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Tesla (band)

From Alfawiki
Tesla
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic, Entertainment
Founded1981 in Sacramento, California, United States
FounderBrian Wheat, Frank Hannon
Headquarters
Sacramento
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances
Websiteteslatheband.com

Tesla is a hard rock group originating from Sacramento, California, United States. The band’s roots trace back to late 1981 when bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon established a group called City Kidd, which eventually transformed into Tesla.[1] By 1984, the ensemble was completed with the addition of vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer Troy Luccketta, forming the lineup that would define their early recordings and tours. Prior to laying down their first album, they adopted the name Tesla to distinguish themselves from another band with a similar moniker.

During the 1980s hair metal surge, Tesla rose to significant recognition.[2] Their inaugural album, Mechanical Resonance (1986), featured successful tracks such as "Modern Day Cowboy" and a rendition of "Little Suzi". Their follow-up record, The Great Radio Controversy (1989), climbed to No.18 on the Billboard 200 chart and included the top ten hit "Love Song". The 1990 live acoustic release Five Man Acoustical Jam reached No.12 and contained their highest-charting single—a cover of "Signs", which peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band’s third studio effort, Psychotic Supper (1991), achieved a No.13 position but did not generate major hits; similarly, their 1994 album Bust a Nut reached No.20 without producing radio singles.

Tesla disbanded in 1996 but regrouped in 2000, marked by the live album and tour Replugged. Since then, they have continued recording and performing live, with Dave Rude stepping in for Skeoch on guitar in 2006. Their most recent projects include the EP All About Love (2024) and the studio album Shock (2019). To date, Tesla has sold more than 14 million albums within the United States.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Formation and Mechanical Resonance (1981–1988)

Initially called City Kidd, the band changed its name to Tesla during the production of their debut album, Mechanical Resonance in 1986. This decision was influenced by their manager to prevent confusion with another band sharing the City Kidd name. The choice of Tesla as a band name, along with themes present in some songs and albums, was inspired by the inventor Nikola Tesla. Production duties on Mechanical Resonance and the subsequent two studio albums were handled by Michael Barbiero and Steve Thompson.

The original members consisted of lead singer Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Robert Contreras—who was soon replaced by Troy Luccketta from the Eric Martin Band.

In their early touring years, Tesla opened for prominent acts such as David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, and Poison. This exposure led to their association with glam metal—a label they initially resisted but eventually accepted.

The Great Radio Controversy and Psychotic Supper (1989–1993)

With their sophomore release The Great Radio Controversy in 1989, Tesla broadened their audience through five successful singles including the power ballad "Love Song".

In 1990, they unveiled Five Man Acoustical Jam, a live acoustic album featuring unplugged versions of hits like "Comin' Atcha Live" and "Love Song", alongside covers such as "Signs" originally by the Five Man Electrical Band.

Their third studio album, Psychotic Supper (1991), is regarded by members as their finest artistic achievement. The Japanese reissue released in 1998 included previously unreleased material like "Rock the Nation" plus B-sides from earlier singles.

Bust a Nut era and hiatus (1994–1996)

In 1994, Tesla unveiled their fourth studio project, Bust a Nut, with the Japanese release featuring an exclusive cover of Led Zeppelin's "The Ocean" that had not been previously issued.

Shortly after this album, guitarist Tommy Skeoch departed due to struggles with substance abuse. He briefly rejoined the group following rehabilitation but eventually left once more. The band carried on temporarily as a quartet. Subsequently, Skeoch became part of Marshall Coleman's band, which later transformed into Bar 7, releasing the single "Four Leaf Clover" from the album The World Is a Freak. Meanwhile, Brian Wheat established Soulmotor, Frank Hannon launched Moon Dog Mane, and Troy Luccketta collaborated with various local Bay Area musicians including One Thin Dime.

Reunion period, Into the Now and Real to Reel (2000–2007)

After a six-year break, Tesla reunited in 2000 with backing from KRXQ’s Pat Martin. They performed a sold-out concert at ARCO Arena in Sacramento on October 25, 2000, which was followed by the release of the double live album Replugged Live. In 2002, Tesla participated in the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside other rock bands from the 1980s and issued Standing Room Only, a condensed single-CD version of Replugged Live.

Their fifth studio effort, Into the Now (2004), entered the Billboard chart at No. 30 and received positive acclaim from their fan base. The band also made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote this album.

During the summer of 2006, Tesla toured without Skeoch, who took an indefinite leave due to family responsibilities and ongoing issues with substance abuse. Scott Johnson served as a temporary replacement before Dave Rude was appointed as Skeoch’s permanent successor.

On June 5, 2007, Tesla released Real to Reel, a two-disc covers collection. The first CD was initially sold with an empty slot for the second disc, which was provided free to U.S. concert attendees and included in the August edition of Europe's Classic Rock magazine.

In late August 2007, Tesla announced their first global tour in 16 years, scheduling performances across Australia, Japan, and Europe during October and November.

Forever More and Twisted Wires period (2008–2012)

Throughout mid-2008, Tesla toured extensively across Europe and the United States, performing at prominent festivals such as Sweden Rock Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Rocklahoma. On July 15, 2008, they released "Tesla- Comin' Atcha Live! 2008," a live recording captured in February at the sold-out Myth Nightclub in Minnesota featuring classics like "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Love Song."

Tesla's album Forever More was launched on October 7, 2008, through their own label Tesla Electric Company Recordings. Produced by Terry Thomas, it debuted at No. 33 on The Billboard 200 chart and included singles such as "I Wanna Live," which was released worldwide on radio ahead of a global tour beginning October 1.

On May 10, 2011, Tesla performed at an event supporting the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise. Later that year, on July 25, they issued Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions, an album primarily featuring acoustic arrangements.

Simplicity and Shock (2013–present)

In June 2013, Tesla unveiled the track "Taste My Pain" through iTunes, leading up to the release of their eighth studio album, Simplicity, which debuted on June 6, 2014.

During 2015, the group embarked on a tour alongside Def Leppard and Styx. On August 26, 2016, Tesla marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album with Mechanical Resonance Live, a collection featuring live renditions of all original tracks plus a new song titled "Save That Goodness," produced by Phil Collen from Def Leppard.

Beginning in April 2017, Tesla collaborated with Collen to create their ninth studio effort, Shock, which was released on March 8, 2019.

In August 2021, Tesla released the single "Cold Blue Steel," followed by "Time to Rock!" in August 2022.

On November 29, 2024, the band introduced a six-song EP called All About Love, which includes various versions of the title track, a new instrumental piece named "From the Heart," and a live performance of "Walk Away."

Charity work

While promoting their album The Great Radio Controversy, Tesla organized a canned food drive where attendees could gain free entry to their concerts by donating; this initiative was highlighted in the music video for "The Way It Is." In February 2005, Tesla headlined a benefit concert at the PPAC in Providence, Rhode Island aimed at aiding victims of the Station nightclub fire, auctioning an autographed acoustic guitar with all proceeds and ticket sales directed to the Station Family Fund.

Tesla continued their support in February 2008 by funding and headlining another benefit concert for the same cause, which was broadcast on VH1 Classic. During this event, they performed three songs: "What You Give," "Signs," and "Love Song," although "What You Give" was excluded from the televised broadcast.

Musical style and influences

Tesla’s discography predominantly features a blues-infused hard rock sound. Bassist Brian Wheat has acknowledged that classic rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Bad Company, and the Beatles have significantly influenced their music. While their first two albums are often categorized under glam metal, their distinctive fusion of blues elements with 1970s hard rock sets them apart from contemporaries. The publication Loudwire described Tesla as a "thinking man's hair metal band," and VH1 positioned them at number 22 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hair Metal.

Current members

  • Brian Wheat – bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, piano (1981–1996, 2000–present)
  • Frank Hannon – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, piano, organ, theremin, bass guitar, mandolin, harmonica (1981–1996, 2000–present)
  • Jeff Keith – lead vocals (1984–1996, 2000–present)
  • Dave Rude – guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar (2006–present)
  • Steve Brown – drums, percussion (2021–present)

Former members

  • Steve Clausman (1981)
  • Robert "Bobby" Contreras – drums (1981–1984)
  • Colleen Lloy – guitar, lead vocals (1981–1983; originally joined as City Kidd)
  • Brook Bright – guitar, vocals (1981–1983; founding member as City Kidd)
  • Jeff Harper – lead vocals (original vocalist for Earthshaker and City Kidd until April 1983)
  • Joey Murrieta – guitar (1983; pre-Tesla period)
  • Curtis Chapman – guitar (1983–1984; pre-Tesla as part of City Kidd)
  • Tommy Skeoch – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1994, 1995, 2000–2006)
  • Troy Luccketta – drums, percussion (1984–1996, 2000–2021)

Touring replacements

  • Stefano Pasta – drums (1990; temporary fill-in for Troy Luccketta)
  • Scott Johnson – guitar, backing vocals (2006; stand-in for Tommy Skeoch)
  • Tommy Armstrong-Leavitt – guitar, backing vocals (2013; substitute for Dave Rude)
  • Phil Collen – guitar, backing vocals (2016; replaced Dave Rude at The Classic Rock Awards)
  • Ray Luzier – drums, percussion (2016; filled in for Troy Luccketta at The Classic Rock Awards)
  • Sammy Boller – guitar, backing vocals (2024; replacement for Frank Hannon due to family health concerns)

Discography

Studio releases

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Energy
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :0
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