The melodic rocking beginnings of Stiff to major label success with Lillian Axe 

Stiff was cooked up in the scorching heat of a Texas summer. Some of us were in Houston after touring with another band. Things hadn’t worked out with that group, so Greg Peddie (vocals) and Jon Ster (guitar) and I (Rob Stratton/Bass) were coming up with a new plan. That plan became Stiff. We knew what we wanted. Visual style. Dynamic rock. Original songs with smart lyrics. Stunner vocals that didn’t sound like every other band. Pummeling bass lines. A heavy dose of screaming guitar. A song list that would blow up the dance floor. We wanted a band that would generate the feel of a party – a big party – like a New Year’s Eve party – every night. 

Stiff was Greg Peddie leading vocals with his singular style, the awesomely talented Jon Ster on guitar and backing vocals, guitar prodigy Brad Allen, the ever entertaining to watch Holmes on drums, and me (Rob Stratton) on bass, backup vocals, and general stage revelry. 

“With the band established, we were ready to start the party, and we sure as shit did. We signed with American Bands Management and began touring. We toured every state in the continental United States except for one over the years. We played awesome venues!!!” states Rob Stratton. 

Not to brag, but Stiff was described as “the hottest act in the Southwest” delivering a “high-energy good time” with our “melodic rock.” The crowded houses we played every night seemed to support those accolades. We were so in demand, we were booked 300 nights a year. 

Every gig was a party, and we loved it. But partying 300 nights a year can take a toll and Greg decided to leave the band. We knew it would be challenging to replace his vocal talent and his unique look, but we found Ron Taylor (vocalist for Stiff/Lillian Axe), and he was a great fit.  He had a powerful voice that matched his commanding stage presence, and the girls went crazy for him – so he fit right in with the rest of us. 

Our originals earned us spots opening for some of the popular bands of the day, like Quiet Riot, UFO, Twisted Sister, Autograph, Zebra, Pantera, Docken, Head East, The Romantics, and more. We opened for Cheap Trick on New Year’s Eve in Beaumont, Texas. Now that was a great way to ring in a new year.

Things were going great. But sometimes, an opportunity for something that might be even better comes along. And that’s what happened to Stiff. Ron, Jon, and I joined a band called Lillian Axe that was poised for a big breakthrough.  We played some major shows and had two music videos that featured regularly on MTV back in the day. But that’s another story. 

So Rob Stratton put Stiff back together in 2021 with the very first original singer of Stiff, Greg Peddie, and then added guitarist John Schneider, the other guitarist Mr. Hess, and drummer Joe McMillan.  They recorded an 8 song album in 2024 and are releasing it as part of a 2 disc set along with 17 tracks from the Ron Taylor led version of Stiff, which includes their 5 song 1987 EP entitled Straight Up.  According to Rob Stratton in regards to the Mid 80’s pre-Lillian Axe band STIFF, “the best part is, it ain’t over yet. Stiff is still rocking. We’re still playing live and writing and recording the hard-driving, fist pumping songs that kept you partying and dancing all night.” 

It didn’t take long for Stiff to pack the house and the dance floor once again. Then I got the call from FNA Records. And here we are with a new double album!  

Stiff was the party, Lillian Axe was the dream! 

FnA Records is extremely proud to release this 2 disc album with 25 tracks.  The first disc is the remastered version of the 1987 released EP, Straight Up, plus 12 demo tracks and the second disc is 8 tracks by the new version of Stiff 2025 including the super-catchy anthem “Cocktail Queen”.  Look for the new high class/quality/newly recorded video here  https://youtu.be/yrl0QijSEo8 and check out the band at their new website:  www.stiffband.com 

Additionally, there will be a Fan Pack CD signed by Rob Stratton (Stiff/Lillian Axe), plus original Stiff lead singer Greg Peddie and the rest of the 2025 line-up.  There will also be digital downloads for sale.  Be on the look out for Stiff “If It Ain’t Stiff, It Aint Worth A #$%” T-shirts and Stiff Logo Stickers. 

Stiff Straight Up 

1. Dancer
2. Memory Of Me
3. So Far Away
4. You’re Gonna Lose That Girl Tonight
5. My Number
6. Conversation Piece (Demo)
7. Why’d You Lie (Demo)
8. Just One Beat (Demo)
9. Don’t Let It Fade (Demo)
10. Playing Games (Demo)
11. Igniter (Demo)
12. Madam X (Demo)
13. Crazy Ladies (Demo)
14. She Loves (Demo)
15. Dancer (Demo)
16. Memory Of Me (Demo)
17. So Far Away (Demo)

Stiff 2025 

1. Cocktail Queen
2. Conversation Piece
3. Madison
4. When Somebody Comes
5. She’s My Girl
6. Mrs. America
7. My Number
8. Dear Jon