Bo "Zinny Zan" Stagman: vocals
Harry "Cody" Kemppainen: guitars
Tim Sköld: bass
Pekka "Stixx" Ollinen: drums

This band was originally formed in the early 80's under the name Shylock. Singer back then was Jukka "J.K. Knox" Kemppainen (no relation to Harry) and drummer was Krister Rispling. They recorded a great demo in 1983. They changed name to Kingpin and in 1984 they recorded more demos, from which some of the songs would appear on the debut "Welcome To Bop City". Drummer now was Pekka "Stixx" Ollinen. Before the album was recorded, Bo "Zinny San" Stagman (now in Zan Clan) replaced J.K. Knox. The style was guitar guitar-dominated sleazy hard rock. "Welcome To Bop City" was first released under the Kingpin-banner, but in 1988 the band moved to the US. The album was re-issued the year after by Relativity Records under the band's new name Shotgun Messiah. (See Shotgun Messiah for further details). The instrumental track "The Explorer" was highly acclaimed by U.S.-metal-guru Mike Varney. Harry has among others worked with bass-player Stu Hamm.

7"s:
SHOUT IT OUT/DON'T CARE 'BOUT NOTHIN' (Creative Music Makers CMM 008)

LP's:
WELCOME TO BOP CITY (Creative Music Makers CMLP 105)

From The Encyclopedia Of Swedish Hard Rock And Heavy Metal 1970 - 1996 by Janne Stark (Premium Publishing).
© 1996 Janne Stark.