4 minute read
Marco Mendoza
When it comes to bass players, there are few to have such a glowing resume as Marco Mendoza. Perhaps you have seen Marco perform during his tenure with groups such as Journey, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and The Dead Daisies, to name but a few.
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Most recently, Marco has been involved with the supergroup Iconic. A band of legends, comprised of former Whitesnake bandmates Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra, alongside Michael Sweet of Stryper and Inglorious frontman Nathan James. “I think I was in somebody’s Rolodex” he jokes. “I got lucky, and I’m glad I got the call because they’re all amazing artists and talented. We got to hang. We got to know each other a little more. What a great bunch of cats,” said Marco.
“Nathan - I can’t say enough about him. As a singer, as a person, and as a human being. He’s so fun to hang out with. He’s full of energy. What can I say about Tommy? He and I have done so much work. He’s my brother and I love him to death. I respect him. There’s only one Tommy Aldridge. So anytime I have a chance to work with him, I’m excited and glad to be part of his journey and his career.”
Throughout this year, Marco has been hard at work touring Europe whilst promoting his latest solo album New Direction. Whilst life during the pandemic era may have curtailed Mendoza’s touring activities, it didn’t stop him from being creative. During this period of reflection, Marco Mendoza worked on a new book. The artist’s friend and graphic designer, Mark Allison was a catalyst for this project. “Mark was after me for quite a few years,” recollects the bass player extraordinaire.
Allison argued that Marco should write a book, citing the fact that he has “a great story”. Marco’s response at the time was “Nah, I still have a few more years to live and talk about. But finally, you stop and you’re trying to find things to do, and we came up with this book, which is called Showtime.” Mendoza adds: “I’ve got to say I’m really proud of it. Mark just outdid himself. He’s an extremely talented cat in so many ways that I can’t even put it into words. So, we came up with that book. We wanted to do something to stay connected with the fans. We announced it, and let’s say it just blew up in such a bigger way than expected - I’m totally amazed.”
Besides the book, during the pandemic era, the versatile bass player was trying to complete his latest solo album. Although, due to a variety of restrictions and logistical challenges this was not so easy. “Most of the time during 2020 was spent trying to get back to Copenhagen to finish the new album, and we were having a hard time,” said Marco. With international borders closed, travelling overseas was somewhat challenging. “I never gave up. Finally, June of ‘21, I get out there and we finished the album, and it was great,” explains Marco. “On the fourth day, Soren (Andersen), my producer, my songwriting partner and guitar player - he’s amazing. He gets sick with Corona.” In the end, Soren called in a favour from his business partner. “They own this studio - Medley Studios in Copenhagen. An amazing state-of-the-art studio and a great place to work. And Nick, his partner was available,” said Mendoza. “He was amazing. He came and we did two more days, and we finished the album.”
Whilst the artist overcame many obstacles, they continued to come in thick and fast. “When I was on my way home, I had some dates scheduled,” said Marco. “We were coming to the UK, and then we had Denmark, and we had a handful of dates, and I was really happy. A few days after I got home from Copenhagen and your Prime Minister Boris decided to close the borders again. So, there was a domino effect.” Marco adds: “The whole tour fell off.” But thankfully, being an in-demand bass player like he is, opportunity knocked. “Two days later, I get the call from Neil Schon to cover for Randy Jackson playing with Journey.”
When overseas travel was permitted, the former Dead Daisies man was able to tour Europe. “The borders opened up, and we tried to rebuild whatever dates we could salvage,” confirmed Marco. “We came to the UK, and we did a bunch of stuff all over Europe. So, I kept busy somehow.”
Marco Mendoza’s latest album New Direction finally received its release in mid-September. Subsequently, the artist will be back in the UK on tour throughout November in support of the album. For ticket information and further details, visit www.marcomendoza.com.
