D'Molls
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Billy Dior, Desi Rexx, Lizzy Valentine |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
D'Molls is a United States-based band known for their contributions to the heavy metal and glam metal genres. The lineup included lead singer and guitarist Desi Rexx, bassist Lizzy Valentine, guitarist S. S. Priest, and drummer Billy Dior. During the 1980s, the group secured a recording deal with Atlantic Records.
History
In 1984, Chicago native Billy McCarthy, a drummer who had performed with Kid Rocker and the Screamin' Mimis, returned to his hometown after spending five years in Los Angeles. Upon his return, he adopted the stage name Billy Dior and established The Chicago Molls alongside Desi Rexx and Lizzy Valentine. Initially, the band’s sound and image drew heavily from glam rock influences similar to the New York Dolls. However, after moving to Los Angeles to seek a record deal, they toned down their aesthetic. During this period, guitarist S. Scot ("S.S.") Priest remained signed with Diamond Rexx and was temporarily replaced by Sean Freehill.
Soon after relocating to Los Angeles, through shared contacts, the band connected with an A&R representative and showcased their demo recordings. This encounter led to a contract with Atlantic Records within eight months. Around this time, Priest rejoined the ensemble. Their debut album, D'Molls, was released in 1987. Although the music video for "777" received some rotation on MTV, overall album sales were limited. Their follow-up Atlantic release, Warped (1990), included songs such as "Real Love" and "Father Time," featuring straightforward musical arrangements paired with dynamic tempo shifts. Prior to promotional activities for this album, vocalist Rexx departed to join The David Lee Roth Band, resulting in the band’s dissolution shortly thereafter.
In 1996, Delinquent Records issued Beyond D'Valley Of D'Molls, a collection comprising previously unreleased studio sessions and live performances. A greatest hits album titled The Best of Everything was released in 2007, followed by Rexx’s 2011 album Desi Rexx's D'Moll's "D'Sides", distributed by FnA Records.
The departure of Dior and Valentine in 1990 marked the definitive end of the band.
Following his time with D'Molls, Dior authored the thriller novel The Devil of Shakespeare (2004), drawing inspiration from his experiences in music and the glam metal era of the 1980s. In 2015, he initiated legal action against Poison over alleged copyright violations involving several popular tracks including "Talk Dirty To Me," which was resolved through an out-of-court settlement. Dior also documented his musical journey and band history in his memoir Beat Me Till I'm Famous (2017). He is currently serving as executive producer for the forthcoming documentary Ferocious Drummers, scheduled for release in 2025.
Studio albums
- D'Molls (1988)
- Warped (June 28, 1990)
- Beyond D'Valley Of D'Molls (1997)
- Desi Rexx's D'Molls "D'Sides" (2011) FnA Records
Compilation albums
- The Best of Everything (2007)
Former members
- S. Scot ("S.S.") Priest – lead guitar (1984–1985; 1986–1991)
- Sean Freehill – lead guitar (1985)
- Lizzy Valentine – bass guitar (1984–1991)
- Billy Dior – drums (1984–1991)
External links
- Billy Dior/McCarthy interview (archived) at sleazeroxx.com
- D’Molls | Delinquent Records, USA Est'l 1987 (archived)
- INTERVIEW: Desi Rexx - D'Molls 777 (ex-Dave Lee Roth Band) at The Rockpit