Biography
Beautiful Creatures took shape under the guidance of Joe Leste, a longtime fixture on the Sunset Strip who had anchored glitter rockers Bang Tango throughout the 1980s. For the new project he swapped hair spray and the flat, synthetic 1980s approach for hair dye and a blend of glossy hooks atop dense, aggressive post-grunge riffs. The lineup locked in during 1999 when Leste was joined by guitarists DJ Ashba and Anthony Focx, bassist Kenny Kweens, and drummer Glen Sobel; the group promptly landed an opening berth on that year’s Kiss tour. A Warner Brothers contract came next, and in summer 2001 the band promoted its self-titled debut album from an Ozzfest stage. Although a modest cult audience formed, corporate shifts at the label resulted in the act being dropped immediately after the festival run. The record still reached stores, yet without marketing support it faded from view. While the group idled, Ashba exited to pursue solo work and was succeeded by Michael Thomas, formerly of Engines of Aggression; Thomas soon departed as well, followed by Sobel. The remaining members pressed ahead regardless. By July 2003 the roster was restored with the arrivals of drummer Matt Starr and first-time guitarist Alex Grossi. A fresh agreement with JVC was secured, and recording commenced on the next album, temporarily titled Deuce.