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Tesla is an American
rock
Rock most often refers to:
* Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids
* Rock music, a genre of popular music
Rock or Rocks may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wales ...
band from Sacramento, California
)
, image_map = Sacramento County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sacramento Highlighted.svg
, mapsize = 250x200px
, map_caption = Location within Sacramento C ...
. In late 1981, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon formed a band named City Kidd, which evolved into Tesla. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer Troy Luccketta had joined the band, forming their classic lineup that appeared on all of the albums and live shows during their initial run. The band adopted the Tesla moniker shortly before recording their first album, as another band with a similar name already existed.
Their debut album, ''Mechanical Resonance
Mechanical resonance is the tendency of a mechanical system to respond at greater amplitude when the frequency of its oscillations matches the system's natural frequency of vibration (its ''resonance frequency'' or ''resonant frequency'') close ...
'', was released in 1986, which produced two hit singles, " Modern Day Cowboy" and their cover of " Little Suzi" (originally by Ph.D.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is a ...
). The band's second album ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
'' (1989), peaked at number 18 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart, and produced the top-ten single "Love Song
A love song is a song about romantic love, falling in love, heartbreak after a breakup, and the feelings that these experiences bring. A comprehensive list of even the best known performers and composers of love songs would be a large order. ...
". During the height of the popularity of ''MTV Unplugged
''MTV Unplugged'' is an American television series on MTV showcasing musical artists usually playing acoustic instruments. The show aired regularly from 1989 to 1999 and less frequently from 2000 to 2009, when it was usually billed as ''MTV Un ...
'', the band recorded and released their third album, the live acoustic album ''Five Man Acoustical Jam
''Five Man Acoustical Jam'' is a live album recorded at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia and released in 1990 by the band Tesla, using acoustic guitars instead of the electric guitars for which pop-metal bands such as Tesla are traditionall ...
'' in 1990. The album peaked at number 12 on the ''Billboard 200'' and produced their top-charting single (number 8 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100), " Signs", a cover of a song by the Five Man Electrical Band
The Five Man Electrical Band (known as The Staccatos from 1963 to 1968) is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had many hits in Canada, including the top 10 entries "Half Past Midnight" (1967) (as The Staccatos), "Absolutely Right" ...
. Their follow-up fourth album, ''Psychotic Supper
''Psychotic Supper'' is the third studio album from the American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1991. The album peaked at 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified RIAA certification, platinum by Recording Industry Associati ...
'' (1991) peaked at number 13, but lacked a hit single, similarly their next album, 1994's ''Bust a Nut
''Bust a Nut'' is the fourth studio album by American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1994. It was their final studio album on Geffen Records. The first single was "Mama's Fool," followed by "Need Your Loving" and "A Lot To Lose." ...
'' did well enough on the album charts, peaking at number 20, but also lacked any radio hits. The band broke up in 1996, but returned in 2000 with a live tour and album, both named '' Replugged''. They have continued to record and tour, though Skeoch left in 2006 and was replaced by Dave Rude on guitars. Their most recent release is the single "Time to Rock!", released in June, 2022.
They have sold at least 14 million albums in the United States. The band is ranked at No. 22 on VH1
VH1 (originally an initialism of Video Hits One) is an American basic cable television network based in New York City and owned by Paramount Global. It was created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, at the time a division of Warner Commun ...
's 100 Greatest Artists of Hair Metal
Hair is a protein filament that grows from hair follicle, follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals.
The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick ter ...
, and have been described as a "thinking man's hair metal band".
History
Formation and ''Mechanical Resonance'' (1981–1988)
The band City Kidd was renamed Tesla during the recording of their first album, 1986's ''Mechanical Resonance
Mechanical resonance is the tendency of a mechanical system to respond at greater amplitude when the frequency of its oscillations matches the system's natural frequency of vibration (its ''resonance frequency'' or ''resonant frequency'') close ...
'', on the advice of their manager that City Kidd was not a great name (in addition, there was already another band going by that name). The band derived their name, certain album and song titles, and some song content from events relating to inventor and electrical engineer
Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the l ...
Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla ( ; ,"Tesla"
''
''
Along with the band's next two studio albums, ''Mechanical Resonance'' was produced by
In June and July 2008, Tesla played a few shows in Europe and the US, including
Michael Barbiero
Michael Francis Barbiero (born June 25, 1949)Infidel Biography
. Infidel Records. Retri ...
and Steve Thompson.
The band's original line-up consisted of lead vocalist . Infidel Records. Retri ...
Jeff Keith
Tesla is an American rock band from Sacramento, California. In late 1981, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon formed a band named City Kidd, which evolved into Tesla. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer ...
, guitarists Frank Hannon
Tesla is an American rock band from Sacramento, California. In late 1981, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon formed a band named City Kidd, which evolved into Tesla. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer ...
and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat
Tesla is an American rock band from Sacramento, California. In late 1981, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon formed a band named City Kidd, which evolved into Tesla. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer ...
, and drummer Robert Contreras, who was soon replaced by ex- Eric Martin Band drummer Troy Luccketta
Tesla is an American rock band from Sacramento, California. In late 1981, bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon formed a band named City Kidd, which evolved into Tesla. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer ...
.
In the early days of their career, Tesla toured with David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth (born October 10, 1954) is an American rock singer. Best known for his wild, energetic stage persona, he was the original lead vocalist of the hard rock band Van Halen across three stints, from 1974 to 1985, in 1996 and again fro ...
, Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier, February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer whose career spans over five decades. With a raspy voice and a stage show that features numerous props and stage illusions, including pyrotechnics, guillot ...
, Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
, and Poison
Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
, which resulted in the band being categorized as a glam metal band. The band's members resented this labelling. The band, according to Troy Luccketta, now does not mind being called a part of that scene.
The band released ''Mechanical Resonance LIVE'' on August 26, 2016, featuring live versions of every song from the original album, including a bonus track, "Save That Goodness," produced by Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen
Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957) is an English musician who is best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard, joining the band in 1982 during the recording of the ''Pyromania'' album. Prior to joining Def Leppa ...
.
''The Great Radio Controversy'' and ''Psychotic Supper'' (1989–1993)
The band released their second album, ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
'', in 1989. The album helped solidify the band's growing reputation and fan base, and produced five hit singles, including the power ballad "Love Song
A love song is a song about romantic love, falling in love, heartbreak after a breakup, and the feelings that these experiences bring. A comprehensive list of even the best known performers and composers of love songs would be a large order. ...
".
In 1990, Tesla released ''Five Man Acoustical Jam
''Five Man Acoustical Jam'' is a live album recorded at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia and released in 1990 by the band Tesla, using acoustic guitars instead of the electric guitars for which pop-metal bands such as Tesla are traditionall ...
'', a live album featuring acoustic renditions of hits such as "Comin' Atcha Live", "Gettin' Better", "Modern Day Cowboy", and "Love Song". The album also featured a number of covers most notably a version of " Signs", a 1971 hit by the Five Man Electrical Band
The Five Man Electrical Band (known as The Staccatos from 1963 to 1968) is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had many hits in Canada, including the top 10 entries "Half Past Midnight" (1967) (as The Staccatos), "Absolutely Right" ...
.
In 1991, the band released their third studio album ''Psychotic Supper
''Psychotic Supper'' is the third studio album from the American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1991. The album peaked at 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified RIAA certification, platinum by Recording Industry Associati ...
''. The band itself considers this to be their best album according to their official web site. The 1998 Japanese reissue import of ''Psychotic Supper'' contains one previously unreleased song, "Rock the Nation", as well as the songs "I Ain't Superstitious", and "Run Run Run", both of which had only been previously available as b-sides to two singles from ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
''.
''Bust a Nut'' and hiatus (1994–1996)
In 1994, the band released their fourth studio album ''Bust a Nut
''Bust a Nut'' is the fourth studio album by American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1994. It was their final studio album on Geffen Records. The first single was "Mama's Fool," followed by "Need Your Loving" and "A Lot To Lose." ...
''. The Japanese edition of ''Bust a Nut'' contains the previously unreleased cover of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are ci ...
's " The Ocean".
After the release of ''Bust a Nut'', Skeoch departed because of his struggle with substance abuse. He rejoined after completing rehab, only to depart again months later. The band moved forward as a four-piece for a short while. However, it wasn't long before Skeoch briefly joined up with solo artist Marshall Coleman's band to support his solo career, only to see a departure of Marshall soon after. This band eventually morphed to include Jeff Keith and resurfaced as Bar 7 with a single "Four Leaf Clover", from the album ''The World Is a Freak''. Brian Wheat formed Soulmotor and Frank Hannon formed Moon Dog Mane, while Troy Luccketta worked with several local artists including the Bay Area's One Thin Dime.
Reunion, ''Into the Now'' and ''Real to Reel'' (2000–2007)
After a break of six years, the Sacramento Bee reported that the band had reformed in 2000 with the help of local radio personality Pat Martin of KRXQ. The band played an emotional sold-out show at ARCO Arena in Sacramento on October 25, 2000. Soon after they recorded the double live album ''Replugged Live
''Replugged Live'' is the second live album by the pop-metal band Tesla. Tesla recorded the first half of their 12-month 2001 Replugged Reunion Tour. Recording started in Detroit, Michigan. A fan poll was set up on the band's website to see what ...
''. In 2002 they were featured in the Rock Never Stops Tour ''Rock Never Stops'' was a U.S. rock tour that featured various rock groups of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The tour started in 1997 by Mark Hyman of Ashley Talent International.
Tour lineup
The tour's lineup has shifted from year to year. 1997
* ...
alongside other 1980s rock bands.
2002 saw the release of a further live album ''Standing Room Only
An event is described as standing-room only when it is so well-attended that all of the chairs in the venue are occupied, leaving only flat spaces of pavement or flooring for other attendees to stand, at least those spaces not restricted by occup ...
'' which is just a single CD version of ''Replugged Live''.
In 2004, they released their fifth studio album ''Into the Now
''Into the Now'' is the fifth studio album by the rock band Tesla. Following a six-year hiatus due to Tommy Skeoch's rehabilitation for drug abuse, Tesla reunited for this album released in 2004.
Track listing
# Into the Now (Hannon, Keith, Lucc ...
'' which debuted on the Billboard album chart at number 30. The album was well received by fans and the band was featured on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!
''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, broadcast on American Broadcasting Company, ABC. The nightly hour-long show debuted on January 26, 2003, at Hollywood Masonic Temple in Hollywood, Los ...
''.
In the summer of 2006, the band embarked on the Electric Summer Jam Tour without guitarist Tommy Skeoch. Skeoch had left the band indefinitely to spend time with his family, and, as he later revealed on "The Classic Metal Show", other reasons; particularly his continuing problems with substance abuse.
Scott Johnson of the Sacramento band Rogue filled in for a time on this tour. Eventually Dave Rude replaced Skeoch permanently.
Tesla recorded a two-volume collection of cover song
In popular music, a cover version, cover song, remake, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording by a musician other than the original performer or composer of the song. Originally, it referred to a version of a song released ...
s titled '' Real to Reel'', which was released on June 5, 2007. The recording is available as a 2-CD set. The first CD (containing 13 songs) is sold in a case with a blank slot for the second CD. The second CD (containing 12 additional songs) will initially be available to concert goers in the US at no additional charge beyond the cost of a ticket. The second CD was also given away with the August edition of Classic Rock magazine in Europe.
At the end of August, Tesla announced their first world tour in 16 years with dates in Australia, Japan, and Europe in October and November 2007.
''Forever More'' and ''Twisted Wires'' (2008–2012)
In June and July 2008, Tesla played a few shows in Europe and the US, including Sweden Rock Festival
The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual rock/metal festival held in Sweden since 6 June 1992. While having a clear rock/metal focus, the festival is noted for its diversity across these genres, from southern rock bands such as Molly Hatchet to de ...
, Graspop Metal Meeting
Graspop Metal Meeting is a Belgian heavy metal festival held in Dessel each year since 1996, excluding 2020 and 2021 due to covid restrictions. Despite the small size of the festival grounds (upholding a perimeter of only ~4 km) the festiva ...
and Rocklahoma
Rocklahoma (also known as Rock Fever Presents Rocklahoma or Rock Fever) is an annual American three-day rock festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma. The festival features 4 official stages, as well as many unofficial campground parties and performing a ...
. On July 15, 2008 "Tesla- Comin' Atcha Live! 2008" was released from a live concert filmed February 22, 2008 at the sold out Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota. The 2-hour show included hits "Modern Day Cowboy", "Love Song" and "Song and Emotion" along with additional backstage footage.
On August 11, 2008, it was reported that Tesla's next album, entitled '' Forever More'', would be released on October 7 on their own record label, Tesla Electric Company Recordings. The album was produced by Terry Thomas, who produced ''Bust a Nut''. The band aired the album's first single, "I Wanna Live" on radio stations across the globe on August 18 and kicked off a world tour on October 1. Forever More debuted No. 33 on The Billboard 200 chart and spawned singles "I Wanna Live", "Fallin' Apart" and "Breakin' Free".
On May 10, 2011, the band played at a rally for the Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are an American professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California. The Kings compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference Pacific Division. The Kings are the oldest ...
of the National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The league is composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada) and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United S ...
. Tesla performed two songs, "Signs" and "Love Song" during the Kings #HereWeRally at Cesar Chavez Park in Sacramento, California to celebrate the team staying in Sacramento for at least one more year.
On July 12, 2011, they released a mostly acoustic album titled ''Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions''.
''Simplicity'' and ''Shock'' (2013–present)
In June 2013, Tesla released a new single "Taste My Pain" on iTunes. They released their new album ''Simplicity
Simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. Something easy to understand or explain seems simple, in contrast to something complicated. Alternatively, as Herbert A. Simon suggests, something is simple or complex depending on the way we ch ...
'' on June 6, 2014.
In 2015, the band did a tour with Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
and Styx
In Greek mythology, Styx (; grc, Στύξ ) is a river that forms the boundary between Earth (Gaia) and the Underworld. The rivers Acheron, Cocytus, Lethe, Phlegethon, and Styx all converge at the centre of the underworld on a great marsh, whic ...
.
On August 26, 2016, Tesla released ''Mechanical Resonance Live'' in celebration of the album's 30th anniversary. It included a new single "Save That Goodness", written and produced by Phil Collen
Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957) is an English musician who is best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard, joining the band in 1982 during the recording of the ''Pyromania'' album. Prior to joining Def Leppa ...
of Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
.
In April 2017, Tesla began working on their ninth studio album, ''Shock'', which was produced by Phil Collen
Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957) is an English musician who is best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard, joining the band in 1982 during the recording of the ''Pyromania'' album. Prior to joining Def Leppa ...
, and released on March 8, 2019.
Tesla released the one-off single "Cold Blue Steel" in August 2021, followed a year later by "Time to Rock!".
Charity work
While promoting their album ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
'', the band participated in a canned food drive that allowed free concert admission to contributors, this event was incorporated into the video
Video is an electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. Video was first developed for mechanical television systems, which were quickly replaced by cathode-ray tube (CRT) syste ...
for "The Way It Is".
In February 2005, Tesla headlined a benefit show at the PPAC in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. One of the oldest cities in New England, it was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay ...
, for the victims of the Station nightclub fire
The Station nightclub fire occurred on the evening of February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States, killing 100 people and injuring 230. The fire was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the evening's headlini ...
. During the show the band auctioned off an autographed acoustic guitar, with the proceeds going to the Station Family Fund. 100% of the ticket sales also went to this charity.
In February 2008, Tesla helped fund and headlined a benefit concert for victims of the Station nightclub fire. The show was broadcast by VH1 Classic
MTV Classic (formerly VH1 Smooth, VH1 Classic Rock, and VH1 Classic) is an American pay television network owned by Paramount Media Networks. It was originally launched in 1998 as VH1 Smooth, an adult contemporary and smooth jazz channel. It wa ...
. Tesla played three songs: "What You Give", "Signs", and "Love Song", though "What You Give" did not make it onto the broadcast.
Musical style
Tesla's music is generally categorized as hair/glam metal, heavy metal, andhard rock
Hard rock or heavy rock is a loosely defined subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the garage, psychedelic and blues rock movements. Some of the earliest hard ...
.
The band's first two albums were recorded with a typical 1980s glam metal
Glam metal (also known as hair metal or pop metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal that features pop-influenced hooks and guitar riffs, upbeat rock anthems, and slow power ballads. It borrows heavily from the fashion and image of 1970s glam r ...
sound, but with ''Mechanical Resonance
Mechanical resonance is the tendency of a mechanical system to respond at greater amplitude when the frequency of its oscillations matches the system's natural frequency of vibration (its ''resonance frequency'' or ''resonant frequency'') close ...
'' having some elements of hard rock
Hard rock or heavy rock is a loosely defined subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the garage, psychedelic and blues rock movements. Some of the earliest hard ...
, and ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
'' having some elements of blues
Blues is a music genre and musical form which originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s. Blues incorporated spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads from the Afr ...
. ''Psychotic Supper
''Psychotic Supper'' is the third studio album from the American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1991. The album peaked at 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified RIAA certification, platinum by Recording Industry Associati ...
'' marked a slight change to a more bluesy and acoustic sound, but with their traditional pop-metal sound staying.
Band members
;Current members * Brian Wheat – bass, backing vocals, keyboards, piano (1981–1996, 2000–present) * Frank Hannon – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, piano, organ, theremin, bass, mandolin, harmonica (1981–1996, 2000–present) * Jeff Keith – lead vocals (1984–1996, 2000–present) * Troy Luccketta – drums, percussion (1984–1996, 2000–present) * Dave Rude – guitar, backing vocals, bass (2006–present) ;Touring substitutes * Stefano Pasta – drums, percussion (1990; substituted for Luccketta for a brief period) * Tommy Armstrong-Leavitt – guitar, backing vocals (2013; substitute for Dave Rude) *Phil Collen
Philip Kenneth Collen (born 8 December 1957) is an English musician who is best known as the co-lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard, joining the band in 1982 during the recording of the ''Pyromania'' album. Prior to joining Def Leppa ...
– guitar, backing vocals (2016; substitute for Dave Rude at The Classic Rock Awards 2016)
* Ray Luzier
Ray may refer to:
Fish
* Ray (fish), any cartilaginous fish of the superorder Batoidea
* Ray (fish fin anatomy), a bony or horny spine on a fin
Science and mathematics
* Ray (geometry), half of a line proceeding from an initial point
* Ray (gra ...
– drums, percussion (2016; substitute for Troy Luccketta at The Classic Rock Awards 2016)
* Steve Brown – drums, percussion (2021–present; substitute for Troy Luccketta)
;Former members
* Steve Clausman (1981)
* Bobby Contreras – drums (1981)
* Colleen Lloy – guitar, lead vocals (1981–1983; joined band with Brook Bright as City Kidd)
* Brook Bright – guitar, vocals (1981–1983; formed band as City Kidd in early 1980s)
* Jeff Harper – lead vocals (original lead vocalist for Earthshaker and City Kidd until April 1983)
* Joey Murrieta – guitar (1983; before the breakout of Tesla)
* Curtis Chapman – guitar (1983–1984; before the breakout of Tesla, when they were still called City Kidd)
* Tommy Skeoch – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1994, 1995, 2000–2006)
Timeline
Discography
;Studio albums * ''Mechanical Resonance
Mechanical resonance is the tendency of a mechanical system to respond at greater amplitude when the frequency of its oscillations matches the system's natural frequency of vibration (its ''resonance frequency'' or ''resonant frequency'') close ...
'' (1986)
* ''The Great Radio Controversy
''The Great Radio Controversy'' is the second studio album by American hard rock band Tesla, released in 1989. The album's sound has been described as "glam metal to play inside the cab of a tractor-blusey denim and downright wholesome".
The hi ...
'' (1989)
* ''Psychotic Supper
''Psychotic Supper'' is the third studio album from the American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1991. The album peaked at 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified RIAA certification, platinum by Recording Industry Associati ...
'' (1991)
* ''Bust a Nut
''Bust a Nut'' is the fourth studio album by American hard rock band Tesla (band), Tesla, released in 1994. It was their final studio album on Geffen Records. The first single was "Mama's Fool," followed by "Need Your Loving" and "A Lot To Lose." ...
'' (1994)
* ''Into the Now
''Into the Now'' is the fifth studio album by the rock band Tesla. Following a six-year hiatus due to Tommy Skeoch's rehabilitation for drug abuse, Tesla reunited for this album released in 2004.
Track listing
# Into the Now (Hannon, Keith, Lucc ...
'' (2004)
* '' Real to Reel'' (2007)
*''Real to Reel, Vol. 2
''Real to Reel, Vol. 2'' is the seventh studio album by hard rock band Tesla, and the second part of the band's covers album '' Real to Reel'', released in retail outlets on September 25, 2007.
The album was initially only available to people at ...
'' (2007)
* '' Forever More'' (2008)
* ''Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions
''Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions...'' is the ninth studio album by American hard rock band Tesla. It was released on July 12, 2011. The album features two new tracks ("2nd Street" and "Better Off Without You") as well as re-recordings of ...
'' (2011)
*''Simplicity
Simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. Something easy to understand or explain seems simple, in contrast to something complicated. Alternatively, as Herbert A. Simon suggests, something is simple or complex depending on the way we ch ...
'' (2014)
* ''Shock
Shock may refer to:
Common uses Collective noun
*Shock, a historic commercial term for a group of 60, see English numerals#Special names
* Stook, or shock of grain, stacked sheaves
Healthcare
* Shock (circulatory), circulatory medical emergen ...
'' (2019)
See also
*List of glam metal bands and artists
The following list of glam metal bands and artists includes bands and artists that have been described as glam metal or its interchangeable terms, hair metal, hair bands, pop metal and lite metal by professional journalists at some stage in thei ...
* List of hard rock musicians
References
External links
* * {{Authority control Geffen Records artists Glam metal musical groups from California Hard rock musical groups from California Heavy metal musical groups from California Musical groups from Sacramento, California Musical groups established in 1981 Musical groups disestablished in 1996 Musical groups reestablished in 2000