Arcade (band)
American glam metal supergroup active from 1992 to 1994.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Arcade was a short-lived American glam metal supergroup that came together in 1992. The lineup featured Stephen Pearcy, formerly of Ratt, on vocals and Fred Coury, previously of Cinderella, on drums. Guitarists Frankie Wilsey (ex-Sea Hags) and Donny Syracuse (ex-Gypsy Rose) joined, along with bassist Michael Andrews (ex-9.0). The band originally planned to call itself Taboo.
The group put out two studio albums. Their debut, *Arcade*, arrived in June 1993 with twelve tracks. Its cover art showed the face of pornographic actor Mimi Miyagi. Singles included "Nothin' to Lose," "Cry No More," and "Messed Up World." The album moved more than 100,000 copies in the United States. That same year, Arcade toured with Bon Jovi and played the Milwaukee Metal Fest.
The second album, *A/2*, was recorded and released in 1994, produced by Attie Bauw. It had a noticeably heavier sound. One track, "Kidnapped," was written for Polly Klaas, a girl kidnapped and killed in 1993. Singles were "Angry" and "So What." Sales in the US topped 20,000 copies. By this time, Frankie Wilsey had been replaced by Tony Marcus (ex-My Hero). Epic Records then dropped the band. Ray Luzier took over drums from Fred Coury in 1994.
A later release, *A/3: Live and Unreleased* (2000), collected songs from the first album in demo or live form. The band dissolved in 1994. Pearcy next played in VD—which also included Michael Andrews and Tony Marcus—and later in Vertex. In 2006, Pearcy announced a reunion with a new CD, DVD, and tour, but it fell through when he rejoined Ratt.
Discography: *Arcade* (1993), *A/2* (1994), *A/3: Live and Unreleased* (2000, Top Fuel Records), *A/4: Calm Before the Storm* (2006/2008, Top Fuel Records), *Angry* (2011, Top Fuel Records).
- formed
- 1992
- disbanded
- 1994
- genre
- glam metal
- origin
- United States
- known_for
- supergroup formed by ex-Ratt and ex-Cinderella members; cover art featuring pornographic actor Mimi Miyagi
Lore & Background
Arcade was formed in 1992 by Stephen Pearcy (ex-Ratt) and Fred Coury (ex-Cinderella), along with guitarists Frankie Wilsey (ex-Sea Hags) and Donny Syracuse (ex-Gypsy Rose), and bassist Michael Andrews (ex-9.0). The band's original proposed name was Taboo. Their self-titled debut album was released in June 1993, featuring 12 songs and cover art depicting pornographic actor Mimi Miyagi. Singles from the album included 'Nothin' to Lose,' 'Cry No More,' and 'Messed Up World.' The album sold over 100,000 copies in the US. In 1993, Arcade toured with Bon Jovi and also performed at the Milwaukee Metal Fest.
Reader's Guide
Arcade's significance lies in its brief existence as a glam metal supergroup during the early 1990s, a period when the genre was declining in mainstream popularity. The band's debut album sold over 100,000 copies in the US, a modest success, and their tour with Bon Jovi provided notable exposure. Their second album, A/2 (1994), featured a heavier sound and included 'Kidnapped,' a song written for Polly Klaas, a girl kidnapped and killed in 1993. Despite this, the album sold only over 20,000 copies, and Epic Records dropped the band. Personnel changes occurred, with Tony Marcus replacing Frankie Wilsey and Ray Luzier replacing Fred Coury in 1994. The band ended that year, with Pearcy moving on to VD and then Vertex. A planned 2006 reunion was announced but never happened as Pearcy rejoined Ratt. The band's legacy is preserved through their two studio albums and the later compilation A/3: Live and Unreleased (2000), which included demo and live versions of songs from their first album.
Did You Know?
- The band's original proposed name was Taboo.
- The cover art for their debut album featured the face of pornographic actor Mimi Miyagi.
- The song 'Kidnapped' on A/2 was written for Polly Klaas, a girl kidnapped and killed in 1993.
- A planned 2006 reunion was announced but never occurred because Stephen Pearcy rejoined Ratt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Arcade (band)?
Arcade was a short-lived American glam metal supergroup that assembled in 1992 by pulling together veteran musicians from well-known late-'80s metal acts. They remained active for roughly two years before disbanding in 1994.
Who were the members of Arcade (band)?
The lineup featured Stephen Pearcy (ex-Ratt) on vocals, Fred Coury (ex-Cinderella) on drums, guitarists Frankie Wilsey (ex-Sea Hags) and Donny Syracuse (ex-Gypsy Rose), and bassist Michael Andrews (ex-9.0). Each member carried recognition from a different established American metal or hard-rock band.
What albums did Arcade (band) release?
The group recorded two studio albums during their brief run, headlined by the self-titled debut *Arcade*, which dropped in June 1993 with twelve tracks. Singles from that record included "Nothin' to Lose" and "Cry No More."
Why is Arcade (band)'s debut cover art notable?
The cover of *Arcade* prominently displayed the face of pornographic actress Mimi Miyagi, a choice that drew considerable attention and debate within the metal community. It set the release visually apart from other early-'90s glam metal sleeves.
Why is Arcade (band) remembered in metal history?
Fans and historians cite Arcade as a notable supergroup moment because it reunited high-profile names from Ratt, Cinderella, and other respected American bands under one roof. Even though the project lasted only about two years, it gave late-'80s glam and hard-rock audiences a brief reunion point in the early '90s.
More in American heavy metal supergroups 1-24
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