Some back-and-forth banter between the band regarding the so-called “sins of mankind” led to a conversation about legendary women who left their mark on history through less than reputable means which in turn led to a discussion about the legend of Charlotte the Harlot, the most beautiful of whores. Seeking symbolism, the band shortened the name to CHARLOTTE, then barreled ahead full throttle.

After a year or so in Los Angeles, CHARLOTTE began the transition from what had been a glam image to something less interested in fitting into the scene and much more focused on the music. “We transformed pretty quickly,” Eric confirms, “and never really considered ourselves a “hair” or metal band but simply a ROCK band, nothing more nothing less.” Initially, their sound was heavily influenced by the likes of Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, and Ratt but by the beginning of 1990, CHARLOTTE’s music was drawing off more varied influences from Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Aerosmith to The Doors, Howlin’ Wolf and Willie Dixon, providing the blues-drenched hard rock stylings heard on their later material. “We weren’t afraid to go out and play a ten-minute song at a time when three minutes was not only in fashion but almost mandatory.”

CHARLOTTE frequented the stages of iconic venues such as Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy, Troubadour, and FM Station, to name a few.  However, it is The Whisky that holds the strongest memories for Eric, “We played there more often than the rest. We felt at home there. Dark and raw, it has such a great history and it reeked of rock n’ roll. Although we did get banned a couple of times due to drinking, fighting, starting a fire, and a few broken mirrors!” 

However, beyond the fun times and tight brotherhood loomed a band hungry for success, as long as that success came on their own terms. They had edged away from the hot, commercially viable, cinch-to-market glam-rock sound in favor of a style that pulled from a wide range of influences, but that was who they were, and they refused to alter their identity in order to cram themselves into an easy-to-categorize mold.

But no matter what, just like the harlot after which they are named, CHARLOTTE’s legend and legacy continue to live on.

Allen Zentz – BB King, Billy Joel, Creedence Clearwater Revival, KISS, and many more.

Mike Wolf – Britton, Iggy Pop, King Kobra, Paul Simon, and many more.

Track-Listing