House of Lords was formed in 1987 by former Angel member and keyboardist Gregg Giuffria following his solo project Giuffria. After listening to demos – originally intended for Giuffria’s third record – a record deal with Gene Simmons company Simmons Records was agreed upon, on two conditions: to change the band’s name (to House of Lords) and to recruit a new lead singer (firing David Glen Eisley in the process). James Christian replaced Eisley. Christian was suggested by ex-Giuffria and Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, after having worked together in L.A. Rocks.

House of Lords’ eponymous debut was released in 1988, featuring a heavier sound than Giuffria’s and less prominent keyboards. The album received critical acclaim, andthe band toured with Cheap Trick, Ozzy Osbourne and the Scorpions in 1989.The album featured one hit, “I Wanna Be Loved” (Hot 100 No. 58).

Their next effort was the 1990s Sahara, and featured a list of guest musicians. Other notable contributions to the album came from Doug Aldrich, Rick Nielsen, Chris Impellitteri, Mandy Meyer, David Glen Eisley, Robin Zander, Mike Tramp, Steve Plunkett and Ron Keel. Deliberately more guitar-oriented than the debut, the album hit No. 120 on the charts and in the wake of the successful single “Can’t Find My Way Home” (a Blind Faith cover). The single and video also did well on AOR peaking at No. 10. The second single “Remember My Name” was a bigger hit hitting No. 72 on the Hot 100 and a Top 5 regular on DIAL MTV.

Promoting Sahara, House of Lords toured with Nelson, did a short tour with 38 Special, and a final show with Warrant and Tesla at the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood. Christian cites this as one of his favorite shows with House of Lords.

For 1992’s release Demons Down, House of Lords had left BMG. Christian says of Demon’s Down: “This album turned out fabulous. We had a great budget and turned in a beautifully crafted album with great songs, no fillers. I was totally happy with the record and hoped we could really take this album right to the top of the charts. Alongside Christian and Giuffria, line-up changes for Demons Down consisted of a new drummer Tommy Aldridge, a new bass player in Sean McNabb (ex Quiet Riot), and a new guitar player in Dennis Chick. The album spawned two singles, the title track and the ballad “What’s Forever For”.