat Dog (1992)
Ultraphobic (1995)
Belly to Belly (1996)
Under the Influence (2001)
Born Again (2006)
Rockaholic (2011)
Louder Harder Faster (2017)
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Warrant is a German speed metal band formed in Düsseldorf in 1983 by Jörg Juraschek on vocals and bass, Thomas Klein on guitar and Lothar Wieners on drums.
The band released an EP and an LP before touring with Warlock in 1985. Warrant subsequently disbanded. In 1999, the band briefly reunited and recorded two new songs. Both of the band's albums were reissued on a single disc in 2000, with the two new tracks included. In August 2010, Pure Steel Records announced the reissue of the band's earlier albums.
After a hiatus of almost 30 years, Warrant released its third studio album, "Metal Bridge", in October 2014.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_(German_band)
Studio albums
The Enforcer (1985)
Metal Bridge (2014)
The Speed of Metal (2025)
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…shrink me down again