Hollywood rumours in early 2004 suggested erstwhile ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist JERRY CANTRELL was rehearsing up a new band unit fronted by ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION and THE SCREAM man John Corabi with THE CULT guitarist Billy Duffy, along with THE CULT bassist Chris Wyse and drummer Josh Howser. The conjecture proved true and this outfit, dubbed CARDBOARD VAMPYRES, debuted live on 12th April at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles, at a benefit for the Sweet Relief musicians charity organization. The band assembled a live set comprising entirely of cover versions including BLACK SABBATH's 'Hole In The Sky', AC/DC's 'Given The Dog A Bone', METALLICA's 'Seek And Destroy' and LED ZEPPELIN's 'Rock n' Roll'.

Both Duffy and Cantrell would also guest onstage with VAN HALEN frontman SAMMY HAGAR in early May at the launch of his first stateside Cabo Wabo Cantina in Harveys Resort Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. In August Cantrell made public the fact he, alongside Chris Wyse, also of CARDBOARD VAMPYRES, were recording music for an OZZY OSBOURNE box set.

In May of 2005 CARDBOARD VAMPYRES installed new band members, Eric Dover, having credits with ALICE COOPER, JELLYFISH, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and SEXTUS, on lead vocals and Bevan Davies, of DANZIG and COMES WITH THE FALL repute, on drums.