Autograph formed in 1983 with vocalist/guitarist Steve Plunkett joining up with guitarist Steve Lynch, bassist Randy Rand, keyboard player Steven Isham, and drummer Keni Richards. The band seemed to have it all: a fine commercial hard rock debut in 1984's 'Sign in Please', good looks, and great hair. Still, it wasn't enough, and by the time they released the following year's disappointing 'That's the Stuff' the 80s rock audience had moved on. Their 1987 single "Loud and Clear" got a bit of attention, thanks to Ozzy Osbourne's cameo in their video, but it all arrived too late to save the band, which split up in 1989. A posthumous collection of outtakes called 'Missing Pieces' was released about a decade later.
Despite scoring a massive MTV hit with their very first single, "Turn Up the Radio", which continues to be a classic rock staple, Autograph's songs got lost in the shuffle of the thriving Los Angeles pop metal scene. Still, interest in their first big hit continues, with the song featured in a variety of places such as the popular 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' video game. In 2003, Steve Plunkett put out a reunion album of sorts: an all-new material album entitled 'Buzz', which retained their 80s sound. They've also released the odds and sods album 'More Missing Pieces'.
Reunion (2013–present)
In late 2013, original members Steve Lynch, Randy Rand, and Keni Richards got back together for a reunion. Due to Plunkett not being interested in doing the reunion, they have replaced him with Jailhouse, Agent X, Flood, 1RKO, solo artist singer/songwriter/guitarist Simon Daniels.
Since 2014, by which time Richards had been replaced by Mark Wieland on drums, the band has played the Monsters of Rock Cruise, M3 Rock Festival, The Moondance Jam, The Halfway Jam, Firefest UK, Rockin the Rivers, The Iowa State Fair along with other festivals, theaters and worldwide touring.
On January 15, 2015, they released their first single, "You Are Us, We Are You," on iTunes. On April 21, they released their 2nd single, "I Lost My Mind in America," which made the Top 10 download of the charts. In July, the band was featured in USA Today NEWS after playing the famous Halfway Jam Rock Festival. On September 23, the band released their 3rd single "Every Generation" and is featured as track of the week on Classic Rock Magazine. On January 7, 2016, the new 5 song EP 'Louder', with 4 original new singles and a live version of "Turn up the Radio", was released and is available on the official website.
On January 10, 2017, the band completed the recordings for the new full album which was released as 'Get Off Your Ass' on OCTOBER 6 after signing with EMP Label Group owned by David Ellefson.
On April 8, 2017, Keni Richards died at the age of 60.
On July 24, 2019, Steve Lynch decided to move on to other projects so the band added a new guitarist on August 27, 2019. Jimi Bell previously played in the House of Lords and Maxx Explosion. Bell appeared in the 1986 film, Light Of Day, where he was both a performer in the movie and played on the soundtrack album. He is an official endorsee of GHS Strings, Marshall Amps (Europe), Ovation Guitars, Roberts Guitars, Viper Guitars, Charvel Guitars and PVX Guitars.
Autograph‘s long-time bassist Randy Rand passed away in April 2022. Rand was in Autograph from 1983 to 1989 and again from 2013 onwards. He was the lone remaining original member in the band. Three of the five original Autograph band members have now passed away with Rand in 2022, keyboardist Steven Isham in 2008 and drummer Keni Richards in 2017.
Paint This Town
Autograph Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got money in my pocket, I'm primed, it shows
And I've got no problem findin' friends...no
We gonna do it and hope that it never ends
Well we're pullin' out the stops
And we're turnin' back the clocks
You better hope you gotta piece of the rock
Paint this town
Hey bartender I'm buyin' the rounds
Paint this town
Flip on the jukebox, don't turn it down
Paint this town
We're gonna rock this place into the ground
I gotta tank of gas and a shiny car
I gotta rope around my lucky star
And I don't have a single doubt, no
That tonight we're gonna blow it out
Well we're pullin' out the stops
And we're turnin' back the clocks
You better hope you gotta piece of the rock
Paint this town
Hey bartender I'm buyin' the rounds
Paint this town
Flip on the jukebox, don't turn it down
Paint this town
We're gonna rock 'till the moon goes down
Paint this town
We're gonna rock this place into the ground
(Solo)
'Hey, drinks are on me'
'Hey, come on over here'
'Check it out dude'
'Brand new credit card'
'Hey, double shots for everybody'
C'mon
Paint this town
Hey bartender I'm buyin' the rounds
Paint this town
Flip on the jukebox, don't turn it down
Paint this town
We're gonna rock 'till the moon goes down
Paint this town
We're gonna rock this place into the ground
Paint this town
Paint this town
Paint this town
'Feels like a party'
The Autograph's song "Paint This Town" is an upbeat anthem that celebrates the excitement of a night full of partying and having fun with friends. The lyrics describe the singer's anticipation for a fun night out, dressed up and ready to hit the town with some cash in his pocket. He is confident that it will be a wild night, with plenty of friends to join him in the revelry. The song encourages everyone to let loose and have a good time while they can.
The chorus uses the phrase "paint this town" as a metaphor for making their mark on the night by partying hard and having a good time. The singer is portrayed as an extravagant and generous host, buying drinks for everyone in the bar, urging the bartender to keep the music playing and making sure there is enough alcohol for everyone to have a great time. The solo adds to the energy of the composition, highlighting the joy and excitement of the night.
Overall, the song is about the joys of living in the moment and experiencing life to the fullest, making memories and having fun. It is a perfect anthem for those who want to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy life to its fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm all dressed up with somewhere to go
I am fully prepared for tonight's event.
I got money in my pocket, I'm primed, it shows
I have ample funds for tonight's entertainment, and it is apparent.
And I've got no problem findin' friends...no
I am charismatic and social, and thus, can easily make friends.
We gonna do it and hope that it never ends
We intend to celebrate endlessly and make this night memorable.
Well we're pullin' out the stops
We are putting forth maximum effort to make this night one to remember.
And we're turnin' back the clocks
We are aiming to escape our usual routine and have a good time.
You better hope you gotta piece of the rock
If you want to join our festivities, ensure you have the means to keep up.
Paint this town
We plan to make an impact on the town tonight.
Hey bartender I'm buyin' the rounds
I am purchasing drinks for everyone tonight.
Flip on the jukebox, don't turn it down
Keep the music playing; we are in the mood for dancing.
We're gonna rock this place into the ground
We are going to party until the place shuts down.
I gotta tank of gas and a shiny car
I am well-equipped and ready for a night of fun.
I gotta rope around my lucky star
I feel fortunate and optimistic about tonight.
And I don't have a single doubt, no
I am confident that tonight's festivities will be a success.
That tonight we're gonna blow it out
We will dance, drink, and socialize without reservation or worry.
C'mon
Come on, let's have some fun!
'Feels like a party'
This event has the atmosphere of a lively gathering.
Contributed by Annabelle B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.