Black Veil Brides is an American rock band based in Hollywood, California. The group formed in 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio and is currently composed of lead vocalist Andy Biersack, rhythm guitarist and violinist Jinxx, lead guitarist Jake Pitts, drummer Christian "CC" Coma and bassist Lonny Eagleton. Black Veil Brides are known for their use of black makeup, body paint, tight black studded clothing, and long hair, which were all inspired by the stage personas of Kiss and Mötley Crüe, as well as other 1980s glam metal acts. History Formation and early years (2006–2009) Black Veil Brides were originally formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2006 by Andy Biersack, Johnny Herold, and Phil Cennedella. Eventually, Andy relocated to Los Angeles, California. In early 2009, he formed a new band using the current Black Veil Brides name, with the lineup consisting of Biersack, guitarist Chris Hollywood, and drummer Sandra Alvarenga, who were soon joined by bassist Ashley Purdy and guitarist Pan the Gypsy; they signed with the independent label StandBy Records. Chris Hollywood and Pan the Gypsy later departed the band and were replaced by Jinxx and Jake Pitts. Purdy also explained the meaning of the band name "Black Veil Brides": The writing process for a tour and a record began immediately. In December 2009, the band embarked on their first US tour, titled "On Leather Wings". We Stitch These Wounds (2009–2010) The group's debut album We Stitch These Wounds was released July 20, 2010 and sold over 10,000 copies in its first week, ranking at No. 36 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and No. 1 on the Billboard Independent chart. Shortly after the album's release, Sandra Alvarenga was replaced by Christian "CC" Coma. In late 2010, Black Veil Brides went on tour with bands The Birthday Massacre, Dommin and Aural Vampire. Black Veil Brides first came to the attention of Lava Records president Jason Flom when the chief music officer at Hot Topic, John Kirkpatrick, told him about the incredible buzz that was building around the band, with their T-shirt attracting the second biggest sales in the country at that point. What was even more impressive was that they had built their fanatical following in a "DIY" fashion, such as in making their own self-funded videos. When Flom then heard their music and met the group, he decided that they were exactly what he'd been looking for, later commenting to HitQuarters: