Roxus

Biography

Big hair and hard rock were the impetus behind Roxus' drive up the Australian charts during the late '80s. The band had been playing Van Halen and Living Colour-styled rock around Sydney since 1987, but it was as a support act to Poison and Bon Jovi during their respective Australian tours in 1989 that first brought the band to public attention. Ian "Molly" Meldrum signed the band to his Melodian label (through Mushroom) and issued two singles in 1989: "Stand Back" and "Body Heat." By 1990, Roxus had cemented itself as a popular live drawcard; the band's style of black leather, bandannas, and ripped jeans exemplified by popular lead singer Juno Roxas proved popular, and a live EP was released, That Girl, to capitalize on their success.

In April 1991, Roxus supported Warrant during their Australian tour and released their debut full-length album, Nightstreet. It reached number seven on the Australian national charts, while the single "Where Are You Now?" peaked at number 11 in July. In early 1992, Juno Roxas and Dragan Stanic traveled to L.A. to write new songs and a new lineup emerged in 1993: Zack Zedras (ex-Surpentine), Craig Harnath on bass (ex-Kids in the Kitchen, Chocolate Starfish), and Steve Moffitt on drums. Two singles, "Eternity" and "Almost Summer," were released in 1993 and further band changes followed: Warren Jenkins replaced Harnath on bass and Chris Doheny (ex-Geisha) replaced Zedras. ~ Brendan Swift, All Music Guide