Tesla is an American rock band formed in Sacramento, California, in late 1981 by bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon. The band is ranked at No. 22 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hair Metal, and have been described as a "thinking man’s hair metal band”. Lead vocalist Jeff Keith and drummer Troy Luccketta had joined them by 1984. They are the longest serving members and have appeared on all band's releases. In 1996, the band disbanded, with members devoting themselves to solo projects. In 2000, they reformed, but Tommy Skeoch departed the band in 2006 and was replaced by Dave Rude. They have sold 14 million albums in the United States.