You Wanted the Best...Number Ten

It’s time to start the countdown of the ten best glam bands.

In the tenth spot…Badlands.

Badlands didn’t last very long, but in their short time together they created more than memorable music.

Founded by guitar virtuoso Jake E. Lee, singer Ray Gillen, bassist Greg Chaisson and drummer Eric Singer, the band signed to Atlantic relatively quickly and got to work on a debut. That self-titled release hit stores in June of 1989.

Despite reaching #57 on the Billboard chart, much of Badlands musical ability is forgotten today. The member’s volatile personalities didn’t help, and fighting eventually destroyed Badlands. After the fighting, it didn’t take long for the line-up changes to commence. First, Eric Singer left the band to drum for KISS and Lee and Gillen continued to battle over artistic control.

Ray Gillen had an amazing voice -- match it with Jake E. Lee’s amazing axe work and you’ve got a recipe for glam goodness. Badlands was one of those rare bands that combined passion and musical ability to create distinct, blues based rock. Bands with such chemistry don’t come along everyday. Unfortunately, great musical chemistry doesn’t equal great personal relationships.

If you saw Badlands live, count yourself lucky. Here's a clip of the band performing live in California in 1989.

Don't agree with my choice? Come back tomorrow and see who lands at number nine on the ten best glam bands of all time list.

Comments

[RobRockitt]

I don't know if I would have considered Badlands as a glam act or not. I will give you kudos for mentioning them though. They were one of many acts that didn't the recognition they deserved.

Jake E. Lee kicks ass!

[aXe mAn]

I'll be honest, that does come as a surprise to me.
But I do think they are a really good band that didn't achieve the success they deserved.
Gillen had a great voice, and Lee could play with the best of 'em.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

IMO, Badlands was more Blues-based Hard Rock than Glam. I also don't consider them a "hair" band. That said, they were a great band. The debut was very good and 'Dreams In The Dark' was a solid 1st single and video. Gillen always had a great blusey voice along the lines of David Coverdale but a bit higher. Jake E. Lee is so talented it's a shame he's a recluse now. Voodoo Highway followed but it was '91 and too late as the music world was changing. If they had come out in '86 or '87, Badlands would have been huge.

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/

[dr. loveless]

GREAT BAND BUT NOT GLAM.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIST.THIS IS A REALLY COOL IDEA!

[JB Malik]

*RIP Ray Gillen* I don't know if anyone here knew but he died in '93 from complications from AIDS (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Gillen) I agree they were not glam but a HIGHLY underrated band that had huge potential. Anyone who has their 1st album should also pick up their 2nd and 3rd albums (the 3rd was not released until something like 10 years after Ray's death). Here are their links:

2nd album - Voodoo Highway: http://tinyurl.com/3ymxtm
3rd album - Dusk: http://tinyurl.com/333ej3

[Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah]

Holy shit. I thought I was the only person in the universe that liked Badlands. I thought they were great too.

[Sweet Lou]

THIS was a band that SHOULD have been huge. Due to my love for Sabbath, I never gave Ray Gillen a chance. I only heard Badlands when I saw the Great White/Tesla show here in Pittsburgh. When I caught their set it just blew me away and I became a big fan. Some of the BEST musicians in one band without being a "supergroup." Ray Gillen's voice was amazing!
Glam? Not sure that any of what you and I refer to as glam are truly "glam" bands to the purists. I guess most would be "hairbands," but to me personally, that tag is kind of a backhand. It conotates a lot of things that were "negative" in music to a lot of people.
Your list will cause some debating, which is a GREAT thing. Once again...keep up the great work.
Sweet Lou.

[Scott/MER]

Hmmm Badlands a Glam band? I'd have to differ. More Blues-Rock, not even "Hair"... even though I do play "Dreams In The Dark" once in awhile on "Hairbanger's Hairspray".

[gina]

This band was amazing! If they had come out at a different time they would have gotten the recognition they deserved. Ray Gillen is second only to Robert Plant. The talent That Jake E Lee and Ray Gillen posessed as a team was remarkable and it is so sad that Ray Gillen was taken from us so early. Thank God for the internet and to all the Badlands fans out there who contribute with great concert footage!

[gina]

This band was amazing! If they had come out at a different time they would have gotten the recognition they deserved. Ray Gillen is second only to Robert Plant. The talent That Jake E Lee and Ray Gillen posessed as a team was remarkable and it is so sad that Ray Gillen was taken from us so early. Thank God for the internet and to all the Badlands fans out there who contribute with great concert footage!

[KAYLAN AND VOLMAN]

YOU GOTTA CHECK OUT CRASH STREET KIDS OUTTA PHX AZ IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY! BEST BAND EVER! CARRY THE NEWS!!!