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)
Standing In The Shadows
Britny Fox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it true, we are blinded by.
Face the words, it's not in your eyes.
Tell me now, that I'm the one for you, yeah.
I'm alone again, deep inside, cold sets on in.
Lurks the shade, on top our lives.
Gotta know, if this love is gonna stop or go.
Bridge
Don't you know what I want?
Go go go
Don't you know what I want?
chorus
Cause I'm standin', standing in the shadows of love.
Yeah I'm standin', standing in the shadows of love.
In love, with a lying heart.
Dressed in black, the shadows dark.
Trapped inside, a love that cast, of shade,
of a love that's gonna stop or go.
Bridge, chorus (2x's), lead, chorus out.
The lyrics to "Standing In The Shadows" by Britny Fox describe a love that is hidden in the dark, uncertain, and potentially dangerous. The singer is questioning whether their love is real or just a passing feeling. They are desperate for confirmation that they are the one for their partner. Yet despite their longing for love, they feel alone and cold inside. The imagery of darkness, shadow, and shade creates a sense of mystery and apprehension, as if their love is fragile and susceptible to change. The bridge and chorus repeat the singer's plea for understanding and validation, emphasizing their uncertainty and vulnerability.
The song explores universal themes of love, trust, and self-doubt. It captures the complexity of relationships and the fear of rejection, as well as the desire for connection and intimacy. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, using metaphors and symbolism to convey the singer's emotional state. The chorus is catchy and anthemic, inviting listeners to sing along and empathize with the singer's predicament. Overall, "Standing In The Shadows" is a powerful and emotional ballad that speaks to the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
In the dark, there's a love that hides
Love sometimes hides in darkness and remains unnoticed.
Is it true, we are blinded by.
Love can be so overpowering that we may lose track of reality.
Face the words, it's not in your eyes.
Love can only be in the heart and can't be seen in someone's eyes.
Tell me now, that I'm the one for you, yeah.
Expressing one's love and asking for confirmation from the other person is a crucial part of any healthy relationship.
I'm alone again, deep inside, cold sets on in.
The absence of love can push someone into feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Lurks the shade, on top our lives.
The absence of love can create a shadow of doubt all around a relationship.
Gotta know, if this love is gonna stop or go.
One must be aware of the trajectory of the love they feel, whether it's fading away or gaining momentum.
Don't you know what I want?
It's important to be open and communicative about one's wants and needs in a relationship.
Go go go
Acting on one's feelings and working towards a better relationship requires effort and action.
Cause I'm standin', standing in the shadows of love.
The feeling of being overshadowed by love and unable to move forward is challenging and requires support.
In love, with a lying heart.
Love can be deceitful and is not always honest.
Dressed in black, the shadows dark.
The absence of love can create a sense of darkness and heaviness in life.
Trapped inside, a love that cast, of shade,
Love can sometimes be suffocating and feel like it's weighing one down.
of a love that's gonna stop or go.
Uncertainty in a relationship can create shadows and put a lot of pressure on the people involved.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DEAN MICHAEL DAVIDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bart Brzenk’s forearm
I love this band. Im only 20 but I think im still getting some kind of nostalic feeling from this band. Maybe its more of a longing feeling, that all the good music like this happened way before I was born. Britny Fox’s riffs and tone is heart achingly beautiful to me
Mr. Or Mrs. Greene
Right on bro!
Phil LaMoore
You have no idea what you missed. Sorry to rub it in, but it's everything you heard, and a LOT more.... America was a much happier place in the 70's and 80's.
DocBrown1885
If ypu like this, I hope you have heard 'Cinderella' s album library also.
Racine Evans
Awesome album!!!! Bringing back great memories of '89 and '90.
Mike F
I grew up in the 80's . They were so many great bands you couldnt keep up. The style of music changed like a flip of a switch in the early 90's
Girkadirk
Looooooooovee This Everything is right about this song, the screams, riffs, drums and especially the part from the guitar solo on to the finish. Too awesome!
daniel trahan
I don't know why these guys weren't more successful, they're very good
starr shine
Netflix needs to make a series about this era of music.
Brian Clough
I was 13 when this came out and I loved it! I still think Britny Fox made some great hard rock!