John Sloman's Badlands

"This is the UK band Badlands, led by John Sloman. For the U.S. band, see Badlands."

Badlands, sometimes referred to as John Sloman's Badlands, were a UK band, featuring singer John Sloman, guitarist John Sykes, bassist Neil Murray, keyboardist Graeme Pleeth and drummer John Munroe.

There was also an American Badlands. The American BADLANDS considered their sound to be "progressive-Blues" much in the style of such by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and earlier Blues 'progressers'. Their recordings were so intense and well done they may never be 'outdone', especially the vocals.

Both groups featured musicians who had, or would feature in Black Sabbath: Neil Murray in the case of the UK band; and Ray Gillen (vocalist) and Eric Singer (drummer) for the U.S. band. Another connection to Black Sabbath, guitarist Jake E. Lee for the U.S. band had previously played for Ozzy Osbourne. John Sykes from the UK Badlands and Ray Gillen from the U.S. Badlands also played together in Blue Murder (though Gillen left during the project and Sykes then re-recorded all the vocals by himself for the 1st album).

Badlands recorded a four song demo including the songs:
# "Laughing In Your Face"
# "Not Guilty"
# "Which One Will Save Us Now"
# "I'm Lost Without Your Love"

John Sloman and John Munroe were previously in a band called Trapper with bassist Pino Paladino.

Badlands broke up upon Sykes joining the band Thin Lizzy. Sykes and Murray later played together in Whitesnake on the U.S. version of "Slide It In" and on the "Whitesnake" album.