Behind the Music: Jem and the Holograms

Part 2.

Written by Craig Phillips

The characters herein this story is the property, copyright © and registered ® trademarks of Hasbro. The series Jem was created by Christy Marx, VH1's Behind the Music is a registered ® trademark of Viacom. The story is my own creation, the character Chrystal Taylor, is my own creation as are the middle names of Jerrica, Jacqui, and Kimber, and may not be reproduced or duplicated without my written consent.

For Jerrica, Kimber, Aja, Shana, and the Starlight Girls, losing the mansion was demoralizing. Not only did they lose all of their worldly possessions.

"Ugh! That really stunk," Aja remembered, "it was really cold that early in the morning, and the fact that Zipper got away added more pain for us.

The fact that all this took place before the final Battle of the Bands, hit home even harder. The Battle of the Bands was the brain child of former Starlight Music A&R and Operations Manager Eric Raymond. Raymond pitted his new band the Misfits against Jem and The Holograms in a winner take all concert event. And winner take all meant complete ownership of Starlight music.

"When we lost Starlight House in the fire, we didn't have anywhere to stay. I mean with something like fifteen people living under one roof, where are you gonna go?" Kimber, reflected. Enter Howard Sands.

Howard Sands, was a big name director in Hollywood. He'd offered the winner of the Battle of the Bands, a movie deal, and his own mansion just outside of Los Angeles. But after learning about Starlight House burning down, he immediately granted Jem and The Holograms, and the Starlight Girls access to his mansion. In his final interview in 1998, Sands spoke to Lindsey Pierce on her show why he did this.

"To be quite honest Lindsey, I knew the kind of slime ball Raymond was. Being the kind of crooked man he was, I knew that this was his work," Howard continued, "so I guess in a small way it was my way of giving the Misfits and Eric a taste of their own medicine."

The Battle of The Bands was going to be the biggest event of the girls' lives. Not only were they new to the rock scene, but they really didn't have a catalog of music like the Misfits did.

"I had to bust my ass day and night just to write the music for the Battle of the Bands," Kimber giggled, "I knew the music and the lyrics had to be strong enough to compete with the Misfits."

Kimber spent hours each night up until the event writing and rehearsing with her band. The stress of wanting to win took a serious toll on the young Hologram.

"No one knew of my drinking problems, not even my sister. When everyone was in bed, I'd crack open a bottle of Jack Daniels, and just got drunk. I convinced myself I could not function without a stiff drink."

The rest of the band didn't realize how serious the problem was with Kimber.

"There was one rehearsal when I noticed Kimber was off balance," Aja remembered. "But I naively chalked it up to her being overly tired."

Even her sister missed the warning signs altogether, a fate that almost cost Kimber her life.

"I had Kimber run a few documents to the county courthouse on one of our Starlight girls. What I didn't know was that she was absolutely drunk out of her mind. She didn't reek of alcohol, and I didn't hear slurred speech from her."

What Jerrica didn't know was that Kimber had a blood alcohol level of .21, and was racing down the roadways at break neck speeds. But with that combination of alcohol and speed, disaster would surely come to Kimber Benton.

"The phone call…oh my god…I literally fell to the floor sobbing uncontrollably when the hospital called." Jerrica shuddered in her chair.

"Jerrica's scream was like no other I had heard before, and one I never want to hear again," Shana went on, "They had just told her that Kimber was in a multi-car crash. I mean, that's not what you'd expect so early in the morning."

The Starlight House filled with silence as Jerrica spoke of her dear sisters' condition.

"I don't really remember how I had any sense of reality at that moment. Why her?" Jerrica's eyes filled with tears, "Should be pissed at her for drinking and driving? I didn't even think I could handle seeing her in a hospital bed."

One thing was clear to everyone, something had to be done about Kimber. And come hell or high water that is what Aja did.

"I was so pissed at Kimber," Aja began, "She's basically my baby sister, and I didn't want to lose her. I got in her face, pushed her against the wall and just let her have it. I said "if you ever fucking pull a stunt like that again", I'd make her life a living hell."

Kimber shifted uncomfortably in her chair, "Aja scared the shit out of me, I mean holy shit did she ever! I'd never feared for my life more than I did when I saw that look in her eyes."

On the other side of town, the Misfits had their own problems, not only dealing with new group Jem and The Holograms, but also having to deal with the upcoming Battle of the Bands started to take its toll.

"I wanted everything, and that's the way it is." Pizzazz said with a smirk and attitude all her own, "that little bitch Jem was no match for the Misfits."

Roxy was very vocal about the Misfits rivals, "Look, their music sucked plain and simple! it was too poppy, and always about love and friendship, "she scoffed. God they annoyed me, and to top it all off how the hell they ever made money doing all those stupid benefits I'll never know."

"It's funny to look back on this "rivalry", but I never looked at it as one," Stormer confessed. She'd secretly loved Jem and The Holograms music and often became inspired from them, "Kimber is such a great writer and composer. There were times I wanted to collaborate with her on a song or two for the Misfits."

The day of the Battle of the Bands would change everything for the Misfits. Once the vote was in, Jem and The Holograms came out on top winning it all. Eric Raymond spoke to a reported in 1989 about the event.

"Everything was set up for the Misfits to win. Their songs were better, the stage show was as good as any arena band, and despite what people today think they could sell out concerts. What went wrong? I have no idea."

"Oh Eric knew what the fuck went on," Roxy vented, "he's a weasel, and never did enough to protect us as a band."

Pizzazz refused to comment on this part of the interview. Citing that Jem came out of nowhere and should never have won.

As the months went by, Jem and The Holograms got bigger and bigger. The fan following became more rabid, and their records sold two to one over the Misfits.

"Our success came because we worked very hard," said Shana.

But the good times again would not last. In September of 1987, Shana was now being pursued by famous Hollywood actress, Liz Stratton to design her clothes. A passion that Shana had since she was a young girl.

"I always wanted to design clothes for celebrities, and the rest of the world. Go to Paris fashion shows, and see my designs on these very talented models," she remarked, "I designed many of Jem and The Hologram's outfits later in our career."

Her husband and former Jem and The Holograms video director Anthony Julian always knew Shana had talent and an I for fashion, and there was no way he was going to let her miss this opportunity. "This was a chance in a lifetime for Shana. She has a gift for all things in the fashion world, and most all of the outfits for her band were her designs."

During one of the rehearsal sessions. Shana's (then boyfriend) Anthony Julian burst through the room with some exciting news. Shana was offered a job to design fashions for Liz Stratton, but with this offering Shana had a tough choice to make. Stay with her band, or leave them forever? This choice tore her up inside.

"I wanted to do both," Shana sighed heavily, "I love music, and I love fashion. The problem was could I make time for both?"

As the rest of the band heard the news, each one was very happy for Shana. They always felt this was one of her dreams, and there was no way they'd let her pass it by. But deep inside Kimber, it was clear that she didn't want this change.

"When Anthony came into the rehearsal room and broke the news to us, well it kinda hurt. We all wanted what was best for her, but at the same time we'd hardly see Shana." She shifted in her chair, "I don't want to sound selfish, but we were a famous rock band, and to lose anyone in the lineup was devastating."

Despite this reservation, Kimber and the rest of the band decided that giving Shana a "push" out the door was the only way she could ever achieve this dream of hers. No matter how bad it hurt them or Shana.

"As I said to the rest of the band," Aja started, "Shana's so loyal that she'd never leave unless we made her."

Shana was heartbroken that her sisters wanted her to do this, but that hurt turned to anger. She felt betrayed, and didn't feel she was apart of the family anymore. Worst of all, the insistence that she do this only deepened the wounds.

"Oh I stormed out after that. I was so pissed off that I just wanted to slap them," Shana said.

With the departure of Shana, Jem and The Holograms needed to set up a talent search to find a new drummer. Overnight the word was out that the band was in need of a new drummer. Enter "Raya" Carmen Alonso.

Nineteen year old Carmen was born in Mexico on August 13, 1967 just outside of Mexico City. Her family were in the floral business [growing prize winning orchids], and decided that America had better opportunities for them. So they worked for a Green Card and quickly set up shop in Los Angeles.

"I was so young when we moved from Mexico that I don't remember much, but I do know that it was because my dad wanted a better life for all of us."

When her father received a flier from his son about Jem and The Holograms needing a new drummer, he ran to his daughter immediately.

"My father came into the garage where I was playing my drums and showed me a flier of Jem and The Holograms. When he said that they needed a new drummer my first reaction was shock. I couldn't believe that Shana had left."

However that shock turned into fear. Raya was very shy and insecure about trying out for the band. She never thought she'd be good enough for any band let alone Jem and The Holograms.

"I was content in my little garage. No photographers, no interviews, just me and my drums," but my dad was very persistent and wanted me to go. I caved in"

As word spread about the departure of Shana Elmsford, Eric had conjured a strategy that would mark yet another turning point for the band. Find a forth member for the band. For Pizzazz and Roxy another Misfit was just competition and something that was not welcomed.

"I don't like sharing my spotlight with anyone. It was hard enough with Roxy and Stormer, but I tolerated them," Pizzazz mildly annoyed with that memory. "I really thought Eric was trying to replace me, because ever since he screwed my father out of millions during the Starbright movie and got fired he always seemed to be on a revenge kick.

Roxy was even more angered by the prospect of a new Misfit, "We hit so many damn clubs that night I could scream," said a huffed up Roxy, "I even asked Eric why the hell we needed another Misfit horning in on our band?"

The only Misfit in the band that really relished in the idea of a new band member was Stormer, "I wanted to start writing more complex arrangements and lyrics. There is only so much you can write for keytar, bass, and guitar."

As the night wore on, the Misfits stopped at one last club. Stormer noticed a poster with the band name "The Tinkerbilly's", and though the audience inside didn't care for the band or the British born saxophonist the other Misfits did. By the end of the night, Sheila Burns, aka Jetta was an official member of the Misfits.

Born in Essex England in February 3 1965, twenty-one year old Sheila Jane Burns was the only daughter of Robert "Bertie", and Florence "Flo" Burns. Sheila's parents were avid gamblers, habitual scammers, and would often lose many items in their run down flat to these misadventures.

Sheila was all spunk at an early age, and she ran with tough crowds as she got older. "No one fucked with me, because they'd get a beating if they even tried," said with a very wicked grin. Sheila took the name Jetta due to her jet black hair, and obsessed about being a musician. When Jetta turned twelve, her parents got her a saxophone, "I never liked this damn thing. but it grew on me."

Once in the band, Jetta and Roxy were almost always at war with each other. Either backstage, or at the Gabor mansion. The screaming was a non-stop onslaught. Not even Eric could stop this rivalry.

"I'd never seen two woman go at it as much as Jetta and Roxy did. Everyday it seemed one was gonna kill the other. That'd make a good reality show today," he laughed.

For Roxy this invader really got under her skin, "God I hated her so much," said Roxy with a grimacing look on her face, She was a stuck up Brit bitch, but that ain't why I hated her..." She paused, "I was not about split band money with her." Feeling pressured, Roxy conceded and agreed to let Jetta in the band. "Yeah, yeah, yeah I gave my vote," she looked out the window, "but I was gonna make her life hell."

"Roxy is a drama queen, and hates everyone who doesn't kiss her ass," Jetta smirked, "If I had to make a comparison, Roxy is more ego driven than Pizzazz.

As time went on, the Misfits grew musically. Their fan base deepened, and the money rolled in by the truck load. They were riding a high that none of them ever imagined. Pizzazz really started to realize that Jetta was an asset to the group.

"Stormer was right on one thing," Pizzazz said remembering her friends comment, "Jetta made us sound better, gave us an edge over Jem, and our music got even bigger and more epic sounding.

As the Misfits focused on new tours, Jem and The Holograms continued holding auditions for a replacement drummer. Aja Leith headed over to her favorite music shop to deliver a box of fliers to the stores manager. While inside she heard someone playing on the drums behind a curtain. Aja was impressed by the drummers style and technique. She asked if she could meet this person. The shop manager opened the curtain, and Aja could not believe what she was seeing.

"I could not take my eyes off this guy," she laughed and blushed, "No I don't mean it like that. He was just amazing as a drummer."

The drummer Aja was taken with was 24 year old Craig Phillips. Craig was born in 1963 to Janet and Donald Phillips. Craig also had a baby sister, named Mary. A girl who would grow up to become Stormer of the Misfits. After attending college, Craig moved to London to pursue his other passion, music. In 1984 he formed a band called the Blue Bloods. They became big in the East End club circuit, and toured a few major cities around Europe. Craig performed with the band for a few years, but took a break and headed back to the States to visit his sister. He never thought he'd be asked to audition for a mulch-platinum recording group.

"When I was approached by Aja, I was more interested in getting to know her," he smiled, "I had no idea who she was which is odd since I kept up with all the bands in America. Of course I didn't make a good impression on her the first time we met. I guess hitting on a famous guitarist while she's looking for a replacement drummer was not a good idea." Neither one of them knew that their paths would soon cross again.

Hundreds of eager Jem fans lined up around the block to audition for the super group, but the auditions proved less than impressive. Cymbals would fall over, skills were marginalized, and keeping time would prove to be impossible for many of the performers.

"I still get a twinge in my stomach when I think about how many drummers we went through, "Jem reflected, "I'm not one who is overly critical to someone auditioning, but man there are a lot of bad drummers out there."

Kimber felt the same frustration as her sister did, "I really started to lose hope that we were not going to find someone to equal Shana."

Raya headed down to Starlight Music to audition for Jem and The Holograms, but when she got there she could not believe how long she'd have to wait.

"My nerves were already shot. I had to fight back my fears of even going to Starlight Music, but then to see how many others were waiting was just too much."

She headed back home to her family. This was a low point for Raya, because she didn't want to disappoint her father or her family.

"You know I had a lot of self esteem issues about music. I never really thought I was good enough. Kids use to tease me when I was first starting out, but there was my dear father who would pick up my spirits."

Shana was in a world of madness. No matter what type of outfits she'd design Liz Stratton was unimpressed. She picked apart everything Shana worked so hard on. Colors, styles, everything. Shana had wondered if she'd made the right choice by leaving her band.

"I was absolutely depressed over all my hard work being rejected. I can understand a few details being rejected, but everything? I didn't understand, and I really wanted to smack her hard across the face."

By the time Raya and her father returned to Starlight music, they were too late. A security guard removed audition the sign off the door. Defeated, Raya wanted to give up.

"I kept on sabotaging my audition, because of my low confidence, and now when I look back I have no idea why I was like that," she laughed.

Raya's father told her not to give up and still try for the audition. Knowing that the secretary would turn them away, Raya's father had a plan. He said he had a delivery of some orchids for Jem, and could he deliver them in person.

"Sometimes my father would go to great lengths for our family, and especially me,"

They both made their way to bands studio. When they entered, Jem broke the news that they'd have to come back tomorrow. Mr. Alonso pleaded with Jem to allow his daughter to audition, because he knew that she'd be too shy to come back.

"I saw the look in Raya's fathers eyes, and he was very impassioned for us to allow her to audition. So we gave her a shot."

Raya was understandably nervous, "Being in the same room with one of my favorite bands just overwhelmed me. How could I really concentrate with that pressure?"

Once behind the drums, Raya not only got over her fear she would go on to completely impress the group.

"Oh my god she was Amazing, and she even contributed the music for our song "Believe In Yourself." Aja said with a huge smile across her face.

"My jaw dropped when I first heard her opening drum beat," Kimber fondly remembered, "She was absolutely so gifted and fit right in with us."

Raya didn't get the job right away, because she had a second round of auditions to attend, "I have to laugh about this now but a few years after I was with the group Kimber said that it was not hard to make this decision, because all the other drummers sucked."

The next day, Craig Phillips came in to audition for the band. No one was more shocked to see him than Aja.

"As I read his resume I was really impressed by what he'd accomplished. Now at that point it hadn't clicked with me yet that this was the same guy who hit on me the day before, "Aja burst out laughing.

Craig charmed Aja, and pulled her from around the table. He said his audition would sound better with the band. They broke into one of the bands most popular chart toppers, "I've Got My Eye On You."

The band was so taken aback that they found two drummers with equal talents and skills. But as Aja pointed out talent is one thing, but personal chemistry is also important.

Back at the Misfits camp, the girls began preparing for a press conference to introduce Jetta to the world. They wanted desperately to upstage Jem and The Holograms auditions, and they felt Jetta would be the one to do it.

Roxy was still fuming about this invader becoming a band member, "Ohh she pissed me off daily. Just hearing her voice I wanted to scream."

"I was nervous that no one would like how bold and in your face Jetta was," Stormer remembered, " but I still wanted everyone to accept her."

At the press conference no one in the media took the new girl serious. When she was asked if she was so famous how come no one heard of her? Jetta only had one thing to say.

"Maybe you've been living under a rock Yank!" Jetta laughed, "I definitely got their attention, and I loved every bit of it."

What did Jetta have to say when asked about her relationship with the royal family?

"Oh I filled them up with so much shit about knowing the royal family. Look who the fuck cares what I say, because it ain't hurting no one."

But her compulsive lying would come back to haunt her and the Misfits a year later.

After an exhaustive search for the right drummers, Jem and The Holograms were ready to announce to the press they'd had two semi-finalists. Raya Alonso, and Craig Phillips.

Raya, still very shy and unsure why she was chosen never thought something like this could happen, "I gotta admit, I really didn't think I had a shot with the band. But you know, the more you hang around people like them your confidence will get stronger."

"To be honest, I really didn't know what to think about being a semi-finalist," Craig began, "I'd been touring small venues in Europe with the Blue Bloods, and really we were not as known as Jem is. I just knew they were something special."

As the Misfits were searching a rock magazine for their band member announcement, Pizzazz was upset that once again they were upstaged by Jem and The Holograms semi-finalist results. While that made headlines, the Misfits announcement was next to an ad for underwear.

"It hurts to know that people don't find you that important, or that viable in music," Stomer sighed while thinking back, "I think a lot of the press hated us because we were bad girls."

Roxy had a different take on the ad, "Fuck 'em! They never gave a shit about us, cause we're better than any band of that time."

No matter why the ad was where it was, the Misfits had their work cut out. Now more than ever they were going to write their own destiny.

To Be Continued…