Though based in Italy, The Mugshots were born in New York City in 2001 when lead singer, Mickey E. Vil, visiting the United States, chose the band’s name after listening to an Alice Cooper record ("DaDa", 1983). As their name would suggest, dark crime stories have infused the band’s lyrics from the very beginning. As The Mugshots’ line-up was developing over the next few years, the band released two full-length albums, “House Of The Weirdos” and “Weird Theater” plus an EP, titled “Doctor Is Out”.
Then in 2009, the band’s present line up was consolidated. In 2010, The Mugshots released a limited edition EP titled “In Disguise” through an independent Italian record label. This EP was made available on both red vinyl and CD and garnered enthusiastic reviews around the world.
In 2012, The Mugshots teamed up with the legendary Dick Wagner, producer and performer for such great rock icons as Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Ray Manzarek, Kiss, Aerosmith and many others. This collaboration resulted in another EP on which Wagner arranged, co-wrote and played lead Guitars.
In 2015 the band release a new single: "Frozen", a Dark Rock version of Madonna's masterpiece featuring late Clive Jones from legendary Black Widow and Agony Bag on flute and saxophone, here on his final performance as he wished.
In 2016 The Mugshots release the third full-length album, "Something Weird", produced by Death SS' Freddy Delirio and featuring the likes of Matt Malley (ex-Counting Crows), Tony Dolan (Venom Inc.), Steve Sylvester, Enrico Ruggeri and many others. The album cover includes an original band portrait done by renowned comic artist Enzo Rizzi.