Biography
The Los Angeles glam rock trio Zolar X constructed its early persona around classic science-fiction imagery, outfitting members in antennae-topped headgear, form-fitting jumpsuits, and lunar footwear while devising an original extraterrestrial language. Formed in 1972 by guitarist Ygarr Ygarrist (born Steven Della Bosca) and bassist Zany Zatovian (Bruce Courtois), the group later added singer Zory Zenith (Billy McCartney, previously of local glitter rivals Shady Lady) and drummer Eon Flash (Craig Rhinehart). The quartet soon performed at Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco on the Sunset Strip and supported the New York Dolls as well as Iggy Pop.
A debut demo was tracked in 1974, yet major labels declined involvement. Zatovian departed in 1975, followed shortly by Flash. The lineup stabilized with bassist Ufoian Ufar (Tom Lee) and drummer Romm Eclipse (Ron Eismann), enabling the band to cut a second demo at Memphis’s Ardent Studios. By then, however, punk and disco had eclipsed glam. Zenith’s mounting substance issues led to his dismissal in 1979, though he rejoined briefly for one last recording before Zolar X dissolved in 1981. The compilation Timeless appeared the following year. In 2004, fan Jello Biafra issued an expanded reissue through his Alternative Tentacles imprint. While Zenith remained imprisoned in Oregon for assault, Ygarrist and Flash staged a June 2005 reunion show featuring new bassist Jett Starsystems, then embarked on the band’s first performances beyond Los Angeles. The full-length X Marks the Spot emerged on Alternative Tentacles in September 2007.
A debut demo was tracked in 1974, yet major labels declined involvement. Zatovian departed in 1975, followed shortly by Flash. The lineup stabilized with bassist Ufoian Ufar (Tom Lee) and drummer Romm Eclipse (Ron Eismann), enabling the band to cut a second demo at Memphis’s Ardent Studios. By then, however, punk and disco had eclipsed glam. Zenith’s mounting substance issues led to his dismissal in 1979, though he rejoined briefly for one last recording before Zolar X dissolved in 1981. The compilation Timeless appeared the following year. In 2004, fan Jello Biafra issued an expanded reissue through his Alternative Tentacles imprint. While Zenith remained imprisoned in Oregon for assault, Ygarrist and Flash staged a June 2005 reunion show featuring new bassist Jett Starsystems, then embarked on the band’s first performances beyond Los Angeles. The full-length X Marks the Spot emerged on Alternative Tentacles in September 2007.
Albums
