hair story
Autograph are an American hard rock and hair metal band that formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983. The group was founded by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Steve Plunkett, lead guitarist Steve Lynch, bassist Randy Rand, keyboardist Steven Isham, and drummer Keni Richards. They quickly developed a reputation for combining catchy melodies, energetic guitar riffs, keyboard-driven arrangements, and the arena-ready sound that defined the 1980s glam metal scene. Their big break came when they were invited to tour with Van Halen, helping them attract the attention of RCA Records. Autograph released their debut album, Sign In Please, in 1984, which eventually achieved gold certification in the United States. The album’s biggest hit, “Turn Up the Radio,” became a staple of classic rock radio and reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. The song’s infectious chorus and memorable guitar solo helped make it one of the defining anthems of ’80s hair metal. Autograph followed up with That’s the Stuff in 1985, featuring “Blondes in Black Cars” and the title track, before releasing Loud and Clear in 1987. Although the later albums failed to match the success of their debut, Autograph remained a popular live act and toured with major rock bands, including Mötley Crüe and Heart.
Autograph disbanded in 1989 after parting ways with RCA Records, but the band’s music continued to attract fans of classic melodic hard rock. Several members pursued other musical projects before a new version of Autograph reunited in 2013, featuring original bassist Randy Rand and guitarist Steve Lynch alongside vocalist Simon Daniels and other new members. This lineup released the EP Louder in 2016 and the studio album Get Off Your Ass in 2017, demonstrating that the band could still deliver energetic, guitar-driven rock decades after its commercial peak. Steve Plunkett remains closely associated with the band’s original sound as its founding vocalist and songwriter, while Steve Lynch became known for his distinctive two-handed tapping guitar technique. Randy Rand provided the original lineup’s bass and backing vocals until his death in 2022, while keyboardist Steven Isham and drummer Keni Richards were also important contributors to the band’s classic-era sound; both have since passed away. The later lineup underwent further changes, and the band has not maintained a consistent high-profile touring schedule in recent years. Autograph’s current activity is limited compared with its 1980s heyday, and the original lineup has not reunited as a full band. Nevertheless, the group remains a favorite among hair metal enthusiasts, with “Turn Up the Radio” continuing to receive classic rock airplay and representing the enduring appeal of the era’s melodic, feel-good hard rock.
hair photos
hair band members
Steve Plunkett, lead vocals / rhythm guitar
Steve Lynch, lead guitar
Randy Rand, bass
Steven Isham, keyboards
Keni Richards, drums
hair albums
Sign In Please (1984)
That’s the Stuff (1985)
Loud And Clear (1987)
post-hair albums
Missing Pieces (1997)
Buzz (2003)
The Anthology (2011)
Louder (2016)
Get Off Your Ass (2017)