Autograph (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Autograph was a glam metal group originating from Los Angeles, California, established in 1983.[1] Their most notable achievement is the 1984 hit single "Turn Up the Radio".[2][1]
Formation and prime years (1983–1989)
The band "Autograph" came together during a trip from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, Florida, where they were set to open for Van Halen in January 1984. After laying down initial demos in late 1983, producer Andy Johns offered them an opportunity to re-record at Record Plant Studios at no cost. Drummer Keni Richards handed their demo to David Lee Roth of Van Halen, resulting in an invitation for Autograph to open on the 1984 tour. They completed 48 shows as an unsigned band, gaining substantial exposure. This momentum led to a deal with RCA Records following a performance at Madison Square Garden near the end of 1984.
Their first album, Sign In Please, was released in October 1984 and initially failed to chart but saw increased attention by January 1985. It included their hallmark track "Turn Up the Radio", which became a top-30 single and helped push album sales beyond 500,000 copies, earning gold certification. The song's presence on Miami Vice and various movies further elevated its profile. Guitarist Steve Lynch received the "Guitar Solo of the Year" award from Guitar Player magazine in 1985 for his performance on this track.
The subsequent single "Send Her to Me" achieved modest results. Tracks such as "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend Isn't Me," "Deep End," and "Take No Prisoners" were featured in the 1985 movie Secret Admirer. Additionally, "You Can't Hide From the Beast Inside" appeared in both Fright Night and A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge.
Their sophomore record, That's the Stuff, released in late 1985, was supported by tours alongside Mötley Crüe and Heart. Although its sales did not match those of their debut, it nearly achieved gold status. Singles including "Blondes in Black Cars" and the title track helped it reach No. 92 on the Billboard charts. The band also contributed "Winning Is Everything" to the soundtrack of the film Youngblood.
The third studio album, Loud and Clear, came out in spring 1987 after a prolonged production phase. The music video for its title track featured appearances by Ozzy Osbourne and Vince Neil. Autograph made three appearances on Headbangers Ball promoting this release. In October of that year, they appeared briefly in the movie Like Father, Like Son, performing "Dance all Night" and "She Never Looked That Good for Me." Despite these efforts, the album did not achieve significant commercial success.
Departure from RCA and band dissolution (1988–1989)
In early 1988, the group parted ways with RCA Records. Around this period, Isham left to explore other opportunities and was not succeeded, as the band moved toward a more guitar-driven sound, eliminating keyboards. They commenced work on a new album in 1988 with plans for a 1989 release; however, the project was never completed.
Richards also exited the lineup during this timeframe. By early 1989, the band was touring with drummer Eddie Cross and engaged in intermittent recording sessions. They ultimately rejected an offer for a new contract from Epic Records that same year.
Throughout their relatively short existence, the band produced three albums and shared stages with prominent artists such as KISS, Mötley Crüe, Heart, Aerosmith, Dio, Van Halen, Bryan Adams, and Whitesnake. Despite notable exposure—including placements in films like Secret Admirer and Youngblood—and the later inclusion of "Turn Up The Radio" in Hot Tub Time Machine, the group was unable to maintain their trajectory and officially disbanded in December 1989. Their songs have since been featured in television programs like Miami Vice and video games such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Guardians of the Galaxy, sustaining a worldwide presence on radio formats.
Activities following disbandment (1989–2013)
Even after disbanding, their music videos—particularly "Turn Up the Radio"—continued to receive airplay on networks including MTV’s Headbangers Ball for several years.
Steve Plunkett shifted focus to songwriting and production through All Nations Music, contributing over 170 tracks for films like Rock Star and Gods and Monsters. His works have been recorded by artists including Vixen, The Go-Go's, Marc Anthony, and Edgar Winter. Plunkett also produced for performers such as Cyndi Lauper and En Vogue, composed theme songs for television series including 7th Heaven, Summerland, Kojak, and Queen of Swords, and provided music for shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and Sex and the City. In 1991, he released a solo album titled My Attitude.
Steve Lynch earned recognition as a guitar educator specializing in his distinctive 8-finger "hammer-on" technique. He authored instructional materials that achieved global distribution and conducted over 300 clinics across more than 20 countries. Lynch formed Network 23, releasing an album in 2004. Between 2004 and 2016, he operated a music school near Seattle and launched lynchlicks.com in 2009. From 2013 until 2019, he reunited with Randy Rand for touring and recording activities before halting live performances. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, Lynch authored his autobiography ‘Confessions of a Rock Guitarist,’ scheduled for publication in late 2023 or early 2024.
Randy Rand ventured into leather craftsmanship alongside managing an international import/export business that included partnerships with Harley Davidson. His daughter Sterling Knight established herself as a prominent model in Italy. Rand passed away in April 2022.
Keni Richards briefly collaborated with Dirty White Boy before stepping back due to persistent back problems. He later resumed work in songwriting and production following the breakup and during the band’s subsequent reunion efforts. Richards died in April 2017 from an apparent drug-related homicide.
Steven Isham remained musically active until his death from liver cancer at age 56 in December 2008. His career highlights include founding The Pack with Gary Moon and serving as both drummer and assistant musical director for Vince Neil’s solo tour in 1993.
Eddie Cross, previously of Hot Wheelz, joined Autograph for their 1989 tour and contributed to their Missing Pieces album. He subsequently played with groups such as Bad Boys and Vigilante Man before transitioning into law. Since 1995, Cross has operated his own legal practice specializing in construction and real estate law based in California. Additionally, he is an enthusiastic traveler and photographer with two children.
Reunion (2013–present)
Towards the end of 2013, founding members Steve Lynch, Randy Rand, and Keni Richards came back together and commenced touring in 2014. With Plunkett choosing not to participate, Brazilian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist Simon Daniels joined the group. The band has been highlighted in publications such as Guitar World, Classic Rock, and Fireworks magazines.
Beginning in 2014, Mark Wieland took over drumming duties from Richards, and the band appeared at prominent events including Monsters of Rock Cruise, M3 Rock Festival, Moondance Jam, Halfway Jam, Firefest UK, Rockin the Rivers, and the Iowa State Fair, alongside international tours.
Their debut single after reuniting, "You Are Us, We Are You," was released on January 15, 2015, followed by "I Lost My Mind in America" on April 21. After their performance at Halfway Jam Rock Festival, they gained coverage in USA Today. Their third single, "Every Generation," launched on September 23 and was honored as track of the week by Classic Rock magazine.
On January 7, 2016, they unveiled the EP Louder, which included four new tracks plus a live rendition of "Turn up the Radio," available through their official website.
Recording for a new full-length album concluded by January 10, 2017. Subsequently, the band toured extensively throughout the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States as well as in the UK and Germany.
Drummer Keni Richards passed away on April 8, 2017, at age 60; his death was classified as a drug-related homicide.
On July 29, 2017, the group inked a deal with EMP Label Group, owned by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. They announced the album Get Off Your Ass, which was released on October 6 accompanied by a limited-edition vinyl LP. However, the album met with poor critical reception and sales figures, resulting in no royalties being disbursed.
Steve Lynch temporarily stepped back from touring on July 24, 2019; his role was filled by Jimi Bell (known for House of Lords and Maxx Explosion).
Original bassist Randy Rand died on April 26, 2022, at age 69.
On August 16, 2023, Steve Lynch prevailed in a trademark dispute against Daniels, Wieland, and Bell—who had intended to tour following Rand’s passing—thereby securing exclusive ownership of the band’s name, trademark, and logo.
Former
- Steve Lynch – lead guitar, backing vocals (1983–1989, 2013–2019)
- Steve Plunkett – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (1983–1989, 2002–2005)
- Randy Rand – bass guitar, backing vocals (1983–1989, 2013–2022; deceased)
- Steven Isham – keyboards, backing vocals (1983–1988; deceased 2008)
- Keni Richards – drums (1983–1988, 2013–2014; deceased 2017)
- Eddie Cross – drums (1988–1989)
- T. J. Helmerich – lead guitar, backing vocals (2002–2005)
- Matt Laug – drums (2002–2005)
- Simon Daniels – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2013–2023)
- Marc Wieland – drums (2014–2023)
- Jimi Bell – lead guitar, backing vocals (2019–2023)
- Steve Unger – bass guitar, backing vocals (2022–2023)
Lineups and membership
| Years | Personnel | Albums and Releases |
|---|---|---|
| 1983–1988 |
|
|
| 1988–1989 |
|
No releases |
| 1997 |
|
|
| 2002–2005 |
|
|
| 2013–2014 |
|
No releases |
| 2014–2019 |
|
|
| 2019–2022 |
|
|
| 2022–2023 |
|
No releases |
Studio Albums
| Year | Album Title | US Billboard 200 |
RIAA Certification | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Sign In Please | 29 | Gold | RCA |
| 1985 | That's the Stuff | 92 | – | RCA |
| 1987 | Loud and Clear | 108 | – | RCA |
| 1997 | Missing Pieces | – | – | Pavement Records |
| 2003 | Buzz | – | – | POINT Music |
| 2003 | More Missing Pieces | – | – | POINT Music |
| 2011 | The Anthology | – | – | Cleopatra Records |
| 2016 | Louder | – | – | Autograph |
| 2017 | Get Off Your Ass | – | – | EMP Label Group |
| 2022 | Beyond | – | – | Frontiers Records |
| 2025 | Send Her To Me | – | – | FnA Records |
| 2025 | Cloud 10 | – | – | FnA Records |
Singles
1986 1987 2015 2020 2022| Year | Track | Album | Billboard Hot 100 | US Mainstream Rock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | "Turn Up the Radio" | Sign In Please | 29 | 17 |
| 1985 | "Send Her to Me" |
- | ||
| "Blondes in Black Cars" | "That's the Stuff" |
38 |
- | |
| "That's the Stuff" |
- | |||
| "Loud and Clear" | "Loud and Clear" |
- | ||
| "Dance All Night" |
- | |||
| "She Never Looked That Good For Me" |
- | |||
| "You Are Us, We are You" | "Louder" |
- | ||
| "I Lost My Mind in America" |
- | |||
| "Get off your ass" |
- | |||
| "Souls on Fire" | [Non-Album Track] |
- | ||
| "This Ain’t The Place I Wanna Be" | "Beyond" |
- | ||
| "To Be Together" |
- | |||
| "Take Me Higher" |
- |
See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedam - ↑ Sleazegrinder (December 4, 2015). "The 20 Best Hair Metal Anthems Of All Time Ever". loudersound. Retrieved March 3, 2021.