Warrant: The Band Behind the "Cherry Pie" Phenomenon
Formation and Rise to Fame
Warrant, a hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, emerged in the late 1980s with a sound that blended melodic rock with elements of heavy metal. The band's lineup consisted of vocalist Jani Lane, guitarists Joey Allen and Erik Turner, bassist Jerry Dixon, and drummer Steven Sweet.
In 1989, Warrant released their debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich." The album's lead single, "Down Boys," became a moderate hit, but it was the follow-up single, "Heaven," that propelled the band to stardom. "Heaven" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and established Warrant as a major player in the rock scene.
The "Cherry Pie" Era
Warrant's second album, "Cherry Pie," released in 1990, solidified their status as one of the most popular bands of the era. The title track, a catchy and raunchy ode to women's anatomy, became a massive hit, reaching number 10 on the Hot 100 and receiving heavy airplay on MTV.
Other singles from "Cherry Pie," such as "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "Blind Faith," also performed well on the charts, contributing to the album's triple-platinum sales status in the United States. Warrant embarked on a successful tour in support of the album, playing to sold-out crowds across the country.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their commercial success, Warrant faced a number of challenges and controversies throughout their career. Lead singer Jani Lane struggled with substance abuse and personal issues, which often overshadowed the band's musical accomplishments.
In the early 1990s, Warrant was involved in a public feud with Bon Jovi, with each band accusing the other of stealing ideas. The feud escalated to the point where Warrant filed a lawsuit against Bon Jovi, but the case was eventually dismissed.
Discography
* Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989) * Cherry Pie (1990) * Dog Eat Dog (1992) * Ultraphobic (1995) * Rockaholic (2003) * Louder Harder Faster (2006) * Rockaholic II (2011) * Louder Harder Faster II (2017)
Members
Current Members:
* Erik Turner (guitar) * Joey Allen (guitar) * Jerry Dixon (bass) * Steven Sweet (drums)
Former Members:
* Jani Lane (vocals) (deceased) * Mike Fasano (vocals) * Robert Mason (drums) * Kyle Harvick (drums) * Danny Wagner (drums)