Kix (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | 2023 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Headquarters | Hagerstown, Maryland , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Donnie Purnell, Ronnie "10/10" Younkins, Brian "Damage" Forsythe, Steve Whiteman, Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 5 (classic lineup) (1980s) |
Kix (presented as KIX) was a hard rock group from the United States, established in 1976 and rising to fame throughout the 1980s. The band's most recognized lineup consisted of Donnie Purnell (handling bass, keyboards, backing vocals, primary songwriting duties, and co-leadership), Ronnie "10/10" Younkins (guitar), Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitar), Steve Whiteman (lead vocals and co-leader), and Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant (drums and backing vocals). After performing covers of bands such as Aerosmith, April Wine, and Led Zeppelin, they secured a deal with Atlantic Records in 1981. Their peak success occurred in the late 1980s, with continued recording and touring activities until their disbandment in 2023.
Formation and early period (1976–1987)
Initially, Brian "Damage" Forsythe was a drummer before transitioning to guitar. His early project, Vanilla Grass, underwent several transformations before dissolving when its rhythm guitarist departed to join Atlas Ram, a band that included Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant.
The original stable lineup of Kix emerged in Hagerstown, Maryland, featuring Donnie Purnell (formerly of Jaxx), along with members Tee, Tunes, and Donnie Spence. The group initially performed as KIX but soon changed their name to Tee and Tunes. Ronnie "10/10" Younkins became part of the band in December 1976. Following the departure of Tee and Tunes due to travel difficulties, Younkins reconnected with Forsythe. Drummer Chalfant—who had previously collaborated with Purnell in other bands—joined in 1979, completing the classic lineup. For a brief period, they operated under the name The Generators before reverting to KIX. Subsequently, the band signed a contract with Atlantic Records.
Their self-titled debut album, Kix, was released in 1981 and featured concert staples such as "Atomic Bombs," "The Itch," and "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah." Additionally, "Love at First Sight" gained notable attention. This record helped define Kix's characteristic playful rock style.
Released in 1983, their second album Cool Kids adopted a more mainstream sound and included three cover tracks. The single "Body Talk", originally by Nick Gilder in 1981, was reportedly selected to enhance radio exposure for the label. Other songs like "Restless Blood" and "Mighty Mouth" achieved moderate success. This album uniquely featured guitarist Brad Divens, who temporarily replaced Younkins.
With Younkins back on board and aiming to return to their heavier rock origins, Kix teamed up with producer Beau Hill, known for his work with Ratt and Warrant, along with songwriter Bob Halligan Jr., to produce Midnite Dynamite in 1985. This release yielded two charting singles: the title track hit No. 18 and "Cold Shower" reached No. 23 on the Hot Mainstream Rock chart. Tracks like "Sex" and "Bang Bang (Balls of Fire)" also received radio attention.
Peak commercial period (1988–1995)
Following Midnite Dynamite, Kix recorded their next album which came out in 1988 as Blow My Fuse. This record achieved platinum status. The power ballad "Don't Close Your Eyes", co-written with Bob Halligan Jr., climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additional singles included "Cold Blood," marking one of many collaborations between Purnell and Taylor Rhodes, as well as the title track "Blow My Fuse." These were supported by live performance videos filmed at Hammerjack's. In 1989, the release of Blow My Fuse: The Videos further enhanced their arena show appeal.
The 1991 album Hot Wire featured the single "Girl Money." By 1993, guitarist Jimi K. Bones had taken over from Brian "Damage" Forsythe. That same year saw the release of a live album titled Live, recorded during a 1992 concert at the University of Maryland, College Park. Atlantic Records dropped Kix in 1994; subsequently, the band issued $how Bu$ine$$ through CMC International in 1995.
Side projects
In 1996, Whiteman established the band Funny Money. Two years later, in 1998, Brian "Damage" Forsythe created Deep Six Holiday alongside former members of White Sister, Tattoo Rodeo, and Rhino Bucket. Forsythe eventually joined Rhino Bucket for their 2005 album And Then It Got Ugly.
Ronnie "10/10" Younkins relocated to Baltimore and became part of Jeremy and the Suicides before moving to Los Angeles to contribute to The Slimmer Twins: Lack of Luxury (2000). He later returned eastward, founding the Blues Vultures in 2002 and releasing the album Cheap Guitars & Honky Tonk Bars in 2005.
In 2003, Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant took on the role of drummer for Funny Money, paving the way for a future Kix reunion.
Reunion and disbandment (2003–2023)
Kix reunited in late 2003 without original frontman Donnie Purnell. The lineup for performances beginning in September 2004 featured Whiteman on vocals; Younkins and Forsythe handling guitars; Chalfant on drums; and Mark Schenker from Funny Money stepping in for Purnell on bass.
On August 7, 2012, Kix signed with Frontiers Records and released the live CD/DVD Live in Baltimore that September, followed by a new studio album in 2013.
In April 2014, the band partnered with Loud & Proud Records to issue their first studio album in nearly two decades. Their seventh studio release, Rock Your Face Off, debuted on August 5 at No. 49 on the Billboard Top 200, marking their second highest charting after Blow My Fuse. It also held the top spot on Amazon’s Hard Rock category for over three weeks. The album received widespread critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan reception; notably, the hard rock online magazine Sleaze Roxx awarded it both the editorial and readers’ No. 1 Album of 2014 honors—the first time it earned both distinctions simultaneously—and Stereogum.com praised its lively party energy despite the band members’ advancing age.
In February 2017, Kix was the headline act for Rockingham Festival’s opening night at Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
Original drummer Donnie Spence passed away in January 2018 at age 64.
On September 21, 2018, a remixed two-disc anniversary edition titled Fuse 30 Reblown – 30th Anniversary Special Edition was released. Producer Beau Hill enhanced the original tracks using digital transfers secured by bassist Schenker and record executive Madelyn Scarpulla. The second disc featured demos of all songs. In 2020, a digitally remixed version of Midnite Dynamite, named Midnight Dynamite Re-Lit, was also released.
Starting November 2020, guitarist Ronnie Younkins took a leave from touring; Bob Paré began performing live with Kix in May 2021. Younkins’ absence was due to house arrest stemming from legal matters. He resumed live shows with his own band in February 2022 but remains on hiatus from Kix.
On November 18, 2022, drummer Jimmy Chalfant experienced a serious cardiac incident during a performance and was helped offstage, leading to an incomplete concert. From March through May 2023, Matt Starr substituted for live shows and remains available as a backup. Since Chalfant does not provide backing vocals, Paré continues fulfilling that function.
During the M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 7, 2023, Steve Whiteman announced that Kix would conclude their career with a final concert on September 17 at the same venue. This farewell event featured a reunion onstage with guitarist Ronnie Younkins and former guitarist Brad Divens joining the band once again.
Side projects
In 2018, bassist Mark Schenker and drummer Vince Tricarico established Sun Dogs, a tribute ensemble dedicated to Rush, with Schenker performing lead vocals, bass, keyboards, and bass pedals.
In popular culture
The 2017 horror-comedy film Dead Ant incorporates tracks by Kix, attributed to Sonic Grave, an invented glam metal group.
Band members
Classic lineup
- Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, piano, backing vocals, acoustic guitar (1977–1996)
- Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitar, talk box, backing vocals (1977–1982, 1983–1996, 2003–2023)
- Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitar, guitar synthesizer, keyboards, occasional backing vocals (1977–1995, 2003–2023)
- Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, percussion, saxophone, acoustic guitar (1979–1996, 2003–2023)
- Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1978–1996, 2003–2023)
Other members
- Tee – lead vocals (1976–1977)
- Tunes – guitar, backing vocals (1976–1977)
- Donnie Spence – drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals (1976–1980)
- Buffalo Ed – lead vocals (1977)
- Terry Brady – lead vocals (1977–1978)
- Sam Smith – lead vocals (1978)
- David "Stargazer" Bumbalough – guitar (1978–1980)
- Brad Divens – guitar, backing vocals, talk box (1982–1984; touring guest 2023)
- Mark Schenker – bass, backing vocals, acoustic guitar (2003–2023)
Touring substitutes
- Jimi K. Bones – guitar (1989, 1992–1994, 1995; touring guest 2016)
- Roger Studner – guitar (1995)
- Pat DeMent – guitar (1995–1996)
- Aaron Isaacs – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2008)
- Ned Meloni – guitar (2019)
- Bob Paré – guitar, backing vocals (2020, 2021–2023)
- John Allen – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2020, 2021)
- Will Hunt – drums, percussion (2021)
- Vince Tricarico – drums, percussion (2021)
- Matt Starr – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2023)
Session members
- Anton Fig – drums on "Lie Like a Rug" and "Sex" from Midnite Dynamite (1985)
- Mike Slamer – guitar on "Walkin' Away" and "Scarlet Fever" from Midnite Dynamite (1985)
- Kip Winger – backing vocals on "Bang Bang (Balls of Fire)" from Midnite Dynamite (1985)
- John Luce – backing vocals on "Bang Bang (Balls of Fire)" from Midnite Dynamite (1985)
- Beau Hill – keyboards and guitar on Midnite Dynamite (1985)
- Paul Chalfant – viola on "If You Run Around" from Show Business (1995)
Timeline
Studio albums
| Title | Release | Peak chart positions | Sales | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ||||
| Kix | 1981 | — | ||
| Cool Kids | 1983 | 177 | ||
| Midnite Dynamite | 1985 | — | ||
| Blow My Fuse | 1988 | 46 |
| |
| Hot Wire | 1991 | 64 |
|
|
| $how Bu$ine$$ | 1995 | — | ||
| Rock Your Face Off | 2014 | 49 |
|
Live albums
- Live (1993)
- Live in Baltimore (2012)
- Can't Stop The Show: The Return of Kix (2016)
Compilation albums
- The Essentials (2002)
- Thunderground (2004) (unofficial demo bootleg)
- Rhino Hi-Five EP (2006)
Guest appearances
- Monster Metal Power Ballads (2006 — featured track "Still Loving You", credited as Steve Whitman)
- Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition (2005–06 — included "Don't Close Your Eyes")
- Leppardmania: A Tribute to Def Leppard (2000 — performed "Foolin'", credited as Steve Whiteman)
- Monster Ballads (1999 — track "Don't Close Your Eyes")
Singles
| Title | Release | Highest chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Billboard Hot 100 | USA Rock | |||
| "Heartache" | 1981 | — | — | Kix |
| "The Itch" | — | — | ||
| "Atomic Bombs" | — | — | ||
| "Body Talk" | 1983 | 104 | — | Cool Kids |
| "Loco-Emotion" | — | — | ||
| "Cool Kids" | — | — | ||
| "Midnite Dynamite" | 1985 | — | — | Midnite Dynamite |
| "Cold Shower" | — | — | ||
| "Scarlet Fever" | — | — | ||
| "Cold Blood" | 1988 | — | — | Blow My Fuse |
| "Blow My Fuse" | — | — | ||
| "She Dropped Me The Bomb" | — | — | ||
| "Get It While It's Hot" | 1989 | — | — | |
| "Don't Close Your Eyes" | 11 | 16 | ||
| "Girl Money" | 1991 | — | 26 | 'Hot Wire' |
| "Hot Wire" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Same Jane" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Tear Down The Walls" | "—" | "42" | ||
| "9-1-1" | "1995" | "—" | "—" | '$how Bu$ine$$' |
| "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" | "1995" | "—" | "—" | '$how Bu$ine$$' |
| "Love Me With Your Top Down" | "2014" | "—" | "—" | 'Rock Your Face Off' |
| "Wheels In Motion" | "2014" | "—" | "—" | 'Rock Your Face Off' |
Videos
- Blow My Fuse: The Videos (1989)
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1977 establishments in Maryland
- 1996 disestablishments in Maryland
- Atlantic Records artists
- Glam metal musical groups from Maryland
- Hard rock musical groups from Maryland
- Heavy metal musical groups from Maryland
- Musical groups established in 1977
- Musical groups disestablished in 1996
- Musical groups reestablished in 2003