The heavily tattooed CIRCUS OF POWER arrived in 1988 with a self-titled debut album ridden with sex, bikes and alcohol. The band was forged in the wilds of New York's Lower East Side by former CRUCIAL TRUTH vocalist Alex Mitchell, in actuality a native of Toronto, Canada, and guitarist Ricky Beck Mahler. CIRCUS OF POWER progressed through a number of band members and gigs at the Cat Club and Limelight venues before signing on the dotted line with RCA / BMG.

The quintet's debut album was produced by ex-SHRAPNEL guitarist Daniel Rey. Originally Gary Sunshine occupied the bass slot but for the 1990 album 'Vices' the group shifted Sunshine over to guitar and pulled in ex-LEEWAY bassist Zowie Ackerman as the fifth member. Relocating to Los Angeles and switching labels to Columbia the band, shedding both Ryan Maher and Ackerman, roped in fresh candidates Victor Indrizzo on drums and Mark Frappier on bass for the resulting Thom Panunzio produced 'Magic And Madness' album. The band faltered on from that point on but had lost their momentum.

Sunshine was subsequently operational with both NEW YORK LOOSE and THE SILOS. During 2000 Sunshine would record with GUNS N' ROSES and by the following year was involved with GRAVITY KILLS. Alex Mitchell, billed as PLASTIC GATOR MACHINE, issued the 2003 album ''Rock 'n' Soul Music', these sessions featuring both CIRCUS OF POWER colleagues guitarist Gary Sunshine and bassist Mark Frappier. The singer would also operate UNCLE MAX'S COSMIC BAND, releasing 'Licking The Toad In The Black Church'. Alex Mitchell returned in 2005 with FAT NANCY, issuing the album 'Pure American Muscle, Baby' on the Perris label.

CIRCUS OF POWER, with a roster comprising Alex Mitchell, Ricky Beck Mahler, Mark Frappier and Ryan Maher, played a reunion concert on June 3rd 2006 at the 'Republic of Texas Biker Rally' held at The Elysium in Austin, Texas. The band also played at New York City at Don Hill's on 27th September, this performance including guests Queen Vixen and Honey 1Percenter from CYCLE SLUTS FROM HELL on backing vocals, with Daniel Rey of RAMONES and Phil Caivano from MONSTER MAGNET.

Alex Mitchell published a collection of poems, entitled 'Life Is A Phantom Kmart Horse Starting Up In The Middle Of The Night', during October. A show at Don Hill's club in New York City was filmed for the DVD 'Got Motor? Swamp Boogie In The Big City'.

CIRCUS OF POWER announced a 20th anniversary show in Los Angeles at The Knitting Factory on June 1st 2007. The band, which performed its self-titled debut in its entirety, was joined onstage by guitarist/producer Daniel Rey.

Rock Candy Records re-issued the debut album on CD format in 2009. A tribute album also surfaced, branded 'Working For The Machine'.