Bassist Tony Franklin, previously with THE FIRM and BLUE MURDER, issued his debut solo album in 2000. 'Brave New Tomorrow' sees Franklin singing and playing all instruments except drums, handled by former DAVID LEE ROTH man GREGG BISSONETTE.

Previous to this release Franklin had laid down bass on two GRAHAM BONNET solo albums 'Underground' and 'The Day I Went Mad'.

In 2001 Franklin figured on the all star BOURGEOIS PIGS album 'Calamity Of Vanities'. This project band featured HOUSE OF LORDS men guitarist Michael Guy and drummer Ken Mary along with ex-OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist JAKE E. LEE and drummer Matt Sorum of GUNS N' ROSES and THE CULT.

The four stringer also made time to session on material for a solo project from former LION and BAD MOON RISING guitarist DOUG ALDRICH the same year. In late 2001 it emerged Franklin was working in alliance with former WHITESNAKE vocalist DAVID COVERDALE. The bassist rejoined guitarist JOHN SYKES and drummer CARMINE APPICE in mid 2003 to reform the classic line up of BLUE MURDER. The bassist's second solo album 'Wonderland', emerging in 2003, included a rare vocal guest appearance by WHITESNAKE's David Coverdale as well as contributions from BLUE MURDER band mate Carmine Appice and Gregg Bissonette. Franklin would also guest on the 2003 'Louder' album from Swedish guitarist SAYIT.

In 2005 Franklin saw inclusion on MICHAEL SCHENKER's covers album 'Heavy Hitters', featuring on a rendition of 'I Don't Live Today'. During January he would contribute to tracks laid down by guitarist PAT TRAVERS and veteran drummer CARMINE APPICE. In early 2006 Franklin sessioned bass on recordings for QUIET RIOT and on the AOR collaborative DEACON STREET 'II' album. Franklin also played bass on several songs featured albums by Italian Rock star VASCO ROSSI, 2005's 'Buoni O Cattivi' and 2008's 'Il Mondo Che Vorrei'.