Badlands (band)

Badlands
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1988
Founder	Jake E. Lee
Defunct	1993
Headquarters	Los Angeles, California, United States
Products	Music albums

Badlands was a heavy metal group from the United States, established by ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee, alongside former Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen (vocals) and Eric Singer (drums), and bassist Greg Chaisson, previously of Surgical Steel. After their initial album, Jeff Martin replaced Singer on drums. Diverging from the members' earlier projects, Badlands embraced a blues-infused hard rock sound influenced by Led Zeppelin. Their active years spanned from 1988 until 1993, during which they released three records: Badlands (1989), Voodoo Highway (1991), and Dusk (1998). Prior to the third album, Gillen exited the band and was briefly succeeded by vocalist John West. Gillen’s passing in 1993 halted any hopes of a reunion. The Dusk album comprised demo tracks recorded between 1992 and 1993 featuring Gillen’s vocals.

Formation (1988)

Following his stint touring with Ozzy Osbourne during the Ultimate Sin era, Jake E. Lee was dismissed by Sharon Osbourne. Seeking a compelling lead singer, Lee connected with Ray Gillen, formerly affiliated with Black Sabbath. They soon recruited bassist Greg Chaisson, whom Lee had encountered during an Osbourne audition. Gillen then invited his former Black Sabbath bandmate Eric Singer to join as drummer.

Badlands and Voodoo Highway (1989–1992)

In May 1989, the band launched their debut album Badlands, which garnered favorable critiques. The music videos for "Dreams in the Dark" and the Zeppelin-inspired "Winter's Call" gained rotation on MTV, aiding the album in reaching number 57 on the Billboard 200. They supported Great White and Tesla on a three-month tour before performing in clubs with D.A.D. as their opening act.

Soon after, Eric Singer was dismissed and later joined Paul Stanley’s solo project and subsequently KISS. Jeff Martin, formerly of Racer X and bassist Chaisson’s bandmate from Phoenix, took over drumming duties. Conflicts emerged with Atlantic Records concerning creative direction and Gillen’s songwriting role. After touring for their debut in 1990, Gillen was diagnosed with AIDS, leading to a decline in his health. Upon releasing Voodoo Highway in 1991, Gillen departed amid escalating tensions during their 1992 UK tour. Although Lee initially announced Los Angeles singer Debby Holiday as Gillen’s successor, Gillen returned briefly to complete the tour before officially leaving.

Tensions, breakup, Gillen's death and Dusk (1992–1998)

Following Gillen’s departure and Holiday’s announcement as new vocalist, Lee spoke briefly about Holiday—daughter of songwriter Jimmy Holiday and a Beverly Hills native experienced on the Sunset Strip—in an interview with Kerrang!. Her previous work was largely unknown to fans. The discussion also touched upon Gillen’s unpredictable conduct.

On July 2, 1992, during a performance at London’s Astoria venue, Gillen interrupted the show by holding up the Kerrang! issue featuring Lee’s interview while shouting "there's two sides to every story," as Lee silently mouthed "It's all true." Despite visible friction, the band completed their set. Reviewer Neil Jeffries commended Lee’s guitar work and the overall performance despite evident internal strife.

After concluding the UK tour, Gillen was officially dismissed. Lee revealed intentions to proceed with singer John West. Although new material was written and recorded, internal conflicts combined with waning heavy metal popularity led Atlantic Records to drop the group. Meanwhile, Gillen contributed vocals to George Lynch’s solo project Sacred Groove and formed Sun Red Sun alongside Al Romano, Mike Starr, and Bobby Rondinelli. He passed away on December 1, 1993 due to AIDS-related complications linked to previous drug use. John West finished Sun Red Sun recordings and toured with Lynch in 1998. That same year saw the release of the previously unreleased Badlands album Dusk in Japan.

Discography

Release Date	Album Title	Record Label	Peak Position on US Billboard	Peak Position on UK Charts	US Sales Figures
May 1989	Badlands	Atlantic Records	57	39	400,000
June 1991	Voodoo Highway	Atlantic Records	140	74	100,000
December 1998	Dusk	Pony Canyon	Did not chart

Singles

Year	Single Title	Chart Rankings
Year	Single Title	US Hot 100	US Main Rock
1989	"Dreams in the Dark"	-	38
1989	"Winter's Call"	-	-
1991	"The Last Time"	-	-
	"Whiskey Dust"	-	-
	"Soul Stealer"	-	-
	"3 Day Funk"	-	-

References