It all started with 5 guys from LA who got together on weekends to jam and write songs. They were no strangers to one another having played in different bands together. At this time, Steve Plunkett (vocals/guitar) was playing with Silver Condor on Columbia Records, Keni Richards (drums) was with The Coup on A&M Records, Steve Lynch (lead guitar) & Steve Isham (keyboards) were working with Holly Penfield on Dreamland Records, and Randy Rand (bass) was playing with Lita Ford.
In 1983 the yet to be named band recorded some demos (some of which you will find on this release) which found their ways into the hands of close friends and confidants. One of those friends being legendary record producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin/Rolling Stones) who offered to record the demos free of charge, in hopes that it would lead to further endeavors.
David Lee Roth, who was a pal to Keni Richards, heard the demo and invited the band (still unnamed) to open for Van Halen in Jacksonville, Florida on January 19, 1984. So the band loaded up the Winnebago and headed to Florida; on their way out East, the band would collectively settle on the name Autograph.
The Pop Metal/GlamMetal band would release their debut album, Sign In Please, in October of 1984 to a slow start. Only 80,000 units were sold in the first 3 weeks.
The sophomore album, “That’s The Stuff” was released in the fall of 1985; It would fail to capture the magic of the first album.
Autographs third release (and maybe their most technically proficient album), Loud And Clear, was released in 1987.
During their career, Autograph toured with Van Halen, Motley Crue, Heart, Aerosmith, Ronnie James Dio, Bryan Adams, and Whitesnake.
FnA Records is super stoked to be releasing 2 albums of mostly unreleased demos; Cloud 10 and Send Her My Way. The great thing about these demos is the sound is damn good!
The 16 page CD booklet (for both albums) features all kinds of information and three amazing photographs by the iconic Mark “Weissguy” Weiss. One day, Mark, known as “The Guy Who Rocked The 80’s” took his photos to Circus magazine where his impressive portfolio led to him being the magazines Staff photographer. Mark and his illustrious photos made him very in demand. He was one of the “Crew” – He travelled on busses and planes with these larger-than-life Rock Stars capturing photos in which he had unparalleled access.
Today, Mark continues to photograph artists and has even released a magazine (RockedMag.com) dedicated to his photos along with artist interviews from the 80’s. For those fans that are familiar with the Loud And Clear album cover – that was Marks work.
Mark “Weissguy” Weiss states about this FnA Records project, “From the first time I shot them (Autograph) in 1985 to the last time I photographed Autograph on The Monsters Of Rock Cruise in 2023, the line-up may have changed, but the sound of Autograph never did. The songs live on – and its incredibly satisfying that after 40 years, my photographs are now part of this project.” FnA Records tips their hat to Mark “Weissguy” Weiss for working with the label in order to make this project top notch!
Today, Autographs videos are viewable on VH1 Classics and of course, YouTube.
FnA Records (www.fnarecords.net) release of Cloud 10 and Send Her To Me show the dynamic side of Autograph. According to guitarist Steve Lynch, “There’s no way to describe the bond that is built when you’re a struggling musician forming a new band and traveling from gig to gig making music together – it transcends time, defies logic, and leaves you exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.” (Source: ‘Confessions of a Rock Guitarist’ by guitarist Steve Lynch)
Cloud 10 and Send Her To Me come with multiple choices of options to buy the CD(s). There is the single CD, a two-pack, an autographed fan pack signed by guitarist Steve Lynch, digital download, and finally a Big Bag Of Goodies stocked with both CD’s and tons of Autograph collectibles. (see the site for details). There is a Best of the Demos vinyl with 2 unreleased tracks limited to 50 units worldwide. Additionally, there are all kinds of T-shirts, Jerseys, Hats, Hoodies, Jackets, and some other cool collectibles.
Cloud 10 Tracks:
- Cloud 10
- Nineteen and Non-Stop
- Angela
- I’ve Got You
- Angel In Black
- When I’m Gone
- Sweet Temptation
- One Way Dead End Street
- Deep End
- Every Little Word
- Friday
- My Girlfriends Boyfriend Isn’t Me
Send Her To Me Tracks:
- All Night Long
- Heart Attack
- Send Her To Me
- Turn Up The Tape Machine (Radio)
- In The Night
- My Attitude
- Sanctuary
- Dead End Street
- All I’m Gonna Take
- Trading Secrets
- You Make Me Bleed
- Simple Arithmetic (Bonus Track)
You can get your copies right here: https://fnarecords.net/
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