BulletBoys at The Token Lounge

BulletBoys is an American hard rock and glam metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1987. The original lineup consisted of singer Marq Torien, guitarist Mick Sweda, bassist Lonnie Vencent, and drummer Jimmy D'Anda. The band released two successful albums with singles featured on MTV between 1988 and 1991, and Torien has remained the only consistent member through numerous lineup changes. Their most recent album, "From Out of the Skies," was released in 2018. The original lineup reunited for one-off shows in 2011 and 2019. BulletBoys was formed by former King Kobra members Torien, Sweda, and Vencent, with D'Anda completing the lineup. After signing with Warner Bros., they released their debut album "BulletBoys" in 1988, which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. The singles "For the Love of Money" and "Smooth Up in Ya" charted on the Mainstream Rock Chart and received MTV airplay. Their second album, "Freakshow" (1991), reached number 69 on the Billboard 200, with the single "Hang On St. Christopher" charting on the Mainstream Rock Chart. The third album for Warner Bros., "Za-Za" (1993), failed to chart, and Sweda and D'Anda left the band the same year. BulletBoys released "Acid Monkey" in 1995 through Swordholio/Perris Records before disbanding. The band reformed in 1998 with Torien and Vencent, briefly including Steven Adler and DJ Ashba. They toured with Faster Pussycat, Bang Tango, and Enuff Z'nuff. In 2000, the compilation "Burning Cats and Amputees" was released. BulletBoys continued with various lineups, releasing "Sophie" in 2003, featuring a guest appearance by Sebastian Bach. The live album "Behind the Orange Curtain" was released in 2007, followed by the studio album "10c Billionaire" in 2009, with original bassist Lonnie Vencent returning that year. The band continued performing and releasing albums through the 2010s, including appearances at festivals and the use of songs in films such as "Beerfest" and "Hot Tub Time Machine." Former drummer Johnny Giosa died in 2011. The original lineup reunited in December 2019, performing at the Whisky a Go Go. This reunion lasted until January 2022, with new members joining the band, followed by further lineup changes in 2024 and 2025. As of October 2025, the classic lineup was reestablished with Torien, Sweda, Vencent, and D'Anda. BulletBoys was influenced by AC/DC and Van Halen, and Torien’s vocal style has been compared to David Lee Roth. Studio albums BulletBoys (1988) Freakshow (1991) Za-Za (1993) Acid Monkey (1995) Sophie (2003) 10¢ Billionaire (2009) Rocked and Ripped (2011) Elefante (2015) From Out of the Skies (2018)