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Kix is an American
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
 glam metal
Glam metal

Glam metal is a term used to describe the visual style of certain heavy metal music bands that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States....
 band who achieved popularity in the 1980s.

was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown
Hagerstown, Maryland

Hagerstown is a city in northwestern Maryland, United States. It is the county seat of Washington County, Maryland, and the largest city in a region known as Western Maryland....
, Maryland
Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic States of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia and the Washington, D.C. to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and Delaware to the east....
, in the basement of Brian "Damage" Forsythe as the Shooze. The original lineup consisted of Steve Whiteman (drums), Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitar), and later, Donnie Purnell (bass). Kix now needed a lead vocalist. At the urging of others, drummer Steve Whiteman quickly became the band's lead vocalist.






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Kix is an American
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
 glam metal
Glam metal

Glam metal is a term used to describe the visual style of certain heavy metal music bands that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States....
 band who achieved popularity in the 1980s.

History


Formation

Kix was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown
Hagerstown, Maryland

Hagerstown is a city in northwestern Maryland, United States. It is the county seat of Washington County, Maryland, and the largest city in a region known as Western Maryland....
, Maryland
Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic States of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia and the Washington, D.C. to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and Delaware to the east....
, in the basement of Brian "Damage" Forsythe as the Shooze. The original lineup consisted of Steve Whiteman (drums), Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitar), and later, Donnie Purnell (bass). Kix now needed a lead vocalist. At the urging of others, drummer Steve Whiteman quickly became the band's lead vocalist. Drummer Donnie Spence and guitarist David "Stargazer" Bumbalough joined the band soon afterward. Around mid 1979, local drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant was asked to join the Shooze by Steve Whiteman due to the departure of Donnie Spence. He accepted the offer to join. Soon after this, guitarist David "Stargazer" Bumbalough left and was replaced by Ronnie "10/10" Younkins.

By late 1979, the classic Kix lineup of Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Ronnie "10/10" Younkins (guitars), Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitars), Donnie Purnell (bass, keyboards, backing vocals), and Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant (drums, backing vocals) was complete.

They then changed their name to the Generators, then the Baltimore Cocks, before eventually settling on Kix. They were considered one of Maryland's top cover bands prior to their signing with Atlantic
Atlantic Records

Atlantic Records is an United States record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm & blues, rock and roll, and jazz. Long one of the most important American independent labels, Atlantic now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group, which consolidated Atlantic Records and the Elektra Entertainment Group into one...
 in 1981. Though considered glam metal by many, the band's pop-metal stylings drew inspiration from bubblegum pop
Bubblegum pop

Bubblegum pop is a genre of pop music whose classic period ran from 1967 to 1972. The chief characteristics of the genre are that it is pop music contrived and marketed to appeal to pre-teens, is produced in an assembly-line process, driven by producers, using faceless singers and has an intangible, upbeat "bubblegum" sound....
 and new wave
New Wave music

New Wave is a genre of rock music which originated from the late 1970s. It emerged from punk rock as a reaction against the popular music of the 1970s....
 as well as hard rock.

Early years

In 1981, they released their self-titled debut album, Kix
Kix (album)

Kix is the self-titled debut album by the glam metal band Kix , released in 1981 on Atlantic Records....
, featuring "Atomic Bombs", "Heartache", "Contrary Mary", "The Itch", and "The Kid". "Love at First Sight" instantly became a concert favorite. "Kix Are for Kids" creatively merged the name of the band with two popular cereals of the 1960s and 1970s, Kix
Kix (cereal)

Kix, the first "puffed" Breakfast cereal, was introduced in 1937 by the General Mills cereal company of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Minnesota. Their slogan is "Kid-Tested, Mother-Approved!"....
 (that featured an atomic bomb commercial) and the Trix Rabbit
Trix (cereal)

Trix is a brand of cereal made by General Mills for the North American and by Nestl? for the European, South American and Asian markets. The cereal consists of fruit-flavored, sweetened, ground-maize pieces....
 ("Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!"). "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" became the band's most popular concert song, always with a unique ad-lib performance by lead vocalist Steve Whiteman. With this album, the tongue-in-cheek
Tongue-in-cheek

Tongue-in-cheek is a term used to refer to humor in which a statement, or an entire fictional work, is not meant to be taken seriously, but its lack of seriousness is subtle....
 rock & roll
Rock and roll

Rock and roll is a form of music that evolved in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Its roots lay mainly in rhythm and blues, Country music, folk music, gospel music, and jazz....
 style of Kix was established.

Commercial success

In 1982, guitarist Ronnie "10/10" Younkins departed Kix to spend time in rehabilitation for drug problems, and was replaced by Brad Divens
Brad Divens

Brad Divens was the bassist and lead vocalist of Souls At Zero , formerly known as Wrathchild America. His vocal style often draws comparisons to James Hetfield ....
 (Souls at Zero/Wrathchild America
Wrathchild America

Wrathchild America was an United States thrash metal band formed in 1978....
/Wrathchild), later front of house
Front of House

Front of house is primarily a theatre term, referring to the portion of the building that is open to the public. In theatre and live music venues, it typically refers to the auditorium and foyer, as opposed to the stage and wikt:backstage areas....
 sound engineer for acts such as Linkin Park
Linkin Park

Linkin Park is an American Rock music band from Agoura Hills, California, California. Since its formation in 1996, the band has sold more than 50 million albums and won two Grammy Awards....
, Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper

Cynthia Ann Stephanie "Cyndi" Lauper is an Music of the United States Grammy- and Emmy award winning singer-songwriter and actress. She achieved success in the mid-1980s with the release of the album She's So Unusual, and became the first artist to have four top-five singles released from one album....
, and Slayer
Slayer

Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981. The band was founded by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King....
. Their 1983 followup, Cool Kids
Cool Kids

Cool Kids is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1983 by the glam metal band KIX ....
, showcased a slightly more commercial side of the band, featuring the title song, and the single "Body Talk".

Somewhat overlooked, but a favorite with female-fans, was the ballad "For Shame". In 1983, having been gone for slightly less than a year, a now sober Ronnie "10/10" Younkins returned to Kix, reuniting the "classic" lineup.

Kix then partnered up with RATT
Ratt

Ratt is an United States heavy metal music band that formed in San Diego and enjoyed significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is most notable for their songs "Round and Round ," "Wanted Man ," "Lay It Down ," "You're in Love " and "Back For More." Though the group lost popularity in the following decade, Ratt has been recognized...
 and future Warrant
Warrant (American band)

Warrant is an United States glam metal band from Hollywood, Los Angeles, California that experienced success in the 1980s and early 1990s with two multi-platinum albums....
 producer, Beau Hill
Beau Hill

Beau Hill is an United States record producer who is best known for his work with Alice Cooper, Kix , Winger , Streets , Warrant , Fiona , Europe and Ratt....
, and in 1985, released the album Midnite Dynamite
Midnite Dynamite

Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
, featuring a hard rock single by the same name and funk rock
Funk rock

Funk rock is a music genre that Fusion funk and rock music elements. Its earliest incarnation was heard in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s by acts such as the Jimi Hendrix Experience , Eric Burdon and War, Funkadelic, Betty Davis and Mother's Finest....
 songs "Cold Shower" and "Sex". The album also included the song "Bang Bang (Balls of Fire)", which was co-written by then-unknown Kip Winger
Kip Winger

Kip Winger is an American rock musician, member of the hard rock band Winger and a solo artist....
, just before he joined Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper is an American rock music singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades. With a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, and boa constrictors, Cooper has drawn equally from horror movies, vaudeville, heavy metal music, and garage rock to create a theatrical brand of rock musi...
's band. Acclaimed session drummer
Session musician

Session musicians are instrumental performers or vocalists who are available for hire for live performances or recording sessions, as opposed to musicians who are either permanent members of a musical ensemble or who have acquired fame in their own right as bandleaders....
 Anton Fig
Anton Fig

Anton Fig , known as "The Thunder from Down Under" is a session musician drummer, noted for his work in David Letterman's house band, the CBS Orchestra....
 performed drums on two tracks, as Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant experienced neck injuries. Jimmy was back in the studio days later, drumming and recording backing vocals. Also, Mike Slamer
Mike Slamer

Mike Slamer is a guitarist who has played in the band City Boy, as well as Atlanta, Georgia's Streets . Since then, he has worked as a staff composer for various film and TV series, has been a session musician guitarist for numerous musician, and has also released two albums with his band, Steelhouse Lane....
 (Streets
Streets (band)

Streets was a band made up of singer Steve Walsh , guitarist Mike Slamer, bassist Billy Greer, and drummer Tim Gehrt.Steve Walsh had also been in the band Kansas and Mike Slamer has been in several other bands, including Britain's City Boy....
/City Boy
City Boy

City Boy were a moderately successful England rock band in the late 1970s, characterised by complex human voice arrangements and heavy guitars. Their most popular songs were "5.7.0.5." and "The Day The Earth Caught Fire"....
/Warrant
Warrant (American band)

Warrant is an United States glam metal band from Hollywood, Los Angeles, California that experienced success in the 1980s and early 1990s with two multi-platinum albums....
) receives a credit on one song for additional guitars.

The band then headed west to begin to make a name for themselves, in such places as the Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is the name given to the mile and a half strip of land of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood, Los Angeles, California at Crescent Heights Boulevard, to its western border with Beverly Hills, California at Doheny Drive....
, where Mφtley Crόe
Mφtley Crόe

M?tley Cr?e are a Grammy Award-nominated American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, California in 1981.The band was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drum kit Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead vocalist Vince Neil....
 and other glam metal bands rose to stardom. However, while building a name for themselves in L.A.
Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the largest city in the U.S. state of California and the List of United States cities by population in the United States. Often abbreviated as L.A. and nicknamed The City of Angels, Los Angeles is rated as a beta global city, has an estimated population of 3.8 million and spans over in Southern California....
, and at a gig opening for fellow rockers Poison
Poison (band)

Poison is an United States hard rock band that achieved great success and popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They have become icons of the 80s MTV era and have had widespread commercial success....
 at the L.A.'s Country Club, the band thought that much of their stage show had been stolen by that band, who, themselves, went on to become one of glam metal's biggest successes.

In 1987, lead vocalist Steve Whiteman was one of many musicians heard on Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister is an United States Heavy metal music band from New York City. Their work fuses the shock rock tactics of Alice Cooper, the rebellious mood of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and the extravagant image of glam rock bands such as New York Dolls notably for the makeup....
's album Love Is for Suckers
Love Is for Suckers

Love Is for Suckers is the fifth album by the Heavy metal music group Twisted Sister. According to the Live At Wacken DVD, the material was originally meant to be a solo album by Twisted Sister's lead singer, Dee Snider, but Twisted Sister's record company pushed for it to be released by the band....
. Others included Winger bassist/lead vocalist Kip Winger
Kip Winger

Kip Winger is an American rock musician, member of the hard rock band Winger and a solo artist....
 and guitarist Reb Beach
Reb Beach

Reb Beach is an United States Rock music guitarist. He is a member of the bands Winger and Whitesnake. Ibanez guitars produced his signature RBM models in early 90s....
.

Kix went back into the studio to write more songs. In 1988, they released Blow My Fuse
Blow My Fuse

Blow My Fuse is the title of the 4th album released by the glam metal band KIX , released on Atlantic Records on September 19, 1988....
, and finally achieved fame as it went platinum. The slow ballad "Don't Close Your Eyes"—containing anti-suicide lyrics—led the way as their only Top 40 single (peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100) and other popular cuts followed. The album featured the popular singles "Cold Blood" and "Blow My Fuse", along with popular videos showing the band in concert at Hammerjack's
Hammerjack's

Hammerjack's Concert Hall and Nightclub was a large concert hall in downtown Baltimore through the 1980s and into the 1990s. It was owned by Louis J....
. In 1989, the band released Blow My Fuse: The Videos, with their now-popular videos and behind-the-scenes footage. As Kix finally graduated to arenas, they opened for such popular artists as Aerosmith
Aerosmith

Aerosmith is an United States hard rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston, Massachusetts" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band"....
.

Kix took time out in late 1988 to visit Britain
United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom , the UK or Britain,is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe....
 for a three-show trek, which included a gig at Birmingham
Birmingham

Birmingham is a city status in the United Kingdom and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. Birmingham is the most populous of England's English Core Cities Group, and is the List of United Kingdom cities by population British city after London, with a population of 1,010,200 ....
's Edwards No 8 club, a support slot to Yngwie Malmsteen at the Dominion Theatre
Dominion Theatre

The Dominion Theatre is a West End theatre on Tottenham Court Road close to St Giles' Circus and Centre Point Tower, in the London Borough of Camden....
 in London
London

London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, and the most populous municipality in the European Union. An important settlement for two millennia, History of London goes back to its founding by the Roman Empire....
, and a headlining slot in the capital's legendary Marquee Club
Marquee Club

The Marquee is a legendary music club first located at 165 Oxford Street, London, England when it opened in 1958 with a range of jazz and skiffle acts....
.

Returning to the U.S.
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
, Ronnie "10/10" Younkins spent a period of time in rehabilitation for a drug problem, but rejoined the group in the new year. Kix successfully toured with RATT and Britny Fox
Britny Fox

Britny Fox is an United States glam metal band from the Philadelphia area, initially active from 1985 to 1992 then subsequently reforming in 2001....
 in early 1989, allowed a step-up on the bill in a gentlemanly gesture by Britny Fox in Landover
Landover, Maryland

Landover is an unincorporated area in Prince George's County, Maryland, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover, Maryland....
, Maryland
Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic States of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia and the Washington, D.C. to the south and west, Pennsylvania to the north, and Delaware to the east....
. The band performed an absolute blinder in front of their adoring home-state audience.

Later years

Unfortunately, financial disaster happened by way of their original deal with Atlantic. Unbeknownst to them, they had agreed to a contract that gave them relatively nothing. Contract disputes and changes delayed their next album for three years.

The album Hot Wire
Hot Wire (Kix album)

Hot Wire is the title of an album released on East West Records on July 9, 1991, by the glam metal band KIX . The album peaked at number 64 on the Billboard 200 in October 1991....
 finally arrived in 1991, with the single "Girl Money". But it was too late; grunge
Grunge music

Grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged during the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in the Seattle area....
 arrived out of Seattle
Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the most populous city in the US state of Washington and the Northwestern United States. The encompassing Seattle metropolitan area is the 15th largest in the United States, and the largest in the Pacific Northwest....
, replacing hair and glam bands. In 1992, guitarist Jimi K. Bones briefly played in Kix in lieu of Brian "Damage" Forsythe. While on tour in 1992, they made a live album, titled Live
Live (Kix album)

Live is the title of a live album released on Atlantic Records in 1993 by the glam metal band KIX ....
 at the University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is a public research university located in the city of College Park, Maryland in Prince George's County, Maryland outside Washington, D.C....
. This album, internally referred to as Contractual Obligation Live, was released in 1993. Around this time in 1993, guitarist Brian "Damage" Forsythe officially departed Kix, venturing off into other projects. However, it wasn't long before he rejoined in 1994. By agreement with Atlantic they were released from their contract with that label. In 1995, the band released their final album, $how Bu$ine$$
Show Business (album)

Show Business is the title of an album released on CMC International Records in 1995 by the glam metal band KIX . The album was a failure, as Grunge music had taken over the music scene....
, on CMC International
CMC International

CMC International is a record label, a division of its parent label - Sanctuary Records. Based out of London, England, the label focuses mainly on classic rock, and classic Heavy metal music....
. This album featured drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant's relative Paul Chalfant on viola. The album tanked. As Steve Whiteman says, "the music industry started a new party and Kix was not invited." In 1995, guitarist Pat DeMent briefly played in Kix in lieu of Brian "Damage" Forsythe. Shortly after, Kix disbanded in late 1995, and Hammerjack's Concert Hall was torn down on June 12, 1997, to make way for a parking lot for the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland. They compete in the AFC North of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
' stadium
M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose American football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League....
.

Side projects

In 1996, Steve Whiteman formed a band called Funny Money
Funny Money (band)

Funny Money are an United States Rock music band. They play at multiple venues in the Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania area. They play a mix of KIX covers as well as original material....
 in Hagerstown with former Ghost and Burning Starr bassist Ned Meloni and guitarist Billy Andrews, rounded out by guitarist Dean Cramer and drummer Bobby George, with whom he continues to work.

In 1998, Brian "Damage" Forsythe teamed up with ex-White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo drummer Rick Wright, and erstwhile Rhino Bucket
Rhino Bucket

Rhino Bucket is a hard rock band from Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, California, California.The band was formed in 1988 by Georg Dolivo , Greg Fields , Reeve Downes , and Rick Kubach ....
 members rhythm guitarist/lead vocalist Georg Dolivo (George Dolivo) and bassist Reeve Downes to forge Deep Six Holiday. Ronnie "10/10" Younkins relocated to Baltimore City
Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is an independent city and the largest city in the U.S. state of Maryland in the United States. Baltimore is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay....
, and would be located in rock 'n' roll act Jeremy and the Suicides.

In 2001, guitarist Brian "Damage" Forsythe joined Rhino Bucket, being announced as so in early 2002.

Internet reports in early 2004 that drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant had died in a car crash near Smithsburg
Smithsburg, Maryland

Smithsburg is a town in Washington County, Maryland, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,146 at the United States Census 2000 and estimated at 2,902 in 2007....
, Maryland proved mistaken. Tragically for the Kix drummer, the actual victim was his elder brother, John Stewart.

In 2000, Whiteman would turn up as guest vocalist on a version of "Foolin'
Foolin'

"Foolin" is a 1983 single by United Kingdom hard rock band Def Leppard from their platinum album album Pyromania . When released as a single later that year, it reached #9 on the Mainstream Rock charts and #28 on Pop Singles....
" on the Def Leppard
Def Leppard

Def Leppard are an England Rock music band from Sheffield, who formed in 1977 as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Largely on the strength of their albums Pyromania and Hysteria , Def Leppard became one of the List of best-selling music artists rock bands throughout the 1980s, selling over 65 million albums worldw...
 tribute album Leppardmania: A Tribute to Def Leppard. Ironically, Whiteman has always had a voice considerably similar to Def Leppard lead vocalist Joe Elliott
Joe Elliott

Joseph Thomas Elliott is the Singer of the United Kingdom heavy metal music Musical ensemble Def Leppard....
, as well as the late Bon Scott
Bon Scott

Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was an Australian rock musician, best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980....
 of AC/DC
AC/DC

AC/DC are an Australian rock music rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm Young and Angus Young. Although the band are commonly classified as hard rock, and considered pioneers of heavy metal music, they have always classified their music as "rock and roll"....
, and Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is an England singer and songwriter who, since 1980 in music, has been the lead singer for the Australian Rock band AC/DC.In 1972, Brian Johnson formed the glam rock band Geordie ....
 of AC/DC.

Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant joined Funny Money as their drummer in 2003. Whiteman also teaches voice at the Musician's Institute in Baltimore, and Triple R Guitar in Lemoyne
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania

Lemoyne is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States. Lemoyne was incorporated as a borough on May 23, 1905. As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 3,995....
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , often colloquially referred to as PA by natives and Northeasterners, is a U.S. state located in the Northeastern United States and Mid-Atlantic States regions of the United States....
. Ronnie "10/10" Younkins moved to L.A., then wrote, recorded, and released the album The Slimmer Twins: Lack of Luxury, as a collaboration with vocalist Jeremy L. White in 2000. Back on the East Coast
East Coast

East Coast most often refers to coastline which is on the eastern side of a particular area. Many other terms refer to this initial meaning. Some of these things include:...
, he founded the Blues Vultures in 2002, maturing into the lead vocalist and primary songwriter, and in 2005, released the album The Blues Vultures: Cheap Guitars & Honky Tonk Bars. Brian "Damage" Forsythe Is now with Rhino Bucket
Rhino Bucket

Rhino Bucket is a hard rock band from Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, California, California.The band was formed in 1988 by Georg Dolivo , Greg Fields , Reeve Downes , and Rick Kubach ....
, joining the band in 2001. Brian performs lead guitar on Rhino Bucket's 2005 release And Then It Got Ugly
And Then It Got Ugly

And Then It Got Ugly is an album by Rhino Bucket. Their first since 1994's Pain, it features Brian Forsythe of Kix on lead guitar, taking the place of Greg Fields....
.

Recent events

A new version Kix reformed in late 2003 sans songwriter and band leader Purnell, and released the compilation Thunderground in 2004. Kix then lined-up reunion shows for September 2004, the lineup consisting of Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Ronnie "10/10" Younkins (guitars), Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitars), Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant (drums, backing vocals), and Funny Money bassist Mark Schenker (bass, backing vocals) in place of Donnie Purnell. This lineup has teamed up a quite few times for the last few years to do Kix reunion shows in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area that have been very well attended although not well received critically. To date, Donnie Purnell has refused to participate in any of the Kix reunion shows and has threatened legal action as of late.

With Donnie Purnell not being in Kix, there is an absence of keyboards, especially in songs such as "Don't Close Your Eyes". During live performances, they are sequenced, with drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant using a click track metronome.

A stripped-down, acoustic-version of "Don't Close Your Eyes" was contributed to the VH1 Metal Mania Stripped Volume 3 compilation album, issued through Sidewinder Music in March 2007.

On March 5, 2008, it was announced that Kix would participate in the Rocklahoma
Rocklahoma

Rocklahoma is an annual 1980s-era rock music festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma. There were an estimated 100,000 people at the first annual Rocklahoma held in 2007....
 festival. They performed on Saturday, July 12, 2008, and it was a very successful show, with an audience of over 15,000 people, including a torrential downpour lasting exactly the duration of their set.

After Rocklahoma Kix played on Friday June 6th at Dexter's in New Jersey and Saturday June 7th at Mulcahy's in New York.

Band members


Current members

  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion (1978–1995, 2003–present)
    drums, percussion (1978)
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals (1979–1982, 1983–1995, 2003–present)
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer (1978–1993, 1994–1995, 2003–present)
  • Mark Schenker – bass, backing vocals (2003–present)
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1979–1995, 2003–present)


Former members

  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1978–1995)
  • Brad Divens
    Brad Divens

    Brad Divens was the bassist and lead vocalist of Souls At Zero , formerly known as Wrathchild America. His vocal style often draws comparisons to James Hetfield ....
     – guitars, talk box, backing vocals (1982–1983)
  • Pat DeMent – guitars (1995)
  • Jimi K. Bones – guitars (1992)
  • David "Stargazer" Bumbalough – guitars (1978–1979)
  • Donnie Spence – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1978–1979)


Note: Contrary to rumors, Aaron Isaacs of the Blues Vultures did not play drums briefly for Kix in 2008.

Session members

  • Anton Fig
    Anton Fig

    Anton Fig , known as "The Thunder from Down Under" is a session musician drummer, noted for his work in David Letterman's house band, the CBS Orchestra....
     – drums, percussion on Midnite Dynamite
    Midnite Dynamite

    Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
     (1985 — 2 tracks)
  • Mike Slamer
    Mike Slamer

    Mike Slamer is a guitarist who has played in the band City Boy, as well as Atlanta, Georgia's Streets . Since then, he has worked as a staff composer for various film and TV series, has been a session musician guitarist for numerous musician, and has also released two albums with his band, Steelhouse Lane....
     – guitars on Midnite Dynamite
    Midnite Dynamite

    Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
     (1985 — 1 track)
  • Kip Winger
    Kip Winger

    Kip Winger is an American rock musician, member of the hard rock band Winger and a solo artist....
     – backing vocals on Midnite Dynamite
    Midnite Dynamite

    Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
     (1985 — track "Bang Bang (Balls of Fire)")
  • Paul Chalfant – viola on $how Bu$ine$$
    Show Business (album)

    Show Business is the title of an album released on CMC International Records in 1995 by the glam metal band KIX . The album was a failure, as Grunge music had taken over the music scene....
     (1995 — multiple tracks)


Lineups

>
(1978)
The Shooze
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars
  • Steve Whiteman – drums, percussion
(1978)
The Shooze
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars
  • Donnie Purnell – bass
  • Steve Whiteman – drums, percussion
    • (1978)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
    • (1978)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Donnie Spence – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1978–1979)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • David "Stargazer" Bumbalough – guitars
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Donnie Spence – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1979)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • David "Stargazer" Bumbalough – guitars
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
    • (1979)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • David "Stargazer" Bumbalough – guitars
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1979)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1979–1980)
    The Shooze
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1980)
    The Generators
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1980)
    The Baltimore Cocks
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1980–1982)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1982)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1982–1983)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brad Divens
    Brad Divens

    Brad Divens was the bassist and lead vocalist of Souls At Zero , formerly known as Wrathchild America. His vocal style often draws comparisons to James Hetfield ....
     – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1983)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1983–1988)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1988–1989)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1989–1992)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1992)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals


    • with:

    • Jimi K. Bones – guitars
    (1992–1993)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1993–1994)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1994–1995)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1995)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals


    • with:

    • Pat DeMent – guitars
    (1995)
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Donnie Purnell – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals
    • (1995–2003) (Kix disbanded)
    (2003–2004)
    Kix
    Kix
    • Steve Whiteman
    • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins
    • Brian "Damage" Forsythe
    • Mark Schenker
    • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant
    (2004–present)
    Kix
    Kix
  • Steve Whiteman – lead vocals, harmonica, saxophone, percussion
  • Ronnie "10/10" Younkins – guitars, talk box, backing vocals
  • Brian "Damage" Forsythe – guitars, guitar synthesizer
  • Mark Schenker – bass, backing vocals
  • Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant – drums, percussion, backing vocals


    • Discography


    Studio albums

    • Kix
      Kix (album)

      Kix is the self-titled debut album by the glam metal band Kix , released in 1981 on Atlantic Records....
       (1981) in some places 1980, but really 1981
    • Cool Kids
      Cool Kids

      Cool Kids is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1983 by the glam metal band KIX ....
       (1983) in some places 1982, but really 1983
    • Midnite Dynamite
      Midnite Dynamite

      Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
       (1985) in some places 1984, but really 1985
    • Blow My Fuse
      Blow My Fuse

      Blow My Fuse is the title of the 4th album released by the glam metal band KIX , released on Atlantic Records on September 19, 1988....
       (1988) in some places 1987, but really 1988
    • Hot Wire
      Hot Wire (Kix album)

      Hot Wire is the title of an album released on East West Records on July 9, 1991, by the glam metal band KIX . The album peaked at number 64 on the Billboard 200 in October 1991....
       (1991)
    • $how Bu$ine$$
      Show Business (album)

      Show Business is the title of an album released on CMC International Records in 1995 by the glam metal band KIX . The album was a failure, as Grunge music had taken over the music scene....
       (1995)


    Live albums

    • Live
      Live (Kix album)

      Live is the title of a live album released on Atlantic Records in 1993 by the glam metal band KIX ....
       (1993) also known as Contractual Obligation Live


    Compilations

    • The Essentials (2002) (12 songs compilation)
    • Thunderground (2004) (80 demo songs compilation)
    • Rhino Hi-Five (2006) (5 songs compilation)


    Guest appearances

    • Monster Metal Power Ballads (2006 — track "Still Loving You
      Still Loving You

      "Still Loving You" is a power ballad and signature song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100....
      " (Scorpions
      Scorpions (band)

      Scorpions are a heavy metal music/hard rock band from Hanover, Germany, probably best known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and their singles "No One Like You", "Still Loving You", and "Wind of Change "....
       cover), credited as "Still Lovin' You
      Still Loving You

      "Still Loving You" is a power ballad and signature song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100....
      " by Steve Whitman)
    • Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition
      Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition

      Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition is a compilation album. It features many power ballads, most of which appeared on previous Monster Ballads installations or related albums....
       (2006, retail version — track "Don't Close Your Eyes")
    • Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition
      Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition

      Monster Ballads: Platinum Edition is a compilation album. It features many power ballads, most of which appeared on previous Monster Ballads installations or related albums....
       (2005, exclusive version — track "Don't Close Your Eyes")
    • Leppardmania: A Tribute to Def Leppard (2000 — track "Foolin'
      Foolin'

      "Foolin" is a 1983 single by United Kingdom hard rock band Def Leppard from their platinum album album Pyromania . When released as a single later that year, it reached #9 on the Mainstream Rock charts and #28 on Pop Singles....
      " (Def Leppard
      Def Leppard

      Def Leppard are an England Rock music band from Sheffield, who formed in 1977 as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Largely on the strength of their albums Pyromania and Hysteria , Def Leppard became one of the List of best-selling music artists rock bands throughout the 1980s, selling over 65 million albums worldw...
       cover), credited as "Foolin'
      Foolin'

      "Foolin" is a 1983 single by United Kingdom hard rock band Def Leppard from their platinum album album Pyromania . When released as a single later that year, it reached #9 on the Mainstream Rock charts and #28 on Pop Singles....
      " by Steve Whiteman)
    • Monster Ballads
      Monster Ballads

      Monster Ballads is the first in a series of compilation albums that feature popular power ballads, usually from the glam metal genre. It was released in 1999....
       (1999 — track "Don't Close Your Eyes")


    Singles

    Year Title Chart positions Album
    Billboard Hot 100
    Billboard Hot 100

    The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard Single popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on airplay and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday; while the airplay tracking-week runs from Wednesday to Tuesday....
    		 Mainstream Rock Tracks
    1983 "Body Talk" – – Cool Kids
    Cool Kids

    Cool Kids is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1983 by the glam metal band KIX ....
    1985 "Midnite Dynamite" – –Midnite Dynamite
    Midnite Dynamite

    Midnite Dynamite is the title of an album released on Atlantic Records in 1985 by the glam metal band KIX ....
    "Cold Shower" – –
    1989 "Don't Close Your Eyes" 11 –Blow My Fuse
    Blow My Fuse

    Blow My Fuse is the title of the 4th album released by the glam metal band KIX , released on Atlantic Records on September 19, 1988....
    "Cold Blood" – –
    "Blow My Fuse" – –
    1991 "Girl Money" 25 – Hot Wire
    Hot Wire (Kix album)

    Hot Wire is the title of an album released on East West Records on July 9, 1991, by the glam metal band KIX . The album peaked at number 64 on the Billboard 200 in October 1991....


    Videography


    Videos

    • Blow My Fuse: The Videos (1989)


    External links