James Christian

Actor

Born: September 21, 1953 (age 73) · Connecticut, US

James Christian is an American musician and songwriter who is perhaps best known for being the frontman of the band House of Lords. He is married to singer Robin Beck, with whom he has a daughter, Olivia.

Christian began his musical career in the early 1970s, playing for various bands in the Connecticut club circuit, until being recruited by Jasper Wrath. By 1977, they released two albums for MGM Records before disbanding. Christian and some of his bandmates from Jasper Wrath then formed the band Eyes. In 1978, Eyes release the album, We're In It Together, which spawned a single he penned called "Candle in the Window." The single was so successful that he was invited by composer Judithe Randall to come to Los Angeles. After meeting Paul McCartney and Wings guitarist Laurence Juber among others, Christian decided to stay in California.

In 1987, he auditioned to join Quiet Riot after Kevin DuBrow left, but lost the position to Paul Shortino. He eventually joined the band LA Rocks. When their bassist left and was replaced by Chuck Wright, Wright introduced Christian to Gregg Giuffria. After a meeting with Gene Simmons, Christian replaced David Glen Eisley and the new group called House of Lords were born from the ashes of Giuffria.

In 1993, House of Lords disbanded after three albums and Christian received an offer to join Manic Eden, but turned it down. After singing on Pata's self-titled album, he joined Tommy Aldridge and Tim Bogert on a November 1993 tour of Japan backing the guitarist. Christian's solo album, Rude Awakening, was released in 1995. After touring in support of the album, Christian went on a hiatus.

In 2004, Christian returned to music, balancing his solo career and House of Lords.