William Randall Piper, born on April 13, 1953, is an American rock guitarist and songwriter, renowned for his pivotal role as the co-founder and original guitarist of the iconic heavy metal band W.A.S.P. Prior to his association with W.A.S.P., Piper was a member of the band Sister, which later rebranded as Circus Circus, alongside fellow musician Blackie Goozeman, who would later become known as Blackie Lawless.
The chance encounter between Piper and Lawless in 1977 at the legendary Starwood in West Hollywood marked the beginning of a long-standing friendship and creative partnership. Piper joined Lawless's band Sister as the lead guitarist, alongside Joey Palemo on bass and Jimi Image on drums, following the departure of the original guitarist. Lawless would later rename the band Circus Circus, allegedly inspired by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which he had attended on several occasions.
As Circus Circus evolved into W.A.S.P. by 1982, the band's live performances became synonymous with spectacle, featuring burning signs, massive chain-wrapped mic stands, and provocative dance routines by female performers in cages. By the end of 1985, following the release of W.A.S.P.'s second album, Piper decided to part ways with the band, opting instead to form the band Animal.
