No Sugar was formed in 1981 when bassist Timmy Hagman and drummer Craig Ross left their group Suite 222 to begin writing and performing original material. Craig eventually tracked down vocalist JoJo-Anthony who he knew via the local club circuit and he agreed to join on the strength of the duo’s original compositions. After a few rather unpleasant gigs, they decided to replace their guitarist and soon Danny Baca joined the fold. No Sugar immediately decided that a change of direction was called for. The group entered Casbah Recording Studios in Fullerton to cut their first demo tape. Upon request by the studios’ owner Jon St. James, the boys decided to press a single (remember vinyl?). The white vinyl single, "No Sugar Tonight b/w "Little Bit of Lovin’" began to receive airplay on several local college radio stations and KLOS in Los Angeles. This was beneficial in helping the group develop a strong local following. Ironically, Danny became unhappy with the group’s musical direction and decided to leave. He was soon replaced by guitarist Alan "Ace" Alves.
Next on the agenda was Hollywood. The boys played several gigs at the Troubadour and Whiskey on the same bill as Stormer, Ratt, Great White, Poison, W.A.S.P. and Black n’ Blue. Like Danny, just as things were progressing, Craig decided to exit from the band. No Sugar continued to play gigs with various drummers until finally deciding on Tony Snow, who claimed to be a big fan of the band. One of Tony’s first shows was when the group opened for legendary rockers Nazareth.
No Sugar continued on for a couple of years but unfortunately Timmy left in 1985 and Tony eventually followed. Bassist Tommy Rojo and Las Vegas drummer Anthony White filled the vacant slots until the band finally decided to call it quits in early 1986. "It was great run," says Alan. "JoJo and I continued on with two great and talented guys, but we never really managed to capture the vibe of those early days."
Starting in March of 2008 Tony, Alan and Timmy will begin the recording of the long awaited No Sugar CD. JoJo will not be involved in the project.
No Sugar would like to pay tribute to all the members of the road crew: Led, Big Joe, Merch, Snake, Swammy, Pony, Henry, Johnny and Mijo. And of course...the FANZ! We never could have done this without you!
Here’s some footage from the reunion show. Check it out!
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