Samantha 7

Samantha 7, a hard-pop trio named for a colossal female robot from a Japanese children's television series, brings together Poison guitarist C.C. DeVille, bassist Krys "Brinks" Baratto, and drummer Francis Ruiz. DeVille overcame the drug and alcohol addictions that had prompted his departure from Poison during the band's peak in 1995; the next year he rejoined them and appeared on their 1999 tour. While pursuing sobriety, he felt compelled to create and perform original material, leading him to form a partnership with Baratto in 1998 following an introduction by a shared acquaintance. Ruiz rounded out the group, and together they shaped songs drawing equally from '70s AM radio hits and DeVille's heavy metal background. Working with producer Jack Blades, the trio completed their self-titled debut album in just two weeks; Columbia Records issued Samantha 7 in spring 2000.