Madam X (band)

Madam X is an American glam rock band first active during the 1980s. Originally formed by two sisters, Maxine and Roxy Petrucci, the band also featured male members including future Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach. Disbanding in 1988, the group reformed briefly in 1991, and has become active again after reforming for a second time in 2014.

Career

Madam X was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1981 by the Petrucci sisters, who had previously played in an all-female group called Pantagruel.^[1] They recruited bass guitarist Chris Doliber and vocalist Bret Kaiser, and the band relocated to New York. They were signed to Jet Records by Don Arden^[1] and released their debut album We Reserve the Right in 1984, produced by Rick Derringer.^[2] A single, "High in High School", was also released.^[3] They also appeared on the British TV music show "ECT".^[1]

Kaiser later left the band and was unsuccessfully replaced by British singer John Ward. More songs were recorded but remained unreleased as the band were dropped by Jet.^[4] Ward then left the band and was replaced by unknown Canadian vocalist Sebastian Bach. Roxy Petrucci also left, joining Vixen, and was replaced by Mark "Bam-Bam" McConnell. Despite touring with a flamboyant stage show, the group disintegrated in 1988 with Bach leaving to join Skid Row, and McConnell joining Carrera. Madam X continued briefly as a trio with Shawn Duncan replacing McConnell, but when Doliber left to form his own band, Madam X disbanded.^[4]

In 1991, the Petrucci sisters reformed Madam X with vocalist Lenita Erickson; this line-up was later renamed Hell's Belles with Irene Wohlman on bass guitar, but soon disbanded.^[1]

Roxy Petrucci later reformed Vixen.^[4] After leaving Madam X, Bret Kaiser formed his own band (Kaiser) with his brother, and later performed with his own band ('56), releasing an album titled Steppin'. Kaiser also performs as an Elvis Presley tribute artist.^[5] McConnell died on May 24, 2012.^[6]

Madam X reunited at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 7, 2014.^[7]

Discography

• We Reserve the Right (1984)
• Demo (1986)

Personnel

Current members

• Maxine Petrucci – guitar (1981–88, 1991, 2014–present)
• Roxy Petrucci – drums (1981–86, 1991, 2014–present)
• Bret Kaiser – vocals (1982–85, 2014–present)
• Chris Doliber – bass guitar (1982–88, 2014–present)

Past members

• John Ward – vocals (1985–87)
• Mark McConnell – drums (1986–88)
• Sebastian Bach – vocals (1987–88)
• Shawn Duncan – drums (1988)
• Lenita Erickson – vocals (1991)
• Irene Wohlman – bass guitar (1991)

Timeline

References