BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
The Resurgence of Hard Rock in Late-Century Los Angeles

Chapter 1: Tectonic Shifts in the Los Angeles Rock Scene on the Eve of the Millennium

In 1999, Los Angeles, particularly the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, was facing an unprecedented identity crisis. The frenzy of Hair Metal and Glam Rock that dominated the 1980s had been completely wiped out by the early 1990s grunge movement originating from Seattle. By the turn of the century, Nu-Metal, represented by bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, was packing arena-class venues. Former rock stars had either gone underground or were forced to make drastic changes to their musical direction.

Within this cultural vacuum, a new movement trying to fuse past heritage with modern heaviness was beginning to stir. The epicenter of this movement was BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES was not just a simple "80s revival" act but was designed as an ultra-2000s rock band that hybridized the inorganic beat sequences of industrial rock, classic hard rock riffs, and the raw ferocity of punk.

Chapter 2: The Eve of Formation and Experiments in the "Hellstar" Era (1999-2000)

2.1 Fusion of Different Contexts: The Encounter of Joe Lesté and DJ Ashba

The core of the band consisted of two musicians with completely different career backgrounds.

The first was Joe Lesté. He was widely known as the frontman of Bang Tango, who made their debut in 1989. While Bang Tango achieved fame through their hit "Someone Like You," they were a band that distinguished themselves from typical LA metal by incorporating funk and psychedelic elements, and Joe himself had established a solid reputation as an unconventional, mold-breaking vocalist.

The second was DJ Ashba. Originally from Indiana, he moved to Hollywood at the age of 19 and started his career as a guitarist in the mid-1990s with his own band, "Barracuda." Ashba possessed not only outstanding guitar technique but also a modern sensibility in graphic design and songwriting, harboring the potential to break old rock clichés.

Meeting through a mutual acquaintance in 1999, the two instantly recognized each other's talents. They initially began operations under the project name Hellstar and set to work producing demo tracks. At this early stage, their goal was to fuse a Bang Tango-style groove with modern sonic processing reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails.

2.2 Building the Rhythm Section and Renaming

To formalize their activities as Hellstar, they needed a powerful rhythm section. As a result, the following members were assembled:

• Kenny Kweens: Bass. Formerly a member of Shake The Faith, his tall, slender frame, flashy visual style, and aggressive bass playing perfectly matched the band's concept of a "beautiful beast."
• Anthony Focx: Rhythm Guitar. He initially joined as a session drummer but switched over to guitar. As a multi-instrumentalist who also possessed engineering skills, he played a crucial role in the band's soundmaking.
• Glen Sobel: Drums. Known as a session player with highly advanced technique, he is a powerhouse musician who would later go on to play an active role in Alice Cooper's band.

Shortly after this lineup solidified, a major opportunity came to the band. They were selected as the opening act for the reunion tour of the legendary rock band, KISS. After just a single show, they changed their name to BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. This name symbolized the inherent duality of their music: "beauty (melody)" and "creature/savagery (aggression)."

Chapter 3: Major Debut and the Impact of the Debut Album "BEAUTIFUL CREATURES" (2000-2001)

3.1 Signing with Warner Bros. and the Shadow of the AOL/Time Warner Merger

In late 2000, the band's demo tape and live performances became the talk of the industry, leading to a contract with Warner Bros. Records after a fierce bidding war. At the time, it was exceptional for such a straightforward hard rock band to sign a major deal with a major label, and the label devised a strategy to market BEAUTIFUL CREATURES as the "Guns N' Roses of the 21st Century."

However, this contract was signed at a very delicate time. In 2001, the historic merger between AOL and Time Warner took place, and large-scale restructuring and organization were underway within Warner Music Group. This corporate chaos would cast a dark shadow over the band's subsequent fate.

3.2 Sound Production by Sean Beavan

Sean Beavan was brought on as the producer for the debut album. Beavan, who had served as an engineer and mixer for Marilyn Manson's "Antichrist Superstar" and various Nine Inch Nails works, excelled at the technique of building a "wall of sound."

The industrial metal know-how he introduced defined the sound of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. Heavy compression was applied to the drum sounds, and guitar riffs were constructed like thick walls through dense multi-tracking. As a result, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES' music resonated not as "old-fashioned rock and roll" but as "modern and dangerous hard rock."

3.3 Track Analysis of the Album "BEAUTIFUL CREATURES"

Released on August 14, 2001, the debut album "BEAUTIFUL CREATURES" missed out on an explosive hit on the US Billboard charts, but it instantly gained a cult-like popularity among rock fans.

Track Title	Analysis
1 A.M.	Gracing the album's opening, this track is an anthem depicting the decadence of nighttime Los Angeles. Characterized by its catchy chorus and heavy riffs, it was featured on the soundtracks of the movie "Valentine" and the TV series "Smallville," contributing to raising the band's profile.
Wasted	A track released as a single. Featuring hedonistic lyrics and a chorus with an unforgettable hook, it recorded a minor hit on the rock radio charts.
Ride	A song provided for the soundtrack of the remake version of the movie "Rollerball" (2002). Characterized by its high-velocity riffs, it is a number with high affinity for action cinema.
Wish	A track that retains its heaviness through power chords while maintaining ballad-like aspects. Joe Lesté's vocal expressiveness truly stands out here.
Blacklist	A song where the band's aggressive side comes fully to the forefront. Kenny Kweens' bassline drives the track.

The Japanese edition (Catalog No: WPCR-11095) included additional bonus tracks such as an acoustic version of "1 A.M." and "Get Up," creating a buzz among Japanese hard rock fans as well.

Chapter 4: Participation in Ozzfest and Commercial Struggles (2001-2002)

4.1 Ozzfest 2001: Playing an Away Game

Immediately following the release of their debut album, the band participated in Ozzfest 2001, America's largest metal festival. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES performed on the "Rolling Rock Stage," but the lineup was centered on much heavier and more aggressive bands such as Disturbed, Mudvayne, Slipknot, and Black Sabbath.

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES' "rock and roll" style had the potential to appear foreign to the metal kids of that era. However, Joe Lesté's battle-hardened stage performance and DJ Ashba's flamboyant guitar playing captivated the audience, successfully promoting the resurgence of "party rock."

4.2 Dropped by the Label and the Departure of DJ Ashba

Despite vigorous touring and media exposure, album sales failed to meet the label's expectations (which were often set unrealistically high). Furthermore, amid the chaos accompanying the aforementioned merger of AOL and Time Warner, a situation arose where many rock bands had their contracts terminated. In 2002, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES was also dropped (contract terminated) by Warner Bros.

In the midst of this adversity, DJ Ashba, the musical backbone of the band, announced his departure on February 13, 2002. Officially, Ashba's reasons for leaving were cited as "musical differences" and "focusing on solo projects," but in reality, it is presumed to be driven by anxiety about the future due to losing the label deal and his own greater ambitions (which would lead to his later joining Sixx:A.M. and Guns N' Roses). Drummer Glen Sobel also left the band around the same time.

Chapter 5: The New BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and the Album "Deuce" (2003-2006)

5.1 Fluidity of Members and the Joining of Alex Grossi

Facing a crisis of disbandment due to the departure of core members, Joe Lesté, Kenny Kweens, and Anthony Focx nevertheless chose to keep BEAUTIFUL CREATURES alive. From this point, the band sought reconstruction while undergoing fluid member changes.

Around 2003, Michael Thomas joined as the new lead guitarist, but he departed after a short period to join Steven Adler's band (Adler's Appetite).

Subsequently, the spotlight fell on Alex Grossi, a young guitarist from Connecticut. Grossi possessed a playstyle that was more bluesy and gritty compared to DJ Ashba, guiding the band's sound toward a more "street rock" direction. Matt Starr was also welcomed as the new drummer.

5.2 Production of the Album "Deuce" and Signing with Spitfire Records

The newly reborn band signed with Spitfire Records and entered production for their second album. This album, "Deuce," was produced and mixed by Anthony Focx himself. While this was likely due in part to budget constraints, it was also a decision for the band to regain control over their own sound.

Released on August 23, 2005, "Deuce" saw a step back from the refined industrial sound of their debut, becoming a more raw, live-feeling hard rock album.

5.3 "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Proposal": Success in the Licensing Business

Although "Deuce" did not make waves on the commercial charts, it achieved unexpected success a few years after its release through song placements in visual works (the synchronization rights business).

1. "Anyone" and "Sons of Anarchy": The track "Anyone" was used in Season 1 (2008) of the popular TV drama "Sons of Anarchy." The world of this drama, which depicts a biker gang, matched perfectly with BEAUTIFUL CREATURES' rough rock sound, opening up a new demographic of fans who discovered the band through the show.
2. "Freedom" and "The Proposal": In the 2009 hit movie "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the included track "Freedom" was used in a memorable scene, becoming the band's biggest mainstream exposure.

These successes brought continuous royalty income and visibility even during the periods when the band was inactive, serving as a stepping stone for their later reunion.

Chapter 6: The Era of Dispersal and the Leap Forward of Each Member (2007-2015)

From the late 2000s to the early 2010s, activity as a band stagnated, but former members achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, leading to BEAUTIFUL CREATURES being re-evaluated as a "breeding ground for star players."

6.1 DJ Ashba: Return to Stadium Rock

DJ Ashba's career after his departure was meteoric. He formed Sixx:A.M. alongside Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, racking up hits like "Life Is Beautiful." Furthermore, in 2009, he was tapped as the lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses led by Axl Rose, carrying that heavy responsibility until 2015.

6.2 Alex Grossi: Guardian of Quiet Riot

Alex Grossi was discovered by Kevin DuBrow, the vocalist of the legendary metal band Quiet Riot, and joined the band. Even after DuBrow's passing, he put effort into the band's reunions and continues to remain active as Quiet Riot's flagship guitarist to this day.

6.3 Activities of Other Members

• Glen Sobel: Established his position as one of the industry's top drummers by settling in as the regular drummer for Alice Cooper's band and also serving as tour support for Mötley Crüe.
• Anthony Focx: Further blossomed his talent as an engineer, working on projects for the likes of Buckcherry and Aerosmith.
• Joe Lesté: Continued his activities on the club circuit, including a temporary stint with L.A. Guns and reunion tours with Bang Tango.

Chapter 7: Reunion, Deluxe Edition Release, and Tragedy (2016-2025)

7.1 Reunion at the Monsters of Rock Cruise (2016)

In 2016, at the "Monsters of Rock Cruise," an event where hard rock bands from the 80s and 90s gathered under one roof, Joe Lesté, Kenny Kweens, Alex Grossi, and Anthony Focx held a reunion. After performing together on stage, they agreed to resume activities as "BEAUTIFUL CREATURES."

7.2 "Deuce Deluxe Edition" and the Liberation of Archives (2017)

In March 2017, their second album "Deuce," which had long been practically out of print, was re-released as "Deuce Deluxe Edition," remastered with additional bonus tracks. This edition also included the new song "Get You High," demonstrating that they were an ongoing rock band. Thanks to a remix by Anthony Focx, it was reborn with an even more dynamic sonic landscape than the original version.

7.3 Joe Lesté's Stroke and Battle with Illness (2023-2025)

While the band's activities continued intermittently, shocking news struck fans and the music scene on August 10, 2023. Frontman Joe Lesté (58 years old) had collapsed from a stroke.

He had suffered from hypertension for many years and was taking blood pressure medication, but a stroke occurred when the medication failed to work. He was hospitalized for five days in the cardiac ward of HonorHealth Deer Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, before being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. His wife, Jessica McElyea-LeSte, launched a GoFundMe campaign to call for financial assistance with medical expenses.

According to information spanning 2024 to 2025, Joe Lesté is continuing hard with his rehabilitation. He has sent out a powerful message saying, "Don't count me out," but full-scale touring and recording new material as a band remain in an indefinite inactive state to wait for his recovery until he is fully capable of standing on stage. Members like Alex Grossi and Anthony Focx continue their activities in their respective projects while supporting him.

Chapter 8: Discography

Although the recordings left behind by BEAUTIFUL CREATURES are few in number, each one represents important material documenting the transitions of 2000s rock.

8.1 Studio Albums

1. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

• Released: August 14, 2001
• Label: Warner Bros. Records
• Catalog Number (Japan): WPCR-11095
• Produced by: Sean Beavan

No.	Track Title (English)	Notes
1	1 A.M.	Featured in the movie "Valentine" and TV show "Smallville"
2	Wasted	Lead Single
3	Step Back
4	Ride	Featured in the movie "Rollerball"
5	Wish
6	Kick Out
7	Blacklist
8	Kickin' For Days
9	Time And Time Again
10	Goin' Off
11	New Orleans
12	I Got It All	Included in some versions such as the Japanese edition
13*	1 A.M. (Acoustic)	Japanese edition bonus track
14*	Get Up	Japanese edition bonus track

2. Deuce

• Released: August 23, 2005
• Label: Spitfire Records / JVC (Japan)
• Produced by: Anthony Focx

No.	Track Title (English)	Notes
1	Anyone	Featured in TV show "Sons of Anarchy"
2	Freedom	Featured in the movie "The Proposal"
3	Unforgiven
4	Save Me
5	Superfly
6	Empty
7	Never
8	Straight To Hell
9	The Unknown	Instrumental
10	Ton Of Lead
11	Brand New Day
12	Thanks
13	I Won't Be The One
Bonus	Star Cross	Japanese edition bonus track
Bonus	I Still Miss You	Japanese edition bonus track
Deluxe	Get You High	2017 Deluxe Edition new track

8.2 Soundtracks

The following list demonstrates how much the music of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES was embraced by visual works.

Year	Movie/TV Title	Track	Context
2001	Valentine	1 A.M.	Used in the slasher film
2001	Smallville	1 A.M.	Season 1, Episode 13 "Kinetic"
2002	Rollerball	Ride	Remake version of the sci-fi action movie
2008	Sons of Anarchy	Anyone	Representative biker gang drama series
2009	The Proposal	Freedom	US No. 1 hit romantic comedy movie

Chapter 9: Detailed Biographies

Current/Recent Lineup

Joe Lesté

・Role: Lead Vocals

・Details: Born in the 1960s. Rose to prominence in the late 1980s LA scene as the frontman for Bang Tango. Characterized by a husky, bluesy vocal quality and stage antics reminiscent of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Currently recuperating following a stroke in 2023.

Anthony Focx

・Role: Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals

・Details: Initially started his career as a drummer but switched over to guitar in BC. Notably talented as an engineer, he is also known as a top-tier engineer who handles mixing and mastering for works by Daughtry, Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Night Ranger, and more, in addition to BC's own catalog.

Kenny Kweens

・Role: Bass

Details: A bassist with an impressive visual presence, characterized by his tall frame and extensive tattoos. Outside of BC, he was also active as a member of L.A. Guns at one point, making him one of the prominent figures in the LA hard rock scene.

Alex Grossi

・Role: Lead Guitar

・Details: Born on November 22, 1976, from Connecticut. Moved to LA after performing in Boston (Angry Salad). His work with BC was highly acclaimed, leading to his participation in Quiet Riot. He is also active in the band "Hookers & Blow" with Dizzy Reed (Guns N' Roses). Known as an extremely prolific and industrious guitarist.

Timmy Russell

・Role: Drums

・Details: Drummer from the "Deuce" era onward. Having also worked alongside Joe Lesté in Bang Tango, their chemistry as a rhythm section is rock solid.

Former Members

DJ Ashba

・Role: Lead Guitar (1999-2002)

・Details: Following his departure from BC and a collaboration with Nikki Sixx, he joined Guns N' Roses (2009-2015). Currently, under the moniker "ASHBA," he runs an experimental project blending EDM with guitar rock.

Glen Sobel

・Role: Drums (1999-2003)

・Details: After departing BC, he played alongside the likes of Orianthi, Richie Sambora, and Alice Cooper as a session drummer. His precision drumming is highly acclaimed as a "drummer's drummer."

Michael Thomas

・Role: Lead Guitar (2002-2003, 2005, etc.)

・Details: Though his tenure was brief, he is a talented musician who subsequently moved through bands such as Steven Adler's and Faster Pussycat.

Chapter 10: The Historical Significance of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

The story of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES is a microcosm of the early 2000s, an era when the rock music industry underwent cataclysmic changes. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES emerged championing the "resurgence of rock and roll" at a time when Hair Metal had died out and Nu-Metal was on the rise. Despite receiving backing from a giant capital source like Warner Bros., they suffered the misfortune of having the rug pulled out from under them due to the force majeure of a corporate merger.

However, the music left behind by BEAUTIFUL CREATURES holds value far beyond commercial figures. First, the sound of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES served as an incubator for sending the rare talent of DJ Ashba out into the world. Second, as seen in the song placements in "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Proposal," the universal catchiness and energy of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES' music continued to be sought after by the media across eras.

And while they currently face the hardship of leader Joe Lesté's battle with illness, as long as members like Alex Grossi and Anthony Focx continue to thrive in their respective places, the DNA of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES lives on in the rock scene. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES can truly be called genuine survivors who, without drifting along with trends, held fast to the "beautiful rock" they believed in.