Born on September 4, 1956, Steven Edward Duren, professionally known as Blackie Lawless, is a highly accomplished American songwriter and musician, widely celebrated for his exceptional talent as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the legendary heavy metal band W.A.S.P.
Noted musician and guitarist, Michael Lawless, embarked on a musical journey by initially performing with a variety of bands, such as Black Rabbit and Orfax Rainbow. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry. In 1975, a significant opportunity arose when Johnny Thunders, the lead guitarist of the iconic glam rock band, New York Dolls, departed the group. The remaining members of the band began a search for a new guitarist to fill the void, and Lawless was eventually chosen for the position. However, his tenure with the band was limited to the remainder of their tour, marking a brief but notable stint in his illustrious career.
Arthur Kane, a talented musician, embarked on a tour with his band, only to later co-found a new group, Killer Kane, alongside Lawless, who took on the stage name "Blackie Goozeman" for their debut EP. However, when Kane decided to return to his hometown of New York City, Lawless surprisingly chose to remain in West Los Angeles, opting to continue pursuing his musical passions in the California sun.
In the year 1976, a pivotal moment in the career of Lawless unfolded as he co-founded Sister, a pioneering rock group that would go on to feature a talented guitarist by the name of Randy Piper, who would later find fame as a member of the iconic heavy metal band W.A.S.P.
As Sister began to take shape, the band underwent a series of significant lineup changes, with several notable musicians making their mark on the group's sound and style. Among these influential figures were Nikki Sixx, a future member of the legendary rock band Mötley Crüe, Lizzie Grey, a talented musician and songwriter, and Chris Holmes, a guitarist known for his work with the band W.A.S.P.
As the years passed, Sister continued to evolve and mature, eventually giving rise to a new entity known as Circus Circus in 1979. Interestingly, Randy Piper rejoined the lineup during this period, bringing his unique guitar playing style to the table and helping to shape the sound of the band.
Following the disbandment of Circus Circus in 1981, Tommy Lawless went on to join forces with Lizzie Grey and Nikki Sixx, forming a new musical entity known as London. During his tenure with this group, Lawless had the opportunity to record not one, but two demo tracks.
In the year 1982, a pivotal moment in the history of the iconic heavy metal band W.A.S.P. unfolded, as a change in musical direction was imminent. The original bassist, Rik Fox, was subsequently fired, paving the way for a new era in the band's evolution. It was at this juncture that the multi-talented musician, Lawless, seized the opportunity to assume the role of bassist, thus cementing his status as an integral part of the band's core membership.
Simultaneously, Lawless, along with fellow pioneers Randy Piper, Chris Holmes, and Tony Richards, co-founded W.A.S.P., a name that would become synonymous with the genre. As the band's journey progressed, they underwent a series of significant lineup changes, a phenomenon that would become a hallmark of their illustrious career.
Despite these fluctuations, Lawless remained the sole constant, serving as the last remaining original member and chief songwriter. His unwavering dedication and creative vision ensured the band's continued success, solidifying his position as a driving force behind W.A.S.P.'s enduring legacy.
John Lawless, the renowned musician, skillfully wove lyrics that frequently touched on spiritual or prophetic motifs, a testament to his devout Christian upbringing.
