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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Short description|American heavy metal band}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Nitro
| name = Nitro
| image =
| image =
| landscape =
| caption =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Hollywood, California]], U.S.
| origin = [[Hollywood]], [[California]], USA
| genre = {{hlist|[[Glam metal]]|[[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]|[[glam metal]]}}
| years_active = {{hlist|1988–1993|2016–2019}}
| years_active = {{hlist|1988–1993|2016–2019}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Rhino Entertainment|Rhino]]|[[M.A.C.E. Music|M.A.C.E.]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Rhino Entertainment|Rhino]]|[[M.A.C.E. Music|M.A.C.E.]]}}
| associated_acts =
| website =
| website =
| current_members =
| current_members =
| past_members = [[Jim Gillette]]<br />[[Michael Angelo Batio]]<br />[[T. J. Racer]]<br />Bobby Rock<br />K. C. Comet<br />Ralph Carter<br />Johnny Thunder<br />[[Chris Adler]]<br />[[Victor Wooten]]
| past_members = [[Jim Gillette]]<br />[[Michael Angelo Batio]]<br />[[T. J. Racer]]<br />Bobby Rock<br />K. C. Comet<br />Ralph Carter<br />Johnny Thunder<br />[[Chris Adler]]<br />[[Victor Wooten]]
}}
}}
'''Nitro''' was an American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[Hollywood]], [[California]]. Formed in 1988, the group originally featured vocalist [[Jim Gillette]], guitarist [[Michael Angelo Batio]], bassist [[T. J. Racer]] and drummer Bobby Rock. Nitro released its debut album ''[[O.F.R. (album)|O.F.R.]]'' in 1989, which reached number 140 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. Rock was replaced by K. C. Comet for the album's tour and Racer would leave the band thereafter. ''[[Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S.]]'', released in 1992, featured Ralph Carter on bass and Johnny Thunder on drums. The group broke up in 1993, with a number of previously unreleased demo recordings issued on the 1999 album ''[[Gunnin' for Glory]]''.
'''Nitro''' was an American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[Hollywood, California]]. Formed in 1988, the group originally featured vocalist [[Jim Gillette]], guitarist [[Michael Angelo Batio]], bassist [[T.&nbsp;J. Racer]] and drummer Bobby Rock. Nitro released its debut album ''[[O.F.R. (album)|O.F.R.]]'' in 1989, which reached number 140 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. Rock was replaced by K. C. Comet for the album's tour and Racer would leave the band thereafter. ''[[Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S.]]'', released in 1992, featured Ralph Carter on bass and Johnny Thunder on drums. The group broke up in 1993, with a number of previously unreleased demo recordings issued on the 1999 album ''[[Gunnin' for Glory]]''.


In late 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio had reformed the band, with [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler]] added to the group's lineup. Plans were made to record a third album – which would have been the band's first full-length studio album since 1992 – with [[Victor Wooten]] on bass and [[Kane Churko]] producing. [[Matt DeVries]] performed in place of Wooten at live shows. In 2017, "It Won't Die" was released as the lead single from the album. However, Batio announced in May 2019 that the band had once again split up, but added that some of the material from the abandoned third album would surface on his next solo release.
In late 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio had reformed the band, with [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler]] added to the group's lineup. Plans were made to record a third album – which would have been the band's first full-length studio album since 1992 – with [[Victor Wooten]] on bass and [[Kane Churko]] producing. [[Matt DeVries]] performed in place of Wooten at live shows. In 2017, "It Won't Die" was released as the lead single from the album. However, Batio announced in May 2019 that the band had once again split up, but added that some of the material from the abandoned third album would surface on his next solo release.
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In 1987, vocalist [[Jim Gillette]] released his debut solo album ''Proud to Be Loud'', which featured contributions from guitarist [[Michael Angelo Batio]] and bassist [[T. J. Racer]], the three of whom would later go on to form Nitro.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bravewords.com/news/ex-nitro-bassist-t-j-racer-new-video-interview-available |title=Ex-Nitro Bassist T.J. Racer - New Video Interview Available |work=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Gillette and Batio had initially met at a beach party, while Racer was introduced to the singer as an attendee of one of his instructional vocal courses.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nitro-mn0000874260/biography |title=Nitro: Biography & History |last=Ankeny |first=Jason |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Former [[Vinnie Vincent Invasion]] drummer Bobby Rock joined the band shortly thereafter.<ref name="08reunion">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/singer-jim-gillette-doesn-t-rule-out-nitro-reunion/ |title=Singer Jim Gillette Doesn't Rule Out Nitro Reunion |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Speaking about joining the band, Rock recalled that Gillette and Batio recruited him by explaining that they "wanted to record the most over-the-top, in-your-face metal record ever".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fullinbloommusic.com/bobbyrockinterview.html |title=Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Nelson, Nitro, OFR |publisher=Full in Bloom Music |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Nitro signed with [[Rhino Entertainment]] record label Rampage Records after their first show, at which Gillette "reportedly shattered three wine glasses with his voice".<ref name="08reunion"/>
In 1987, vocalist [[Jim Gillette]] released his debut solo album ''Proud to Be Loud'', which featured contributions from guitarist [[Michael Angelo Batio]] and bassist [[T. J. Racer]], the three of whom would later go on to form Nitro.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bravewords.com/news/ex-nitro-bassist-t-j-racer-new-video-interview-available |title=Ex-Nitro Bassist T.J. Racer - New Video Interview Available |work=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Gillette and Batio had initially met at a beach party, while Racer was introduced to the singer as an attendee of one of his instructional vocal courses.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nitro-mn0000874260/biography |title=Nitro: Biography & History |last=Ankeny |first=Jason |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Former [[Vinnie Vincent Invasion]] drummer Bobby Rock joined the band shortly thereafter.<ref name="08reunion">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/singer-jim-gillette-doesn-t-rule-out-nitro-reunion/ |title=Singer Jim Gillette Doesn't Rule Out Nitro Reunion |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=July 16, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Speaking about joining the band, Rock recalled that Gillette and Batio recruited him by explaining that they "wanted to record the most over-the-top, in-your-face metal record ever".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fullinbloommusic.com/bobbyrockinterview.html |title=Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Nelson, Nitro, OFR |publisher=Full in Bloom Music |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Nitro signed with [[Rhino Entertainment]] record label Rampage Records after their first show, at which Gillette "reportedly shattered three wine glasses with his voice".<ref name="08reunion"/>


Gillette, Batio, Racer and Rock recorded the first Nitro album at Front Page Productions in [[Costa Mesa, California]] with producer and engineer Charlie Watts.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=O.F.R. |others=Nitro |year=1989 |publisher=Rampage Records |url=https://www.discogs.com/Nitro-OFR-Out-Fucking-Rageous/release/2052183 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> The album was released in 1989 and spent nine weeks on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], peaking at number 140.<ref>{{cite web|title=Billboard 200: Nitro Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/312341/nitro/chart|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803095307/http://www.billboard.com/artist/312341/nitro/chart|archive-date=2017-08-03|access-date=July 18, 2017|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Shortly after the recording of the album, Rock left Nitro to join [[Nelson (band)|Nelson]], with K. C. Comet replacing him for the album's promotional [[Concert#Concert tour|concert tour]] (he also appeared in the [[music video]]s for the singles "[[Freight Train (Nitro song)|Freight Train]]" and "Long Way from Home").<ref name="08reunion"/> After the tour, Comet was replaced by Johnny Thunder while Ralph Carter was brought in after Racer's departure.<ref name="allmusic"/> The band released its second album ''[[Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S.]]'' in 1992, which featured a [[cover version]] of [[Ted Nugent]]'s "[[Cat Scratch Fever (song)|Cat Scratch Fever]]" as its sole single, before breaking up the following year.<ref name="allmusic"/>
Gillette, Batio, Racer and Rock recorded the first Nitro album at Front Page Productions in [[Costa Mesa, California]] with producer and engineer Charlie Watts.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=O.F.R. |others=Nitro |year=1989 |publisher=Rampage Records |url=https://www.discogs.com/Nitro-OFR-Out-Fucking-Rageous/release/2052183 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> The album was released in 1989 and spent nine weeks on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], peaking at number 140.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Billboard 200: Nitro Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/312341/nitro/chart|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803095307/http://www.billboard.com/artist/312341/nitro/chart|archive-date=August 3, 2017|access-date=July 18, 2017|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Shortly after the recording of the album, Rock left Nitro to join [[Nelson (band)|Nelson]], with K. C. Comet replacing him for the album's promotional [[Concert#Concert tour|concert tour]] (he also appeared in the [[music video]]s for the singles "[[Freight Train (Nitro song)|Freight Train]]" and "Long Way from Home").<ref name="08reunion"/> After the tour, Comet was replaced by Johnny Thunder while Ralph Carter was brought in after Racer's departure.<ref name="allmusic"/> The band released its second album ''[[Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S.]]'' in 1992, which featured a [[cover version]] of [[Ted Nugent]]'s "[[Cat Scratch Fever (song)|Cat Scratch Fever]]" as its sole single, before breaking up the following year.<ref name="allmusic"/>


After Nitro's breakup, a number of previously unreleased demo recordings were issued on the compilation ''[[Gunnin' for Glory]]'', released on Batio's record label [[M.A.C.E. Music]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://angelo.com/products/nitro-gunnin-for-glory-cd |title=Nitro Gunnin' for Glory CD |publisher=[[M.A.C.E. Music]] |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> In the subsequent years, there were occasional comments from Gillette and Batio hinting at a potential reformation of the band. In 2008, when asked at [[Rocklahoma]] festival about the possibility of a return for the group, Gillette commented that "It would be great to do; maybe next year", adding that "It would take about six months to get back to where I would like it to be vocally."<ref name="08reunion"/> However, Batio responded later in the year by revealing that he did not want to reform the band as Gillette was only interested in writing new material, not performing the band's old songs, which the guitarist explained would "not be the same".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-angelo-batio-rules-out-nitro-reunion/ |title=Michael Angelo Batio Rules Out Nitro Reunion |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=December 24, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref>
After Nitro's breakup, a number of previously unreleased demo recordings were issued on the compilation ''[[Gunnin' for Glory]]'', released on Batio's record label [[M.A.C.E. Music]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://angelo.com/products/nitro-gunnin-for-glory-cd |title=Nitro Gunnin' for Glory CD |publisher=[[M.A.C.E. Music]] |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> In the subsequent years, there were occasional comments from Gillette and Batio hinting at a potential reformation of the band. In 2008, when asked at [[Rocklahoma]] festival about the possibility of a return for the group, Gillette commented that "It would be great to do; maybe next year", adding that "It would take about six months to get back to where I would like it to be vocally."<ref name="08reunion"/> However, Batio responded later in the year by revealing that he did not want to reform the band as Gillette was only interested in writing new material, not performing the band's old songs, which the guitarist explained would "not be the same".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-angelo-batio-rules-out-nitro-reunion/ |title=Michael Angelo Batio Rules Out Nitro Reunion |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=December 24, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref>


===2016–2019: Return and cancelled third album===
===2016–2019: Return and cancelled third album===
On November 30, 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio were set to reform Nitro with then-[[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler]].<ref name="16reunion">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-chris-adler-joins-michael-angelo-batio-jim-gillette-in-reunited-nitro/ |title=Lamb Of God's Chris Adler Joins Michael Angelo Batio, Jim Gillette In Reunited Nitro |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Speaking about the potential style of the band's new material, Adler commented that "I'm blown away by the modern sound and groove in the material. The chaos has been harnessed and it's incredibly heavy."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/glam_metal_band_nitro_is_back_with_chris_adler_on_drums.html |title=Glam Metal Band Nitro Is Back With Chris Adler on Drums |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> The trio began recording for a new album the following month with engineer Josh Wilbur.<ref name="16reunion"/> [[Victor Wooten]] was later enlisted as the bassist for the recording of the album,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/reformed-nitro-taps-bassist-victor-wooten-for-comeback-album/ |title=Reformed Nitro Taps Bassist Victor Wooten For Comeback Album |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 14, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> followed by producer and songwriter [[Kane Churko]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/reformed-nitro-taps-producer-kane-churko-for-comeback-album/ |title=Reformed Nitro Taps Producer Kane Churko For Comeback Album |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 20, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Batio commented on the direction of the group's new recordings in February 2017, suggesting that it would feature more [[death metal]] than the glam for which the band was previously known, owing to Gillette's changed vocal style.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/michael_angelo_batio_expect_a_death_metal-sounding_album_from_nitro_now_that_chris_adlers_in_the_band.html |title=Michael Angelo Batio: Expect a Death Metal-Sounding Album From Nitro Now That Chris Adler's in the Band |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> "It Won't Die" was released as the band's first new song since 1999 on July 25.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/listen_reunited_nitro_featuring_chris_adler__victor_wooten_streaming_first_single.html |title=Listen: Reunited Nitro Featuring Chris Adler & Victor Wooten Streaming First Single |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2017 }}</ref> In September, the reunited band performed its first string of concerts on an Indian tour in September 2017, with [[Matt DeVries]] joining as the touring bassist.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/metal-band-nitro-tour-india-september/ |title=Eighties Glam Metal Band Nitro to Tour India in September |last=Tagat |first=Anurag |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=July 20, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 }}</ref>
On November 30, 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio were set to reform Nitro with then-[[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler]].<ref name="16reunion">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-chris-adler-joins-michael-angelo-batio-jim-gillette-in-reunited-nitro/ |title=Lamb Of God's Chris Adler Joins Michael Angelo Batio, Jim Gillette In Reunited Nitro |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Speaking about the potential style of the band's new material, Adler commented that "I'm blown away by the modern sound and groove in the material. The chaos has been harnessed and it's incredibly heavy."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/glam_metal_band_nitro_is_back_with_chris_adler_on_drums.html |title=Glam Metal Band Nitro Is Back With Chris Adler on Drums |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> The trio began recording for a new album the following month with engineer Josh Wilbur.<ref name="16reunion"/> [[Victor Wooten]] was later enlisted as the bassist for the recording of the album,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/reformed-nitro-taps-bassist-victor-wooten-for-comeback-album/ |title=Reformed Nitro Taps Bassist Victor Wooten For Comeback Album |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 14, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> followed by producer and songwriter [[Kane Churko]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/reformed-nitro-taps-producer-kane-churko-for-comeback-album/ |title=Reformed Nitro Taps Producer Kane Churko For Comeback Album |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 20, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Batio commented on the direction of the group's new recordings in February 2017, suggesting that it would feature more [[death metal]] than the glam for which the band was previously known, owing to Gillette's changed vocal style.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/michael_angelo_batio_expect_a_death_metal-sounding_album_from_nitro_now_that_chris_adlers_in_the_band.html |title=Michael Angelo Batio: Expect a Death Metal-Sounding Album From Nitro Now That Chris Adler's in the Band |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> "It Won't Die" was released as the band's first new song since 1999 on July 25.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/listen_reunited_nitro_featuring_chris_adler__victor_wooten_streaming_first_single.html |title=Listen: Reunited Nitro Featuring Chris Adler & Victor Wooten Streaming First Single |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2017 }}</ref> In September, the reunited band performed its first string of concerts on an Indian tour in September 2017, with [[Matt DeVries]] joining as the touring bassist.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/metal-band-nitro-tour-india-september/ |title=Eighties Glam Metal Band Nitro to Tour India in September |last=Tagat |first=Anurag |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=July 20, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 }}</ref>


In a May 2019 interview, Batio announced that Nitro had once again broken up. When asked about the status of the band's slated third album, he said, "It's gone ... we just can't go back ... after we did a few songs, we did a tour together, we all realized".<ref name="2019breakup">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nitro-reunion-is-over-we-just-cant-go-back-says-michael-angelo-batio/ |title=Nitro Reunion Is Over: 'We Just Can't Go Back,' Says Michael Angelo Batio |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2019 }}</ref> The guitarist later added, "I'm best friends with Jim Gillette – we're like brothers. We never had an argument, even back in the old days", as well as assuring fans that some of the material recorded with Adler and Wooten would surface on his next solo release, due later in the year.<ref name="2019breakup"/>
In a May 2019 interview, Batio announced that Nitro had once again broken up. When asked about the status of the band's slated third album, he said, "It's gone ... we just can't go back ... after we did a few songs, we did a tour together, we all realized".<ref name="2019breakup">{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nitro-reunion-is-over-we-just-cant-go-back-says-michael-angelo-batio/ |title=Nitro Reunion Is Over: 'We Just Can't Go Back,' Says Michael Angelo Batio |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2019 }}</ref> The guitarist later added, "I'm best friends with Jim Gillette – we're like brothers. We never had an argument, even back in the old days", as well as assuring fans that some of the material recorded with Adler and Wooten would surface on his next solo release, due later in the year.<ref name="2019breakup"/>
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*[[Victor Wooten]] – bass {{small|(2017)}}
*[[Victor Wooten]] – bass {{small|(2017)}}


==Timeline==
===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
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Colors =
Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:bvox value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars,_keyboards
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars,_keyboards
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
Line 80: Line 80:
bar:TJ text:T. J. Racer
bar:TJ text:T. J. Racer
bar:Ralph text:Ralph Carter
bar:Ralph text:Ralph Carter
bar:Bobby text:Bobby Rock
bar:MD text:Matt DeVries
bar:Bobby text:Bobby Rock
bar:KC text:K. C. Comet
bar:KC text:K. C. Comet
bar:Johnny text:Johnny Thunder
bar:Johnny text:Johnny Thunder
Line 98: Line 99:
bar:TJ from:start till:03/31/1991
bar:TJ from:start till:03/31/1991
bar:Ralph from:06/01/1991 till:05/31/1993
bar:Ralph from:06/01/1991 till:05/31/1993
bar:MD from:11/30/2016 till:end


color:drums
color:drums
Line 104: Line 106:
bar:Johnny from:06/01/1991 till:05/31/1993
bar:Johnny from:06/01/1991 till:05/31/1993
bar:Chris from:11/30/2016 till:end
bar:Chris from:11/30/2016 till:end

color:bvox
bar:Michael from:start till:05/31/1993 width:3
bar:Michael from:11/30/2016 till:end width:3
bar:Ralph from:06/01/1991 till:05/31/1993 width:3
}}
}}


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*"Freight Train" (1989)
*"Freight Train" (1989)
*"Long Way from Home" (1989)
*"Long Way from Home" (1989)
*"Johnny Died on Christmas" (1992)
*"Cat Scratch Fever" (1992)
*"Cat Scratch Fever" (1992)
*"Boyz Will B Boyz" (1993) {{small|(unreleased)}}
*"Boyz Will B Boyz" (1993) {{small|(unreleased)}}
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
⚫
{{Nitro (band)}}
*{{allmusic}}


⚫
{{Nitro (band)}}
{{Victor Wooten}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nitro}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nitro}}
[[Category:American glam metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Glam metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1988]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1988]]
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[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]
[[Category:Musical quartets from California]]

Latest revision as of 22:13, 8 April 2024

Nitro
OriginHollywood, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1988–1993
  • 2016–2019
Labels
Past membersJim Gillette
Michael Angelo Batio
T. J. Racer
Bobby Rock
K. C. Comet
Ralph Carter
Johnny Thunder
Chris Adler
Victor Wooten

Nitro was an American heavy metal band from Hollywood, California. Formed in 1988, the group originally featured vocalist Jim Gillette, guitarist Michael Angelo Batio, bassist T. J. Racer and drummer Bobby Rock. Nitro released its debut album O.F.R. in 1989, which reached number 140 on the US Billboard 200. Rock was replaced by K. C. Comet for the album's tour and Racer would leave the band thereafter. Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S., released in 1992, featured Ralph Carter on bass and Johnny Thunder on drums. The group broke up in 1993, with a number of previously unreleased demo recordings issued on the 1999 album Gunnin' for Glory.

In late 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio had reformed the band, with Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler added to the group's lineup. Plans were made to record a third album – which would have been the band's first full-length studio album since 1992 – with Victor Wooten on bass and Kane Churko producing. Matt DeVries performed in place of Wooten at live shows. In 2017, "It Won't Die" was released as the lead single from the album. However, Batio announced in May 2019 that the band had once again split up, but added that some of the material from the abandoned third album would surface on his next solo release.

History[edit]

1987–1993: Formation and first two releases[edit]

In 1987, vocalist Jim Gillette released his debut solo album Proud to Be Loud, which featured contributions from guitarist Michael Angelo Batio and bassist T. J. Racer, the three of whom would later go on to form Nitro.[1] Gillette and Batio had initially met at a beach party, while Racer was introduced to the singer as an attendee of one of his instructional vocal courses.[2] Former Vinnie Vincent Invasion drummer Bobby Rock joined the band shortly thereafter.[3] Speaking about joining the band, Rock recalled that Gillette and Batio recruited him by explaining that they "wanted to record the most over-the-top, in-your-face metal record ever".[4] Nitro signed with Rhino Entertainment record label Rampage Records after their first show, at which Gillette "reportedly shattered three wine glasses with his voice".[3]

Gillette, Batio, Racer and Rock recorded the first Nitro album at Front Page Productions in Costa Mesa, California with producer and engineer Charlie Watts.[5] The album was released in 1989 and spent nine weeks on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 140.[6] Shortly after the recording of the album, Rock left Nitro to join Nelson, with K. C. Comet replacing him for the album's promotional concert tour (he also appeared in the music videos for the singles "Freight Train" and "Long Way from Home").[3] After the tour, Comet was replaced by Johnny Thunder while Ralph Carter was brought in after Racer's departure.[2] The band released its second album Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S. in 1992, which featured a cover version of Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" as its sole single, before breaking up the following year.[2]

After Nitro's breakup, a number of previously unreleased demo recordings were issued on the compilation Gunnin' for Glory, released on Batio's record label M.A.C.E. Music in 1999.[7] In the subsequent years, there were occasional comments from Gillette and Batio hinting at a potential reformation of the band. In 2008, when asked at Rocklahoma festival about the possibility of a return for the group, Gillette commented that "It would be great to do; maybe next year", adding that "It would take about six months to get back to where I would like it to be vocally."[3] However, Batio responded later in the year by revealing that he did not want to reform the band as Gillette was only interested in writing new material, not performing the band's old songs, which the guitarist explained would "not be the same".[8]

2016–2019: Return and cancelled third album[edit]

On November 30, 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio were set to reform Nitro with then-Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler.[9] Speaking about the potential style of the band's new material, Adler commented that "I'm blown away by the modern sound and groove in the material. The chaos has been harnessed and it's incredibly heavy."[10] The trio began recording for a new album the following month with engineer Josh Wilbur.[9] Victor Wooten was later enlisted as the bassist for the recording of the album,[11] followed by producer and songwriter Kane Churko.[12] Batio commented on the direction of the group's new recordings in February 2017, suggesting that it would feature more death metal than the glam for which the band was previously known, owing to Gillette's changed vocal style.[13] "It Won't Die" was released as the band's first new song since 1999 on July 25.[14] In September, the reunited band performed its first string of concerts on an Indian tour in September 2017, with Matt DeVries joining as the touring bassist.[15]

In a May 2019 interview, Batio announced that Nitro had once again broken up. When asked about the status of the band's slated third album, he said, "It's gone ... we just can't go back ... after we did a few songs, we did a tour together, we all realized".[16] The guitarist later added, "I'm best friends with Jim Gillette – we're like brothers. We never had an argument, even back in the old days", as well as assuring fans that some of the material recorded with Adler and Wooten would surface on his next solo release, due later in the year.[16]

Members[edit]

Former members

  • Jim Gillette – vocals (1988–1993, 2016–2019)
  • Michael Angelo Batio – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (1988–1993, 2016–2019)
  • T. J. Racer – bass (1988–1991)
  • Bobby Rock – drums (1988–1989)
  • K. C. Comet – drums (1989–1991)
  • Ralph Carter – bass, backing vocals (1991–1993)
  • Johnny Thunder – drums (1991–1993)
  • Chris Adler – drums (2016–2019)
  • Matt DeVries – bass (2017–2019)

Guests

  • Markus Mueller - drums (1992) (Died: 1995)
  • Victor Wooten – bass (2017)

Timeline[edit]

Discography[edit]

Studio albums

Compilations

Singles

Music videos

  • "Freight Train" (1989)
  • "Long Way from Home" (1989)
  • "Johnny Died on Christmas" (1992)
  • "Cat Scratch Fever" (1992)
  • "Boyz Will B Boyz" (1993) (unreleased)

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Ex-Nitro Bassist T.J. Racer - New Video Interview Available". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. August 30, 2010. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Ankeny, Jason. "Nitro: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d "Singer Jim Gillette Doesn't Rule Out Nitro Reunion". Blabbermouth.net. July 16, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  4. ^ "Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Nelson, Nitro, OFR". Full in Bloom Music. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  5. ^ O.F.R. (Media notes). Nitro. Rampage Records. 1989. Retrieved July 18, 2017.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ "Billboard 200: Nitro Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  7. ^ "Nitro Gunnin' for Glory CD". M.A.C.E. Music. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  8. ^ "Michael Angelo Batio Rules Out Nitro Reunion". Blabbermouth.net. December 24, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Lamb Of God's Chris Adler Joins Michael Angelo Batio, Jim Gillette In Reunited Nitro". Blabbermouth.net. November 30, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  10. ^ "Glam Metal Band Nitro Is Back With Chris Adler on Drums". Ultimate Guitar. November 30, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  11. ^ "Reformed Nitro Taps Bassist Victor Wooten For Comeback Album". Blabbermouth.net. June 14, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  12. ^ "Reformed Nitro Taps Producer Kane Churko For Comeback Album". Blabbermouth.net. June 20, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  13. ^ "Michael Angelo Batio: Expect a Death Metal-Sounding Album From Nitro Now That Chris Adler's in the Band". Ultimate Guitar. February 14, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  14. ^ "Listen: Reunited Nitro Featuring Chris Adler & Victor Wooten Streaming First Single". Ultimate Guitar. July 26, 2017. Retrieved July 26, 2017.
  15. ^ Tagat, Anurag (July 20, 2017). "Eighties Glam Metal Band Nitro to Tour India in September". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  16. ^ a b "Nitro Reunion Is Over: 'We Just Can't Go Back,' Says Michael Angelo Batio". Blabbermouth.net. May 13, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.

External links[edit]

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