Lit

Hailing from the vibrant Orange County, California rock scene, Lit stands as a quintessential American rock band, officially forming in 1988. While their discography boasts seven studio albums, it`s their explosive 1999 release, A Place in the Sun, that truly etched their name into the annals of modern rock. This landmark album, a definitive soundtrack for late-90s alternative radio, spawned the inescapable smash hit single "My Own Worst Enemy." Beyond this iconic track, A Place in the Sun further solidified its legacy with other successful singles like the aggressive "Zip-Lock" and the anthemic "Miserable," propelling the album to a coveted platinum certification and cementing its status as a commercial and critical success.

== History ==

=== Pre-Lit (1986–1995) === The foundational roots of Lit trace back to 1986, when guitarist Jeremy Popoff first connected with bassist Kevin Baldes, a partnership that would prove pivotal. Their initial musical collaborations quickly evolved, leading to the formation of Strate Lace in 1987. This early incarnation featured Popoff on guitar, Jerry Neel on bass, Dave Barber on drums, and Derek Johnson on lead vocals. Strate Lace made its mark with a handful of live performances, gracing legendary venues like The Troubadour in Hollywood, The Waters Club in San Pedro, and even a memorable back-to-school backyard party. However, the lineup was short-lived: Jerry Neel departed to pursue a career in the mortgage industry. Vocalist Derek Johnson, a promising talent, went on to study at the Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Hollywood, honing his skills as a producer and engineer. Tragically, on February 20, 2003, Derek Johnson was among the 100 victims who perished in the devastating nightclub fire at The Station in West Warwick, Rhode Island, while attending a Great White concert.

Concurrently, around 1987, another crucial precursor to Lit emerged: the energetic pop metal outfit Razzle. This band united high school friends Kevin Baldes (then 15 or 16), Jeremy Popoffs younger brother, **A. Jay Popoff** (a mere 14), and Sean Holland (around 16) in a shared passion for hard rock. The original Razzle lineup saw Kevin Baldes pulling double duty on lead vocals and bass, A. Jay Popoff driving the rhythm section on drums, and Sean Holland commanding the guitar. Razzle made its live debut on June 26, 1988, taking the stage at the iconic Troubadour, further cementing these musicians early ties to the Southern California rock circuit.