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)
Hair Of The Dog
Britny Fox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Steam-roller, the midnight shoulder
What they been sayin' must be true
Red hot mama, oh that charmer
Time's come to pay your dues
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Talking jive and poison ivy
You ain't gonna cling to me
Minute-taker fall-faker
I ain't so blind I can't see
Red hot mama oh that charmer
Time's come to pay your dues
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
The lyrics to Britny Fox's song "Hair Of The Dog" play off the classic phrase "hair of the dog that bit you," which refers to drinking more alcohol as a hangover cure. However, the song adds a twist to the phrase by turning it into a warning to a woman who is a heartbreaker and soul-shaker. The singer declares that the woman has been "messin' with a son of a bitch" and warns her that she's sticking around at her own risk. The lyrics continue to describe the woman as a red hot mama and charmer, but claim that it's time for her to pay her dues.
Overall, the lyrics are a warning to a woman who has a reputation as a heartbreaker and is now crossing paths with someone who won't take her shenanigans. The song uses strong language to emphasize the singer's frustration with the woman and his determination to stand up to her.
Line by Line Meaning
Heartbreaker, soul-shaker I've been told about you
You have a reputation for breaking hearts and shaking souls, and I have been warned about you.
Steam-roller, the midnight shoulder What they been sayin' must be true
You are so forceful and dominant that you could be compared to a massive steamroller, and it seems that the rumors about you are accurate.
Red hot mama, oh that charmer Time's come to pay your dues
You are an attractive and alluring woman who has a certain charm, but it's time for you to face the consequences of your actions.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have provoked someone who is very difficult to deal with.
Talking jive and poison ivy You ain't gonna cling to me
You speak in a deceptive and insincere manner, but I won't let you fool me or get too close to me.
Minute-taker fall-faker I ain't so blind I can't see
You try to manipulate situations and people, but I am not ignorant or foolish enough to fall for your tactics.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have seriously angered someone who is very hard to deal with.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Your actions have consequences, and you are now dealing with someone who is likely to retaliate in a big way.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have underestimated the person you are dealing with, and it may cost you dearly.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You have provoked someone who is not to be trifled with, and you will likely regret it.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have made a grave mistake by angering someone who is known for being difficult and hard to handle.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You are now dealing with someone who is tough, ruthless, and who won't take any nonsense from you.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have irritated someone who is known for being very challenging and difficult to confront.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You have provoked someone who is not afraid to fight back and who is likely to give you a hard time.
Now you're messin' with a a son of a bitch
You have angered someone who is not to be messed with, and who may seek revenge against you.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You are now messing with someone who is dangerous and who may pose a serious threat to you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dan McCafferty, Darrell Sweet, Manuel Charlton, Pete Agnew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind