Znowhite (or Znöwhite) was an American Thrash metal/speed metal band that has been credited for helping to pioneer thrash metal in Chicago.[Christe (2003), p. 206, " Two black musicians from Chicago helped found that city's thrash metal scene: towering seven-foot guitarist Ian Tafoya of Znowhite, and denim-bedecked bassist Calvin Humphrey of Zoetrope."]
History
Formation
In 1982, the heavy metal band Znowhite was founded by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya and drummer Sparks Tafoya (real names Greg Fulton and Tony Heath), along with cousin Nicky Tafoya (real name Curtis Fulton) on bass.
Nicole Lee (real name Sue Sharp) joined the group soon after as lead vocalist. The band originally performed under the title
Snowhite, but later replaced the S with a Z. They independently released their three-song
flexi disc which featured the song "Hellbent". This caught the attention of Metal Blade Records founder
Brian Slagel. On the strength of the recording Znowhite landed a spot on volume three of the
Metal Massacre compilation, which helped give them some exposure.
Lineup changes and disbandment
After Znowhite's initial success, Nicole, Ian, and Sparks decided to replace then bassist Amp Dawg. In 1985, Scott Schafer joined Znowhite taking over the bass duties. Four years of touring in America and Canada produced the independently released live album
Live Suicide. Back in their hometown of Chicago the band started work on what would be the last Znowhite release,
Act of God. Toward the end of the recording sessions Nicole Lee made the decision to leave Znowhite.
Act of God was released in 1988 through Roadrunner Records.
An extensive American tour followed the album's release and featured Sentinel Beast vocalist Debbie Gunn (real name Debbie Gunderson) and drummer John Slattery - formerly of the band Tools Of Ignorance. Gunn left after the tours, while Fulton, Schafer, and Slattery went on to form
Cyclone Temple.
When Cyclone Temple disbanded Fulton, Schafer, and Fulton's brother, former Znowhite drummer Tony Heath, formed a new group named Rebels Without Applause.
Gunn went on to sing for the group Ice Age
and, later, to reform Sentinel Beast.
Band members
Last known lineup
-
Greg Fulton (aka "Ian Tafoya") – guitars (1982–1989)
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Scott Schafer – bass (1985–1989), drums (1987–1988)
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John Slattery – drums (1988–1989)
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Brian Troch – vocals (1989)
Former members
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Curtis Fulton (aka "Nicky Tafoya") – bass (1982–1983)
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Tony Heath (aka "Sparks Tafoya") – drums (1982–1986)
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Sue Sharp (aka "Nicole Lee") – vocals (1982–1988)
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Amp Dawg – bass (1984)
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Alex Olvera – bass (1987)
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Debbie Gunderson (aka "Debbie Gunn") – vocals (1988–1989)
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
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All Hail to Thee (EP, 1984)
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Kick 'Em When They're Down (EP, 1985)
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Act of God (1988)
Live albums
Compilation albums
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ZnöWhite (1998)
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ZnöWhite (2007 re-issue with albums All Hail to Thee + Kick 'Em When They're Down + Live Suicide)
Singles
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Live for the Weekend (1983)
Other appearances
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"Hell Bent" on Metal Massacre III (1983)
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"Baptized by Fire" on Stars on Thrash (1988)
Sources
-
Ian Christe (2003). Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal. HarperCollins.
