Biography

Buckcherry

Los Angeles hard rockers Buckcherry formed in mid-1995 after singer Joshua Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson were introduced through their tattoo artist; after cutting their earliest demos, the duo recruited bassist Jonathan (J.B.) Brightman and drummer Devon Glenn and began performing live, quickly earning a major following on the L.A. club scene. Following the subsequent addition of second guitarist Yogi, Buckcherry signed to DreamWorks Records, issuing their self-titled debut LP in 1999. Singles such as "Check Your Head" and "For the Movies" were modern rock hits for the band, allowing them to raise their profile by summer 2000. The following year, Buckcherry released their second album, Time Bomb. It wasn't widely received by critics, but dates opening for heroes, AC/DC, proved prominent for the band. In July 2002, founding member Joshua Todd unexpectedly left Buckcherry, which led to the band's demise
While on hiatus from Buckcherry, the duo was recruited by Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum to play a benefit for the late drummer Randy Castillo. Soon afterwards the ensemble began writing material and playing new songs, and although it never panned out, these sessions served as the precursor for the infamous 'G&R Project' - now titled Velvet Revolver.

'It made us realize how much fun it was to be in a band again,' says JOSH. 'We began to focus on what mattered--the music--and what Buckcherry represented and believed in. We were able to turn our disappointment at the label's demise into a new direction.'

'By the end, I was just so spent dealing with all the egos, I needed to take some time off,' explains Keith, who ended up with a co-writing credit on 'Dirty Little Thing' from Velvet Revolver's hit debut Contraband.

The experience recommitted the pair to working together and reforming the band. 'I missed him as a friend,' says Josh. 'And it came back together so quickly and effortlessly, we felt, 'this is the way it's supposed to be.' The time away ended up working in our favor.'

The pairing favorably compares to several prominent lead singer/guitarist duos who have fueled some of the band's major inspirations, a torch that has been handed down from the dawn of rock - which Josh and Keith have willingly accepted.

FIFTEEN sports some of the all-out rockers that Buckcherry is known for, like the aggro fury of 'Out of Line,' the salacious, Stonesy swagger of 'Crazy B**ch,' the balls-to-the-wall 'Onset,' the full-tilt Faces rock of 'Sunshine' and the anti-war, AC/DC-influenced 'Broken Glass.' But there's also the Bic-flicking, Marti Frederickson co-written power ballad, 'Sorry,' the minor key Anglo-rock of 'Everything' and the bluesy acoustic ode to 'Brooklyn.'

'We went into the studio and vowed not to come out until we had a successful, ass-kicking, career-defining album,' says Josh.

'We entered this process without an A&R guy or a label behind us,' agrees Keith. 'There wasn't a huge payday waiting for us.

It was about making a record we were happy with and believed in. At this point, I don't give a f**k about selling records if I'm not getting off on the music and the people I'm making it with. We learned that we can succeed creatively being self-contained and self-directed if we allowed ourselves to follow our instincts.'

'I've been trying all night long, cause I want to get next to you' - 'Next 2 You'

With FIFTEEN, Buckcherry hasn't just returned to the scene, they've grabbed it by the throat and are back in your face with renewed vengeance.

'I have a lot of pride in the album, years of experience and knowledge riding on the fact this is an opportunity to do what I do with a band that's awesome and that I enjoy playing with,' explains KEITH. 'Once you learn where the potholes in the road are, you can go around them. We're really fortunate in being able to get back together, absorb those lessons and move forward.'

'That's the best thing about America,' adds Josh. 'You can get a second chance... and I'm very grateful for it.'

On FIFTEEN, Buckcherry have survived the industry to show the world what they've always strived to become - a world-class rock band.

JOSH TODD-Vocals
KEITH NELSON-Guitars
STEVIE D-Guitar
XAVIER MURIEL-Drums
JIMMY ASHHURST-Bass