Vixen: The RISE & DRAMATIC FALL Of The Band

The early history of the band Vixen.

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I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.

The rock scene of the 80’s was dominated by male musicians with big hair, but there was one band who emerged from the scene who was an all girl group who nabbed a major recording contract and had da good deal of succes, despite all the obstacles they faced. . I’m talking about the group Vixen whose career peaked in the late 80’s and early 90’s thanks to their glossy image and power ballads. Today let’s talk about the early career of vixen.
Vixen’s history begins in Minnesota in the 1970’s when guitarist Jan Koo-na-mind (keenamin) who according to the band’s own press release, was more into guitar than dolls, starting her first band in junior high with her best friend in St. Paul.. According to her own hometown paper She would later start a band named Vixen around 1973 gigging at Twin Cities establishments like the Cabooze, Duffy’s Bar, the Union and others Originally it was just the two of them playing guitar and singing, but they wanted to expand to a full band and had aspirations of hitting it big. They would find several other musicians in Minnesota and move out to Los Angeles around 1981 since there was a huge scene there and record labels were there as well. But LA was competitive and there were only so many gigs to be had - so it wasn’t uncommon for bands having to pay to play. So it was no surprise, that one by one the band's members left leaving Jan as the only remaining member. Initially she didn’t think about how some people would think it was weird for an all girl group to play rock music telling the record newspaper “it was just the kind of music that was in my blood” citing led zeppelin as one of her biggest influences adding. “Only after we started playing, and everyone kept telling us how weird it was, did we realize we were unique.”
Jan would end up first recruiting vocalist Janet Gardner. Gardner first started singing in bands in high school in montana. Gardner who moved to LA around 1984 was playing in several bands at the time including a cover band who played a show one night somewhere in the san fernando valley. Gardner recalled in the book nothing but a good time. On one of our breaks, some girl comes up to me and goes, “I know this band that’s looking for a singer that you would be perfect for. I know the manager. I’m gonna have him call you.” I’m like, “Wow. They have a manager. That’s pretty impressive!” The next night the woman returned and brought the band with Janet adding I was expecting long-haired, guy-looking people.She came up to me and he goes, “I brought the band.” I was like, “Really? I didn’t see anybody.” She goes, “Yeah, they’re right over there.” It was [Vixen guitarist] Jan Kuehnemund and a bunch of girls. I was like, “Oh … it’s a girl band.” She goes, “Yeah, but you have to keep an open mind.” I said, “Well, of course, but I don’t want to be in the Go-Go’s.”
Koonamind and Gardner along with three temporary members at the time would appear in the 1984 film Hardbddies performing as a band using the monicker diaper rash.
They would end up writing six songs for the film, which was more songs than they wrote for their debut record. The appearance led to a segment on the show entertainment tonight, an opening slot for night ranger, a tour of military bases in guam, japan and korea and an appearance on the show cagney and lacey, but they still couldn’t get a recording deal. That wouldn’t happen for another several years. They would go through some more lineup changes with the band literally having a revolving door of members with the exception of Keunhamind and Gardner,. before cementing their classic lineup in 1986.
It was in 1981 drummer Roxxi Petrucci and her sister started a band called Maadam X in Detroit. The sisters were first enthralled by hard rock and metal thanks to their older brother who brought home led zeppeli nand black sabbath records in addition to another band Petrucci highlighted, the band Fanny which was an all girls group. Fun Fact: Sebastian Bach would end up fronting Maadam X for a period of time. Roxxi was A former classical clarinetist before picking up the drums. She was soon splitting her time between symphony halls in the morning and afternoon and rock clubs in the night throwing on her leather clothes and

[rnrtruestories]

Throw your suggestions for future topics here.

[alexdeleon]

Thank you for this necessary tribute. Vixen was, and still are fully qualified musicians. Their place in history must be recognized by this new generation.

[raythackston]

Everybody that ran into anyone related to Sharron Osbourn would get screwed over.

[gatekeeperboxing]

Love Vixen so much, their first two albums are among my favourites to this day.

[aaroncostello]

"Love Made Me" has been one of my favorite songs since it came out and I still play "How Much Love?" sometimes. 😁

[alhollywood]

The Bands Reunited episode is a good one too.

[jamestapscott]

I saw Vixen, Winger, and KISS on the Hot In The Shade tour. It was a great show, and all three bands hit on all 8 cylinders.

[kenterminateddq]

I wondered why Vixen didn't get a second mainstream hit.
They weren't as edgy as L7 or loose like The Runaways but Vixen was a pretty talented all-female rock band.

[jeffreyknight]

I don't give a sh*t what the male bands and people would say about vixen. This all female band was kicking a$$. Screw what people say, rest in peace Jan. You started this awesome band. All of you were hot looking.

[wendyhamm]

I loved Vixen! Too bad Jan passed away. It is just not the same without her. They are still touring but nothing like in the past. 😢

[stevebondeson]

I've seen them live 2 times in the last 2 years . I also got to meet them when my friends band opened for them . They still put on a great show and are very nice .

[SharonFehr-ov]

Love Vixen! Female Rock Bands definitely should be recognized!!!

[vintagetubeamplifiers]

I've had a crush on Roxy for almost 40 years.

[malcolmbliss]

BTW: I met Share and her hubby, Bam. She’s awesome. Signed my cd’s & everything. Then sat us down right in front for the show.

[sfallico]

They seem to be out and about on the touring circuit today and have kind of a cool older rocker vibe to them. Like not embarrassing or having let themselves go …. Good for them ! I loved the first album good memories !

[Lnps]

Jan was one of the best female guitarist of all time. R.I.P.

[Easttndude]

Very interesting. I wasn't sure what happened to the band until watching this.

[gregdrmax]

I played in a band Rok Kandi...NE Iowa in the early 80's. We were playing at Lakeside Ballroom Guttenberg IA. Vixen was coming through the area during a big snow storm. I am not entirely sure how it was set up. Either they were going to perform there, and we opened...or they contacted the ballroom possibly looking for cover from the storm. Do not know. We ended up opening up for them. Many moons ago, but remember it quiet well. Rockin ballroom right on the mississippi river.

[dragracer]

8:28 I would hardly call "Edge Of Broken Heart" a ballad!

[MrKingsley]

Vixen opened for Eddie Money at the Masonic Auditorium, in Detroit 1988. They were amazing, the songs and energy had the place all-out rockin'. Great band!!!