FnA Records Presents Gypsy Blue - Livin' In The City The 1980s introduced America and the world to Hair Metal. Shredding guitar licks and insanely catchy hooks washed in big (really big) hair, eye liner and spandex were omnipresent on MTV while an entire generation plunged headlong into a universe of power ballads and rock anthems that would become the clarion call of the age. If the west coast can be considered home to the glam rock vanguard, it cannot be forgotten that rock soldiers spread across the planet, filling every venue from the smallest, dingiest clubs to the grandest arenas. In the trenches of the Midwest, Chicago's Gypsy Blue made a name for themselves as a band that demanded attention not only for their incendiary stage show and glossy look but also for their grandiloquent songwriting and arrangements. Drawing on a diverse set of influences the four piece unit delivered choruses that drilled their way into the psyche of their fans, creating instant sing-along classics. With more desire than money, they cobbled together a homemade stage show that was built to impress: stolen ambulance and police car lights flashing, oversized drum risers, ego ramps and giant strobes, smoke… lots and lots of smoke. The band traveled with a full crew, stage manager, hair and make-up staff and photographers, all at their own expense. If they didn’t get paid that night, there was no getting to the next show. With a couple of albums worth of material and a deliciously ebullient live performance made up of equal parts aural bombast and candy colored visuals, the next and only step was global dominance. SPidER flew to Los Angeles for a meeting with idol maker Rodney Bingenheimer, David Bowie’s early connection in the states, champion to the Ramones, music guru and of course KROQ DJ who agreed to add the group’s recording to his show’s playlist. Airplay and ceaseless self-promotion garnered interest from labels and management, offering supporting slots for some of the genres heavy hitters. However, time was not on the side of SPidER, Rimshot, Ricki and Nick, as the bright, shiny fun that was glam gave way to the darker lyrics and stripped down sounds of grunge. Headbanger's Ball was cancelled, record companies turned their backs on hard rock in favor of alternative subcultures and glam metal artists found it increasingly difficult to reach their audience. The 25th Anniversary GYPSY BLUE collection relives some of the forgotten glory, bringing you the original Gypsy Blue EP along with previously unreleased demos, alternate versions and live tracks, celebrating a band that was everything Hair Metal ought to be and more, from the sleaze and the booze to the aqua-net and tattoos.