Some of the band had found local fame in their native Baltimore, USA, with debut band The Vamps, who played support slots for Joan Jett and Modern English. After relocating to New York in the late '80's, they recruited ex-Billy Idol drummer Gregg Gerson, and released their debut album on Equinox Records in 1990. 'Not A Pretty Sight' came along just as the glam/sleaze rock scene was winding down, although hailing from New York gave the band an attitude that was so obviously lacking in the terrible 'hair' bands who mostly emerged from Los Angeles. The album was produced by Andy Taylor (previously of Duran Duran), and this may have contributed to the production which emphasised their melodic songwriting as much as their gritty rock 'n' roll sound.
After rave reviews in Kerrang! magazine, record sales rocketed in Europe and Japan, and after much touring the follow-up album 'Madhouse' was finally released in 1992, although by this time they had moved to an independent label.
Shortly after this, the band went their separate ways, with 'Johnny Vamp' reverting to the slightly more mature sounding Johnny Vance, and writing TV and movie soundtracks, later continuing as a solo artist with releases emerging right up to the present day. Gregg Gerson has also played drums with ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones, Wayne Kramer (ex-MC5) and Roger Daltrey. Jimi K. Bones played guitar for Kix and M2M, and has recently been seen performing with Joan Jett, as well as being involved in a Led Zeppelin tribute band called Time of Dying.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE SKIN & BONES: Guns n' Roses, New York Dolls, Hanoi Rocks, Motley Crue, Iggy Pop.