W.A.S.P. began following the demise of Circus Circus, a Los Angeles-based band featuring Blackie Lawless and Randy Piper. The original lineup of W.A.S.P. was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1982 by Lawless, Piper, Rik Fox, and Tony Richards.
The first lineup did not last for long, as Rik Fox was let go and went on to join the band Steeler with vocalist Ron Keel and guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. He was replaced by Don Costa, the bassist in Richards' former band, Dante Fox (which later evolved into Great White). Shortly afterward, Costa also left the band and his position on the bass was filled by Brayden Parker. By the time they recorded their debut album "W.A.S.P.", Lawless had taken over on bass and Chris Holmes had joined on lead guitar. At the same time, guitarist Chris Holmes joined the band.
Shortly after the album's release in 1984, Richards was replaced by former Keel drummer Steve Riley. The group released "The Last Command" in 1985, before Piper left in July 1986. Lawless subsequently switched back to guitar, with Johnny Rod (real name John Tumminello) leaving King Kobra to take over as bassist. "Inside the Electric Circus" followed in October. A live album "Live...In the Raw" was released in 1987. Riley left during the subsequent tour to join L.A. Guns. He was replaced for future shows by a string of temporary substitutes. By early 1988, W.A.S.P. had started working on its fourth studio album with Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali.
The band's popularity peaked in the 1980s, yet they continue to record and tour, making them one of the most enduring of the West Coast heavy metal bands. W.A.S.P. gained notoriety for their shock rock themed image, lyrics and live performances. They have sold over 12 million copies of their albums.
The band was a prominent target in the mid-1980s of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) led by Tipper Gore, who at the time was wife of then-Senator Al Gore (D-TN), an organization that pushed for warning labels on recorded music. The band immortalized its fight with the PMRC on the song "Harder, Faster" from their 1987 live album, Live...In the Raw.
"I Wanna Be Somebody" was the most successful single from W.A.S.P.'s debut album. and It was ranked at No. 84 in VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs of All Time.
In October 2007, W.A.S.P. embarked on The Crimson Idol Tour, to celebrate that album's 15th anniversary. It is the first time that the album, often regarded to be among the band's finest work, was performed in full from start to finish. The tour kicked off in Greece, in Thessaloniki at the Principal Club Theater on October 26, 2007.
Blackie Lawless remains the only member from the original line-up. They released their most recent album in November 2009, entitled Babylon.
On September 21, 2012, the band celebrated the 30th anniversary of their first ever live show by kicking off a world tour at The Forum in London. The set for the tour was split into three sections: songs from the first four albums, a cut-down rendition of the Crimson Idol performance and a final segment for newer material.
The Flame
W.A.S.P. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a-gonna take it
I live my life in the fast lane, the only way to make it
And I keep on going all night long
Cause that's the way I like it
And with what you got in the heat of the night
I know we got to try it
Until the flame burns out
So turn it up, your radio,
Everybody shake it
I'm a hundred degrees, with wild fantasies
And I need someone to make it
Show me a place where love is sweet
I ain't gonna fake it
And hey little girl if you want my love
Then now's the time to take it
Before the flame burns out [Repeat: x4]
Turn up the flame your hips are fire
You're so hot I got to try ya
Show me the spot and I'll hit the mark
Baby I got the gasoline and you got the sparks
Before the flame burns out
Before the flame burns out
Until the flame burns out
Until the flame burns out
The lyrics to W.A.S.P.'s song "The Flame" depict the lead vocalist's desire for a wild and reckless lifestyle. He wants to live his life in the fast lane, and he plans on doing it by taking a ticket on a jet airplane. He seems to be excited by the thrill of it all and the fact that he can keep going all night long. The lyrics also suggest that he is looking for someone to join him on this wild ride, and he is not looking for anything fake. He wants someone who can show him a place where love is sweet and who can make his wild fantasies a reality.
The chorus "Until the flame burns out" refers to the metaphorical flame that burns in him, his wild spirit, and his desire for a crazy and spontaneous lifestyle. The repeated line is a reminder to himself and anyone else listening to the song that his flame is not going to burn out anytime soon, and he is not going to slow down until it does. The lyrics are meant to be an anthem for anyone looking for a wild and free lifestyle and who wants to embrace the passion and excitement that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me a ticket on a jet airplane
I want to travel fast and far away from here.
I'm a-gonna take it
I won't pass up the opportunity to leave this place.
I live my life in the fast lane, the only way to make it
I live a wild, risky life because it's the only way to succeed.
And I keep on going all night long
I never stop living life to the fullest.
Cause that's the way I like it
This is my preferred lifestyle.
And with what you got in the heat of the night
I want to experience your passion and desire.
I know we got to try it
Let's take a chance on each other.
Until the flame burns out
Let's enjoy this adventure until it ends.
So turn it up, your radio,
Let's turn up the music and feel the energy.
Everybody shake it
Let's dance and have fun together.
I'm a hundred degrees, with wild fantasies
I am full of hot passion and lots of exciting dreams.
And I need someone to make it
I am looking for a partner to share this intense experience with.
Show me a place where love is sweet
I want to find a place where love is beautiful and fulfilling.
I ain't gonna fake it
I won't pretend to feel something I don't.
And hey little girl if you want my love
If you are interested, I am available for a romantic relationship.
Then now's the time to take it
Don't wait any longer, let's start something special now.
Before the flame burns out [Repeat: x4]
Let's enjoy this exciting time before it comes to an end.
Turn up the flame your hips are fire
You are so sexy and attractive, I can't resist you.
You're so hot I got to try ya
I can't pass up the opportunity to be with you.
Show me the spot and I'll hit the mark
Tell me what you want and I will make sure to please you.
Baby I got the gasoline and you got the sparks
I have the energy and you have the passion, together we can create something unforgettable.
Until the flame burns out [Repeat: x2]
Let's make the most of our time together and have a wonderful experience before it ends.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: STEVE EDWARD DUREN, CLARENCE HOLMES, MARQUEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Janssen
I have to admit it...I love this band’s music!
Marcus Soares
This is the most authentic 80's hard rock song I've ever heard! HELL YEAH, just HELL YEAH!!
Scott
HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Joe Zech
It's a good rocker for sure
Terry Dahill
I think that about all his songs and lyrics. Original high energy intense so on.
John Goulet
Bad ass song!
Paul Matthew G.
Not one bad song on this whole record. You better get listening and catch up ; )
GabeHex
One of the best songs ever!
my love songs
I bought this great album on cassette in 1984! A great purchase from a great band!
ArizMo2015
my love songs Me too 🤘