W.A.S.P. is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1982 by Blackie Lawless, Randy Piper, Rik Fox, and Tony Richards, following the breakup of Circus Circus. Early lineup changes included Fox's departure, replaced briefly by others, before Lawless switched to bass and Chris Holmes joined on lead guitar for their debut album, W.A.S.P., released in 1984 on Capitol Records. The album featured controversial tracks like 'Animal (Fuck Like a Beast),' omitted from the U.S. version to avoid retail bans. The band developed a shock rock style with provocative lyrics and imagery, drawing attention from the PMRC in the 1980s. They toured with acts including Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. W.A.S.P. remains active, known for live performances involving raw meat thrown to audiences and models on torture racks.