Early bands Mother Goose and Frankenstein eventually transformed into the seminal US 'no-wave' band the Dead Boys.  Based originally in Cleveland (USA), they moved to New York in 1976 and took the sound of the Stooges as their starting point, eventually splitting two years later (although original members re-united frequently for gigs and the occasional single release). Stiv relocated to Los Angeles, recording demo tapes with Jeff Jones, formerly of Blue Ash, and also performing gigs with Rubber City Rebels.  His first solo release was a version of the Choir's garage classic 'It's Cold Outside' on the Bomp label.  The subsequent debut album 'Disconnected' continued to show Stiv's love of trashy garage rock, with a cover of the Electric Prunes 'I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night', alongside original compositions which displayed a talent for harmony and melody that hadn't been as apparent in his years with the Dead Boys. After appearing in John Waters film 'Polyester', Stiv toured his band, with Damned guitarist Brian James guesting on their final tour in 1981.  He then concentrated on his new oufit, the Wanderers, which also featured Dave Tregunna (ex-Sham 69), releasing an album 'The Only Lovers Left Alive'.  Bators and Tregunna then left, hooking up with Brian James and ex-Barracudas drummer Nicky Turner to form Lords of the New Church, who although appearing to the untrained eye to be part of the goth scene, were actually a continuation of Stiv's ongoing fascination with trashy, punky garage rock.  Their lyrics took on a more political stance than Stiv had previously displayed, although this was still cut through with his own particular brand of wicked humour.  After several years of drifting slowly towards the mainstream, the Lords split rather acrimoniously when Stiv was informed that the band intended to sack him, and decided to turn the tables, appearing on stage for their last gig wearing a t-shirt advertising for new band members. Bators resurfaced in 1989 for another Dead Boys re-union gig, and following this he began recording in Paris, with a new group of musicians helping out, including Dee Dee Ramone, Neil X (ex-Sigue Sigue Sputnik), Kris Dollimore (ex-Godfathers) and old friend Johnny Thunders.  He had completed six songs when he was hit by a car whilst crossing the road in June 1990, and died the day after, bringing a tragic end to a lively and eventful career. IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE STIV BATORS: 60's garage, Iggy Pop & the Stooges, Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, The Godfathers, Guns n' Roses, Michael Monroe, The Dead Boys, Lords of the New Church, Johnny Thunders, Jayne County, The Ramones, Alice Cooper, The Electric Prunes.

STIV BATORS REVIEWS

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There's a great article/interview with Stiv and Michael Monroe at: http://www.glampunk.org/stivmmonroe.htm