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Lizzy Borden is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. To this date the band has hit the top 100 in the USA 4 times. Lizzy Borden is also the name of the band’s lead vocalist.
Early career (1983–1986)
The band was founded in 1983 by Lizzy Borden and Joey Scott. The band got noticed after their song “Rod Of Iron” featured on Metal Blade Records Metal Massacre IV compilation LP. The band signed to Metal Blade in 1984 and released their debut EP “Give ‘Em The Axe” in May of the same year. The band is named after the notorious Lizzie Borden, a woman accused and acquitted of murder in the late 19th century
In 1985 Late guitarist Alex Nelson replaced original guitarist Tony Matuzak and was first featured on the bands only live album to date titled “The Murderess Metal Road Show”.
Commercial success and first hiatus (1987–1999)
In 1987 the band reached their commercial peak with the release of their third LP “Visual Lies” which saw guitarist Joe Holmes make his debut with the band. The first single from the album “Me Against The World” was featured in the cult film Black Roses. Joe Holmes later went on to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band.
In 1989 the band issued their fourth studio album “Master of Disguise” via their label Metal Blade, the LP was released on July the 15th 1989 and has since become a cult classic. The band frequently plays songs from this album live.
The band was featured prominently in the rockumentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (Directed by Penelope Spheeris).
In the early 1990s the band slowed down its activity due to the changing metal scene and the rise of grunge, Singer Lizzy alongside bassist Marten Andersson and drummer Joey Scott went on to play in the glam band Diamond Dogs (later renamed Starwood).
Reunion, death of Alex Nelson and second hiatus (2000–2005)
By the early 2000s the band was once again fully active and touring with 3/5 of its classic lineup (Borden, Joey Scott & Alex Nelson) alongside longtime bassist Marten Andersson. Lizzy Borden previewed their new CD and tour entitled ‘Deal With the Devil’ at the ‘Wacken open air Festival Germany’, in front of 35 thousand people followed by a world wide tour. Longtime Lizzy Borden fan, artist and multimedia entrepreneur Todd McFarlane (best known for his creation of Spawn and stylistic revision of Spider-Man) was enlisted to capture the essence of Lizzy Borden for the Stage show and the CD cover art. On May 17, 2004, guitarist Alex Nelson was killed in a head-on car collision. Lizzy Borden disbanded soon after.
In a 2008 interview with Lucem Fero when asked about Alex Nelson singer Lizzy Borden said: