During their early days, they would often play in pubs but still use confetti and pyrotechnics, whilst dressed in full glam metal gear, including their trademark platform boots and huge, teased hair.
Wrathchild was formed in October 1980 in Evesham, Worcestershire, by Marc Angel and Philip Vokins (who were both formerly in a band called Sinner).
Phil Vokins left in 1981 to join Bill Ward (ex-Black Sabbath) in America with his new band, Max Havoc.
[1] It would spawn two singles: a cover version of the Gary Glitter song, "Doing Alright with the Boys" and an original composition, "Trash Queen".
[1] This album spawned a single, "Nukklear Rokket", which had a promotional video that was produced by Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden.
Soon after the release, Rocky Shades left to join the punk band Discharge and with the onset of grunge, Wrathchild broke up in 1991.
Although the other bandmembers initially had plans to reunite with Rocky Shades, this led to a few rehearsals, but he had pre-existing tour commitments with his tribute band, "The Birmingham Blues Brothers",[3] so he was obliged to put any involvement in a Wrathchild reunion on hold.
In 2005, Marc Angel, Eddie Starr and Phil Vokins started a band called "Psychowrath", featuring new singer Gaz Harris (ex-Beyond Recognition).
The band reverted to using the name "Wrathchild" and on 23 August 2011 they released an album entitled Stakkattakktwo on the Perris Records label.
Wrathchild as a collective is unique; we forged an entire new glam metal scene borne on mine and Eddie (Starr)'s punk roots".
"[8] In December 2010, Rocky Shades decided to start afresh by creating a new band with no relation to the Wrathchild name, entitled "Wildside Riot".
The next line-up featured Shades and Wilde, with Joss Riot and Jimmy Gunn on guitars, and Marty Mayhem on bass.
[12] Amongst other live dates during 2012 and early 2013, they secured a Saturday slot at the Hard Rock Hell VI festival in December 2012.
The original members have either retired or turned their backs on the genre..."[13] This is the first time that the band had performed with a five-piece line-up.