Although Bitch never became well known or headlined any arenas, the Los Angeles-based heavy metal quartet enjoyed a small cult following that loved its amusing odes to bondage and S&M. Bitch's main attraction was lead singer Betsy Bitch, who portrayed a dominatrix from hell and sang about the pleasures of whips, chains, handcuffs, gags and other toys. The whole thing was very humorous and tongue-in-cheek, but critics of the controversial band (which ranged from liberal feminists on the left to Christian fundamentalists on the right) failed to see the humor of titles like "Live For The Whip" and "Be My Slave." Originally from New Jersey, Betsy spent much of her adult life in L.A. and was in her 20s when Bitch was formed in 1981. The following year, Bitch singed with Metal Blade and recorded its debut EP, Damnation Alley, followed by Be My Slave (its first full-length LP) in 1983. It wasn't until 1987 that Bitch recorded its next album, The Bitch Is Back, and by that time, Bitch (which also included guitarist David Carruth, bassist Ron Cordy and drummer Robby Settles) had toned down its bondage/S&M references. In 1988, Bitch decided to shift gears in the hope of increasing its sales. Changing its name to Betsy and going for a more commercial hard rock (or pop-metal) approach along the lines of Pat Benatar, the band altered its kinky image and recorded the self-titled Betsy that year. But despite having some catchy material, the album wasn't a huge seller--and the band's small following missed the old image. Changing its name back to the Bitch in the late 1980s, the L.A. residents returned to a blistering metal attack and recorded A Rose By Any Other Name in 1989 and Bitch in 1991. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide