Saturday, October 12, 2013
Bret Kaiser: Vocals
Maxine Petrucci: Guitars, backing vocals
Roxy Petrucci: Drums, backing vocals
Chris "Godzilla" Doliber: Bass, backing vocals
Hometown
Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, California
Record Label
Epic, Jet
About
Madam X was an American heavy metal band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1981 by the Petrucci sisters Roxy and Maxine. They later on relocated to New York where they found their vocalist Bret Kaiser.
Biography
"Originating From Detroit, Michigan as an all-girl band, the Petrucci sisters of guitarist Maxine Petrucci and drummer Roxy Petrucci decided to go for a coed line-up and to this end recruited bassist Chris Doliber. Having struggled at first to find a suitable vocalist, the trio relocated to New York and discovered the perfect guy in Bret Kaiser. After the usual round of live shows MADAM X were signed by Jet Records after label head Don Arden had apparently been in a club one night when the group had refused to go on stage until they were paid by the joint's owner. Arden was reportedly impressed with the quartet's attitude that night.
"The debut MADAM X album, 'We Reserve The Right', was produced by noted guitarist RICK DERRINGER. MADAM X made an immediate impression with catchy if simplistic songs and an over the top Glam image. Not only did MADAM X have an impressive vocalist in Brett Kaiser but Maxine Petrucci became an instant pin up whilst Doliber undoubtedly displayed the biggest hairdo in the Rock world.
"Having toured on the West Coast with LITA FORD, MADAM X flew to Britain where a memorable performance on the television show 'ECT' reinforced their reputation but it was to sour quickly. as a scheduled British tour was cancelled at the last minute and the group flew home, never to return, the official reason being that Bret Kaiser had suffered a bereavement in his family necessitating his return home.
"Kaiser was to quit and his position was taken by British emigree John 'Wardie' Ward whose previous credits included OVERDRIVE and TROUBLE. The band recorded a further album for Jet but the deal lapsed and Ward left for pastures new travelling through various acts such as ST. VALENTINE, LONDON, HURRICANE, SHAME, SHY and the OLIVER/DAWSON SAXON.
"Drummer Roxy Petrucci joined VIXEN in mid 1986 for two albums. Her position was taken by Mark McConnell and Canadian frontman SEBASTIAN BACH (ex-VO5 and KID WICKED) took over from Ward and the band toured in America with a fairly extravagant stageshow.
"However, by the close of 1988 the group had trimmed to a trio of Maxine Petrucci, Chris Doliber and ex-ODIN drummer Shawn Duncan. Unfortunately, MADAM X soon disintegrated as Doliber formed GODZILLA. Meanwhile, ex-vocalist Bach jetted to genuine stardom as frontman for multi platinum Rockers SKID ROW.
"Although a second MADAM X album was believed to have been recorded, demos were at least submitted to Jet Records, it is not the self titled affair issued by Atlantic in 1988 as claimed in some reference books. The group that recorded that particular album are Black Soul artists!
"...[Former] MADAM X drummer Mark McConnell joined Los Angeles based CARRERA, fronted by ex TILT singer David Montgomery, in 1989. The drummer later joined Wisconsin based act WARP DRIVE but was reunited with Bach on a solo tour by the (now ex) SKID ROW vocalist in 1997/'98.
"The Petrucci sisters had another stab at reforming MADAM X in 1991 with LENITA ERICKSON on vocals and bassist Shelley Andrushko, formerly of DARBY MILLS & THE UNSUNG HEROES. This act did not last long and Roxy went on to found the succesful VIXEN.
"Following the break up of VIXEN the Petrucci sisters were reunited in the short-lived all girl band HELL's BELLES, featuring LENITA ERICKSON on lead vocals. Roxy Petrucci has also recorded demos with her former VIXEN colleague Jan Kuenhemund and vocalist JACKIE EYNON. One particular track made it onto the MCA issued Nintendo affiliated 'White Knuckle Scorin' compilation under the handle of BOMBSHELL.
"However, in 1997 Roxy was reported to have reformed VIXEN with original vocalist Janet Gardner, ex-PHANTOM BLUE bassist Rana Ross and former POISON DOLLYS and ENVY guitarist Gina Stile. As for Brett Kaiser, he formed KAISER after leaving MADAM X, pulling in his brother Bruce on guitar, bassist Michael Edwards and drummer Pete Kelly. Subsequently the singer found new roles in life as a deputy sheriff and an in demand ELVIS PRESLEY impersonator.
&"2004 found former MADAM X frontman Wardi leading IRON-HORSE, a Leamington Spa based outfit comprising a cast of veritable NWoBHM veterans comprising guitarists Alan Nyland of HANDSOME BEASTS and Baz Eardley from CHEVY, bassist Toby Pelham of V8 and CHEVY drummer Ted Duggan.
"In early 2005 Maxine Petrucci launched her solo album 'Titania', credited to MAXINE, featuring such guests as the TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH band and MR. BIG bassist extraordinaire BILLY SHEEHAN, Mike Pisculli and Maxine's brother Paul Petrucci of the MOTOR CITY ROCKERS. Naturally sister Roxy Petrucci handled the drums.
"Early 2006 brought news that the a musical collaboration between Roxy Petrucci and FEMME FATALE singer Lorraine Lewis, having been first mooted during 1995, had evolved into the Orange County based ROKTOPUSS."
Credit/s: Garry Sharpe-Young
mp3/320
