BIOGRAPHY – Shotgun Messiah

Although the glam metal scene during the late 1980s would often be associated with Californian groups such as Mötley Crüe and Ratt there were several hailing from Europe that would also enjoyed various levels of success in both Britain and America. Hanoi Rocks had first formed in Finland in the late 1970s, Bonfire had originated from Germany, whilst both Europe and Shotgun Messiah had developed a following in their native Sweden before trying for international success. The latter, a fusion of glam, funk and rap, were formed in 1985 under the name Kingpin by Bo Stagman (under the stage name Zinny J. Zan), guitarist Harry K. Cody, bassist Tim TIm (born Tim Sköld) and drummer Pekka “Stixx” Ollinen.

It would be under this moniker that the band would record their debut album, Welcome to Bop City, which was released by CMM in 1988. The album would feature several tracks that the group would become known for earlier in their career, such as Don’t Care ‘Bout Nothin and Shout It Out. After relocating to Los Angeles soon afterwards the band changed their name to Shotgun Messiah and commenced work on their first mainstream album, re-recording tracks from their previous release for Relativity Records. The album, which featured a large stencil of the band’s logo, became a success amongst the glam crowd and Shout It Out would receive regular airplay on music channels.

After the group’s initial breakthrough Zan left due to personal differences and returned to Stockholm, prompting Tim Tim to become the lead singer. Shotgun Messiah returned the following year with a new album, Second Coming, which spawned the modestly successful single Heartbreak Blvd, released through Combat Records. After releasing the five-track EP I Want More in 1992 Shotgun Messiah commenced work on their final album, Violent New Breed. A departure from their earlier glam sound and further towards industrial, which had begun to gain popularity with the likes of Ministry and Nine Inch Nails, but poor sales and creative conflicts would prompt the band to split soon afterwards. Tim Tim would later find success under his real name with such groups as KMFDM and Marilyn Manson.