TESLA’s Brian Wheat Defends Band Against ‘Hair Metal’ Label

In a recent interview with Masa Ito on TVK’s “Rock City,” TESLA bassist Brian Wheat expressed his frustration with the term “hair metal,” which he feels is often used in a derogatory manner. Wheat believes this label undermines the band’s musical integrity, stating, “We are just a rock band that wrote songs, hopefully, that people liked for 40 years.”

Wheat emphasized that TESLA shares more in common with blues-based rock bands like The Black Crowes and Bad Company than with the glam rock acts often associated with the ‘hair metal’ label. He noted, “There’s nothing wrong with that — I’m not knocking that or anything — it’s just I think sometimes they mislabel.”

The band recently kicked off their tour as the support act for Mötley Crüe’s “The Return Of Carnival Of Sins” tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Crüe’s iconic tour. This marks a significant moment for TESLA, who released their new album, “Homage,” on July 17, 2026, featuring covers of classic rock hits.

Wheat concluded by stating that while he used to be bothered by the label, he now prefers to focus on the music. “As long as you’re calling us something and talking about us, then I don’t care. Call us whatever you wanna call us,” he said.

Source: blabbermouth.net

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