BAD ALLEY the band can trace its roots back to May of ’96, when original guitarist Jerry Witt called on former STRIP TEASE singer Mark Samson. Soon after, he contacted the recently disbanded Hearken rhythm section. Enter drummer Keith Crace and bassist Randy Nelson. Once assembled, the decision was made to combine all of our hard rock/heavy metal influences with original music in the hopes of playing the local pubs and seeing where it took us. All that remained was a name, and at a suggestion by Keith, BAD ALLEY was born.
     Not long after the first jam session, the time was right to test our mix of classic rock and heavy tunes. The first outing occurred in Washington Courthouse with local band THORN. Coincidently, the man running the sound system was none other than future member and former STRIP TEASE guitarist Gary Stout. Unfortunately, we only played a few more engagements before the first of many line-up changes began to test the band.
     Tensions ran high as the urge to play out more became stronger for some and not so much of a priority for others. Exit Jerry and enter Gary. Upon joining, the whole outlook of the band changed, as Gary also shared the desire to play out. He gave us a blast of new energy and our sets expanded considerably. With new confidence came inspiration, and soon new original material emerged that would eventually be recorded. The other benefit of having Gary aboard was that we now had our own P.A. system and could play just about anywhere. We also had our own home studio where work began to refine our songs. Through this studio we hooked up with Columbus area rockers FEEL! and soon began a relationship that culminated in one of our first professional outings.
The reaction that night was electric! After the show we were all excited and eager to play all over central Ohio. We knew then that we were on to something really very special. It was our first real taste of success. That show turned into the catalyst for what would become the future of four guys from London.
     Even with this high, things were about to get rocky again. Just under a year later, personal differences, combined with new marriages and existing family life lead to the second time we would need to fill an empty slot. This time, and regrettably not the last time, we were forced to replace our drummer. Mark and Gary gave a call to yet another former STRIP TEASE member, (Are you as disturbed by this pattern as I am?) Ron Keener. With Ron behind the drums, over the next year and a half, we expanded our list of clients and laid down the groundwork for what would be our first recording. However, soon after the recording of our first studio effort, Ron quit due to work related issues and was replaced with Newark native, John Jones. 
     With John aboard, we embarked on our most productive period to date. The sets would eventually get so long we could play back to back shows, and with the exception of our original music, we wouldn’t have to play the same song twice. The original music was further polished to the point we recorded our first EP. Titled simply ‘BAD ALLEY’, it was our first experience in a professional studio setting. Dan Green’s Amerisound Studios was the site of our first project. Now the folks who came to our shows could take home a part of the experience. With the band gaining momentum, and the desire to create music increasing, the next step was to try to make a full-length album. Once again, Dan recorded our next musical opus, ‘DEVILS, DEMONS, & WITCHES’. Released in August 2001, the band went on its most ambitious outing yet. Along with our newly pressed CD’s, we also had merchandise for the first time. This led to even more engagements to the point the band was booked solid for the next two years. This relentless schedule, combined with the pressures of full-time jobs and an serious injury to my hand resulted in the splintering of the band.
     But, the urge to continue was too strong, and so Mark, Gary, and John enlisted Tracy Taylor of FEEL! to try and keep going. This line-up would only last a short time before Tracy and John lost interest. Another hiatus ensued, and two years later, original members Keith and I have rejoined the fold only to have to let Keith go due to personal demons.
     The past year and a half has definitely been trying for the band. Core members Mark, Gary, and I, have decided the want to play is bigger than who is in the band. With that in mind, we will continue to play and make music no matter who plays the drums. 
      And so the search for a drummer goes on.... and on.... and on....

-- Randy Nelson --
Bassist, BAD ALLEY