The Royal Court Of China

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee ROYAL COURT OF CHINA first appeared with a self-titled debut album through A&M in 1987. The group had 'stolen' the band name (a reference to Chinese opium) from LED ZEPPELIN man JIMMY PAGE after reading a magazine interview with the man. The legendary guitarist claimed that he had wanted to use the moniker for what would turn into THE FIRM but he had been advised not to due to its drug connotations. Indeed, Page later attempted to register the name only to find the Nashville boys had beaten him to it.

Having evolved from a Punk outfit called the ENEMY in 1984, a self-financed EP entitled 'Off The Beat n' Path' was released before the group were signed by A&M.

The aforementioned debut album was by no means a Hard Rock classic, if it could really be considered a Hard Rock record in any case. The line-up that recorded it, comprising vocalist / guitarist Joe Blanton, guitarist Oscar Rice, bassist Robert Logue and drummer Chris Mekow, parted after a short stint touring with REO SPEEDWAGON, with the remaining duo of Joe Blanton and Chris Mekew adding bassist Drew Cornutt and guitarist Josh Weinberg. The latter was quickly replaced by Jeff Mays. Meantime former members Oscar Rice and Robert Logue veered off in a Folk-Rock direction with LOS SHAKERS.

A&M teamed ROYAL COURT OF CHINA with erstwhile MOT?-RHEAD producer Vic Maile to produce the 'Geared And Primed' album, a record that most definately was a Hard Rock album.