American singer, songwriter, and guitarist (born 1961)
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Eva O |
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Eva O with Christian Death 1334, live in Italy, November 23, 2007. |
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| Born |
Eva Ortiz January 11, 1961 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Death Rock, Gothic rock, Punk rock |
| Occupations | |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | Bemisbrain, Cleopatra, Massacre |
| Member of | |
| Formerly of | Speed Queens, Super Heroines, Christian Death, Shadow Project |
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Spouse(s) |
Rozz Williams (1987-1998), Edwin Borsheim (2008-2010) |
Musical artist
Eva Ortiz (born January 11, 1961), known professionally as Eva O, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She founded Los Angeles punk band the Speed Queens and deathrock trio the Super Heroines. She was co-founder of Shadow Project, along with Rozz Williams of Christian Death. Her musical performances and compositions helped define the deathrock genre that emerged from the L.A. punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Dubbed the “queen of darkness,” she is regarded as an influential figure in the deathrock genre along with frontwomen Dinah Cancer of 45 Grave and Voodoo Church’s Tina Winter.[1][2]
Born Eva Ortiz on January 11, 1961, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 1980, aged 18, she moved from Las Vegas to Hollywood, hoping to meet Joan Jett and aspiring to start her own all-girl band, FIX: influenced by the Runaways’ musical ability and their disinterest in being “cutesy girls.”
She includes among her influences artists Joan Jett, Cat Stevens, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and David Bowie.[4]
Include Paul Stanley if there’s a source; played Ibanez Iceman guitar (influence of Paul Stanley); Iceman PS-10 (check)
Began playing guitar at age 17 (Ghastly 19)
Formed the Anemics with Sandra and Debbie (p 19)
Formed Ameics
Speed Queens wore Kiss-inspired facepaint (per SLR)
Speed Queens disbands: some members to BAND, Eva recruited Sandra. Sandra recruited del mar
Formed and played guitar in the all-girl punk band Speed Queens in Long Beach, California, from YEAR to YEAR .
Met Rozz Williams, founder of Christian Death, around this time; contributed to CDs 1982 debut album Only Theatre of Pain, which helped shape the emerging American deathrock movement.
Founded the deathrock band Super Heroines, serving as lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter.
Briefly rejoined Christian Death after Rikk Agnew’s departure, filling in on guitar.
Super Heroines disbanded amid internal issues
During early 1980s,
Later incarnations,
Formed Shadow Project in 1987 with Rozz Williams out of boredom (citation); released two albums: Shadow Project (1991) and Dreams for the Dying (1992).
Music evolved to darker, rage-filled themes reflecting personal struggles; the duo married during this period (confirm).
Launched solo career as Eva O, releasing goth-rock albums
Mz. O and the Gods of Death
[edit]
Formed Mz. O and the Gods of Death; continued influencing the gothic scene, earning the nickname “Queen of Darkness.”
Eva O moved to Los Angeles, California, and in…
Since YEAR, Eva O has recorded nearly a dozen albums as a soloist or in collaboration with other artists
She says in the interview after being asked about the Paul Stanley guitar: Yes, its the only one I have. I got it when it came out. I did an overhaul on it. I stripped it down. I re-lacquered it… I love my guitar. But people that I’ve worked with have told me they hate it.” And regarding effects: “I don’t even use effects and it’s still… you know what it is? Electric is really hypnotizing with the sustain and the feedback.” I don’t know if the guitar is the Paul Stanley version of the Iceman (PS-10). From Guitar World: “Paul Stanley was another early Iceman user. When Kiss went to Japan in 1977, Stanley collaborated with Ibanez on the Paul Stanley PS-10, which was an Iceman with a black finish, fancy binding, and new chrome/mirrored hardware appointments.” [1]
Eva O was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was married to Christian Death frontman Rozz Williams from YEAR to YEAR. She remarried in YEAR.
Rozz Williams died by suicide in 1998, deeply affecting Eva O. Married Edwin Borsheim (of Kettle Cadaver) on August 8, 2008.
Returned to Christian faith around 2014; recorded a cover of “O Holy Night” for Sam Rosenthal’s Projekt Records.
Joined Christian Death 1334 (a variation of the original band) as vocalist, honoring Rozz Williams; continues releasing music with Mz O and Her Guns.
- Past Time (1993)
- Demons Fall for an Angel’s Kiss (1994)
- Damnation (Ride the Madness) (1999)
- [[Damnation/Salvation (2005)
- The Rise of Eva O (2018)
As a member of Christian Death
[edit]
- Only Theatre Of Pain (1982)
- Iron Mask (1992,)
- Path of Sorrows (1993, Cleopatra)
- Rage of Angels (1994, Cleopatra)
As a member of Super Heroines
[edit]
- Hell Comes to Your House (1981, Bemisbrain)
- Cry for Help (Super Heroines album)|Cry for Help (1982, Bemisbrain/Enigma)
- Souls that Save (1983, Bemisbrain/Enigma)
- Love and Pain (Super Heroines album)|Love and Pain (1993, Cleopatra)
As a member of Shadow Project
[edit]
- Bean, Michael (2018). Phantoms: The Rise of Deathrock from the LA Punk Scene.
