Terry Ilous

Terry Ilous was born in Lyon, France in 1966. He moved to the United States in 1986 to pursue a career in music.{{Cite web |date=2017-04-17 |title=CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWSTERRY ILOUS, Lead Singer of Great White and Founder of XYZ to Release New Solo Album |url=https://californiarocknews.com/2017/04/17/terry-ilous-lead-singer-of-great-white-and-founder-of-xyz-to-release-new-solo-album/ |access-date=2025-06-17 |website=CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWS |language=en}} Initially working as a session vocalist in Los Angeles, Ilous quickly became involved Sunset Strip rock scene, before getting signed to Enigma Records.{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous, Lead Singer of Great White & Founder of XYZ, to Release New Solo Album |url=https://screamermagazine.com/hollywood-spotlight/terry-ilous-lead-singer-great-white-founder-xyz-release-new-solo-album/ |website=Screamer Magazine |date=2017-04-17 |access-date=2025-06-14}}

In the late 1980s, Ilous co-founded the band XYZ with bassist Pat Fontaine. The band signed with Enigma Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1989, produced by Don Dokken. The album peaked at number 99 on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1990-02-17/ | title=Billboard 200™ | magazine=Billboard }} Ilous and XYZ gained national exposure with music videos on MTV, and they toured extensively throughout the early 1990s.

The group released a second album, Hungry, in 1991 which included a notable cover of the song Fire and Water by the band Free.{{Cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hungry-mw0000269179 | title=Hungry - XYZ | Album | AllMusic | website=AllMusic }} Released during the decline of hair bands and the rise of grunge, Hungry failed to reach the Billboard charts. Further, Ilous and XYZ faced controversy over the portrayal of women in the music video for the song Face Down in the Gutter.{{Cite web | url=https://limelightmagazine.com/2021/01/28/cassettechronicles165xyz/?utm_source=chatgpt.com | title=The Cassette Chronicles – XYZ's 'Hungry' | date=January 28, 2021 }}

XYZ disbanded in the mid-1990 but later reunited for several performances and recordings. Throughout the years, Ilous has remained the band's consistent frontman, performing internationally under the XYZ name.{{Cite web | url=https://www.rockunited.com/xyz.htm | title=Terry Ilous / XYZ Interview }}

In late 2023, Ilous and rest of the classic lineup began writing new songs together and planned to record material in Denver, Colorado at former XYZ drummer Joey Shapiro's studio.{{Cite web | url=https://sleazeroxx.com/guitarist-mark-diglio-reveals-xyzs-classic-line-up-has-reunited-and-working-on-new-song-ideas/ | title=Guitarist Mark Diglio reveals XYZ's classic line-up has reunited and working on new song ideas - Sleaze Roxx | date=December 19, 2023 }}

In 2010, Ilous began performing with Great White, initially as a fill-in vocalist, to cover for original vocalist Jack Russell who became ill.{{Cite web | url=https://metalodyssey.net/2013/03/08/terry-ilous-of-great-white-an-interview-with-this-legendary-bands-lead-singer-and-songwriter/ | title=Terry Ilous of Great White – an Interview with This Legendary Band's Lead Singer and Songwriter | date=March 8, 2013 }}

He became the band's official lead singer in 2012 following Russell's official departure.

Ilous later recorded two albums with Great White: Elation (2012) and Full Circle (2017).{{Cite web | url=https://eddietrunk.com/vocalist-terry-ilous-says-he-found-out-he-was-no-longer-with-great-white-via-email-and-the-internet/ | title=Eddie Trunk Official Website }} His tenure with the group lasted until 2018, when he was dismissed via email, a move he publicly expressed surprise over. Between 2010 and 2018, Ilous performed in 560 concerts with Great White, most of which were sold out.{{Cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/terry-ilous-has-no-regrets-about-his-time-with-great-white | title=TERRY ILOUS Has 'No Regrets' About His Time with GREAT WHITE | date=July 31, 2022 }}

In 2010, Ilous formed La Famiglia Superstar, a collaborative hard rock project featuring Ilous on lead vocals, Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, The Dead Daisies) on bass, Atma Anur (Journey, Tony MacAlpine, Cacophony) on drums and guitarist Steve Saluto.

Their self-titled debut album, La Famiglia Superstar, was produced by former Dokken guitarist Alex De Rosso and blends hard rock with funk, blues and melodic metal. The album includes a cover of Whitesnake's Here I Go Again and showcases polished musicianship across a range of styles.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Denys |title=La Famiglia Superstar – La Famiglia Superstar |url=https://myglobalmind.com/2010/07/15/la-famiglia-superstar-la-famiglia-superstar/ |website=MyGlobalMind |date=July 15, 2010 |access-date=June 14, 2025}}{{Cite web |title=La Famiglia Superstar: La Famiglia Superstar |url=https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=9446 |website=Sea of Tranquility |access-date=June 14, 2025}}

Ilous released a solo album in 2017 titled Gypsy Dreams, featuring flamenco-style renditions of classic rock songs. The album was well-received for its unique arrangements and vocal performances.{{Cite web | url=https://classicrockrevisited.com/show_interview.php?id=1228 | title=CRR Interview - Terry Ilous – Retelling the Classics! }}

Ilous later toured under the name Terry Ilous and the Vagabonds, performing a unique set that blended classic rock hits with a Latin-inspired sound. The project showcased Ilous's vocal versatility and reinterpreted well-known songs through flamenco, salsa, and gypsy-jazz arrangements.{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous and the Vagabonds put a new spin on rock hits |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/entertainment/2019/01/29/terry-ilous-and-vagabonds-put-new-spin-rock-hits-admiral/2695020002/ |website=Kitsap Sun |date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=June 5, 2025}}

In 2022, Ilous collaborated with guitarist George Lynch on the single "Dead or Alive" as part of a project with the band All or Nothing.{{Cite web | url=https://xsrock.com/george-lynch-teams-up-with-xyz-former-great-white-vocalist-terry-ilous-for-blazing-new-single-dead-or-alive/ | title=George Lynch Teams up with XYZ (Former Great White) Vocalist Terry Ilous for Blazing New Single "Dead or Alive" | date=August 15, 2022 }} Ilous and Lynch have also toured together, performing songs from Dokken's catalog and their own musical repertoires.{{Cite web | url=https://www.therocktologist.com/terry-ilous-interview.html | title=Terry Ilous Interview }} Ilous also collaborated with Jack Russell, the singer he replaced in Great White, in 2022. The two performed together on a cover of Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down.{{Cite web | url=https://www.metaledgemag.com/metal-wire/former-great-white-singers-jack-russell-and-terry-ilous-release-cover-of-tom-pettys-i-wont-back-down | title=Former Great White singers Jack Russell and Terry Ilous share cover of Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' }}

In addition to his solo and band work, Ilous has toured as part of the Legends of Classic Rock, a touring ensemble of prominent rock musicians from bands such as Foreigner, Toto, Asia, and The Cult. The group performs classic hits from each artist's respective catalog, with Ilous contributing vocals on songs spanning multiple decades of rock history.{{Cite web |title=Hear the Legends of Classic Rock |url=https://www.27east.com/arts/hear-the-legends-of-classic-rock-2168166/ |website=The Southampton Press |date=August 22, 2023 |access-date=June 5, 2025}}

Ilous has worked as a session vocalist on various recording projects across multiple rock subgenres. He has provided background vocals and recording session contributions for major artists such as Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and David Bowie.{{Cite web |title=Reviews – GEORGE LYNCH In Clearwater, FL With Photos! |url=https://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=46880 |website=KNAC |date=— |access-date=2025-06-14}} Ilous is also a songwriter, with over 300 songs written and published for other artists, as well as for film and television projects.{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous |url=https://dolosangeles.com/artists/terry-ilous |website=Dolce Vita Artists |access-date=2025-06-14}}

• 2007 – Here and Gone{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous – Here And Gone |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2215431-Terry-Ilous-Here-And-Gone |website=Discogs |date=2007 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2017 – Gypsy Dreams{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous – Gypsy Dreams (Album Review) |url=https://decibelgeek.com/terry-ilous-gypsy-dreams-album-review/ |website=Decibel Geek |date=2017-06-29 |access-date=2025-06-14}}{{Cite web |title=Review: Terry Ilous – Gypsy Dreams |url=https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/terry-ilous-gypsy-dreams/ |website=Sleaze Roxx |date=2017-06-07 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2020 – Hired Gun{{Cite web |title=Terry Ilous – Hired Gun |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/24794201-Terry-Ilous-Hired-Gun |website=Discogs |date=2020 |access-date=2025-06-15}}

• 1987 – XYZ (EP){{Cite web |title=XYZ – XYZ (EP) |url=https://musicbrainz.org/release/13243128-4fb6-4b8b-b47c-7d93382cddc8 |website=MusicBrainz |date=1987 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 1989 – XYZ{{Cite web |title=XYZ – XYZ |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1526995-XYZ-XYZ |website=Discogs |date=1989 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 1991 – Hungry{{Cite web |title=XYZ – Hungry |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1833301-XYZ-Hungry |website=Discogs |date=1991 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 1995 – Take What You Can... Live{{Cite web |title=XYZ – Take What You Can... Live |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/8477825-XYZ-Take-What-You-CanLive |website=Discogs |date=1995 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2003 – Letter to God{{Cite web |title=XYZ – Letter to God |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1679222-XYZ-Letter-To-God |website=Discogs |date=2003 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2005 – Rainy Days (demos){{Cite web |title=XYZ – Rainy Days |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1635226-XYZ-Rainy-Days |website=Discogs |date=2005 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2005 – Forbidden Demos 1985/1991{{Cite web |title=XYZ – Forbidden Demos 1985/1991 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1635225-XYZ-Forbidden-Demos-19851991 |website=Discogs |date=2005 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2008 – Best of XYZ{{Cite web |title=XYZ – Best of XYZ |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1635224-XYZ-Best-Of-XYZ |website=Discogs |date=2008 |access-date=2025-06-14}}

• 2012 – Elation{{Cite web |title=Great White – Elation |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3690154-Great-White-Elation |website=Discogs |date=2012 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2013 – 30 Years: Live from the Sunset Strip{{Cite web |title=Great White – 30 Years: Live From The Sunset Strip |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/4909827-Great-White-30-Years-Live-From-The-Sunset-Strip |website=Discogs |date=2013 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2016 – Great White – Metal Meltdown: Live from the Hard Rock Casino Las Vegas{{Cite web |title=Great White – Metal Meltdown: Live from the Hard Rock Casino Las Vegas |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9750574-Great-White-Metal-Meltdown-Live-From-The-Hard-Rock-Casino-Las-Vegas |website=Discogs |date=2016 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2017 – Full Circle{{Cite web |title=Great White – Full Circle |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10472670-Great-White-Full-Circle |website=Discogs |date=2017 |access-date=2025-06-14}}

• 1997 – JK Northrup – Cage (vocals){{Cite web |title=JK Northrup – Cage |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2316535-JK-Northrup-Cage |website=Discogs |date=1997 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2005 – Eddie Ojeda – Axes 2 Axes (vocals on "Tonight"){{Cite web |title=Eddie Ojeda – Axes 2 Axes |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/4311555-Eddie-Ojeda-Axes-2-Axes |website=Discogs |date=2005 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2007 – Emotions in Motion (with Takayoshi Ohmura){{Cite web |title=Takayoshi Ohmura – Emotions in Motion |url=https://www.metalkingdom.net/album/takayoshi-ohmura-emotions-in-motion-54876 |website=Metal Kingdom |date=2007 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2009 – Jun Senoue: The Works (guest vocals, with Jun Senoue){{Cite web |title=Jun Senoue: The Works |url=https://vgmdb.net/album/14962 |website=VGMdb |date=2009-10-21 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2010 – La Famiglia Superstar – La Famiglia Superstar (with Marco Mendoza, Atma Anur, Steve Saluto){{Cite web |title=La Famiglia Superstar – La Famiglia Superstar |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2412346-La-Famiglia-Superstar-La-Famiglia-Superstar |website=Discogs |date=2010 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2010 – Cage – Cage (lead vocals; featured guests include bassists Jeff Pilson, Tony Franklin and drummers Carmine Appice, James Kottak, Vinnie Appice, and Randy Castillo){{Cite web |title=Cage – Cage |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10129139-Cage-Cage |website=Discogs |date=2010 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2011 – Liberty N' Justice – Chasing a Cure (guest vocalist){{Cite web |title=Liberty N' Justice – Chasing A Cure |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/4121435-Liberty-N-Justice-Chasing-A-Cure |website=Discogs |date=2011 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2011 – Bridger – Bridger (guest vocalist){{Cite web |title=Bridger – Bridger |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2990130-Bridger-Bridger |website=Discogs |date=2011 |access-date=2025-06-14}}
• 2013 – A World With Heroes – A KISS Tribute For Cancer Care (vocals on "Forever"){{Cite web |title=A World With Heroes (A KISS Tribute For Cancer Care) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/6619527-Various-A-World-With-Heroes-A-Kiss-Tribute-For-Cancer-Care |website=Discogs |date=2013 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2015 – Steve Saluto & Terry Ilous – No Quarter (lead vocals on Led Zeppelin cover){{Cite web |title=Steve Saluto & Terry Ilous – No Quarter |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9534759-Steve-Saluto-Terry-Ilous-No-Quarter |website=Discogs |date=2015 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2019 – Morano – Incognito (lead vocals on multiple tracks){{Cite web |title=Morano – Incognito |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/13787273-Morano-Incognito |website=Discogs |date=2019 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2020 – Rocha – Unum (guest vocals){{Cite web |title=Rocha – Unum |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1163793-Rocha-Unum |website=Discogs |date=2020 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2020 – Ramos – My Many Sides (guest vocals){{Cite web |title=Ramos – My Many Sides |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/15799363-Ramos-My-Many-Sides |website=Discogs |date=2020 |access-date=2025-06-15}}
• 2023 – "I Won't Back Down" (Tom Petty cover), duet with Jack Russell{{Cite web |title=TERRY ILOUS & JACK RUSSELL release 'I WON'T BACK DOWN' (Tom Petty Cover) |url=https://www.therockpit.net/2023/terry-ilous-jack-russell-release-i-wont-back-down-tom-petty-cover/ |website=The Rockpit |date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=2025-06-15}}

Terry Ilous resides in Southern California and remains active in the music scene, performing both as a solo artist and with XYZ. In addition to his singing career, he has worked as a voice actor and contributed to both television and film projects. His credits include work on the animated series Rick and Morty{{Cite web |title=Rick and Morty Cast & Crew |url=https://trakt.tv/shows/rick-and-morty/credits |website=Trakt.tv |access-date=2025-06-14}} and the feature film Rugrats in Paris: The Movie.

Ilous has participated in a number of charity-related music projects. In 2011, he contributed to the all-star single "One Family," produced by United Rockers 4U to raise funds for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The project featured artists from bands such as Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, and Poison.{{Cite web |title=United Rockers 4U Release "One Family" Charity Single For Japan |url=https://sleazeroxx.com/united-rockers-4u-release-one-family-charity-single-for-japan/ |website=Sleaze Roxx |date=2011-06-06 |access-date=2025-06-14}} In 2016, he performed at the Rock the Ride charity concert in Vernal, Utah, an event organized to support local community outreach programs.{{Cite web |title=Charity Concert This Weekend in Vernal |url=https://www.ubmedia.biz/vernalexpress/news/charity-concert-this-weekend-in-vernal/article_89177e06-431c-11e6-b6ce-bbe34a1cb589.html |website=Vernal Express |date=2016-07-05 |access-date=2025-06-14}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://terryilous.com Official website]

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Category:1966 births

Category:Living people

Category:American people of French descent

Category:Rock singers

Category:20th-century male singers

Category:21st-century male singers

Category:Musicians from Lyon

{{Improve categories|date=June 2025}}