Leather Angel: The Female Mötley Crüe Wannabes of the Sunset Strip
Leather Angel was a band that aimed to be the female equivalent of Mötley Crüe, known for their wild behavior rather than their music. Despite their leather-clad image and decent following in LA, their debut album "We Came to Kill" fell short due to poor production and a questionable Led Zeppelin cover. The band's sound was reminiscent of early Mötley Crüe, with a darker edge, but they struggled to establish a distinct identity in the competitive Sunset Strip scene of the early '80s.
Originally known as Obsession, the band faced legal issues and changed their name to Leather Angel, a more fitting moniker that captured their image and attitude. With a logo designed by Nikki Sixx, the band released their debut album in 1983, showcasing their biker-inspired look and Mötley Crüe-esque sound. Despite some standout tracks like "We Came to Kill," the album suffered from thin production that hindered its heavy metal potential.
While Leather Angel gained some traction in the local scene, they failed to secure a major record deal in a time when labels were signing numerous bands from the Sunset Strip. The band underwent lineup changes and attempted a rebranding as "Jaded Lady," but ultimately struggled to maintain their momentum. Despite their potential and strong image, Leather Angel never fully realized their goal of becoming the female Mötley Crüe.
In conclusion, Leather Angel's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by bands trying to break into the competitive world of heavy metal in the '80s. While they had the look and sound to rival their male counterparts, external factors and internal struggles prevented them from achieving lasting success. The idea of a female Mötley Crüe remains intriguing, and perhaps one day, a new group of women will rise to take on the rock'n'roll world with the same rebellious spirit.