W.A.S.P. - Album Cover Gallery and Vinyl Records Discography 1984-1990

W.A.S.P. Band Description:

W.A.S.P. (an acronym for "We Are Sexual Perverts") is an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 by lead vocalist Blackie Lawless. Known for their controversial lyrics and outrageous stage performances, W.A.S.P. quickly rose to fame in the 1980s and became one of the most recognizable bands in the metal scene.

The band's early years were marked by a series of lineup changes, with Lawless being the only constant member. The original lineup included guitarist Randy Piper, drummer Tony Richards, and bassist Rik Fox, but by the time the band released their self-titled debut album in 1984, the lineup had already changed several times. The album was a commercial success, featuring hit singles like "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)" and "I Wanna Be Somebody."

W.A.S.P.'s second album, "The Last Command," was released in 1985 and was even more successful than their debut. It featured hit singles like "Blind in Texas" and "Wild Child" and cemented the band's status as one of the biggest metal acts of the 1980s.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, W.A.S.P. continued to release successful albums and tour extensively. Their live shows were known for their over-the-top theatrics, which often included Lawless performing in outrageous costumes and using props like a bloody chainsaw or a codpiece with a built-in flamethrower.

However, W.A.S.P.'s success was not without controversy. The band's lyrics often dealt with taboo subjects like sex, violence, and Satanism, which led to accusations of promoting immoral behavior. In 1985, the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), a group co-founded by Tipper Gore, wife of future US Vice President Al Gore, included W.A.S.P. in their "Filthy Fifteen" list of songs they considered to be objectionable. The PMRC's actions led to the creation of the "Parental Advisory" label that is still used on music releases today.

Despite the controversy, W.A.S.P. continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s. They experimented with different musical styles, incorporating elements of industrial and electronic music into their sound. Lawless also continued to push the envelope with his lyrics, often addressing political and social issues in addition to his trademark themes of sex and violence.

In recent years, W.A.S.P. has slowed down their touring and recording schedule, with Lawless focusing on other projects like producing and writing for other artists. However, the band still has a dedicated fanbase and their influence can be heard in many modern metal bands.  

About Blackie Lawless:

Blackie Lawless, born Steven Edward Duren in 1956, is an American musician best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band W.A.S.P. (We Are Sexual Perverts). Lawless founded W.A.S.P. in 1982 and has been the driving force behind the band throughout its various line-up changes.

Lawless is recognized for his distinctive stage presence, characterized by his wild costumes, elaborate makeup, and provocative performances. He is known for pushing the boundaries of theatricality in rock and metal, contributing to W.A.S.P.'s reputation for shock value and controversy.

Beyond his role as a vocalist and guitarist, Lawless is a prolific songwriter, penning many of W.A.S.P.'s most iconic tracks. His lyrics often explore themes of rebellion, sexuality, and societal critique. Notably, Lawless defended the band's controversial track "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)," emphasizing its provocative nature.

Blackie Lawless has primarily been associated with W.A.S.P. throughout his career. However, before forming W.A.S.P., he had been a part of other musical projects. One notable pre-W.A.S.P. project was a band called Sister, in which Lawless played bass. Sister was a precursor to W.A.S.P. and laid the groundwork for the theatrical and rebellious elements that would become synonymous with W.A.S.P.'s image.

Over the years, Blackie Lawless has been a consistent figure in W.A.S.P., guiding the band through its evolution while maintaining a commitment to their rebellious image. His contributions to the heavy metal genre and his impact on the theatrical aspects of live performances have solidified his place as a notable figure in the history of metal music.