Forbidden

Thrash Metal from San Francisco California

↓ View Profile

Bio

Events (2)

Photos (0)

Videos (0)

Albums (0)

Roster (10)

Articles (0)

other sites: myspace | wikipedia | last | ilike

Get In Touch

Submit info on this profile to admins

About

Forbidden

Label: Nuclear Blast

FORBIDDEN was part of San Francisco’s “Thrash Metal,” movement innovated in the Bay Area, where legendary bands such as Metallica, Exodus, Testament, Death Angel, and FORBIDDEN changed the style of Metal music, making the San Francisco Bay Area synonymous with the word “Thrash.”

In the last several years, the band has seen something of a worldwide resurgence with a whole new generation of inspiring musicians and some of rock and metal’s most relevant bands specifically sighting “FORBIDDEN,” as a direct influence to their music. This new generation, along with the tens of thousands of die hard fans has been turning up at their shows, inundating their my-space site, and demanding new material from Forbidden. The band could no longer ignore their fans and in the summer of 2008, and 2009, they decided to do several dozen reunion shows marking appearances on some of Europe’s biggest Rock Festivals and several special club dates throughout Europe, Japan, and North America.

Originally, formed as “Forbidden Evil” in 1985, and shortly thereafter solidified the lineup of Russ Anderson (Vocals), Rob Flynn (guitar), Craig Locicero (guitar), Paul Bostaph (drums), and Matt Camacho (Bass). P...rior to Forbidden Evil signing its first recording contract, Robb Flynn departed and was replaced by Glenn Avelias, and within several years Robb would move onto front one of Metals biggest bands “Machine Head.”

By 1987, Forbidden Evil had established themselves as one of the best live Thrash acts, headlining and selling out local nightclubs while securing the support slots for bands such as Slayer, Megadeth, and Exodus. Several recording offers followed resulting in the band finalizing a deal with Combat/Relativity. It was at this time the decision was made to drop the “evil” from its name, hence the beginning of a legacy “FORBIDDEN.”

The band’s 1988 debut album, "Forbidden Evil," thrust FORBIDDEN to the front of the flourishing thrash metal scene. Recently, in its June 2009 issue, Germany’s “Rock Hard” magazine, named “Forbidden Evil,” as one of the top five Thrash Albums of all time. In its 1990 follow up, the critically acclaimed album “Twisted into Form” was released and featured guitar work of future “Nevermore” guitarist Tim Calvert, who had replaced Glen shortly after their first European tour. The success of Twisted was the final nail in the coffin that solidified FORBIDDEN as one of the top Thrash metal bands to ever exist.

By the early 1990’s Paul Bostaph stepped aside when he was offered to join the multi million selling metal band “Slayer,” and was replaced by Steve Jacobs. FORBIDDEN went on to record some of metal’s most underrated albums, “Distortion,” (1994), and “Green, (1997), which were little known due to lack of worldwide distribution but were sought out and inspired countless musicians worldwide.

By early 1997, the cylindrical paths of popular music began to wind down for metal bands and the existing members of FORBIDDEN decided to hang up their metal riffs and bring an end to an era so they could expand their minds both musically and mentally with different styles of music.

It wasn’t until 2007, when Craig Locicero went to the premier of the documentary film, “Get Thrashed,” when the realization of what FORBIDDEN had accomplished and the influence on metal he and his comrades had left behind, but most importantly what FORBIDDEN meant to the fans both old and new. Craig, decided to reach out to the original line up of players on the debut album “Forbidden Evil,” and the decision was made to play several festivals in Europe as a way of subsiding an old hankering for playing metal, and calming the constant request from fans and promoters.

As the summer of 2008 approached, and FORBIDDEN booked on such prestige festivals as Graspop (Belgium), Hellfest (France), and Bang Your Head (Germany), Paul Bostaph decided to take the position of being Testaments full time drummer. The band was lucky enough to secure a well known local drummer Mark Hernandez, who has had stints with the legendary Social Unrest, Violence, and Heathen, thus the line up was secure for the 2008 Festivals.

After the shows were completed, the band was motivated and inspired enough to start working together closely and create music once again. Guitarist, Craig Locicero stated, “a conscious decision was made to continue moving forward and write a new Forbidden album, our first in almost 13 years!” However, Glen Avelias, decided to step aside and allow FORBIDDEN to acquire the services of Steve Smyth, who had already performed with Testament, Nevermore, Vicious Rumors, and the amazing instrumental band “EssenEss.”

By the summer of 2009, with festival dates on Sweden Rock, and Germany’s Rock Hard Festival, the band discovered something magical and undeniable both mentally and visually…NOW the new FORBIDDEN, after an almost 20 year journey, it was meant to be, solidified, bonded together, and the strongest unit yet. show more

Punk/Metal/Hardcore/Noise

Unknown

View Roster (10)

other sites: myspace | wikipedia | last | ilike

Get In Touch

Submit info on this profile to admins

Community Events

Jesse Roper on The Best Year Ever tour @ Northern Bar & Stage - Nov 08, 2025

Mia Kelly & Blair Dunlop @ Knox on 2nd - Sep 28, 2025

Past Events

Jun

2011

20:00 00:00

Forbidden North American Tour 2011: Forbidden, Revocation, White Wizzard, Havok

$15-$17

Rickshaw Theatre

Aug

2009

Forbidden, Gross Misconduct, Magnus Rising

guess its staying at the bourbon

The Bourbon

Current Lineup

Russ Anderson

vocals

1985 - present

Matt Camacho

bass

1988 - present

Craig Locicero

guitar

2007 - present

Mark Hernandez

drums

2008 - present

Steve Smyth

guitar

2008 - present

Past Members

Paul Bostaph

drums

1985 - 2001

Craig Locicero

guitar

1985 - 2001

Glen Alvelais

guitar

1987 - 1989

Tim Calvert

guitar

1989 - 2001

Gene Hoglan

drums

2007 - 2008

Band Articles

No Articles have been linked to this profile.

+ Add Article

Welcome to your Arts Directory

We are an open, community-owned platform to help artists and arts organizations reach their audiences and each other.

Featured Resource

Vince Mo Media

→ View Profile

Photo by: Vince Mo Media

Get involved and submit your listing

List an Event in the Calendar

List a Physical Single Date or Recurring Event

For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.

List an Online Livestream Event

For online / livestream events. This will allow you to include a livestream url and have it featured in our livestream listings.

Forbidden

About

Forbidden

Community Events

Past Events

Forbidden North American Tour 2011: Forbidden, Revocation, White Wizzard, Havok

Forbidden, Gross Misconduct, Magnus Rising

Current Lineup

Past Members

Band Articles

Welcome to your Arts Directory

Calendar

Artists

Resources

Media

About

Vince Mo Media

Search the Directory / Archive

List an Event in the Calendar

Submit a Profile to the Directory

News + Media

Log In to Your Account

Create a New Account