In the late 1970s, Southern California’s Inland Empire witnessed the emergence of a punk band called The Stepmothers, paving the way for a compelling and defiant musical journey. Formed in 1978 in Pomona, CA, The Stepmothers, while not centrally located in the punk scene, soon became notable figures in local rock history. The band is credited with coining the term "Inland Empire," which appeared in their 1981 debut album, You Were Never My Age, released by Posh Boy Records.

Among the founding members was Patrick Mullis, an energetic drummer who would later spearhead the formation of Los RUDEBOY. Despite the eventual dissolution of The Stepmothers due to personal conflicts and shifting musical tastes, Patrick's contributions to the band remained significant. As the punk movement began to decline, his connections with bands like Mötley Crüe laid the groundwork for his future projects.

Patrick played a vital role when Mötley Crüe was an opening act for The Stepmothers. His driving sound, complemented by a distinctive custom black Ludwig drum kit featuring rare 26-inch kick drums, made an impression not just on Mötley Crüe but throughout the broader rock landscape. In a notable moment, Tommy Lee borrowed Patrick's drum kit for their performance at the US Festival in Glen Helen Park in 1983. His iconic drums also made appearances in Van Halen and Scorpions videos, facilitated by his friend Todd Trent, a representative from Ludwig.

By 1985, with a sense of disillusionment towards the evolving music scene, Patrick sought to create a new sound that retained the energetic essence of punk while incorporating more accessible, catchy grooves. This vision led to the formation of RUDEBOY, a band recognized for its unique blend of punk, rock, and an edgy attitude.

Patrick envisioned RUDEBOY as a hard-driving rock band infused with raw, trashy elements appealing to a broader audience, including women. The name came to him during a party when a girl, in a tipsy flirtation, referred to him as a "very RUDEBOY," solidifying the concept for his new band.

David Cheek, a seasoned musician who had played with Gazzarri’s headliners Control and briefly with The Stepmothers, joined RUDEBOY shortly thereafter. Patrick and David shared a strong bond, rooted in their mutual admiration for bands like Kiss, Motörhead, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, The Cult, The New York Dolls, and Mötley Crüe. Together, they formed the core of RUDEBOY, with Patrick on drums and David on guitar.

The initial RUDEBOY lineup included Steve Bodie on vocals, followed by Bruce Bryan and then Nicky Licata on bass. After parting ways with Steve, David took over lead vocals and they welcomed Drake Duncan on bass. At just seventeen, Drake, a young punk rocker with a mohawk and a fan of The Stepmothers, brought fresh energy and raw style to the band.

Drake's journey to music was shaped by personal challenges, having grown up in a tumultuous environment. Punk rock provided him with refuge, and RUDEBOY offered him a sense of purpose. His bass lines became the driving force of the band as they performed at iconic venues like The Green Door in Montclair, establishing their reputation.

In June 1987, shortly after Drake joined, he suggested his friend Andy Shaw for rhythm guitar, which enhanced the band's sound. With this addition, RUDEBOY's core lineup began to take shape. The band quickly became a fixture in the L.A. music scene, performing alongside notable acts like EZO and The BulletBoys, and playing at legendary venues such as the Whisky a Go Go, where they performed twenty-six times in 1988 alone.

As they developed their sound, Jesse Scott Davis (formerly David Loren) joined as lead vocalist after a chance encounter with Drake at Montclair Mall. Fresh from touring with the indie-metal band Rox Sedan, Jesse was drawn to RUDEBOY's raw sound. His powerful vocals and stage presence propelled the band to new heights, allowing them to embrace the quintessential 1980s L.A. lifestyle of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, while gaining a following through house parties and club performances.

By 1988, industry insiders began to take notice of the band. Sabrina Frees-Perrin, a photographer for Metal Edge magazine, played a crucial role in helping RUDEBOY secure their first significant break by introducing them to David Wayne, the former lead vocalist of Metal Church, who became their manager. This connection led to high-profile gigs and a recording contract offer from IRS Records (MCA), which the band ultimately declined, believing that better opportunities lay ahead. Unfortunately, no further offers materialized, leading to increased tensions within the group.

In 1990, as grunge began to dominate the music scene, Drake and Andy departed to form Texas Vamps, leaving Jesse and Patrick to continue RUDEBOY. They brought in experienced musicians Marc Danzeisen (rhythm guitar) and Tony De La Rosa (bass) to push the band forward. The new lineup recorded fresh material and sought label interest, but the rise of grunge overshadowed the glam-punk sound RUDEBOY had become known for. A final showcase at the Whisky a Go Go, attended by Gilby Clarke, did not generate the hoped-for momentum, signaling the end of RUDEBOY.

Marc Danzeisen and Tony De La Rosa arrived with rich musical backgrounds, having played with acts such as Gilby Clarke, Riverdogs, and BulletBoys. Marc's extensive experience in the industry and Tony's previous work with bands like Renegade and BulletBoys infused new life into RUDEBOY’s sound. However, the ascent of grunge left little space for the glam-punk rock that defined RUDEBOY.

Despite the eventual disbandment, RUDEBOY remains a cherished memory for its members. Their high-energy shows and captivating sound marked them as part of the last significant wave of L.A.'s rock scene during the 1980s. Patrick's vision of "Hard Fuggen Rock" continues to resonate through the music left behind by RUDEBOY, embodying the heart of punk, the soul of rock, and a distinctive sound that was theirs alone.

Members: - Jesse Dave Loren - Lead Vocals (1988-1990) - David Cheek - Lead Guitar & Vocals (1985-1991) - Andy Shaw - Rhythm Guitar (1987-1990) - Marc Danzeisen - Rhythm Guitar (1990-1991) - Drake Duncan - Bass (1987-1990) - Tony De La Rosa - Bass (1990-1991) - Patrick Mullis - Drums (1985-1991)