The band released a demo titled 'In America' in 1986, which journeyman drummer Tony Destra reportedly played on. Labeled sometimes as a sort of 'younger sister' of band Cinderella ("whence they got their image, guitar player, and record contract" as recounted by one critic), the quartet managed to break through in a big way. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1988, was one of the most successful premieres of the 1988-89 season, selling more than one million copies and bringing more than 625,000 fans to their 130+ shows. They also won Metal Edge Magazine's 1988 Reader's Choice Award for Best New Band. Highlights of their early work include the top 40 rock hit "Long Way to Love" and the fan favorite "Girlschool".
Sadly, the band appeared saddled with the reputation of having peaked too early. After the release of the band's second album in 1989, titled 'Boys in Heat' and bringing in notable producer Neil Kernon, Davidson departed, and he formed the band Blackeyed Susan. Though appearing at first to be a fatal wound to the group, he was replaced by Las Vegas native Tommy Paris, who had a very similar vocal style. Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Poison drummer Rikki Rockett guested on the band's third album, 'Bite Down Hard', which was released in 1991. However, the popularity of glam metal was on a decline around the time of the album's release due to the rising popularity of the 90s alternative or grunge movement. Britny Fox disbanded in 1992.
As referred to before, Michael Kelly Smith was previously in an early version of fellow Philadelphia glam metal band Cinderella until his dismissal, and later Tony Destra also played with them. Also, drummer Adam West, formerly of Tangier, played for Britny Fox briefly between the time of Tony Destra and Johnny Dee.
Britny Fox reunited in 2001 with the same line-up before their disbandment, and they released a fourth studio album, called 'Springhead Motorshark', in 2003. While well-received by fans, the album picked up mixed critical reviews. The band had summer U.S. and European tours in 2007 and 2008. Guitarist Tommy Krash and drummer Henry Now joined at that time. As of late 2007, Britny Fox reformed under original bassist Billy Childs. The other former members of this line-up were lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jamie Fletcher, lead guitarist Greg Polcari, and drummer Henry Now.
Bassist Billy Childs had a minor but billed role in the horror film Incest Death Squad (2009). Childs is currently playing bass in the North American Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out.
In 2010, "Dizzy" Dean Davidson unsuccessfully attempted to reunite the surviving members of the original line-up.
On April 25, 2015, the band announced that they had reunited with bassist Billy Childs, drummer Johnny Dee, long-time singer/rhythm guitarist Tommy Paris and new lead guitarist Chris Sanders as their line-up and that they are recording a new album. This lineup played six shows in 2015 and eight shows in 2016, but none since. Their last performance, on a Monsters of Rock cruise in October 2016, ended with several dozen mostly middle-aged women dancing wildly to the song "Girlschool". In a 2017 interview, Childs stated that the album project had been abandoned, but he stopped short of saying that the band had broken up. In 2018, Sanders joined Britny Fox's rival band Ratt.
Line-Ups
(1985–1987) Dean Davidson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Michael Kelly Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, backing vocals
Tony Destra – drums, other percussion
(1987) Dean Davidson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Michael Kelly Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, backing vocals
Adam West – drums, percussion
(1987–1989) Dean Davidson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Michael Kelly Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Johnny Dee – drums, percussion, backing vocals
(1990–2006) Tommy Paris – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Michael Kelly Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, backing vocals
Johnny Dee – drums, percussion, backing vocals
(2007) Tommy Paris – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Greg Polcari – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, backing vocals
Henry Now – drums, percussion, backing vocals
(2008–present) Jamie Fletcher – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Greg Polcari – lead guitar, backing vocals
Billy Childs – bass, backing vocals
Henry Now – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Discography
=Studio Albums=
Britny Fox (1988)
Boys in Heat (1989)
Bite Down Hard (1991)
Springhead Motorshark (2003)
=Live Albums=
Long Way to Live! (2000)
Live at Froggy's (2001)
=Compilation Album=
The Best of Britny Fox (1988)
Extended Versions (2006)
=Singles=
" Long Way to Love" (U.S. #100)
" Girlschool" (U.S. #81)
" Save the Weak"
" Dream On"
" Louder"
=Demos=
In America (1986)
The Bite Down Hard Demo Sessions (2003)
Angel In My Heart
Britny Fox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walks in this girl, so divine, I think I'm gonna stay a while.
She walked across the room with her high heels on
She let her hair on down down down
I felt I'd known her before, I think I'll ask her for,
Before she walks out the door.
So baby don't go, don't go, an angel in my heart.
So baby don't go, don't go you're an angel in my heart, yeah.
I said take a seat on next to me, I think I need to see your smile.
My heart's keepin' a beat with the record machine
As crazy as it sounds so far.
I'd like to walk you home, I'd like to cheer you up,
I'll be there to help you through.
If you need to know, I'll be happy to show,
So baby don't ever go.
[Chorus: x2]
The song "Angel In My Heart" by Britny Fox tells the story of a chance encounter between the singer and a woman he finds stunningly beautiful. It takes place on a Friday night at a local bar, where the singer is hanging out with his friends. Suddenly, the woman walks in and catches his eye. He describes her as divine and feels an instant connection. As she makes her way across the room, the singer is struck by her confident, sexy walk in her high heels and her hair that cascades down her back.
He decides that he doesn't want to let this opportunity slip away and wants to get to know her better before she leaves. He invites her to sit next to him, remarking that he needs to see her smile. He tells her that she's an angel in his heart and that he'd like to walk her home and be there for her if she ever needs anything.
Overall, the song captures the moment of two strangers who feel an instant connection and want to get to know each other better. It's a romantic moment that speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed by someone's beauty and wanting to take a chance on a new relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Friday night I'm with the boys at a local bar.
On Friday night, I am with my friends at a nearby pub, hanging out and having some drinks.
Walks in this girl, so divine, I think I'm gonna stay a while.
Suddenly, a beautiful girl enters the bar and catches my eye, making me want to stay there longer.
She walked across the room with her high heels on
I noticed her walking gracefully across the room while wearing heels.
She let her hair on down down down
I saw her loosening her hair, which added to her charm and attractiveness.
I felt I'd known her before, I think I'll ask her for, Before she walks out the door.
I got the impression that I knew this girl from somewhere before, so I decided to approach her before she left.
So baby don't go, don't go, an angel in my heart.
I don't want her to leave because I already feel a strong emotional connection to her, and she is like an angel in my heart.
I said take a seat on next to me, I think I need to see your smile.
I invited her to sit beside me, feeling that I needed to see her smile and be close to her.
My heart's keepin' a beat with the record machine. As crazy as it sounds so far.
My heart is in sync with the music being played, which might seem crazy, but it's true.
I'd like to walk you home, I'd like to cheer you up, I'll be there to help you through.
I would love to walk her home and make her feel happy, and I assure her that I'll be there for her if she needs any help.
If you need to know, I'll be happy to show, So baby don't ever go.
I want her to know that I am willing to prove myself and keep her happy, encouraging her not to leave me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JAMES BROWN, ALEX KARBOURIS, ANNIE LENNOX, PANOS LIASSI, DAVID ALLAN STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind