TUFF "What Comes Around Goes Around" released May 1991
TUFF formed in the dessert of Phoenix Arizona in 1985, but it took relocating to California and a half dozen years to reach that elusive record deal. After taking over the Sunset Strip in the late 80’s with sold out shows at world famous clubs like “Gazzarri’s”, “The Roxy Theatre” & “Whisky-A-Go-Go” it finally happened. Now TUFF celebrates 20 years since “What Comes Around Goes Around” hit the streets with a string of summer tour dates. It was May 1991 that the Los Angeles based rockers finally realized a dream that most young musicians don’t. “I feel very honored to have had the opportunities we were afforded over the years.” says vocalist and Wisconsin native Stevie Rachelle. Now a full 2 decades later, the band bassist & founder Todd “Chase” Chaisson along with Rachelle take it on the road with a string of Midwest tour dates along with appearances in Brazil & Mexico.”]
“It’s been 20 years since I played many of these cities with TUFF and I am stoked to go back again.” Says Chaisson – whose family has a bloodline of name rock bassist’s (Greg Chaisson – BADLANDS & Kenny Chaisson – KEEL). TUFF played well into the 90s releasing 2 major label discs, and a handful of independent records before calling it quits. “The impact of grunge finally took its toll, but in the fall of 2001 – I decided to fire it up again.” Adds Rachelle. “I can’t believe another decade has passed and to think we can still go play for fans around the world. It’s something I dreamed of as a kid.”
The band will spend the summer playing select dates, and perform tunes from their Atlantic Records debut. Including their DialMTV #3 hit “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye”, “So Many Seasons” & “The All New Generation”. The band will include tracks from their 7 disc catalog, along with their #1 XM/SiriusHair Nation smash hit “American Hair Band”.
The band is rounded out by guest guitar player Jack Aurora(Sister Whiskey) and Trent Anderson on drums (Bang Tango).
SUMMER TOUR DATES 2011
Sat. June 11th “Inferno Club” Sao Paulo, Brazil
Tue. June 21st “Nite Caps” Chicago, IL
Wed. June 22nd “Swobey’s” Green Bay, WI
Thur. June 23rd “Water-Fest” Oshkosh, WI
Fri. June 24th “Papa’s Social Club” Milwaukee, WI
Sat. June 25th “Pickle Park” Minneapolis, MN
Sun. June 26th “Wheelhouse” Cedar Falls, IA
Sat. July 17th “Faith & Whisky” Mexico City, Mexico
Stay tuned for more US dates!
“I Hate Kissing You Goodbye” Dial MTV #3 Video:
“American Hair Band” #1 Request Sirius/XM Hair Nation Video here:
“All New Generation” MTV Head Bangers BallVideo here:
Stockholm Rock Out is a new rock festival in Sweden which is now in its second year. When the first edition of the festival took place on May 1st it was almost disastrous because the giant volcano clouds forced most of the headliners to cancel their appearances but this time all measures worked well without any unexpected problems or last minute changes. By European standards, the band line up in Stockholm Rock Out was somewhat extravagant. The list included many great bands which haven’t been here in ages, like Keel and Tuff, and there were also some unique one off performances like the one with Great White w/ Paul Shortino on vocals and the farewell show of Zinny J. Zan. Like the organizers advertised, this festival is indeed organized for music lovers by music lovers.
WHOLE LOTTA LOVE: An All-Star Salute To Fat Chicks
Three additional musicians have been confirmed for the upcoming tribute album “WHOLE LOTTA LOVE: An All-Star Salute To Fat Chicks.” Founding Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French, Tuff vocalist Stevie Rachelle and drummer Stet Howland (Lita Ford, W.A.S.P.) have collaborated on a new recording of the Ted Nugent cult favorite “Thunder Thighs,” a track from his 1986 “Penetrator” album. As Ted himself reveals in its liner notes, “‘Thunder Thighs’ is a career highpoint, as far as I and many others are concerned.” The story of a lusty young lady with a healthy appetite (and healthy curves to match), the new version is delivered with equal gusto and enthusiasm by the talented trio above. The track was arranged and produced by Paul LaPlaca(Chris Caffrey, The Great Kat, Zandelle), who also contributes bass and rhythm guitar. A sample of the song is now available at the official “WHOLE LOTTA LOVE”MySpace page.
“I am the voice of this lost Nugent nugget,” says Stevie Rachelle, “and it sure was a fun one to sing! Uncle Ted does indeed rock. Always has, always will.”
“I recorded my guitar parts fresh out of seeing ‘Avatar’ by James Cameron,” comments Jay Jay French. “So even though I was laying down tracks for a song about some girl with meaty legs, all I kept picturing were those elongated blue aliens with their 3% body fat!”
“Ironically, I found myself working on ‘Thunder Thighs’ during a thunderstorm,” reveals Stet Howland, “and a lightning strike fried my system! To say that the files got corrupted would be an understatement! Long story short, after buying a new computer, reloading and upgrading my Pro Tools and shouting a lot of random curse words, my drum tracks were done!” Read the rest of this entry »
Attention European rock fans. TUFF/SHAMELESS are ready to embark on 3 week tour in August-September 2010.
The group will be fronted by legendary Sunset Strip veteran – TUFF vocalist Stevie Rachelle. The SHAMELESS bookends on bass & guitar will be Alexx Michael and his partner in crime BC. Also on board will be TUFF member Jimi “Gunz” Lord who played drums for the band during the “Religious Fix” years. The set will be filled with fan favorites from the TUFF Glam Rock classic debut “What Comes Around…Goes Around”. Tracks included will be “The All New Generation”, “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye” and “So Many Seasons”. Along with the new millenniums global mega smash “American Hair Band”. The SHAMELESS tunes to be featured are “Non Stop City”, “Steal The Girlz” & the Munich based bands most downloaded track, “Queen For A Day”.
The groups past tours have featured Bruce Kulick of KISS (2000), Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd (2007) and Davy Vain (VAIN) showed up and jammed with the group in Germany (2009). This year will be no different, as the tour welcomes special guest guitarist Germany’s very own Andy Brings (The Traceelords/Sodom/Powergod). This tour is not the first for TUFF/SHAMELESS in Europe, but it will be the first ever Scandinavian appearance for the guys when the tour wraps up at Sweden’s “Stockholm Rockout Festival” on Saturday September 11th.
“There is a reason for us doing these European tours” says the TUFF singer. “The fans love it. They came to see us in the past, and they will be back again this year. The fans ultimately get two bands in one and really appreciate the vast amount of great pop glam rock songs.” TUFF and SHAMELESS combined have released over a dozen discs of music, and have a catalog of over 20 releases (including DVDs) in the last 20 years.
“We are beyond excited to play for our European fans, but Sweden & Belgium will be new stops and we cannot wait.” adds Alexx Michael “We have friends and fans on every continent and we vow that South America and Japan are next!” The tour currently has shows slated for Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland & Belgium. Stay tuned for exact dates, venues and developments in the near future!
Note: TUFF will play the following US warm up gigs in July!
July 15th “The Brixton” Redondo Beach, CA w/ MSG & Pretty Boy Floyd
July 17th “Key Club” Hollywood, CA w/ Lynch Mob & Dizzy Reed (Gn’R)
July 31st “910 Live” Tempe, AZ w/ RATT
