Trixter has been played on NTS shows including Flaneur Radio w/ Harley Wertheimer, with Surrender first played on 7 October 2020.

Trixter is an American glam metal band that emerged from Paramus, New Jersey, in 1983. Founded by a then-12-year-old Steve Brown and bassist Doug Cowie, the band began under the name Rade and gradually evolved into the group known as Trixter. After early lineup changes—including the addition of drummer Mark “Gus” Scott and vocalist Pete Loran—the band quickly carved out a name for themselves in the local rock scene by the mid-1980s, drawing crowds with high-energy performances and opening for major acts like Skid Row and Kix. Their dedication paid off when they started gaining attention from major record labels and recorded an unreleased debut album, Just Having Fun, in 1988. That same year, Cowie was replaced by bassist PJ Farley, and the following year, the band signed a record deal with MCA Records.

In 1989, Trixter headed to Hollywood to record their official self-titled debut album with producer Bill Wray. Incorporating tracks from previous sessions, the album was released in 1990, with the single “Line of Fire” generating early interest. However, it was the track “Give It to Me Good”—and its accompanying MTV-favorite music video—that launched the band into the spotlight, reaching No. 1 on Dial MTV and staying there for five consecutive weeks. That success propelled them into extensive touring, starting with opening slots for Stryper and Don Dokken, and eventually major arena tours with Poison and the Scorpions. In December 1990, they filmed the video for their follow-up single, “One in a Million,” which also climbed to the top of MTV’s charts. The song was accompanied by a cameo from Edgar Winter on saxophone for a movie soundtrack, and by early 1991, Trixter’s debut album was selling upwards of 20,000 copies weekly, peaking at No. 28 on the Billboard 200.

By the spring of 1991, Trixter’s debut was certified Gold, and the band returned to their home state for a sold-out show at the Meadowlands Arena, where they were awarded gold albums. That summer, they joined Warrant and Firehouse on the Blood, Sweat & Beers tour. Their third single, “Surrender,” once again topped MTV’s video countdown. Their popularity reached a high point when Metal Edge magazine released an entire special issue devoted to the band. By the end of 1991, their debut album cycle was complete, and they began work on their second album.

In 1992, Trixter recorded their sophomore release Hear! with producer James Barton, known for his work with Rush and Queensrÿche. Released in October of that year, the album saw the band join Kiss on tour and embark on their own headline club tour, cleverly named “The Hear Club for Men.” Though the album found some success in Japan, its impact was muted in the U.S., as the grunge movement was rapidly overtaking glam metal. The timing proved fatal for Trixter’s commercial momentum. MTV had shifted focus, their record sales declined, and the band was ultimately dropped by MCA Records.

Despite industry setbacks, Trixter remained active. In 1994, they released Undercovers, an EP of cover songs recorded in Brown’s home studio. Although the band faded from mainstream attention and disbanded for the first time in 1995, they reemerged on VH1’s Where Are They Now in 1999, and were later recognized on the network’s “Top 40 Hair Bands” countdown, placing at No. 29.

A full-fledged reunion was announced in December 2007, with the classic lineup set to return for the 2008 Give It to You Good tour. That year saw them performing five shows, including a triumphant return at the Rocklahoma festival and a sold-out hometown gig in New Jersey—marking their first local performance in over 13 years. By 2009, Trixter was back on the national circuit and preparing to release new music. This resurgence culminated in 2012 with the release of New Audio Machine, their first full studio album in years, which signaled their renewed commitment to the scene.

Since reforming, Trixter has had many releases—a live album titled Alive in Japan featuring two new songs, a remastered greatest hits compilation, and Human Era, their most recent studio album. Their reunion years were highlighted by sold-out shows, media features including a prominent story in The Record, and high-profile gigs alongside bands like Dokken. In 2016, they took their act overseas, headlining the Rockingham Festival in Nottingham, England. Trixter would disband again in 2017, but re-emerged in 2021 with Steve Brown taking over lead vocal duties, and Ben Hans replacing longtime drummer Mark Scott, who was absent from their second reunion. Since then, the band has toured with the likes of Enuff Z'Nuff and Pretty Boy Floyd.