The Unforgiven (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Products | Music albums |
The Unforgiven was a roots rock ensemble active between 1985 and 1988, secured under a two-album contract with Elektra Records following a competitive bidding process that involved Warner Bros. Records among others. One record company even proposed signing the group without having heard or seen them beforehand. The band adopted a visual style reminiscent of Spaghetti Westerns, characterized by three-quarter length coats, worn boots, and broad-brimmed hats.
Their only album, released in 1986 and self-titled, showcased Steve Jones (also known as John Henry Jones) on lead vocals and guitar, alongside Johnny Hickman, Just Jones (Mike Jones), and Todd Ross contributing guitars and backing vocals. Mike Finn handled bass and vocals, while Alan Waddington played drums and provided additional vocals. This release achieved sales of 50,000 units. Prior to this, Steve Jones had fronted The Stepmothers; subsequent iterations of The Unforgiven incorporated Stepmothers alumni Larry Lee Lerma (bass) and Jay Lansford (guitar). During the band's active years, bassist Mike Finn concurrently served as a public school educator in Orange County, California.
In interviews, Steve Jones emphasized the group's assertive yet accessible pop-driven sound paired with direct lyrical content. Entering the Los Angeles rock circuit, they projected a "defiantly macho image," maintaining physical conditioning through running and weight training before rehearsals. Johnny Hickman notably ceased smoking upon joining.
Drummer Alan Waddington acknowledged Elektra's substantial financial commitment to the album's production. The Unforgiven stood out due to their unique four-guitar configuration, employment of "gang vocals," vintage cowboy aesthetics, and a country-infused roots rock style—a genre that saw increased recognition after the band dissolved. They appeared at prominent events such as the 1986 Farm Aid II in Texas and Farm Aid III in Nebraska. Additionally, they were pioneers in distributing music videos beyond the confines of MTV, enhancing visibility for less mainstream musical styles.
Following the band's disbandment, Alan Waddington became part of Desperation Squad and took on a teaching role at Citrus College. Johnny Hickman went on to join Cracker, while Just Jones, Mike Finn, and roadie Tim Allyn formed The Hickmen. Steve Jones shifted his focus toward writing, directing, and composing for both music and television; his credits include co-writing Asia's 1990 song "Days Like These," producing Discovery Channel's first season of Pitchmen, and co-founding a talent development firm in 2010.
The Unforgiven briefly reunited for a final performance at the 2012 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California. This event featured original members Steve Jones, Alan Waddington, Jay Lansford (currently residing in Hanover, Germany), among others, performing signature songs like "Some Days" and "Hang 'Em High."