Who’s ready to cut loose?
After a 25-year hiatus, Sunset Strip veterans KK Wilde have stormed back with their first official music video in decades, reviving the wild spirit that made them staples of LA’s late-80s/early-90s hair-metal scene.
Formed in 1989 by vocalist Chris Lieck and guitarist Eddie Wilde, KK Wild boldly captured the wild, raw energy of the era, with their albums Rock n Roll and Cocaine Cowboy becoming coveted relics in the process. As they return triumphantly, these scene veterans continue to prove that they haven’t lost a single step.
Even though their album re-releases continue to sell out (with original recordings commanding a $2000 price on eBay), it’s clear that KK Wild’s rich musical legacy has never been forgotten. Fueled by the embers of a musical passion that never entirely died out, they returned to the studio in 2023, seeking to create something new. The resulting 12 new tracks blended the 80’s rock grit KK Wild became known for with a contemporary edge, proving that the skilled musicians more than have what it takes to be more than relics of the past.
The band’s latest single, “Hellraisers & Vampires,” is tailor-made to let off steam at the end of a long day. Written by Chris Lieck, this release is best described as a raucous celebration of mischief, camaraderie, and the untamed life of rockers in their prime.
With a high-octane instrumental performance featuring standout high-energy guitar work and thunderous drums, “Hellraisers & Vampires” is a release that will excite you in no time. As KK Wild says, “You can sleep when you're dead / Get up and start it over again.” It’s time to cut loose.
KK Wild’s latest release, “Hellraisers & Vampires,” further proves that elder hair-metal statesmen still have it. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Hellraisers & Vampires” now on all major streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, KK Wild! Wow, what an explosive return to the industry. We had to ask about the inspiration behind this release and how it felt to hear the completed version for the first time.
It was a return to feelings of old to start and complete this Cd. It was a journey into our lives in the 1980's headlining the Sunset Strip and selling out the venues. We wanted to make an impact from the first song.
Hellraisers and Vampires is a single one, and we have five others with supporting videos coming out throughout the year. The inspiration was the fans who started a collector's madness when finding our old releases. That was the true inspiration and motivation behind the making of this CD. The recording was magical, and it took a year to make.
The response is incredible, and we sell physical records worldwide. Steve, Brian, and I took a look of care in making this record. I love the sound and power of the record. I think it is one of the industry's best new releases of rock music right now.
“Hellraisers & Vampires” has an accompanying music video. (Out now on Youtube). What was your favorite part of bringing your vision for that music video to life?
The video was a challenge and a blast. I used one of my vintage Trans Ams. A red 1973 Trans Am is just like the ones we had in our driveways in the 1970s. I have several more, which will be seen as we do more videos. Making the move to do the video was a big undertaking. I had to drive like a bat of hell to make it real and scary.
It was not an easy video to make, and it's about a true story back in 1979 when we took off to the Texas coast at 2 am, and a lot of crazy shit went down that night. I took that night and wrote a story about it. I and some guys had one wild-ass night in the life of the wonderful 1970s.
What are you most excited about for the rest of the year?
Receiving all the interest and praise for our efforts. I think this has been a wonderful year. I just got back from Hollywood, shooting a video for the song "Stuck in California." We also finished videos for the songs, "Modern World", "Body Meets the Soul" and "She's a fighter". I think that this year is a year of reflection and forward thinking. I also think it has been great to see the guys again. I love being with my band, and we love making music together.
What would you want it to be if your fans could take one thing away from your music?
We really like what we record and write. KK WILDE is a band that enjoys the joy of making good songs. We also like to produce good-sounding records. I want them to say things like my high school friend called me and said, (Brad Whitten), "Man, I can't stop listening to this record and watching this video. It puts a smile on my face every day." That says it all.
What’s next for KK Wild, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
We will most likely do another record and have five videos coming out. The next is "Love is a Weapon," and we are performing live in this video, just like in the old days. I can say that they are the reason that for the last 20 years, KK WILDE has air. They kept this band relevant, and we are so thankful.
I can say that our fan base is showing up in big ways, and we are getting a ton of notice for a band that was an underground sensation. Our fan base was way bigger than I ever imagined.
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