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A groupie is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a musician or other celebrity or public figure. "Groupie" is derived from group in reference to a musical group,^[1] but the word is also used in a more general sense, especially in casual conversation. The word "groupie" is commonplace, a derisive term used to describe a particular kind of female fan assumed to be more interested in sex with rock stars than in their music.^[2]

Groupies became prominent in the music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. This was prior to the murder of John Lennon in December 1980, and before security levels for bands increased significantly. Female groupies in particular have a long-standing reputation of being available to celebrities, pop stars, rock stars and other public figures. Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant is quoted as distinguishing between fans who wanted brief sexual encounters, and "groupies" who traveled with musicians for extended periods of time, acting as a surrogate girlfriend or mother, often taking care of the musician's valuables, drugs, wardrobe, and social life.^[3] Nancy Spungen, who became the partner of Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols, is one such example; women adopting this role are sometimes referred to as "road wives." Cynthia Plaster Caster and The GTOs ("Girls Together Outrageously"), with Pamela Des Barres, in particular, as de-facto spokeswoman, are probably the best known groupies of this type. The GTOs was organized by musician Frank Zappa in the late 1960s. The band consisted of 7 young women: Miss Pamela (Pamela Des Barres), Miss Sparky (Linda Sue Parker), Miss Lucy (Lucy McLaren), Miss Christine (Christine Frka), Miss Sandra (Sandra Leano), Miss Mercy (Mercy Fontentot) and Miss Cynderella (Cynthia Cale-Binion). Another type of groupie were the young teenage girls who dominated the backstage scene in the seventies, sometimes referred to as the "Baby Groupies" by certain musicians. These girls started going backstage when they were fourteen years old and set a precedent at the time. The best known of this group were Sable Starr, Lori Maddox, and Geraldine Edwards, who was the inspiration for Penny Lane, played by actress Kate Hudson, in Almost Famous.

A major characteristic that classifies one as a groupie is a promiscuous reputation. Connie Hamzy, also known as “Sweet Connie”, a prominent groupie in the 1960s argues in favor of the groupie movement and defends her chosen lifestyle by saying, “Look we’re not hookers, we loved the glamour” (Pop & Hiss). However, her openness regarding her sexual endeavors with various rock stars is exactly what has enhanced the negative connotations surrounding her type. For example the article “Pop & Hiss”, found in the Los Angeles Times,^[4] states, "Hamzy, unlike the other groupies, was never looking to build relationships. She was after sex, and she unabashedly shared intimate moments with virtually every rock star -- even their roadies -- who came through Arkansas." Hamzy is the epitome of a stereotypical groupie: a young woman who unashamedly slept with any man involved in the music business whenever they desired.

Aside from the sexual aspect of rock and roll that was accentuated by the groupie, the women also played a huge role in the amount of drugs and alcohol consumed by the artists. Chris O’Dell slept with rock stars such as Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and Mick Jagger. O’Dell opens up about her life as a groupie to a representative from the magazine The Telegraph,^[5] “Predictably, the drug consumption soared when she moved to the Stones. O'Dell, who admits that her capacity for drugs was probably as much a factor as her easy-going personality in her popularity with rock stars, rose to the occasion. Keith Richards admiringly told her that she took drugs "'like a man'. Praise from the master.” O’Dell goes on to describe the years with the Rolling Stones as her lost years because she can hardly remember anything due to her drug consumption. She also admits that one of the reasons stars enjoyed her company so much is because she liked consuming drugs in large quantities all the time.

Des Barres, who wrote two books detailing her experiences as a groupie – I'm With The Band (1987) and Take Another Little Piece of My Heart: A Groupie Grows Up (1993) – as well as another non-fiction book, Rock Bottom: Dark Moments in Music Babylon, asserts that a groupie is to a rock band as Mary Magdalene was to Jesus.^[6] Her most recent book, Let's Spend the Night Together (2007), is a collection of wildly varied interviews with classic "old school" groupies including Catherine James, Connie Hamzy, Cherry Vanilla, DeeDee Keel, Margaret Moser, and Patti Johnsen as well as modern groupies like Mandy Murders, Lexa Vonn and the Plastics. Des Barres, who married rock star-actor Michael Des Barres, also persuaded cult actress Tura Satana, muse Bebe Buell, actress Patti D'Arbanville, and Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark to talk about their relationships with musicians.

According to Des Barres' book, there is at least one verified male groupie, Pleather, who followed female celebrities such as Courtney Love and members of the 80s pop group The Bangles.

"Apple Scruffs", from George Harrison's album All Things Must Pass, refers to the Apple scruffs, a group of teenage girls who staked out The Beatles' Apple Corps offices, Abbey Road Studios, and Paul McCartney's home, often sleeping outside in rough weather, waiting for a glimpse of a Beatle. The Beatles' song "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" refers to the day a few Scruffs climbed into Paul McCartney's house through an upstairs bathroom window and raided his closet for a pair of trousers, which they took turns wearing. They also took a framed photograph, which they later returned at McCartney's request. The movie Almost Famous revolves around the life of groupies (although they call themselves 'band aids' in the film). The famous "band aid" comment originated from a statement that Bebe Buell made in an interview in the seventies. Cameron Crowe incorporated it into his screenplay. In 1970 Groupie Girl was released by American International Pictures and was written by director Derek Ford and Suzanne Mercer based on Mercer's experiences as a groupie.

Michael Jackson was known to say that his number one hit song Dirty Diana was written about a groupie.^[7]

Notes[link]

External links[link]

• Tales of a Rock-Star Love Affair: Slash's Wife Talks Groupie Antics, Finding Hubby in Rolling Stone
• Lust for Life: Memoirs of an Unrepentant Groupie by Margaret Moser
• USA Today Article about firefighter and police groupies after 9/11/01

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (April 2009)

Bob Sinclar
Background information
Birth name	Christophe Le Friant
Also known as	The Mighty Bop, Reminiscence Quartet, Yellow Productions, Chris The French Kiss, Bob From Paris, Desmond K
Born	(1969-05-10) 10 May 1969 (age 43)
Origin	Douarnenez, France
Genres	House, reggae fusion, raggamuffin, electro house, dance, french house, electronic, hip house
Occupations	Producer, DJ
Instruments	Turntables
Years active	1987–present
Labels	Yellow Productions Ministry of Sound Australia
Associated acts	Africanism All Stars
Website	www.bobsinclar.com

Bob Sinclar (born Christophe Le Friant, 10 May 1969), is a French record producer, house music DJ, remixer and the owner of the label Yellow Productions.^[1] He is known for popularising the "French touch" of house music with heavy use of sampled and filtered disco strings. He describes his musical style as inspired by "peace, love, and house-music".^[2]

Several of Sinclar's songs have became international hits, being particularly popular in Europe. Some of his most popular hits include "Love Generation" (with Gary Pine) and "World, Hold On" (with Steve Edwards).

Discography[link]

Singles[link]

as The Mighty Bop

• 1994 "Les Jazz Electroniques EP"
• 1995 "Messe Pour Les Temps"
• 1996 "Ult Violett Sounds EP"
• 1998 "Feelin' Good"
• 2002 "I Go Crazy"
• 2003 "Lady", with Duncan Roy

as Africanism

• 2000 "Bisou Sucré"
• 2000 "Do It", with Eddie Amador
• 2001 "Kazet"
• 2002 "Viel Ou La"
• 2004 "Amour Kéfé"
• 2004 "Kalimbo"
• 2004 "Steel Storm", with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• 2005 "Summer Moon", with David Guetta
• 2006 "Hard", with The Hard Boys
• 2007 "Meu Carnaval", with Rolando Faria

as Bob Sinclar

most tracks are co-produced by Cutee B

• 1996 "A Space Funk Project"
• 1996 "A Space Funk Project II"
• 1997 "Eu Só Quero um Xodó", with Salomé de Bahia
• 1998 "Gym Tonic", with Thomas Bangalter
• 1998 "My Only Love", with Lee Genesis — #56 UK
• 1998 "Super Funky Brake's Vol. I"
• 1998 "The Ghetto"
• 1998 "Ultimate Funk"
• 2000 "I Feel for You", with Cerrone's Angels — #9 UK, #33 ITA
• 2000 "Darlin'", with James "D. Train" Williams — #46 UK
• 2000 "Greetings from Champs Elysées EP" — #125 UK
• 2001 "Freedom", with Gene Van Buren — #79 UK
• 2001 "Ich Rocke"
• 2001 "Save Our Soul"
• 2002 "The Beat Goes On", with Linda Lee Hopkins — #33 UK
• 2003 "Kiss My Eyes", with Camille Lefort — #67 UK, #22 US Hot Dance Club Play
• 2003 "Prego", with Eddie Amador
• 2003 "Slave Nation"
• 2004 "Sexy Dancer", with Cerrone's Angels
• 2004 "Wonderful World", with Ron Carroll
• 2004 "You Could Be My Lover", with Linda Lee Hopkins
• 2005 "Love Generation", with Gary Pine — #1 US Hot Dance Club Play Singles, #2 NL, #3 FR, #3 ITA, #1 AUS, #1 GER, #12 UK, #8 RU, #1 CZ, #11 US Hot Dance Airplay
• 2006 "Generación del Amor" (Spanish Version) — #1 ESP
• 2006 "World, Hold On (Children of the Sky)", with Steve Edwards — #1 ESP, #1 US Hot Dance Club Play Singles, #2 FR, #4 RU, #5 NL, #8 CZ, #9 UK, #10 US Hot Dance Airplay, #19 AUS, #48 US Pop Airplay
• 2006 "Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)", with Dollarman and Big Ali — #2 US Hot Dance Club Play, #3 FR, #3 UK, #11 CZ, #7 AUS
• 2007 "Tennessee", with Farell Lennon — #21 ITA, #27 CZ
• 2007 "Everybody Movin'", with Ron Carroll — #3 GER, #1 ESP
• 2007 "Give a Lil' Love" — #10 ITA, #19 PL, #27 ESP
• 2007 "Sound of Freedom", with Gary Pine and Dollarman — #14 UK, #1 UK Indie, #24 CZ
• 2007 "What I Want", with Fireball #52 UK
• 2007 "Together", with Steve Edwards — #63 PL, #4 ROM
• 2008 "4 Minutes" (Space Funk Remix)
• 2008 "W.W.W. (What a Wonderful World)", with Axwell, The Chicago Superstars & Ron Carroll
• 2008 "New New New", with Cutee B, Dollarman & Big Ali
• 2009 "Lala Song", with Wonder Mike & Master Gee from Sugarhill Gang — #6 ITA
• 2009 "Love You No More", with Shabba Ranks
• 2010 "I Wanna", with Shaggy & Sahara (Costi Ionita and Andrea)
• 2010 "Tik Tok", with Sean Paul
• 2010 "Rainbow of Love", with Ben Onono
• 2011 "The Russian March"
• 2011 "Far l'Amore", with Raffaella Carrà — #6 ITA, #7 BE (Wallonia), #7 ESP, #15 BE (Flanders), #16 CH, #16 NL, #23 AT, #41 FR
• 2011 "Me Not a Gangsta" (feat. Mr Shammi & Colonel Reyel)
• 2011 "F*** With You" (feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor)
• 2011 "Rock the Boat (feat. Pitbull, Dragonfly & Fatman Scoop)
• 2011 "Wild Thing", with Snoop Dogg

^[3]

Hit singles[link]

Albums[link]

as Bob Sinclar

• 1998 Paradise
• 2000 Champs Elysées
• 2001 Cerrone by Bob Sinclar (Compilation of Cerrone remixes)
• 2003 III
• 2004 Enjoy
• 2005 In The House (Various Artists Mix CD)
• 2006 Western Dream
• 2007 Soundz of Freedom
• 2007 Bob Sinclar: Live at the Playboy Mansion
• 2008 Dancefloor FG Winter 2008 (Mixed by Bob Sinclar)
• 2008 DJ Bob Sinclar 08
• 2009 Born in 69
• 2010 Made in Jamaica
• 2012 Disco Crash

as The Mighty Bop (with Alain Ho)

• 1995 La Vague Sensorielle
• 1995 The Mighty Bop Meets DJ Cam & La Funk Mob, with DJ Cam and La Funk Mob
• 1996 Autres Voix, Autres Blues
• 2000 Spin My Hits
• 2002 The Mighty Bop

as Reminiscence Quartet (with Alain Ho and Sébastien Tellier)

• 1994 Ritmo Brasileiro
• 1995 Psycodelico
• 1999 More Psycodelico

as Yellow Productions (with Alain Ho and Cutee B.)

• 1994 A Finest Fusion Of Black Tempo

as Africanism (see all members on discogs.com)

• 2001 Africanism Allstars Vol. I, as Africanism
• 2004 Africanism Allstars Vol. II, as Africanism
• 2005 Africanism Allstars Vol. III, as Africanism
• 2006 Africanism Allstars Vol. IV, as Africanism

See also[link]

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart

References[link]

External links[link]

Main sites

• Bob Sinclar — official site
• Bob Sinclar — Twitter official site
• Bob Sinclar — MySpace official site
• Bob Sinclar discography at Discogs

Interviews and features

• Interview with Bob Sinclar
• Bob Sinclar on The Mag

A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. Please discuss further on the talk page. (March 2012)

Steel Panther
Michael Starr (left) and Lexxi Foxxx (center) performing with Steel Panther in San Diego.
Background information
Also known as	Danger Kitty Metal Shop Metal Skool
Origin	Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres	Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock, comedy rock[1]
Years active	2000–present
Labels	Universal Republic
Associated acts	L.A. Guns, Fight
Website	www.steelpantherrocks.com
Members
Michael Starr Satchel Lexxi Foxxx Stix Zadinia

Steel Panther is a band from Los Angeles, California mostly known for their profane and humorous lyrics as well as their exaggerated on-stage personas that reimagine and parody the glam metal music and lifestyle of the 1980s. Formed in 2000, the band has formerly been known as Danger Kitty, Metal Shop and Metal Skool. Steel Panther is one of the most popular bands out of Hollywood since Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and Poison were the main focus the Sunset Strip in the mid to late 1980's. Arriving in 2009 with debut album Feel The Steel, hailed by Kerrang! magazine as “close to perfect”, Steel Panther has won a legion of fans across the world. And now the band is aiming even higher with second album Balls Out.

The band broke through the mainstream success with their 2009 album Feel the Steel, especially with the single "Death to All but Metal". "The Aldo Nova song "Fantasy" was remade by the band into a faster paced song for the MTV original series Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. The remake was released on iTunes on December 8, 2009 and their album Feel the Steel was released in June 2009.

Biography[link]

Metal Skool[link]

The quartet began to gain popularity in the Sunset Strip during the early 2000's under the name Metal Shop (soon changed into Metal Skool, then into Steel Panther). Their lineup consists of vocalist Ralph Saenz ("Michael Starr"), drummer Darren Leader ("Stix Zadinia"), bassist Travis Haley ("Lexxi Foxxx"), and guitarist Russ Parrish ("Satchel").^[1] The band did weekly shows on Monday nights at the Viper Room, playing covers of 1980s hair metal hits while parodying the bands that made the songs famous. Despite presenting themselves under different stage names, two members of the band were already in other heavy metal acts. Frontman Michael Starr, using his name Ralph Saenz, had been in glam metal band L.A. Guns^[2] between 1997 and 1998, publishing the 6 tracks EP Wasted. Before this, Saenz was the frontman of a Van Halen tribute band called Atomic Punks.^[3] Guitarist Satchel was part of War & Peace, founded by ex Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson^[4] and the band Fight, founded by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.^[5][6] He was also a member of Atomic Punks together with Saenz. Years before, he played in the band Electric Fence with Racer X members Paul Gilbert and Jeff Martin.^[2]

The band, under the name Danger Kitty, published in 2002 the promotional single "Love Rocket".^[2] Steel Panther jokingly claims to be a glam metal band which had failed to gain mainstream success during the '80s.^[1] This is why their official biography claims they have been active since 1988.^[7] Thanks to the use of hair-sprayed looks, leather jackets and zebra spandex and to their experience in the Van Halen tribute band, they finally managed to gain some success.^[1] In 2003 Steel Panther published Hole Patrol,^[2] their auto-produced debut. The band appeared in a Discover Card advertisement as Danger Kitty and in the sitcom Drew Carey Show as themselves. Also in 2003, their song "Death to All But Metal" was included in a compilation CD called Hey, That's What I Call Sludge! Vol. 1 put out by the Metal Sludge web site. Their cover of the song "Fantasy" by Aldo Nova was used as the opening musical theme for the MTV program Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. On November 27, 2007 Metal Skool played original songs as well as covers of KISS songs at the Gene Simmons roast, they can be seen in the background of Gene Simmons' reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels. That year, they also appeared as themselves on Las Vegas in the episode "The High Price of Gas".^[8]

Steel Panther[link]

In April 2008 the band decided to change their name from Metal Skool to Steel Panther, making a new debut at The Rockin' Saddle Club in Redlands, California.^[2] In May 2008, the band signed a contract with Republic Records (owned by record label Universal Records) announcing plans for a new studio album.^[1] The first single, an updated version of "Death to All but Metal", first appeared on iTunes on 27 January 2009, whereas the album, entitled Feel the Steel and produced by Jay Ruston, was published on 9 June, during the same year.^[2] A promotional video, directed by actor Dean Cameron, was shot for the song "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)".

Thanks to their increased popularity their live performances began to be attended by a growing number of fans.^[1] Some celebrities also appeared on stage during their concerts, including Criss Angel, Kenny Loggins, Paul Stanley, Kip Winger, Corey Taylor, David Draiman, Hal Sparks, David Bryan, Vince Neil, Sebastian Bach, Tony Romo, Dane Cook, Chris Jericho, Corey Feldman, Evan Seinfeld, Tera Patrick, Sully Erna, Drew Carey, Mike Starr, Chad Kroeger, Ryan Cabrera, Jerry Cantrell, Justin Hawkins, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Key, Phil Anselmo, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom Morello, P!nk, Scott Ian, Justin Parks, M Shadows and Avril Lavigne in February 2009.^[2] Steel Panther succeeded in becoming one of the most popular cover bands in California, winning the contest of "Best Tribute Band in the Universe".^[2] After a several month run at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, Steel Panther returned to its weekly Monday night shows at the Key Club in Hollywood.

According to a recent interview with RockSource360, the band is currently recording songs for their next album. They performed their new song "Critter" at the UK Ozzfest 2010 and have posted footage of rehearsals in the studio for a new song, under the working title of "If You Really, Really, Really Love Me." In December 2010 their website offered a free download of their new Christmas song "Sexy Santa". In January 2011 Michael Starr confirmed the songs, "Tigerwoods", "Tongue Punch in the Fart Box", "Summertime", "I Like Drugs", "Supersonic Sex Machine", "Do You Wanna Do Me" and "17 Girls in a Row" for the new album in 2011.

Lexxi Foxxx mentioned that guests on the new Steel Panther record would be Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Gene Simmons (KISS), Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), and Scott Ian (Anthrax).

In July, 2011, Steel Panther wrote on their Facebook page "IT'S CUMMING! ROCKTOBER 18TH!", and their YouTube page "COCKTOBER 18TH" which implied that the new album would be released on October 18, 2011. The release date was later pushed back to October 31. Soon after, Michael Starr wrote on the Steel Panther app that the new album would be called Balls Out.

On August 22, 2011, they released a single from Balls Out titled "If You Really Really Love Me".

On August 27, 2011, Freddie Wong released a YouTube video homage to the Crossfire board game which featured Steel Panther covering the Crossfire theme.

On October 14th, 2011, the band played a pre-show for the inaugural 48 Hours Festival in Las Vegas. The show was hosted by David Draiman.

Sometime collaborator Dean Cameron, also credited with co-writing "Supersonic Sex Machine" on "Balls Out", directed and co-wrote a pilot presentation in an attempt to land Steel Panther their own television program.

On December 6, 2011, Steel Panther announced their second solo UK tour in support of their newest album Balls Out. The band are set to play at the O2 Academy Birmingham (March 27, 2012), O2 Academy Glasgow (March 28, 2012), Manchester Academy (March 30, 2012), O2 Academy Brixton (March 31, 2012). Tickets for the shows went on sale on December 9, 2011, with many ticket providers selling out their allocations within a month.

Steel Panther will be playing on the main stage at the Download Festival in June 2012.^[9]

History[link]

[edit] Feel The Steel (2009)–(2010)

Steel Panther released their major record label debut (Universal Republic), Feel the Steel on June 8, 2009 in the UK and on October 6, 2009 in North America. Feel the Steel debuted at #1 on the Billboard Comedy chart, #123 on the Billboard 200 chart and would eventually peak at #98 on the Billboard 200 chart. The record features hit singles, Community Property and Death To All But Metal as well as notable guest performances from Corey Taylor (vocals), Justin Hawkins (vocals), and M. Shadows (vocals).

The record's success also caught the attention of the Grammys, making it onto the "Best Comedy Album" ballot in October 2010, yet failing to reach a nomination.

The track Eyes of a Panther from Feel the Steel is featured on the sound track for the video game Skate 3.

[edit] Balls Out (2011)–(present)

Steel Panther continued their revival of the 80's heavy metal genre with their sophomore effort titled Balls Out released through major record label, Universal Republic on October 31, 2011 in the UK and on November 1, 2011 in North America. Balls Out debuted at #1 on the UK iTunes Rock chart surpassing Megadeth's TH1RT3EN and Lou Reed's and Metallica's Lulu. Balls Out also debuted at #4 on the US iTunes Rock chart, #40 on the Billboard 200 chart and at #1 on the Billboard Comedy chart with first-week sales of 12,000 copies in the US.

Tours[link]

UK Arena tour w/Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe[link]

Due to their growing popularity, Steel Panther were invited by Def Leppard to join them and co-headliners Mötley Crüe as "Special Guests" on the Mirrorball Tour tour in December 2011.

Steel Panther opened for Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe on the following dates:

• December 6, 2011 - Birmingham, UK at LG Arena
• December 8, 2011 - Nottingham, UK at FM Arena
• December 9, 2011 - Glasgow, UK at SECC Hall 4
• December 11, 2011 - Manchester, UK at MEN Arena
• December 13, 2011 - Sheffield, UK at Arena
• December 14, 2011 - London, UK at Wembley Arena

The Forum w/Guns N' Roses[link]

Exactly one week after ending the UK arena tour in London with Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe, Steel Panther opened for Guns N' Roses at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 2011.

Soundwave/Revolution[link]

On May 11, 2011 Steel Panther announced that they would be playing the main stage (same stage as Van Halen) at Soundwave Revolution, however, the spin-off festival would be canceled due to poor ticket sales. In fact, drummer Stix Zadinia was responsible for breaking the story via his Twitter account on August 9: "Soundwave revolution is cancelled. I am bummed." The news shocked Soundwave fans and caused a huge debacle resulting in Steel Panther trending on Twitter and fans accusing Steel Panther as the reason for the cancellation which was entirely inaccurate.

Though Steel Panther were disappointed by the news knowing that they wouldn't be sharing the main stage with Van Halen, the Soundwave Revolution cancellation ended up being a blessing in disguise for it allowed the band to finish recording their second major release, [Balls Out].

The band then proceeded to play the 2012 edition of the main festival, sharing a stage with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit.

Controversy[link]

In January 2012, a promotional poster featuring album artwork from Balls Out was banned in the UK after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed it to be "overtly sexual" and was likely "to cause serious and widespread offense."^[10]

Awards[link]

• Best Debut: Feel the Steel - Metal Hammer Germany

Members[link]

• Michael Starr (Ralph Saenz) – lead vocals, acoustic guitars
• Satchel (Russ Parrish) – rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
• Lexxi Foxxx (Travis Haley) – bass, backing vocals
• Stix Zadinia (Darren Leader) – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Singles[link]

Videography[link]

• Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) – The Video (2005) – home DVD featuring the music video for the title track and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Behind the Music: Steel Panther (2009) – iTunes podcast featuring a fake Behind the Music story for Steel Panther. (Features stars like Matt Sorum, Kat Von D, Jani Lane, Dee Snider and Dave Navarro)

Music videos[link]

• "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)" (2005 and 2009)
• "Death to All but Metal" (2009)
• "Community Property" (2009)
• "If You Really Really Love Me" (2011)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Steel Panther

• Official website
• Steel Panther's fan site
• Interview with Satchel on Maximum Threshold Radio

Turf Talk (born Demar Bernstine in Vallejo, California), is a Bay Area rapper at the forefront of the hyphy movement. His unique style of delivery has earned both local^[1] and national^[2] acclaim. Turf Talk is the protégé and cousin of platinum-selling Bay Area pioneer and legend E-40, and is signed to his mentor's Sick Wid It/30/30 Records.

Growing Up[link]

Turf Talk told UK-based rap periodical Hip Hop Connection^[3] that he "came from living in hotel rooms.. for four to five years". The rapper returned to Vallejo (in the Bay Area) in 1999 to pursue his career under cousin E-40.

Turf Talk quotes his influences as "E-40 and The Click, Too $hort, and then The Dangerous Crew, and Mac Mall."^[3]

Career[link]

Originally rapping under the name Killa Kane, Turf Talk would first appear alongside Mac Shawn, another younger cousin of E-40, on the compilation CD Worldwide Bosses & Playas in 2001. His breakthrough came in 2003 performing the hook for the MTV-aired E-40 track "Gasoline", B-side to the single "One Night Stand".

Turf Talk would go on to appear in three tracks on E-40's 2003 album Breakin News as well as cement his growing reputation in the Bay Area's new movement by guesting in style on the official remix to The Federation's seminal hit "Hyphy".

In 2004 Turf Talk released his highly anticipated debut album The Street Novelist featuring his mentor E-40, The Federation and a range of Sick Wid It Records' artists. The CD included the Rick Rock-produced smash "It's Ah Slumper" and one of the final guest appearances of Mac Dre.

In 2005 Turf Talk released Turf Talk Brings The Hood: Colabilation part album, part compilation of tracks recorded with both long-time and up-and-coming Sick Wid It Records collaborators. The CD included the popular local hit "Turf Talk Iz Back".

In the early hours of July 14, 2005, Turf Talk suffered several shots to the face from a low caliber pellet shotgun, after being apparently targeted leaving a recording studio in Vallejo. He was treated at the Sutter Solano Medical Center and made a quick and full recovery.

On July 30, 2005 at the San Francisco Masonic Center, Turf Talk was announced as New Artist (Rookie) of The Year 2005 in the inaugural Bay Area Rap Scene (B.A.R.S.) Awards.^[4] He beat strong competition from both Mistah F.A.B. and Ya Boy.

Boosted by the signing of mentor E-40 to Lil Jon's multi-platinum BME/Warner imprint, Turf Talk announced plans to release his new studio album West Coast Vaccine: The Cure in 2006, featuring almost exclusive production by rap heavyweights Rick Rock and Lil Jon. The CD was delayed to early 2007.

In 2006 Turf Talk secured further exposure by appearing on E-40's BME debut and Billboard 200 success story My Ghetto Report Card as well as MTV's Hyphy music insight My Block: The Bay. His influence on the Hyphy movement was featured in Hip Hop magazines The Source and XXL.

In the summer of 2006 Turf Talk extended his cross-genre, national and international reputation after being invited to feature on the DJ Shadow Hyphy-influenced new release 3 Freaks. This led to an MTV music video alongside Keak Da Sneak, as well as a supporting role in a tour of Europe and Japan.

The tour climaxed with a performance in front of over 25,000 at the Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park on June 23. Turf Talk appeared alongside Bay Area emcees Mistah F.A.B. and Nump, in a line-up which included Massive Attack, Pharrell, Gnarls Barkley and Damian Marley.

Style[link]

Turf Talk's unusual delivery is an important part of his act. The self-styled "devastating mouthpiece", he combines a distinctive drawl with fierce interjections using multi-track recording. The New York Times said "he has a high, pinched voice, less cartoonish than his cousin (E-40) and more ferocious".^[2]

The rapper himself ascribes his fast-changing flow to building a character for his listeners, complete with ad-libs, and to developing a range of marketable styles. "I'm always thinking about new ways to rap on different beats and new sounds, just something different to the human ear."^[5]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 2004: The Street Novelist
• 2005: Turf Talk Brings The Hood Colabilation
• 2007: West Coast Vaccine: The Cure
• 2007: Hyphy Ain't Dead (with Mistah F.A.B.)
• 2010: "The Return Of The Jedi(Street Album)
• 2010: "Thug Therapy"
• 2011: "Turf-Talk Brings The Hood Colabilation 2
• 2011: Turf Sinatra (January 6, www.rapbay.com)
• 2012: Sick-Wid-It Block Op (with Laroo)

^[6]

Guest appearances[link]

• 2001: "Worldwide Bossin We Be Flossin" (Mac Shawn feat. Turf Talk as Killa Kane)
• 2003: "Gasoline" (E-40 feat. Turf Talk)
• 2003: "Hyphy (Remix)" (The Federation feat. Turf Talk)
• 2006: "Muscle Cars" (E-40 feat. Turf Talk & Keak Da Sneak)
• 2006: "3 Freaks" (DJ Shadow feat. Turf Talk & Keak Da Sneak)
• 2008: "Got Rich Twice" (E-40 feat. Turf Talk)
• 2008: "Hustle" (E-40 feat. Rock City & Turf Talk)
• 2010: "Knock 'Em Down Music" (E-40 feat.Ya Boy, Turf Talk & Cousin Fik)
• 2010: "More Bass, More Treble" (E-40 feat. Cousin Fik & Turf Talk)
• 2010: "I'm Gone" (Lazer Sword feat. Turf Talk)
• 2011: "Back & Forth" (E-40 feat. Turf Talk, Cousin Fik & Stressmatic)
• 2011: "The Streets Don't Love Nobody" (E-40 feat. Turf Talk & DB Tha General)
• 2012: "The Chicken Hill Project"(prod by Hallway Productionz ^{[7] [8]}
• 2012: "In This Thang Breh" (E-40 featuring Turf Talk & Mistah F.A.B.)

References[link]

Brian Gerard James
Ring name(s)	B.G. James[1] Brian Armstrong[1] (The) Dark Secret[1] Jesse James[1] Jesse James Armstrong[2] (The) Road Dogg[1] (The) Roadie[1]
Billed height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Billed weight	236 lb (107 kg)[2]
Born	(1969-05-20) May 20, 1969 (age 43)[3] Marietta, Georgia[1]
Resides	Jay, Florida[1]
Billed from	Marietta, Georgia
Trained by	Bob Armstrong[2] Brad Armstrong[2] Paul Orndorff[2]
Debut	1992[2]

Brian Gerard James^[2] (born May 20, 1969)^[3] is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he works as an agent, producer and occasional wrestler.^[4][5] He is best known for his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as "The Road Dogg" Jesse James or simply Road Dogg. He is a former member of D-Generation X and the tag team partner of Billy Gunn, with who he joined with the New Age Outlaws in the WWF and The James Gang and Voodoo Kin Mafia in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

In WWE, James is a one time Intercontinental Champion, a one time Hardcore Champion, and a five time Tag Team Champion with Gunn. The company also described him as "one of the most popular Superstars of WWE's "Attitude Era".^[6] In TNA, he became a two time NWA World Tag Team Champion with Konnan and Ron Killings. James is also a one time world champion after becoming the first-ever WWA World Heavyweight Champion in 2001.

James is the son of retired professional wrestler Bob Armstrong, and one of the Armstrong brothers.

Before wrestling[link]

James served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1993 and fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where he was a platoon Sergeant in command of thirty-three Marines.^[1][4]

Professional wrestling career[link]

World Wrestling Federation (1994–2001)[link]

The Roadie[link]

After wrestling for a whole year in Smoky Mountain Wrestling as The Dark Secret and making occasional appearances for World Championship Wrestling as Brian Armstrong, James began his career with the World Wrestling Federation towards the end of 1994.^[7] He was billed as The Roadie, an assistant to "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, a would-be country singer.^[7] He wrestled on several pay-per-views and television shows, but most of his first WWF tenure was spent accompanying Jarrett and interfering in his matches. In early 1995, Jarrett released the song "With My Baby Tonight," that Jarrett claimed he had sung himself. The planned angle was to reveal that it was The Roadie, not Jarrett, who had really performed the vocals on this song, sparking a feud between the two wrestlers.^[7] Before this revelation could take place, Jarrett and James suddenly left the WWF following the second In Your House pay-per-view on July 23, 1995. James then joined the United States Wrestling Association as Jesse James Armstrong, where he won its Heavyweight, Television and World Tag Team Championships before being forced to leave as a result of a loss at the hands of Jarrett.^[7]

New Age Outlaws[link]

Road Dogg at the King of the Ring 2000

"Road Dogg" Jesse James (left) and "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn in 1999.

James returned to the WWF in 1996 as Jesse James, "The Real Double J", and revealed himself to be the true singer of "With My Baby Tonight".^[7] He languished as a mid-card singles wrestler until he formed a tag team with Billy Gunn.^[7] A change in creative direction in the WWF in late 1997 led Gunn, who had formerly been stuck under the tutelage of The Honky Tonk Man in the unpopular gimmick of "Rockabilly", to dye his hair back to its original blond color and assume the name "Badd Ass" Billy Gunn, while James became "The Road Dogg" Jesse James. The appearance and mannerisms of the team became more and more controversial and antisocial until the team became known as the New Age Outlaws. The Outlaws feuded with the Road Warriors and the short-lived tag team of Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie before joining D-Generation X the night after WrestleMania XIV.^[7]

The Outlaws amassed five Tag Team Championship reigns and managed to become singles champions while still together, with James and Gunn each winning the Hardcore Championship once in 1998 and 1999, respectively, while James would also go on to win the Intercontinental Championship in March 1999.^[8][9] The team came to an end when Gunn was legitimately injured in early 2000 and thrown out of DX due to losing his temper to explain the absence needed for his recovery. James then teamed with fellow DX member X-Pac throughout the summer of 2000 but failed to regain his former popularity or championship success.^[7] The team eventually split, and DX fell apart. James then formed a tag team with newcomer K-Kwik^[7] before leaving the company in early 2001.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2009)[link]

After making appearances on the independent circuit, most prominently with the short-lived World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA) promotion, James debuted for the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling promotion on September 18, 2002 wrestling as B.G. James, as the popular Road Dogg gimmick was owned by WWE. He was initially a heel and one of the founding members of Vince Russo's Sports Entertainment Xtreme faction.^[7]

3Live Kru (2003–2005)[link]

In July 2003, James formed the stable known as the 3Live Kru with Hispanic wrestler Konnan and the African American wrestler Ron Killings.^[10][11] James was presented as a white trash redneck. The stable was popular from the outset and was notable because they sang their own entrance music as they approached the ring. The 3Live Kru turned out to be a successful gimmick as Killings held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for a second time and all three members enjoyed Tag Title reigns.^[7]

Tension arose when James' former partner Billy Gunn joined TNA as "The New Age Outlaw" (later shortened to "The Outlaw") in February 2005.^[12] The Outlaw repeatedly courted James, seeking to split the Kru and recreate the New Age Outlaws. When The Outlaw began feuding with the Kru, James repeatedly found his loyalties divided, unwilling to fight either his former or current tag team partners. For a time, James stopped appearing with the Kru but did not align himself with The Outlaw, who had by then changed his name to "Kip James" as a "tribute" to James' father. At Sacrifice, he reasserted his allegiance with 3LK as the special guest referee in a match between the other members of 3LK and the team of Kip James and Monty Brown.^[13] Kip tried to warm up to 3LK again in the lead-up to Bound for Glory by saving James several times from Team Canada. At Bound for Glory, he offered his protective services to them against Team Canada to neutralize Scott D'Amore. When they lost, Kip came down to the ring, appearing ready to hit Konnan with a steel chair since he originally vetoed Kip's offer.^[14] Kip instead saved Konnan from Team Canada, thus proving his original intentions.^[14]

On the November 26 episode of Impact!, James brought Kip and the 3LK to the ring and asked Killings and Konnan to give Kip a yes/no vote to be accepted into the group.^[15] After James got heated with Konnan, both gave Kip yes votes and the 4Live Kru was born.^[15] The 4Live Kru was short lived as Konnan, still apparently upset at Kip's induction into the Kru, hit both James and Kip over the head with a steel chair at Turning Point.^[16] Konnan, still wanting Killings to be his "family", tried talking with Killings. Killings told Konnan that he was done with the Kru and wanted to leave it all behind him.

The James Gang (2006)[link]

After the incident, James and Kip regrouped, reformed their old tag team as The James Gang, and feuded with Konnan's new stable, The Latin American Xchange (LAX), which he formed with Homicide and Apolo. Apolo was sent home from Against All Odds after complaining about being used as enhancement talent and was quickly replaced by a relative unknown named Machete.

On a subsequent edition of Impact!, James' real life father "Bullet" Bob Armstrong informed The James Gang that he was sick of the shenanigans of LAX and how they always used strength in numbers to their advantage. He informed them that he was going to see Larry Zbyszko to have himself added to the Destination X match as their partner, effectively making it a three-man tag team. A despondent James turned to Kip and comically uttered gonna KILL me!". "Bullet" was in fact added to the team and, they won the match at Destination X.^[17] The next month an arm wrestling match was booked between Armstrong and Konnan, where the losing team would get hit ten times with a leather whip. Armstrong prevailed with the victory, so LAX was whipped several times upon scrambling out of the cage for survival.

Following rivalry with LAX, James and Kip went after Team 3D.^[7] The two teams cut promos arguing over their long term histories with past promotions such as WWE and ECW.^[7] The rivalry came to a head at Sacrifice when The James Gang beat Team 3D using a lead pipe.^[18] The James Gang and Team 3D feuded throughout the summer. They were scheduled for a number one contendership match at Hard Justice but, due to a fire, the match was canceled. The match was rescheduled for Impact!, which the Gang lost.

On the November 2, 2006 edition of Impact!, Kip and James announced that they were going to quit TNA.^[19] While attempting to speak about it, their microphones were cut off.^[19] When the show returned, the announcers speculated that they may have been frustrated due to the influx of new talent entering TNA. It was later reported that the segment was a worked shoot that Vince Russo had written in order to renew interest upon their eventual return.^[20]

Voodoo Kin Mafia (2006–2008)[link]

On the November 16 airing of Impact!, The James Gang announced that they would now be known as Voodoo Kin Mafia (VKM) (a pun on the name Vincent Kennedy McMahon). They spent their airtime bashing McMahon and both members of D-Generation X, using their real names: Paul Levesque and Michael Hickenbottom. After calling Triple H "Triple Hollywood" and Shawn Michaels "Shawn Kiss-My-Bottom", VKM claimed they were declaring war on DX and Vincent Kennedy McMahon. On the November 23 airing of Impact!, they drove around searching for their targets, but they ended up arriving at a Target store. At the end of the episode, VKM argued, and Kip pointed straight ahead to the WWE World Headquarters, which prompted James to respond, "We're back!" In December 2006, as acknowledged by TNA's website, VKM accepted The Hardys' open challenge to a match at December to Dismember. WWE never acknowledged their acceptance, however. Over the following weeks, VKM aired several more videos bashing DX and Vince McMahon. They also made a $1,000,000 challenge to DX as announced on the TNA website. They declared "victory" at Final Resolution, after receiving no answer from WWE.^[21] In early 2007, however, James said in a shoot interview along with his tag team partner Kip that he would jump back to WWE if he could get out of his TNA contract and get a WWE offer.^[22]

On August 4, James returned to the Boston based Millennium Wrestling Federation's Soul Survivor IV wrestling event and fanfest.^[23] James worked for the promotion when it opened in 2001, but no-showed a benefit for "Superstar" Billy Graham in October 2002 due to his "personal demons". MWF subsequently brought the real life situation into a storyline.^[24] James and Beau Douglas went on to win the Tag Team Championship from the Canadian Superstars (J-Busta and Dave Cole). During a pre-event question and answer session, James went into his hatred of Jim Ross and his feelings that WWE ruins families and lives. James and Douglas lost the title back to the Canadians on October 27, 2007 at a Special Olympics fundraiser in Salem, Massachusetts.^[25] After five years of bad blood, James made peace with promoter Dan Mirade for sabotaging the Graham benefit and agreed to return in the future.

At Turning Point, James won one of the cases in the Feast or Fired match, which was later revealed to contain a World Tag Team Championship match.^[26] Instead of teaming with Kip, he chose his real life father "Bullet" Bob Armstrong to be his tag team partner. B.G. and Bullet Bob lost their title match against A.J. Styles and Tomko in the opening match of Against All Odds.^[27] He and Kip had turned face but on the February 21, 2008 edition of Impact!, Kip turned on James and James' dad "Bullet" Bob Armstrong by hitting them both with a crutch, turning heel in the process. At Lockdown, he finally defeated Kip in a six-sides of steel match.^[28]

Sporadic appearances and departure (2008–2009)[link]

At Final Resolution, James returned to TNA television for the first time in months and participated in the Feast or Fired Match, which was won by Curry Man, Homicide, Hernandez, and Jay Lethal.^[29] James was also seen on Impact! two weeks later as he was trying to hold back Jeff Jarrett from fighting Kurt Angle. The week afterwards, he was punched by Angle while he and Jarrett were fighting.^[30] On the January 8, 2009 edition of Impact!, James faced off against Angle, but lost via submission due to Angle's ankle lock.^[31]

On September 15, 2009, James was released from his TNA contract.^[32]

Independent circuit (2009–2011)[link]

Upon leaving TNA, James returned to the independent circuit and resumed using his Jesse James ring name. On January 30, 2010, he teamed with Dysfunction to defeat Mason Quinn and J-Ca$h, who substituted for Quinn's tag team partner Dave Demone, to win the NWA Wisconsin Tag Team Championship for the first time.^[33] On May 1, James lost his half of the title when Dysfunction picked Quinn as his new partner when Dysfunction and Quinn scored a double pin during a title defense.^[34]

On April 19, James resumed using his Road Dogg name and reformed the New Age Outlaws with Billy Gunn to compete in the promotion Canadian Wrestling's Elite.^[35]

On April 2, 2011, James returned to WWE for the first time in over a decade to induct his father "Bullet" Bob Armstrong into the company's Hall of Fame class of 2011.^[6]

On May 28 James appeared at One Pro Wrestling's event The Last Stand, where he teamed with Kevin Nash in an unsuccessful attempt at winning the Tag Team Championship.^[36]

Return to WWE (2011–present)[link]

On October 10, 2011, James announced on his Facebook account that he re-signed with WWE as an agent and producer on a six-week long trial basis, effective October 23 at the Vengeance pay-per-view.^[37] After a 10-year long absence, James returned to WWE television on the December 12 episode of Raw under his Road Dogg ring name to present CM Punk with the Slammy Award for "Pipe Bomb" of the Year.^[4] On January 29, 2012, Road Dogg entered the Royal Rumble match as the twenty-third entrant and lasted nearly five minutes before being eliminated by Wade Barrett.^[38] Following this, James began hosting the WWE.com web series Are You Serious? alongside Josh Mathews.^[39]

Personal life[link]

James is married and the couple has three children.^[40]

James admits to having had problems with drugs all of his life.^[41] In high school, he began smoking marijuana and graduated to painkillers during his time in D-Generation X.^[41] After being suspended and then released from the WWF, he went to rehab in an attempt to straighten out his life.^[41]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Pumphandle falling powerslam^[1][2]

• Signature moves
  • DDT^[42]
  • Leapfrog body guillotine^[43]
  • Piledriver^[42]
  • Running knee drop, with theatrics^[42][43]
  • Shake, Rattle and Roll (Three left-handed jabs followed by a right-handed punch, with theatrics)^[1]

• With Billy Gunn
  • Double team finishing moves
    • Double flapjack dropped into a hangman^[44] – 1997–1998
    • Spike piledriver^[44]

• Managers
  • Harvey Wippleman^[45][46]
  • Chyna^[44]
  • Tori^[47]
  • Roxxi Laveaux^[44][47]

• Nicknames
  • "The Real Double J"^[1]
  • "B-Jizzle"^[42]
  • "The Trailer Park Gangsta"^[42]

• Entrance themes
  • "Oh, You Didn't Know?" by Jim Johnston^[48] (1997–2000, 2009–present)
  • "Break It Down" by The DX Band (1998–1999; Used while a part of D-Generation X)
  • "Nobody Moves" by Dale Oliver (2006)^[49]
  • "In My House" by Dale Oliver (2006–2008)
  • "Bad Jam" by Dale Oliver (2008–2009)^[50]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Catch Wrestling Association
  • CWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Cannonball Grizzly^[51]

• Maryland Championship Wrestling
  • MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kip James^[52]

• Millennium Wrestling Federation
  • MWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Beau Douglas^[53]

• NWA Wisconsin / All-Star Championship Wrestling
  • NWA Wisconsin/ACW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dysfunction^[33]

• NWA Wrestle Birmingham
  • NWA Alabama Heavyweight Championship (2 times)^[54]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Tag Team of the Year (1998)^[55] with Billy Gunn
  • PWI ranked him #46 of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1999^[55][56]
  • PWI ranked him #43 of the best 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[57] with Billy Gunn

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times)¹ – with Ron Killings and Konnan^[58]

• TWA Powerhouse
  • TWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Billy Gunn^[59]

• United States Wrestling Association
  • USWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[60]
  • USWA Television Championship (2 times)^[61]
  • USWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Tracy Smothers^[62]

• World Wrestling All-Stars
  • WWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[63][64][65]

• World Wrestling Federation
  • WWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)^[8]
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)^[9]
  • WWF Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Billy Gunn^{[66][67][68][69][70]}

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Worst Gimmick (1996) as The Real Double J

• Other titles
  • CWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][56]

¹James defended the title with either Konnan or Killings under the Freebird Rule.

Notes[link]

• Bill Apter (October 2001). "Down a Dark Road: Interview from Wrestling Digest". Wrestling Digest. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080917181842/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_3/ai_78264745. Retrieved 2007-05-14. 
• Adam Martin (2005-03-12). "B.G. James Interview". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1110607734.shtml. Retrieved 2007-05-14. 

References[link]