Bio

Badwolf - Madison, WI

Melodic, guitar-oriented, hard rock

The Madison, Wisconsin-based quartet Badwolf was formed in 1991 by singer/songwriter/guitarist Charles Thomas. 

After the final lineup solidified with the addition of drummer Rob Jolin, bassist John Richardson, and vocalist Wade Otis, the band quickly gained a following on the Southern Wisconsin music circuit. Badwolf became recognized for their eclectic brand of accessible, melodic, guitar-oriented hard rock. Their second album of original material, Sleeping Dogs Lie, was voted “Best Local Release” by the Wisconsin State Journal’s "Rhythm Section". 

After reunion shows in 2007 and 2008, the individual band members pursued a wide array of diverse musical projects (Lube, Angels & Outlaws, Richardson Acoustic, Pacific Coast Highway) until April of 2023 when Badwolf reunited for a musical celebration of life for Kenny "Gonzo" Keith, the singer for Metal Gonz, Vinyl Thunder, and Predator. 

The group's enduring chemistry led the band to continue rehearsals, and inspired them to write a new album of twelve original songs. The album, “The Dotted Line”, was recorded and mixed at Megatone Studios, and will be released in December 2025. 

Their new music carries on the tradition of the 80's and 90's influences that fueled Badwolf's first two albums of originals, but sprinkles in a wider variety of songwriting styles. Sing-along choruses, lots of harmonies, and big guitar hooks are the hallmarks of songs that are fun and infectious, while covering a wide range of lyrical topics. 

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