Steven sweet

Warrant was one of the last hard rock bands to make it big before the grunge movement of the early '90s. Some even accused Warrant of being the straw that broke the back of hard rock, with tongue-in-cheek hits like 'Cherry Pie.' As other bands called it quits, Warrant fought their way through the '90s, consistently releasing albums and touring.

In the 2000s, hard rock came back into the limelight. A fairy tale ending, yet with a tragic twist for the Down Boys. Lead singer Jani Lane could not shake his personal demons and passed away in 2011. For many bands, losing a main songwriter and singer is the kiss of death. Warrant soldered on. Today, they are still putting out strong albums, like last year's Louder Harder Faster, and hitting the stage hard. Founding member and guitar player Erik Turner talks to Wisconsin Music about his life in music and Warrant's upcoming show at the Resch Center on March 11th with REO Speedwagon and 38 Special:

WM: How did you first start playing the guitar?

ET: I fell in love with the guitar with the fir

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By BRIAN GIFFIN

AFTER 20 years, Hollywood rockers Warrant will be returning to Australian shores late this month (April 2011) to tour with Quiet Riot and LA Guns*. Still remembered chiefly by many for their riotous 1990 hit “Cherry Pie”, the band was one of those infamously swept away by the grunge revolution only two years later. So it may come as a surprise to those who know them only for that one huge hit that Warrant has continued to persevere throughout the last two decades. Their seventh album is in the can and is due for release just after their Australian visit. We caught up with Warrant’s founding member, guitarist Erik Turner for a chat about their glorious past, his impressions of the grunge movement, their present and found him to be a warm, amiable and self-effacing guy.

Hot Metal: Warrant’s a band that’s probably dropped off a few people’s radars, but you’ve got a new album coming out soon.
ERIK TURNER: “Yes, internationally it’s coming out May 13th. It’s called Rockaholic and we spent a couple o

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Early years (1984-1987):
Warrant was formed in Los Angeles by guitarist Erik Turner in July 1984. Turner was soon joined by bassist Jerry Dixon. Warrant had a different bassist named Chris Vincent for a few months before Dixon joined. Prior to his involvement with Warrant, Vincent played with a local band called SilverPants. The band's early members included vocalist Adam Shore, guitarist Josh Lewis, and drummer Max Asher. Vocalist Jani Lane (who replaced Shore) and drummer Steven "Sweet" Chamberlin (who replaced Asher) joined the band in September 1986, and guitarist Joey Allen (who replaced Lewis) completed the line-up in March 1987. Lane and Sweet were previously in the band Plain Jane, which had recorded several demos. The recruitment of Lane proved pivotal in the band's future, with the singer quickly assuming the role of Warrant's song writer.

After having gained some notoriety on the L.A. club scene, the band recorded a demo tape in September 1987 for Paisley Park Records, a record label owned by musician Prince. At this time, A&M records purchas