Blackie Lawless launched W.A.S.P. on the unsuspecting world in 1983, and before long tales of their outrageous music and intense stage shows were legendary. This album proves that while the theatrics and shock tactics of Blackie Lawless might have gained the headlines, it was what they did on record that gained them legions of fans.
With 1989's The Headless Children, W.A.S.P. wanted to be taken as serious artists (for the most part). And while singer/guitarist/leader Blackie Lawless expressed excitement about the band's current lineup, which included longtime guitarist Chris Holmes, bassist Johnny Rod, Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, and Uriah Heep keyboardist Ken Hensley -- the complete group never toured. The album's best-known tracks remain their cover of the Who's Quadrophenia anthem "The Real Me" and the rocking "Mean Man" (an autobiographical tale about guitarist Holmes), while a pair of epics -- "The Heretic" and the title track -- and perhaps W.A.S.P.'s best ballad, "Forever Free," were also standouts.
With
The Headless Children, W.A.S.P. moved away from the over-the-top antics
that had made their name to create their most mature album to date and
one which is regarded by many fans and critics as the band's finest
record.