Tesla at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center

Tesla is an American hard rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in late 1981 by bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon under the name City Kidd. By 1984, vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer Troy Luccketta had joined, forming the lineup that appeared on most of the band's early albums and tours. The band adopted the name Tesla shortly before recording their first album, as another group with a similar name already existed. Tesla gained recognition during the 1980s hair metal movement. Their debut album, "Mechanical Resonance" (1986), included the singles "Modern Day Cowboy" and a cover of "Little Suzi" by Ph.D. The second album, "The Great Radio Controversy" (1989), peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and featured the top-ten single "Love Song". In 1990, the band released the live acoustic album "Five Man Acoustical Jam", which reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 and included a cover of "Signs" by the Five Man Electrical Band. Their third studio album, "Psychotic Supper" (1991), peaked at number 13, and the fourth album, "Bust a Nut" (1994), reached number 20 on the charts. After a breakup in 1996, Tesla reformed in 2000, releasing the live album "Replugged" and continuing to tour. Tommy Skeoch left the band in 2006 and was replaced by Dave Rude. Subsequent releases include the studio albums "Into the Now" (2004), "Forever More" (2008), "Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions" (2011), "Simplicity" (2014), and "Shock" (2019), as well as the EP "All About Love" (2024). Tesla has sold at least 14 million albums in the United States. The band’s early lineup included lead vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Robert Contreras, who was soon replaced by Troy Luccketta. Tesla toured with artists such as David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, and Poison, which contributed to their association with the glam metal scene. Throughout their career, Tesla has released live albums including "Standing Room Only" (2002) and "Mechanical Resonance Live" (2016), and a covers collection, "Real to Reel" (2007). The band has performed at festivals such as Sweden Rock Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Rocklahoma, and participated in tours with other 1980s rock bands. Tesla has been involved in charity work, including benefit concerts for victims of the Station nightclub fire and food drives linked to their music releases. Songs frequently performed during these events included "What You Give", "Signs", and "Love Song". Studio albums Mechanical Resonance (1986) The Great Radio Controversy (1989) Psychotic Supper (1991) Bust a Nut (1994) Into the Now (2004) Real to Reel (2007) Real to Reel, Vol. 2 (2007) Forever More (2008) Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions (2011) Simplicity (2014) Shock (2019)