Formed 1988, U.S.A.
Albums:
1989
Badlands
1991
Voodoo Highway
1999
Dusk
History:
Badlands was a bluesy hard rock band with some big names from the 80's metal scene, but whom made
little impact with the general public. Constant infighting would destroy the band, and
the death of vocalist Ray Gillen would seal their fate.
Badlands was formed by one time Black Sabbath voice Ray Gillen, and
former Ozzy Osbourne axe-slinger Jake E. Lee. The two would
quickly add unknown Greg Chaisson (bass) and drummer Eric Singer
(ex of Lita Ford and Black Sabbath). The self-titled debut would
sell reasonably well backed by singles such as "Dreams In The Dark" and
"Winter's Call." Singer would be gone by the time the second album came
around, with Jeff Martin (Racer X) taking over on the drum stool. Voodoo Highway
was a commercial disappointment, and farewell U.K. tour dates had Lee and
Gillen at each other's throats, with Lee even threatening to bring in a
female vocalist! It wasn't much longer that the band packed it in for good.
Eric Singer would go to become the most famous of the Badlands
alumni, touring and recording with both Alice Cooper and Kiss.
Jake E. Lee continues to release solo albums without much fanfare, never
coming close to reaching the lofty heights he achieved as a member of Ozzy
Osbourne's band. Ray Gillen went on to join Sun Red Sun,
but would pass away from AIDS on December 3, 1993 before recording for the debut
album was finished. A posthumous album of rarities and b-sides was released as
Dusk in 1999.
Majestic vocals mixed with soulful and emotional six-string histrionics
made Badlands a band to remember, unfortunately few people did.
Links:
The Official Jake E. Lee Page
The Official Eric Singer Page
Tribute To Jake E. Lee
A Memorial Tribute To Ray Gillen
Buy Badlands CDs:
Purchase at Amazon.com
Purchase at CDUniverse.com
Purchase at eBay.com