New York melodic Rock outfit. The 2005 'Hotshot' album, released through Split Finger Records, actually comprised a collection of archive tracks dating back to 1986, when the project went by the title of THE MIKE PONT BAND, up to 1990 HOTSHOT songs. HOTSHOT had started out in 1983, convened as a covers band featuring frontman Mike Pont, the DANGER DANGER pairing of bassist Bruno Ravel and drummer Steve West plus guitarist Joey Sykes of COWARD. For a full two years worked the East Coast club circuit, notably having a pre-L.A. GUNS Kelly Nickels as their lighting tech. Following a trip to Los Angeles Mike Pont returned to New York to forge TROUBLE. Heavy live work followed before THE MIKE PONT BAND was borne in 1986.

The earliest album tracks were recorded by Mike Pont on lead vocals, SARAYA guitarist Tony Bruno, DANGER DANGER bassist Bruno Ravel, FOREIGNER and SPYS keyboard player Al Greenwood with SARAYA's Chuck Bonfonte on drums. The band also featured MARCHELLO keyboard player Gary Bivona. That same year Pont cut further tracks utilising guitarist Al Pitrelli, keyboard player Steve Savides and drummer Steve West.

In 1987, Mike rejoined his former HOTSHOT band mates Bruno Ravel and Steve West, along with former TALAS guitarist Al Pitrelli and keyboard player Kasey Smith, in the newly formed DANGER DANGER. This formation only managed a handful of shows. In 1987 Pont once again journeyed to Los Angeles, here creating THE GANGSTERS OF LOVE with guitarist Gary Shaw. In 1988 the singer headed back East. A re-activated HOTSHOT in 1990 recorded with Al Pitrelli, bassist Teddy Cook with Kurt Fairchild on drums. Album tracks also featured session guest spots from LESLIE WEST of MOUNTAIN and George Cintron of KICK AXE. HOTSHOT fell apart again when Pitrelli was poached by ALICE COOPER and Cook joined the ranks of DIO. Pitrelli successively journeyed through a swathe of high profile projects, including SAVATAGE and MEGADETH. In early 1990 Pont enlisted Spike Francis to fill the guitar slot, and Timmy Starace to play bass. This version of HOTSHOT performed at Hollywood venues such as The Roxy, Coconut Teaser and English Acid.

HOTSHOT came close to scoring a major deal in 1990, being championed by MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, but when this failed to transpire the band folded.