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)
Fun In Texas
Britny Fox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
D. Davidson
A bit of Texas in my veins, I think I'm goin, goin insane.
A cow girl knockin at my door, oh baby just give me a roar.
Rockin out the Alamo, San Antonio just give me a yo.
I love Texas oh I do, in Texas.
Where the fun is, out in Texas.
Round up the kids in town, tell em that I'm comin down.
All the fun, the mid-day sun no crimes, the sheriff's gun.
I love Texas oh I do, in Texas.
chorus (2x's), lead, chorus out.
The lyrics to Britny Fox's song "Fun in Texas" describe the singer's love for the state of Texas and all the fun that can be had there. The song opens with the singer declaring that he has a bit of Texas in his veins and that it's driving him insane. He then goes on to sing about a cowgirl knocking at his door and urging him to let loose and rock out in Texas.
The singer then mentions San Antonio and the Alamo, expressing his love for Texas and all the fun it has to offer. He encourages everyone in town to join in on the fun and enjoy the mid-day sun without any worries about crimes or the sheriff's gun.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the state of Texas and the fun-loving spirit of its people. It's an anthem for those who love to let loose and have a good time without any inhibitions.
Line by Line Meaning
A bit of Texas in my veins, I think I'm goin, goin insane.
The singer feels a strong connection to Texas and it's driving them crazy.
A cow girl knockin at my door, oh baby just give me a roar.
The singer is excited by the prospect of a cowgirl coming to see them and wants to hear her call out.
Rockin out the Alamo, San Antonio just give me a yo.
The singer is having a great time at the Alamo and wants to hear someone shout out in excitement in the nearby city of San Antonio.
I love Texas oh I do, in Texas.
The artist has strong feelings of affection for Texas and is happy to be there.
Where the fun is, out in Texas.
The artist believes that Texas is a place where one can have a lot of fun.
Round up the kids in town, tell em that I'm comin down.
The singer wants the children in town to know they are coming and to be excited to see them.
All the fun, the mid-day sun no crimes, the sheriff's gun.
The singer enjoys the sun and fun without worrying about crime or law enforcement.
chorus (2x's), lead, chorus out.
The chorus repeats twice, followed by a lead section, and ends with the chorus repeating again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: D DAVIDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind