Harry Slash & The Slashtones
Encyclopedia
The Slashtones are an American
musical group, formed in 1993 by New York native Harry Slash under the name "Harry & The Slashtones". Harry would later change the band's name many times, from "The Slashtones", to "Life?!","Not The Slashtones" and then to "Harry Slash & The Slashtones" during the era that Harry Slash produced music for Extreme Championship Wrestling
. Their best known songs are the ECW theme ("This Is Extreme!"), Taz's theme ("Survive! (If I Let You)") and Sabu's theme ("Huka Blues"). After Extreme Championship Wrestling
went bankrupt in 2001, Harry Slash continued to record and perform with the band after changing its name back to "The Slashtones".
The name of the band is a parody of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musical group, formed in 1993 by New York native Harry Slash under the name "Harry & The Slashtones". Harry would later change the band's name many times, from "The Slashtones", to "Life?!","Not The Slashtones" and then to "Harry Slash & The Slashtones" during the era that Harry Slash produced music for Extreme Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1992 by Tod Gordon and closed when his successor, Paul Heyman, declared bankruptcy in April 2001...
. Their best known songs are the ECW theme ("This Is Extreme!"), Taz's theme ("Survive! (If I Let You)") and Sabu's theme ("Huka Blues"). After Extreme Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling
Extreme Championship Wrestling was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1992 by Tod Gordon and closed when his successor, Paul Heyman, declared bankruptcy in April 2001...
went bankrupt in 2001, Harry Slash continued to record and perform with the band after changing its name back to "The Slashtones".
The name of the band is a parody of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones is a primarily instrumental group from the United States, that draws equally on bluegrass, fusion and jazz, sometimes dubbed "blu-bop". The band formed in 1988, initially to perform once on the PBS series Lonesome Pine Specials. The Flecktones have toured extensively...
.
Band history
- 1993 - The original lineup as “Harry & The Slashtones” consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Steve Bondy (guitar), Roderick Kohn (guitar), Even Steven (bass), Paul Sheehan (drums) and Brad Rosen (harmonica). This was originally supposed to be a “One Night Only” joke band.
- 1994 - The band is reformed as “The Slashtones”. Added Chuck Hancock (saxophone) and Lez Warner (drums) as regular drummer Paul Sheehan switched to percussion as he recouped his injured knee. Mike Lawler (guitar) replaced Roderick Kohn.
- 1994 - Added Amy Wagman (vocals) and Butch Garcia (harmonica). Lez Warner left and Paul Sheehan went back to playing drums. Roderick Kohn (guitar) returned.
- 1994 - Brad Rosen left. Lisa Anselmo (vocals) replaced Amy Wagman.
- 1994 - Arno Hecht (saxophone) replaced Chuck Hancock.
- 1995 - “The Slashtones” released a very limited edition EP titled “Episode One”. Featured on the EP are most that had been in the band at that point including Harry Slash, Lisa Anselmo, Amy Wagman Steve Bondy, Roderick Kohn, Mike Lawler, Arno Hecht, Chuck Hancock, Even Steven, and Paul Sheehan. Also featured was special guest Joe Lynn Turner (vocals).
- 1995 - Lisa Anselmo left. Butch Garcia left and joined Reckless Fortune.
- 1995 - Chuck Hancock (saxophone) briefly returned.
- 1995 - Chuck Hancock (saxophone) left.
- 1995 - Lez Warner (drums) replaced Paul Sheehan.
- 1995 - Mike Lawler left.
- 1995 - The Slashtones go on hiatus when Even Steven needed to have back surgery.
- 1995 - Harry Slash forms the short lived band “Life?!” with Scott Duboys (Drums), Tony Moore (bass), Roderick Kohn (guitar) and for a short time, Chris Carter (guitar)
- 1995 - Chris Carter (guitar) leaves.
- 1996 - “Life?!” performs its one and only show in New York City.
- 1996 - Scott Duboys (Drums) leaves.
- 1996 - “Life?!” disbands.
- 1996 - Harry Slash reforms “The Slashtones” (as “The Slashtones II”) to fulfill show obligations booked for "Life?!". This lineup consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Arno Hecht (saxophone) Steve Bondy (guitar), Roderick Kohn (guitar), and Lez Warner (drums). Lisa Anselmo (vocals) returned and Tony Moore (bass) replaced Even Steven.
- 1996 - Lisa Anselmo left.
- 1996 - “The Slashtones II” are disbanded when Harry Slash takes a sabbatical away from music.
- 1997 - Harry Slash reforms “Life?!” as a studio band that would record songs for Extreme Championship Wrestling. This lineup consisted of Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums), Ritchie Scarlet (guitar & bass), Andy Abbene (guitar & bass) and Harry Slash (guitar). This lineup lasted for less than a month as only Harry Slash and Steve “Budgie” Werner would remain.
- 1997 - Arno Hecht (saxophone) and Roderick Kohn (guitar) are brought into the “Life?!” recording project that would also include appearances by many other former members of “The Slashtones” including Tony Moore (vocals), Even Steven (bass), Mike Lawler (vocals) and Steve Bondy (guitar). Other musicians that recorded on this project included: Mickey Leigh (guitar), Garry Sullivan (drums), Frank Sannuto (drums & Keyboards), Frank Fortune (vocals), Joe Lynn Turner (vocals) and Pro-Wrestlers Tazz (vocals) and Francine (vocals).
- 1997 - Harry Slash reforms “The Slashtones” as a live acoustic side project called “(Not) The Slashtones”. This lineup consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Arno Hecht (saxophone) Steve Bondy (guitar), Roderick Kohn (guitar), Even Steven (bass) and Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums).
- 1998 - “(Not) The Slashtones” are disbanded after a very dismal live performance.
- 1998 - “Life?!” is renamed “Harry Slash and The Slashtones” with the lineup of Harry Slash (vocals & bass) Arno Hecht (saxophone) Roderick Kohn (guitar, bass, keyboards) and Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums).
- 1998 - “Harry Slash and The Slashtones" released two songs on the compilation CD “ECW Extreme Music”.
- 1999 - Mickey Leigh (guitar) replaced Roderick Kohn.
- 2000 - Roderick Kohn (guitar) replaced Mickey Leigh.
- 2000 - “Harry Slash & The Slashtones” released a very limited edition EP titled “Freedom Of Speech”.
- 2000 - Harry Slash, Tony Moore and Roderick Kohn record material under the pseudonym "Johnny Soul and his West Coast Wranglers".
- 2000 - Harry Slash reforms “The Slashtones” as a live version of “Harry Slash & The Slashtones”. This lineup consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Arno Hecht (saxophone) Roderick Kohn (guitar) and Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums). Added Rawn Randell (bass). Mickey Leigh (guitar) returned.
- 2001 - “Harry Slash & The Slashtones” are disbanded when Harry Slash takes another long sabbatical away from music.
- 2002 - Harry Slash attempted to reform “The Slashtones” as “Slashtones 10” to perform during the band's 10 year anniversary in 2003. This core lineup consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Arno Hecht (saxophone) Roderick Kohn (guitar) and Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums). Tony Moore (bass) returned replacing Rawn Randell. Other former Slashtones that would have appeared included Even Steve (bass), Chuck Hancock (saxophone), Mickey Leigh (guitar) and Mike Lawler (guitar). The core band of five rehearsed a few times, but the project was shelved when Arno Hecht went on tour with George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and Harry Slash became involved with another project in 2003.
- 2004 - Harry Slash reforms “The Slashtones” as “The (“New Original”) Slashtones”. This lineup consisted of Harry Slash (vocals), Arno Hecht (saxophone), Roderick Kohn (guitar), Tony Moore (bass), and Steve “Budgie” Werner (drums).
- 2005 - “The (“New Original”) Slashtones" are featured on a David Lee Roth tribute CD.
- 2006 - “The (“New Original”) Slashtones" are featured on a Guns -N- Roses tribute CD.
- 2006 - Added Felix Hanemann (keyboards), temporally replacing Arno Hecht, who was on tour with Dion.
- 2006 - Arno Hecht (saxophone) returned.
- 2006 - Mark Hitt (guitar) replaced Roderick Kohn.
- 2006 - “The (“New Original”) Slashtones” are renamed “The Slashtones!”, going in a slightly different musical direction.
- 2006 - “The Slashtones!” are featured as guest artists on the Reckless Fortune version of “Rock Candy” released on a Sammy Hagar tribute CD.
- 2006 - “The Slashtones!” are featured on a Van Halen tribute CD.
- 2007 - Members of “The Slashtones!” are featured as guest artists on a Mötley Crüe tribute CD.
- 2008 - “The Slashtones!” with Joe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn Turner , is an American rock singer, known for his works with Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Deep Purple. From the late 1990s, he continued to perform in a large number of solo albums and other studio projects...
released a cover of 'Detroit Rock City' on a KISS tribute CD. - 2008 - Members of “The Slashtones!” (under the name "The PrimeTime Players") along with Joe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn Turner , is an American rock singer, known for his works with Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Deep Purple. From the late 1990s, he continued to perform in a large number of solo albums and other studio projects...
released a cover of 'Fourteen Years' on a Guns N' Roses tribute CD. - 2008 - “The Slashtones!” released covers of 'Misty Mountain Hop' and 'Friends' on a Led Zeppelin tribute CD.
- 2009 - Added Richie Scarlet (guitar)
- 2009 - “The Slashtones” began recording a new album.
Current band
- Harry Slash: Vocals & Rhythm Guitar. 1993–Present (Extreme Championship WrestlingExtreme Championship WrestlingExtreme Championship Wrestling was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1992 by Tod Gordon and closed when his successor, Paul Heyman, declared bankruptcy in April 2001...
)(http://www.myspace.com/slashtones)(http://www.myspace.com/theslashtones) - Arno Hecht: Saxophone. 1994–Present (The Uptown Horns, Buster Poindexter)
- Steve "Budgie" Werner: Drums. 1997–Present (Black Lace, Ace Frehley BandAce FrehleyPaul Daniel "Ace" Frehley is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss. He took on the persona of the "Spaceman" or "Space Ace" when the band adopted costumes and theatrics...
) - Felix Hanemann: Bass & Keyboards. 2006–Present (ZebraZebra (band)Zebra is a hard rock band founded in 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It features Randy Jackson , Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso . Their mainstream debut on Atlantic Records was in 1983 with their eponymous album, highlighted by the singles "Tell Me What You Want" and "Who's Behind The Door"...
) (http://www.thedoor.com) - Richie Scarlet: Lead & Rhythm Guitar. 2009–Present (Ace Frehley BandAce FrehleyPaul Daniel "Ace" Frehley is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss. He took on the persona of the "Spaceman" or "Space Ace" when the band adopted costumes and theatrics...
, MountainMountain (band)Mountain is an American hard rock band that formed in Long Island, New York in 1969. Originally comprising vocalist and guitarist Leslie West, bassist Felix Pappalardi and drummer N. D. Smart, the band broke up in 1972 before reuniting in 1974 and remaining active until today...
)
Honorary band members
- Gregg Gerson: Flute. 1995–Present (Billy Idol BandBilly IdolWilliam Michael Albert Broad , better known by his stage name Billy Idol, is an English rock musician. A member of the Bromley Contingent of Sex Pistols fans, Idol first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X...
) - Frank Fortune: Vocals. 1998 - 2008 (Reckless Fortune)
- Joe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn TurnerJoe Lynn Turner , is an American rock singer, known for his works with Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Deep Purple. From the late 1990s, he continued to perform in a large number of solo albums and other studio projects...
: Vocals. 1994–Present (Deep PurpleDeep PurpleDeep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
, RainbowRainbow (band)Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
)
Former band members
- Lisa Anselmo: Vocals. 1994, 1996
- Steve Bondy: Guitar. 1993 - 1998 (RadioActive, Pyramid, Lara, Peppy Castro) (http://www.myspace.com/bondysound)
- Chris Carter: Guitar. 1995 (Ya Mutha)
- Scott DeBoys: Drums. 1995 - 1996 (Warrior SoulWarrior SoulWarrior Soul is an American hard rock band formed by lead singer Kory Clarke, guitarist Cliff St. Croix , later replaced by John Ricco, later replaced by Alex, a Scotsman living in New York City , and guitarist Chris Moffett. Then Peter Jay Tsudis...
, Cycle Sluts From HellCycle Sluts From HellThe Cycle Sluts from Hell were an American heavy metal band from the late 1980s to early 1990s. They were only together briefly but are remembered for their name....
, Nuclear AssaultNuclear AssaultNuclear Assault is an American thrash metal/crossover thrash band formed in 1984.-History:After the release of Anthrax's debut album Fistful of Metal, bass player Danny Lilker, a founding member of the group, was fired by the band...
) - Butch Garcia: Harmonica. 1994 (Reckless Fortune)
- Chuck Hancock (a/k/a "Raven"): Saxophone. 1994 - 1995 (Murphy's LawMurphy's Law (band)Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
) - Mark Hitt: Lead & Rhythm Guitar. 2006 - 2008 (Rat Race Choir, John EntwistleJohn EntwistleJohn Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
) - Roderick Kohn: Guitar. 1993, 1994–1999, 2000 - 2006 (Buddy MilesBuddy MilesGeorge Allen Miles, Jr. , known as Buddy Miles, was an American rock and funk drummer, most known as a founding member of The Electric Flag in 1967, then as a member of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys from 1969 through to January 1970.-Early life:George Allen Miles was born in Omaha, Nebraska on...
, Reckless Fortune) - Mike Lawler: Guitar. 1994 - 1995 (Shadow)
- Mickey Leigh: Guitar. 1999 - 2001, 2008 (The Rattlers, STOP, Birdland with Lester BangsLester BangsLeslie Conway "Lester" Bangs was an American music journalist, author and musician. He wrote for Creem and Rolling Stone magazines, and was known for his leading influence in rock 'n' roll criticism....
) - Even Steven Levee: Bass. 1993 - 1995, 1997–1998, 2008 (Brad Factor:10, i-Potato)
- Tony Moore: Bass & Vocals. 1995 - 1997, 2000, 2002 - 2008 (RiotRiot (band)Riot is an American heavy metal band founded in New York City in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale. Reaching a peak in popularity in the early 80s, the band has continued a long-running successful career....
) - Rawn Randell: Bass. 2001 (James Chance and the ContortionsJames Chance and the ContortionsJames Chance and the Contortions, led by saxophonist and vocalist James Chance, were one of the original punk jazz groups of the New York No Wave music scene. Their first recording, credited solely as Contortions, was on the 1978 compilation, No New York, produced by Brain Eno...
) - Brad Rosen Esq.: Harmonica. 1993 - 1994 (Screwtractor)
- Paul Sheehan: Drums. 1993 - 1995 (Raging SlabRaging Slab- History :The group formed in 1983 when Greg Strzempka and Elyse Steinman, both guitarists, met in New York City. The two had a shared interest in the heavy rock sounds of 1970's style "boogie" rock and such contemporary punk rock groups as the Ramones and Black Flag...
) - Amy Wagman: Vocals. 1994
- Lez WarnerLes WarnerLes Warner is a British born musician and producer, primarily a drummer best known for his work with The Cult. On the reverse of the Electric album, he is in the far right picture...
: Drums. 1994, 1995 - 1997 (The CultThe CultThe Cult are a British rock band that was formed in 1983. They gained a dedicated following in Britain in the mid 1980s as a post-punk band with singles such as "She Sells Sanctuary", before breaking mainstream in the United States in the late 1980s as a hard rock band with singles such as "Love...
) (http://www.lezwarner.com)
Others
The Slashtones have also recorded with:- Andy Abbene: Guitar. 1997 (Soulcrush)
- Marianne DeAngelis: Harmonica. 2008
- Frank Fortune: Vocals. 1998 - 2008 (Reckless Fortune)
- Joey Fortune: Guitar. 2005 - 2008 (Reckless Fortune)
- Francine FournierFrancine FournierFrancine Fournier , known simply as Francine, is an American former professional wrestling valet most known for her work in Extreme Championship Wrestling.-Extreme Championship Wrestling:...
: Vocals. 1997. (ECW Wrestler) - Mac Gollehon: Trumpet & Trumbone. 2006 - 2008 (Miles Davis BandMiles DavisMiles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
) - Taso Karras: Bouzouki, Baglama & Percussion. 2008 (Johnny ThundersJohnny ThundersJohnny Thunders, born John Anthony Genzale, Jr. , was an American protopunk guitarist, singer and songwriter.He came to prominence in the early '70s as a member of the New York Dolls...
, Law & Order) - Mike Lewis: Trumpet. 2005 (Buddy Rich BandBuddy RichBernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuosic technique, power, groove, and speed.-Early life:...
) - Charlie Sabin: Vocals. 2008 (Barfly, Toxik)
- Frank Sannutto: Drums. 1999 (Reckless Fortune)
- Ritchie Scarlet: Guitar & Bass. 1997 (Ace Frehley BandAce FrehleyPaul Daniel "Ace" Frehley is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss. He took on the persona of the "Spaceman" or "Space Ace" when the band adopted costumes and theatrics...
, MountainMountain (band)Mountain is an American hard rock band that formed in Long Island, New York in 1969. Originally comprising vocalist and guitarist Leslie West, bassist Felix Pappalardi and drummer N. D. Smart, the band broke up in 1972 before reuniting in 1974 and remaining active until today...
) - Garry Sullivan: Drums. 1998 (The B-52'sThe B-52'sThe B-52's are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider , Kate Pierson , Cindy Wilson , Ricky Wilson , and Keith Strickland . Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985 Strickland switched to guitar...
) - TazzTazzPeter Senerchia is a retired American professional wrestler and current color commentator best known by his ring name Tazz, originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz...
: Vocals. 1998 (ECW Wrestler)
Discography
- Episode One (EP), The Slashtones, Studio D (Out Of Print), 1995
- ECW: Extreme MusicECW: Extreme MusicECW: Extreme Music is a compilation album of songs related to Extreme Championship Wrestling during the late 1990s. The album was released in 1998 through CMC International Records...
, Various Artists, Concrete/Slab, 1998 - Freedom Of Speech (EP), Harry Slash & The Slashtones, MP3.com (Out Of Print), 2000
- Fire Woman, A Tribute to The Cult, Various Artists, Versaille, 2000
- "PAIN" (Movie Soundtrack), The Slashtones and Die Nicht, Endstop (Out Of Print.), 2003
- Just Like Paradise, A Millennium Tribute to David Lee Roth, Various Artists, Versaille, 2005
- It's So Easy, A Millennium Tribute to Guns N' Roses, Various Artists, Versaille, 2006
- Three Lock Box, A Millennium Tribute to Sammy Hagar, Various Artists, Versaille, 2006
- Panama, A Millennium Tribute to Van Halen, Various Artists, Versaille, 2006
- Too Fast For Love, A Millennium Tribute to Mötley Crüe, Various Artists, Versaille, 2007
- Lick It Up, A Millennium Tribute to KISS, Various Artists, Versaille, 2008
- Double Talkin' Jive, A Hard Rock Tribute to Guns N' Roses, Various Artists, Versaille, 2008
- Misty Mountain Hop, A Millennium Tribute to Led Zeppelin, Various Artists, Versaille, 2008