Rough Cutt

Hailing from the Sunset Strip’s hair metal days, Rough Cutt has gained a faithful audience worldwide and is excited to announce the release of their new video and single, Black Rose! It brings forth a new sound with reminiscent elements of their first two Warner Bros albums, and a new lineup with pioneers Chris “The Count” Hager on guitars and Dave Alford on drums. New guitarist and Shrapnel Records recording artist Darren Householder who also plays with Love/Hate joins the ranks along with Oregon native and Pacific Northwest musician Jeff Buehner on bass guitar who is also lead vocalist for The Loyal Order. Filling the shoes of the singer was no easy task, and required a dynamic talent and presence. Rough Cutt is happy to introduce new singer and Sunset Strip veteran Steven St. James! Steven fronted the prominent LA band “Sarge” in the 80’s and soon became a Motown recording artist. His soaring range and melodic sense will usher you in to a new sound, new songs, and yes, the new Rough Cutt.

Rough Cutt's former singer Paul Shortino, who for a while replaced singer Kevin DuBrow in Quiet Riot. Paul Shortino's former Quiet Riot bandmate Sean McNabb has also played for Rough Cutt.

Rough Cutt also once had as a member Jake E. Lee, who later became famous for playing guitar for Ozzy Osbourne, and had previously played in an early version of Ratt. Ronnie James Dio produced two early Rough Cutt demos that Jake E. Lee played on, "Used And Abused" and "A Little Kindness". Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy Dio was once Rough Cutt's manager. Ronnie James Dio co-wrote the song "Take Her" and Wendy Dio co-wrote the songs "Dreamin' Again" and "Black Widow" on the first Rough Cutt album. Ronnie James Dio wanted Jake E. Lee to join his band Dio, but this ended up not working out and Jake joined Ozzy Osbourne's band soon after.

Guitarist Craig Goldy and keyboardist Claude Schnell, both later of the band Dio, were also early Rough Cutt members. Amir Derakh of the band Orgy and Julien-K was also a member. Other members have included, bassists Matt Thorr and Joey Christofanilli, and drummer Dave Alford and guitarist Chris Hager, who were all in early versions of Ratt.

Paul Shortino also sang for a band called The Cutt that some people may argue is a distinct band from Rough Cutt.

Amir Derakh, Matt Thorr, and Dave Alford were also in the band Jailhouse.