Bulletboys

Bulletboys are an American hard rock and glam metal band from Los Angeles, active since 1986. The original lineup consists of singer Marq Torien, guitarist Mick Sweda, bassist Lonnie Vencent and drummer Jimmy D’Anda. Torien remains the only constant member through many lineup changes.

Career

The band forms from former King Kobra members Torien, Sweda and Vencent, with D’Anda completing the lineup. After signing to Warner Bros. Records, they release their self-titled debut album in 1988. It reaches number 34 on the Billboard 200. Its singles “For the Love of Money” and “Smooth Up in Ya” chart on the Mainstream Rock Chart and receive MTV airplay.

The follow-up album, Freakshow, appears in 1991 and reaches number 69 on the Billboard 200. Its single “Hang On St. Christopher” also charts on the Mainstream Rock Chart. The band’s third Warner Bros. album, Za-Za, appears in 1993 and does not chart. Sweda and D’Anda leave the band that year.

Bulletboys release Acid Monkey in 1995 through Swordholio/Perris Records before disbanding. They reform in 1998 with Torien and Vencent, and briefly include Steven Adler and DJ Ashba. The group tours with Faster Pussycat, Bang Tango and Enuff Z’nuff.

Later releases and lineup changes

The compilation Burning Cats and Amputees appears in 2000. Sophie follows in 2003 and includes a guest appearance by Sebastian Bach. The live album Behind the Orange Curtain is released in 2007, then 10c Billionaire in 2009, with Vencent returning that year. Further studio albums include Rocked and Ripped in 2011, Elefante in 2015 and From Out of the Skies in 2018.

The original lineup reunites for one-off shows in 2011 and 2019. In 2019, they perform at the Whisky a Go Go in December, and that reunion continues until January 2022. Later lineup changes follow, and by 2025 the classic line-up of Torien, Sweda, Vencent and D’Anda is restored.

Style and influence

Bulletboys are associated with glam metal, hard rock and heavy metal. Their sound is influenced by AC/DC and Van Halen, and Torien’s vocals are often compared with David Lee Roth. Their songs also appear in films including Beerfest and Hot Tub Time Machine.