Babylon A.D. faced a pivotal moment in their career in 1993 when Arista Records abruptly withdrew tour support and subsequently dropped the band following the release of their second album, “Nothing Sacred”. At that time, the band’s lineup included frontman Derek Davis, guitarists Ron Freschi and Danny De La Rosa, bassist Robb Reid, and drummer Jamey Pacheco.
The band found themselves on the road touring the U.S. to promote their latest record when they were informed that “Psychedelic Sex Reaction” was the track expected to propel them to greater success, despite the band’s personal dislike for the song. Nevertheless, they were pressured to record it to ensure the album’s release, although they vowed never to perform it live.
Despite releasing two singles from “Nothing Sacred” with limited radio success, Babylon A.D. faced a critical juncture when “Psychedelic Sex Reaction” was earmarked as their breakthrough single. The band, steadfast in their decision, chose not to play the song during a pivotal performance in Chicago, defying Arista Records’ expectations and sparking tension with their manager.
Following this incident, Arista Records withdrew tour support, forcing the band to complete their tour in a less lavish RV. Ultimately, the band was officially dropped by the record label in 1993, a year that saw many hard rock acts sidelined by shifting industry trends influenced by the rise of grunge music and the decline of the “hair metal” era.
Returning to their roots in the San Francisco Bay Area, the band members pursued diverse paths but remained connected by their shared passion for music. In 1999, they established Apocalypse Records and released a live compilation album, followed by two more studio albums in the early 2000s.
Despite the challenges of evolving music landscapes, Babylon A.D. persevered, celebrating their 25th anniversary with a live album in 2015 and signing with Frontiers SLR Records in 2017 to release their fourth studio album. The band continued to tour and release new material, culminating in the imminent launch of their sixth studio album, “When The World Stops”, scheduled for release in 2025.
Reflecting on their journey through the highs and lows of the music industry, Babylon A.D. remains resolute in their commitment to rock music, poised to embark on a new chapter of live performances and creative endeavors, embodying the enduring spirit of a band that defied expectations and stayed true to their artistic vision.
📰 Related Articles
- Jerry Cantrell: Resilience and Creativity in Music Industry
- Western Australia Boosts Music Industry with $2.75M Support Package
- Victorian Government Boosts Music Industry with $3 Million Injection
- UK Music Industry Soars with Record-breaking £10 Billion Boost
- UK Government Boosts Music Industry with £30 Million Investment