Canadian band that mixed great musicianship with the dark underbelly of punk rock, L.A. sleaze/glam metal and blues-based rock 'n' roll.
Smash L.A. was one of the late, great, disasterous bands of the early '90s that spawned a whole new generation of young bands that would mix punk, glam metal, and blues-based rock 'n' roll into an exciting new sound. Smash was known for their always unpredictable live performances with Johnny Harley, one of the greatest showmen in rock leading the way. Smash L.A. mixed great musicianship with the dark underbelly of punk rock and L.A. sleaze / glam metal. Touring bands such as The Cult and Faster Pussycat would often make their way up on stage to jam with Smash late into the night. With Smash L.A., the unexpected was always expected. Drummer Dan Porterfield's birthday bash at Club Soda in Vancouver found exotic dancers and copious amounts of liquor on stage; and an audience filled with Aerosmith's crew, Geffen recording reps, Jimmy Page, and the London Quireboys. Canadian rock magazines predicted Smash L.A. to be the next saviours of real rock 'n' roll. And the band came close to fulfilling these expectations. Producer Bob Rock became a fan in the early '90s after Smash played his raucous bachelor party. But while Rock and others in the industry were assisting the band in attaining a record deal in the United States, Smash was quickly burning up and fell apart before they could realize their full potential. The band released one independent album in 1990; 3 MuchMusic videos; and several demos before their demise. This site is for all of the fans around the world who followed Smash L.A. many years ago; and still remember going into a club on any given night, and seeing one of the most powerful and unpredictable rock 'n' roll bands alive. Credit Last FM
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