Biography
Crown Of Thorns, an American heavy metal outfit unrelated to the I.R.S. Records act of the same name, came together in 1991 after the principals realized they “just kept bumping into each other on the tour circuit.” Guitarist Micki Free, formerly of Shalamar, joined forces with Chicago-born singer and guitarist Jean Beauvoir, whose résumé included time with the Plasmatics, along with bassist Michael Paige and drummer Tony Thompson, late of Power Station. Their initial collaboration, the track “Hike It Up,” emerged as the centerpiece of a debut mini-album whose five songs were produced by Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley. Although the record saw no release beyond the UK, the group maintained a busy touring schedule. Thompson soon gave way to drummer Dave “Hawk” Lopez, while Free—who issued a solo album in 1995—was succeeded by Tommy Lafferty. As late as 1995 the band had still not performed on home soil, yet in Britain they had launched their live career at London’s Marquee in April 1994 and thereafter maintained an almost constant road presence, including select dates supporting Bon Jovi. Beauvoir, who declined offers to work with Prince and Michael Jackson, has additionally issued solo albums and contributed songs to Kiss and John Waite.
Albums