Slammin' Gladys

Slammin' Gladys is a hard/funk rock band from Akron, Ohio, USA, that was formed in 1989, by past members of Ohio bands Risqué, Defcon, Matrixx, Attaxe and Final Notice. Relocated to Los Angeles, California shortly after the release of their first album in 1992.

Slammin’ Gladys released their self-titled debut in 1992, right at the tail end of America’s love affair with hair metal. A transplanted Akron, Ohio act with strong links to Warrant. Slammin’ Gladys, featuring former Risque players vocalist / guitarist David Brooks, guitarist J.J. Farris, bassist Al ‘Alley’ Collins and drummer Stephen De Board, had their solitary 1992 album executive produced by Jani Lane of Warrant. The album is a perfectly decent serving of funk rock, but it’s really nothing you haven’t heard before. Bands like Electric Boys, D-A-D, and Bang Tango were also bringing this kind of noise, and did a more memorable job of it.

Lane had previously worked with Collins in the formative act Plain Jane and had also produced 1991 demos for Risque. Keyboards came courtesy of former Defconman Shawn Zavodney. The album tracks ‘Down On Your Knees’ and ‘What U Need’ were co-written by Lane. Brooks subsequently donated vocals to the Hollywood Projectalbum whilst guitarist J.J. Farris would feature as guest acoustic guitarist on the track ‘Stronger Now’ on Warrant’s ‘Ultraphobic’. Backing vocals on ‘Lay Me Down’ and ‘Push’ would be supplied by Randee Robbins of Warbrideand Sister Strange.

If you are looking for a different approach to rock, this is it. Dave Brooks has one amazing voice with lyrics and music to match.