FILTHY LUCRE were founded in 1992 when British born vocalist Phil Lewis extracted himself from the semi-successful Los Angeles outfit L.A. GUNS following their 'Hollywood vampires' album. FILTHY LUCRE were actually forged as a side avenue venture during recording of L.A. GUNS fourth album 'Vicious Circle', coincidentally produced by Jim Wirt.

Guitarist Steve Dior had worked with Lewis previously in LONDON COWBOYS (a kickabout band that at various times included Glen Matlock of the SEX PISTOLS, MICHAEL MONROE of HANOI ROCKS and personel from acts as diverse as THE CLASH to GIRL). Drummer M.C. Bones is another ex-L.A. GUNS colleague. At one stage FILTHY LUCRE featured bassist Sasha Krivstov, a veteran of the multi-platinum Russian band ZIMERENIA, and subsequently of CLOCK.