Formation In 1982, the heavy metal band Znowhite was founded by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya and drummer Sparks Tafoya (real names Greg Fulton and Tony Heath), along with cousin Nicky Tafoya (real name Curtis Fulton) on bass. Nicole Lee (real name Sue Sharp) joined the group soon after as lead vocalist. The band originally performed under the title
Snowhite, but later replaced the S with a Z. They independently released their three-song
flexi disc which featured the song "Hellbent". This caught the attention of
Metal Blade Records founder
Brian Slagel. On the strength of the recording Znowhite landed a spot on volume three of the
Metal Massacre compilation, which helped give them some exposure.
Lineup changes and disbandment After Znowhite's initial success, Nicole, Ian, and Sparks decided to replace then bassist Amp Dawg. In 1985, Scott Schafer joined Znowhite taking over the bass duties. Four years of touring in America and Canada produced the independently released live album
Live Suicide. Back in their hometown of Chicago the band started work on what would be the last Znowhite release,
Act of God. Toward the end of the recording sessions Nicole Lee made the decision to leave Znowhite.
Act of God was released in 1988 through Roadrunner Records. Gunn went on to sing for the group Ice Age and, later, to reform Sentinel Beast. == Band members ==