Hellion (band)
American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1982.
Hellion is an American heavy metal band that got its start in Los Angeles in 1982. The first members were Ann Boleyn on vocals, Ray Schenck on guitar, Sean Kelley on drums, and Peyton Tuthill on bass. The group still plays today, though the lineup has changed over time.
The band began by playing covers of songs by Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, and AC/DC. Their earliest shows, called "Mega-Parties," took place at a mansion in Tujunga, California, where Ann Boleyn lived. While there, they recorded a homemade demo that got them noticed by underground and mainstream music magazines. In late 1982, Mystic Records, a punk label from Hollywood, asked to put the song "Nightmares in Daylight" on a compilation. Just before the recording session, Peyton Tuthill left the band, saying it was because of Boleyn’s involvement in the occult; he later became a minister. After Tuthill left, bassist Rik Fox—an early member of W.A.S.P. who played on demos but left before the band's first album—was among several musicians who tried out for Hellion and was asked back for another round. But a few days later, Fox took a gig with Steeler instead. At the last minute, Brian West of London, who had played with Boleyn in the Seattle band Power Program, stepped in for the recording session on New Year’s Eve.
In early 1983, Mystic Records put out Hellion’s first single, which included a cover of Deep Purple’s "Black Night" and an original called "Driving Hard For You." Another song, "Nightmares in Daylight," appeared on Mystic’s compilation *The Sound of Hollywood Girls*. After the single got good reviews, Mystic offered Hellion a full record deal. When the band turned it down, Mystic released "Nightmares in Daylight" on a split single with another female-fronted band, Bitch, which had also refused a full deal.
By 1983, Hellion had a stable lineup with bassist Bill Sweet and a second lead guitarist, Alan Barlam. That summer, readers of *L.A. Street Scene Magazine* voted Hellion the Best Local Heavy Metal Act. Major record companies were signing many hard rock and metal bands at the time, but despite headlining at places like The Troubadour and The Whiskey and opening for national acts, Hellion was ignored by the big labels. Van Halen’s manager, Ed Leffler, and others offered to turn Ann Boleyn into "the next Pat Benatar," but only if she got cosmetic surgery and left the band.
- Formed
- 1982
- Origin
- Los Angeles, California, United States
- Genre
- Heavy metal
- Founder
- Ann Boleyn
- Notable associate
- Ronnie James Dio
Lore & Background
Hellion began as a cover band, performing songs by Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, and AC/DC at 'Mega-Parties' held in a mansion in Tujunga, California occupied by Ann Boleyn. A homemade demo cassette led to attention from underground and mainstream music magazines. In late 1982, Mystic Records approached the band to include 'Nightmares in Daylight' on a compilation. Shortly before the recording session, bassist Peyton Tuthill left, citing Ann Boleyn's involvement in occult arts; he later became a minister. Rik Fox, an early member of W.A.S.P. who played on demos but left before the band's first album, auditioned but left for a gig with Steeler. Brian West of London was brought in for the New Year's Eve recording session.
Mystic Records released Hellion's first single in early 1983, featuring a cover of Deep Purple's 'Black Night' and an original, 'Driving Hard For You'.
Reader's Guide
Hellion occupies a notable place in the history of American heavy metal as an early female-fronted band that persisted through lineup changes and industry challenges. The band's refusal to conform to major-label demands—such as Ann Boleyn rejecting cosmetic surgery and a solo career—underscores its independent ethos. Hellion's early demos and independent releases, including the self-titled 12-inch and the 'Hellion Mini-LP', charted in UK rock publications like Kerrang! and Sounds, demonstrating international appeal despite limited U.S. success. The band's association with Ronnie James Dio, who produced a session in 1984, and its support slots for major acts, highlight its credibility within the metal scene. Hellion's video for 'Bad Attitude' on MTV was a milestone for female-fronted metal bands. The band's legacy includes its role in the underground metal community, its influence on subsequent female-fronted acts, and Ann Boleyn's later founding of New Renaissance Records. Hellion continues to perform, maintaining a presence decades after its formation.
Did You Know?
- Hellion's first performances were called 'Mega-Parties' and held at a mansion in Tujunga, California occupied by Ann Boleyn.
- Original bassist Peyton Tuthill left the band citing Ann Boleyn's involvement in occult arts and later became a minister.
- Ronnie James Dio and his wife Wendy Dio produced and managed Hellion in mid-1984 after hearing a live recording.
- Hellion's video for 'Bad Attitude' was one of the first by a female-fronted metal band to air on MTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hellion?
Hellion is an American heavy metal band that has been active since 1982, originally based in Los Angeles, California. Founded by vocalist Ann Boleyn, the group has kept performing to this day despite several lineup shifts over the decades.
When and where was Hellion formed?
The band was put together in 1982 in Los Angeles, California. Their very first shows, dubbed 'Mega-Parties,' were hosted at Ann Boleyn's mansion in Tujunga, California.
Who were the original members of Hellion?
Ann Boleyn handled lead vocals, Ray Schenck played guitar, Sean Kelley was on drums, and Peyton Tuthill played bass. Ann Boleyn is credited as the band's founder.
How did Hellion first get noticed in the music scene?
The group started out covering songs by Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, and AC/DC at local parties in Tujunga. A self-recorded demo from those early sessions caught the attention of both underground and mainstream music magazines by late 1982.
Is Hellion still active?
Yes, Hellion continues to play and release music despite various members coming and going since 1982. They remain a functioning heavy metal act out of the Los Angeles area.
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