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Despite another rainy evening in New York City, Irving Plaza was sold out and filled with a (mostly) older enthusiastic crowd, eager to see WHITESNAKE. With its new rhythm section you first wonder, “How the experience would be?” With Brian Tichy on drums (Slash, Ozzy, Foreigner, Lynch Mob), Michael Devin (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lynch Mob) on bass WHITESNAKE did not disappoint. Everyone was on top of their game; David had this permanent grin on his face, and was having the time of his life. Singing all the old hits and encouraging the delighted crowd to sing along, to the music they grew up on. (Most of them knowing all the words by heart). The set list consisted of the old classics as well as a few of the songs off the new album, Forevermore (which was released March of this year) Starting off with “Best Years” and moving into old school favorites "Give Me All Your Love", Love Aint No Stranger" and “Is This Love". Each song was greeted with cheers and the crowd singing along at points almost drowning out David and the band, but not quite. Mr. Coverdale was in his game zone, sounding as good as he did twenty years ago; and clearly enjoyed feeding off the energy from the crowd. A couple of new ones off the new release followed, “Steal Your Heart Away” followed by "Love will Set You Free"; the first single/ video. Many in the crowd obviously had purchased the album, as you could see them singing along to the new songs as enthusiastically as the older material. The time machine switches gears again bringing us back to the traditional Arena Rock guitar solos. The guitar duel between Reb Beach and Doug Aldrich goes into full assault. It might have gone just a bit too long, none the less it was amazing. Watching these two truly talented guitarists have fun doing what they do so well. Starting off with solo trade off’s, by Doug and then Reb; ending with the two of them playing together. They both have their own style, Doug playing w/big emotion/ intensity and Reb, the clown making faces at the audience and encouraging them to cheer them on. The band then came on stage and played another song off the new album;" My Evil Ways", Leading midway into Brian Tychy’s drum solo. Brian isn’t called "ANIMAL" by some friends for no reason. The intensity and skill with which he plays has to be witnessed to be believed. He then upped it by tossing his sticks into the audience and proceeded to continue playing barehanded. Smashing away at the skins and cymbals like a man possessed. The audience was mesmerized and roared their applause as he (back w/the sticks) finished. The band re-entered the stage and finished "My Evil Ways" followed by "One of These Days", "Aint No Love in the Heart of the City". They ended the set with two crowd favorites; “Fool for your Lovin" and of course "Here I Go Again" As they left the stage the crowd went wild with cat whistles, applause, yelling for them to come back for an encore. There could not have been a better way to finalize this
evening, as they rode off into the "Still of the Night"
By Fiona Lane KCM: What type of music did you grow up on? Jeremy : Ummm, Rock and Roll, Rolling stones, Stevie Wonder, I was really into as a kid. Umm, classic rock. KCM: And who were some of your favorite bands? Jeremy : Umm, as a kid, well The Stones have always been one of my favorite band and Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath. Which doesn't really show in my music now *Laugh*. KCM: Yeah, that really doesn't but The Stones definitely do. Jeremy : yeah. KCM: So where do you see yourself in 20 years as a person? Jeremy : As a person? umm, I kind of see myself in 20 years from now being a hermit. I kind of visualize myself living on some mountain. Like raising goats, having a garden, and no contact with any humans. *laugh* KCM: I like that answer I would actually do the same if I could, That's pretty awesome. Jeremy : L.A. will do that to ya
KCM: Where did you come up with the band name? Jeremy : Umm. gosh I don't really remember to be honest. I don’t know it was always just one of those things that was stuck in the back of my head and kept resurfacing and It was like something I just kept hearing in the back of my head and I decided why not. KCM: Do you feel that there is a meaning behind it? Jeremy : Umm. No *laugh* That's a pretty mundane answer but no there isn't. Except that I just find playing music to be a blessing. KCM: What was it like working with Bam and Share on your album Bare Bones? Jeremy : Oh, Fantastic. They're amazing people and Incredibly creative and inspiring to be around, and they were just awesome and I can't say enough good things about them, and I'm still good friends with them and I actually just talked to them on Sunday. KCM: It's always good to work with good people. It makes working with them a lot easier for you. Jeremy : Yeah and they certainly did make it very easy. They made it an easy environment to be creative in. KCM: Which song on your album stands out the most and why? Jeremy : I would say, on the current one, can't shake the devil. It just seems to be different from all the rest of the of the songs And it's got Levonne singing that vamp on the end and I'm pretty happy with the lyrical content, the resonator guitar and the slide part and all that. It's one of those songs that you hear something new in it every time you listen to it.
KCM: The whole album is just so catchy, and it's just so wonderful and I had such a great time doing the review on that album, too. Jeremy : Oh, There's a review? KCM: Yep *laugh* Jeremy : That's gonna be in the new issue? KCM: Yes it is. Jeremy : Awesome! KCM: Yeah. So what were you involved in before the blessings?
Jeremy : It's good for now, but it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I would like to have some point in my life where I can have calm. Seclusion. Yeah. KCM: Which of the Seven Deadly Sins would identify with the most? Jeremy : What are the Seven Deadly Sins again? I don't know there's Gluttony right? KCM: Mmm. The Seven Deadly Sins are Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, Greed and Sloth. Jeremy : Hmmmm I would say *long pause* probably Lust. KCM: And why is that? Jeremy : I'm a guy *laughs* KCM: Are we talking Lust, sexually? or Lust in different ways, for different things? Jeremy : Ummm, before The Blessings? I did a thing with Ronny Yonkins. Fisrt we were called Jeremy and The Suicides than we moved to L.A. and we had a thing called The Slimmer Twins and we put out a record with Gilby Clarke. Gilby produced it and he played a couple songs on it Brent Fitz played drums on it. Yeah that was a lot of fun. KCM: So what kind of music was that? Jeremy : It was the same kind of stuff. Stonsey, bluesey, rock 'n roll. KCM: If I were to go to your house and open up the fridge, what would I find? Jeremy : You'd find a lot of fruit and vegetables. KCM: So you eat pretty healthy? Jeremy : Yeah. KCM: So basically that goes hand and hand with "I eat really healthy, and I want to live on a mountain somewhere" Which kind of brings me to the point that your a peaceful person who doesn't like the everyday, crazy lifestyle
Jeremy : I would say sexually *long pause* Does that have to be in this interview? *laughs* KCM: Ya know what? Now it is *laughs* Jeremy : Can we do that question again? And I can answer differently? KCM: If you really want to we can. What are my options again? Sloth, Greed, Pride, Lust. KCM: Hold on *laughing* That was just too funny. Alright let me collect myself here. Pride, Envy, Gluttony, should we cancel Lust out? *laughs* How about in your case there are Six Deadly Sins? Jeremy : Alright let's go with Pride than, I don't have a reason why, though. Except I guess I do have a lot of pride. KCM: Well you know Pride is also known as Vanity? Jeremy : Ahaaa, I'm vain, I'll go with that. KCM: Who is Jeremy White? What would you like people to know about you? Because no one really knows who Jeremy White is, so why don't you tell us who you are?
Jeremy : Well I mean, I guess when I'm dead and gone I would like people to....... Well I consider myself a pretty generous, giving person. I try to help my friends out. Umm, I try to be there for people and I would like that to be something that people remember about me. That's another boring answer isn't it?
KCM: Ok how about in the United States?
KCM: No it's not a boring answer. Why don't you just name some of your favorite hobbies. You know, what you enjoy doing while you're not playing. Music is definitely one of them, but something outside the music world.
KCM: Well hopefully you guys will have that opportunity because I would love to see you guys perform. How long has the band been together? When did you form the band?
Jeremy : Well ummm, I like getting out into the wilderness and I've been getting into photography lately, and I kind of like getting lost in the woods and taking photos and getting away from everything. All the madness which ties into the whole solitude thing, again. KCM: So photography is pretty much your escape? Jeremy : Yeah! It sure is. I find it to be very therapeutic. KCM: Where do you see yourself in twenty years, musically? Jeremy : Umm, geez. That's pretty hard to say with the way things are with music these days. Ya know? I don't know it's just... I'm just hoping in twenty years that people will have at least heard my music and Umm, there's like you always see these interviews with people saying they want to be as big as Led Zepplin one day or something like that. It just doesn't seem to happen anymore, but I'm satisfied with having people just hearing my music and enjoying it and hopefully I will be able to leave some of that behind as a legacy. KCM: You play a lot of local shows where you're at. Do you ever plan on venturing outside of your area? Jeremy : Yeah we're putting together a thing in February, we're going to Europe.
Jeremy : The United States? Umm, we don't have any plans to do anything in the U.S at this point. KCM: Would you be interested in doing that ? Jeremy : Sure.
Jeremy : Umm, well there was a different line up. I think we had a different version of it, maybe in 2004. And it was two guitar players and one of them left so I started playing guitar, made a different rhythm section which they played on the first album. KCM: 2004? That was long ago? Jeremy : Yeah! I think so. I don't know. I'm not good with timelines. *laughs* KCM: You just want to go to the mountains and be secluded. Jeremy : Yeah, and not have to worry about time and grow along beard. Well we put out Bare Bones in 2006 so I'm assuming that we had to have at least 2 years to write those songs. KCM: Wow, so all your other stuff was before that than? Jeremy : Yeah. KCM: Ok, Ok well you don't have to hear my voice anymore. I'm finished with the interview. Jeremy : You're done with me? *laughs* KCM: I'm done with you, I am. You can go back to your seclusion *laughs* It was really awesome talking to you. I wish you guys the best of luck and I'm really, really hoping to see you guys do some kind of US tour soon. Jeremy : Thank you. I really appreciate all the kind words and all the help you offer.
KCM: How are you Sir? JOHNNY: Great! KCM: When you choose to relax what do you do? JOHNNY: I spend time with my wife and I watch TV. KCM: What’s your favorite TV show? JOHNNY: The Simpsons! KCM: Ha,ha,ha I love The Simpsons! KCM: How did your relationship with “Muddy Waters” come about? JOHNNY: I met him for the first time in Austin, Texas and I opened for him in 1967. KCM: So this developed into a lifelong friendship… JOHNNY: Oh I really loved “Muddy” he was big influence on my music.
and I asked him if he thought that Robert sold his soul to the devil and he said he didn’t have any idea. I kind of think so!
KCM: Is there anyone that you would have liked to play with but did not get that opportunity?
KCM: You have a new album coming out and you have guest appearances, who are some of the people working with you?
JOHNNY: I’d love to play with Billy Rascal. I’d love to play with Robert Johnson.
JOHNNY: “Derek Trucks”, “Susan Tedeschi”, “Warren Hayes”, “John Popper”, and “Vince Gill”.
KCM: IF you had a chance to sit in a bar with Robert Johnson what would you ask him?
KCM: On occasion you still play with your brother Edgar?
JOHNNY: I’d wanna know if he really sold his soul to the devil. Ha,ha,ha
JOHNNY: Not as much as I’d like to because he is on the West Coast and I am on the East Coast.
KCM: He might just wink at you (both laughing)
KCM: And Rick Derringer he’s like a third brother it seems…
JOHNNY: I asked Ernie boy he played with “Honey Boy Edwards”
JOHNNY: Yes he lives down in Florida. KCM: One thing I noticed when you refer to your brother
or when he refers to you, you always give him the respect of the title “My brother Edgar” or when he speaks of you he says “My brother Johnny” and I always found that to be a passionate, loving thing. Do you get a chance being that both of you are so busy to say have a B.B.Q. together on occasion? JOHNNY: Yeah we try to get together and when we do we talk about the old days. KCM: I saw that you are a guest on a few CD’s one being “ Joe Lewis Walker” as well as “Sly Stone” and this one caught me off guard although I think it’s very cool. You’re doing something with “William Shatner”? JOHNNY: I play slide on “Space Trucking” KCM: That’s great! How did that come about? JOHNNY: His producer asked me if I’d be willing to do it and I said “Sure!” KCM: How will you want to be remembered being that you’re such an icon in the Blues world? JOHNNY: As a Bluesman! KCM: I got to see you on the “Still alive and well” tour and it was such a great tour because and you had just come through some difficulties. You fought and got through. JOHNNY: It was no more for heroin. KCM: But you came through it and you’re doing well. Time and history take acre of certain things but the reality is that comeback show that I saw you at Madison Square Garden it was July 16th, I can’t remember the year.
JOHNNY: 1972.
JOHNNY: Oh that’ll be great!
KCM: I think you’re right and you blew up the place. It was such a big sound; you’re guitar carried through so well. KCM: When you sat down and first started to play guitar who were the people that you wanted to sound like?
KCM: I thank you so much. I enjoyed this time. I’m gonna let Andy Aledort know how this went, is there a message you wanna send him?
JOHNNY: I guess “Chuck Berry” was the first guy that made me want to play guitar.
KCM: I will tell him and he loves you too..
JOHNNY: Just tell him I love him!
KCM: “Chuck Berry” was quite the innovator in his own right. JOHNNY: “Maybelline” and “Johnny Be Good” I wanted to learn how to play that stuff. KCM: Are there newer players, younger guys that you are very impressed by? JOHNNY: “Derek Trucks” who I really like a lot, he is great! KCM: What a monster player, he’s just so talented. JOHNNY: He is all around a nice guy…and also fun to play with. KCM: What advice would you give to a young guitarist? JOHNNY: Play with as many good guys as you possibly can and practice and play on as many albums as you can. Listen to the people who did it before. KCM: It’s such a compliment that you tell players” Look at me, Yes, but also look at the people before me” That’s very impressive. KCM: I hope I get to come to your show at B. B. Kings in New York City and shake your hand sir.
Johnny Winter’s newest release entitled “ROOTS” on Megaforce/Sony Records. This recording will include Johnny doing his versions of songs that helped shape his legendary talent. Produced by guitarist Paul Nelson the CD will feature notable guests: Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, John Popper, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and more along with his new band.
KCM: Hey Davy, are you ready? I have some questions for ya. DV: I feel that I'm ready. KCM: Tell us a little bit about what happened to the guys from Vain. I read that Ashley has a family now and he's a realtor but I did hear that he played on stage with you, is he still involved with VAIN? DV: Yeah, he’s almost on every track on bass on the record, and there are only two tracks where I have a different bass player on just because it was probably the last two things that I recorded. I wasn't sure if I was gonna use Ashley or not so I was practicing with the guy I had on my last tour that was filling in for him. I called Ashley and I said "hey you wanna come down and record?" and he kind of felt bad that they guy would cut me down in learning the riffs and sitting through all my millions of arrangement ideas and I would give the guy shit like "no try this, and try that" and then I was just gonna have Ash come in and learn it and just record it. So he goes "why don't you just let him do it man" and he was real excited to play on a Vain record since he got to go on a couple of the tours, and so um, yeah that's what happened as far as that. Yeah, he's got a lot of stuff going on. Kind of all of us do in different ways. So he's still involved in a recording, and I think he'll be on stage again but I don't wait for anybody anymore. I did that for a lot of years because we all grew up in the same town. We were all like rock n' roll kids that were the rock crowd of our town, and then when we formed”
Vain”, even our roadies were people we knew. I don’t wait for anybody anymore. If you can do it great and if you can’t I’ll find somebody who will. KCM: Jamie Scott lives in Nashville, and builds amps. Whatever happened to Danny and Tommy? DV: Well Tommy did our last two tours actually. And he's on a lot of the cuts of the record, and our other drummer that we had for a little while; he's on some of the cuts too. Then Steven Adler is on two cuts and then Danny. Actually him and me have a cowritten on one song and when we kind of started it he was still involved, and then after the last tour he just decided to lay low for a while. I was just like "ok cool". That's just the way it is. No bad blood or anything. He’s doing his own thing. The track that we did is called “Solid Gold”, and he's on that one. KCM: Are you all still in each other lives? D V: We talk all the time. Like I said ya know, Jamie is on the whole record pretty much. He's on almost all of the guitars and in the studio I do a few guitars too. I have ever since the start. Ya know, and on this album I do a couple of the solos and a few rhythms and stuff, since I write everything. Everybody talks to each other. I just did the whole tour with Tommy, of nine countries so I saw plenty of him. KCM: Ok, bottom line...what is the current VAIN line-up? DV: The lineup live depends, it's always moving. On the record it’s pretty much all the original guys.
For live right now I usually have Tommy on drums, Skinny on guitar, Cat Casino on the other guitar, and sometimes Ash on bass. Depending on the tour and where I'm going. My band seems to keep getting younger and younger and more rock star every tour. The last thing I played, the bass player was 21 from Sweden. I really like playing with the Swedish rock stars because they remind me of guys that would have been in the top bands when I first started. They had the cool hair and were handing out flyers on the Sunset Strip.*laughs* Yeah! because everybody was out there, I mean back in those days you would go down to the Sunset Strip, or the strip in San Francisco where the rock stars were, there would be five guys, like the whole band and they would all have a stack of flyers and they would be in complete stage clothes, the hair, make-up and everything handing out flyers, ya know? KCM: How did you hook up with Skinny from the Deathstars, and how long has he been playing with you? DV: I love him so much ya know because it's not very often that you meet people that you just let totally 100% into your life and they're like family. I'm kind of close, ever since we made it, like the first record it was really a strange transition we went from people hating us to like loving us more, like people wanting to be your friend and people being jealous and hating you. When I met him, we really hit it off. It was kind of funny how we met. I was dating this girl in Germany and I moved to Germany which was a crazy idea, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. One night she wanted to go see some band play, and it was the band opening up for ” Deathstars”, and I had never even heard of ” Deathstars” before. So we went, checked out “ Deathstars” and I was like "Wow those guys are rock stars" So, I'm standing outside and this was in Cologne, Germany and” Cat” the guitar player came out and he really didn't know me but he heard of me. So we started talking for a while then he went backstage where” Skinny” was, and with “Skinny” we are one of his favorite bands, but I had no idea at the time. So” Cat” was talking to” Skinny” and was like "Yeah, I was just talking to some American dude up there” Davy Vain" and “Skinny” was like "You're full of shit" and” Cat” said "Davy Vain” he's outside and” Skinny” was like "What the fuck would he be doing here? Go get him!" SO he tried dragging me and I was like "No man I'm ok" and he goes "Well I have a full bottle of Tequila" and I was like "Ok, I'll come" *laughs* So I go back there and there's this crazy, Swedish guy half naked with dreads down to his waist and he yells out "Davy! you're my hero!" It was sort of a mixed compliment to be honest with you. His actual quote was "You're my boyhood hero" *laughs* so that was a little bit like...Oh he's really young, ya know? *laughs*
we hung out all night, and ended up drinking a whole bottle of Tequila. We really hit it off and then later on that tour that I was just telling you about when I needed an extra guitar player, so I called” Skinny” and he said "You should get “Cat”, he can do it, he's really great" So that led to me thinking "God, I want Skinny too" So on that last tour I talked about” Skinny”, and he plays guitar too but I saw him play bass, and I never knew what a great guitar player he really was, and he's just got the best stage presence. He's been playing with us for about the past year. He's just got the best heart and he's a rock star. As you can see I’ve got a terrible bromance going on*laughs* KCM: You have a new album coming out; and it's been quite some time since your last. A lot of people are really anxious for this one. Would you compare this album to any of your previous ones? D V: Yeah, probably the most like” No Respect” or maybe “All Those Strangers”. There's a little more vocal stuff going on than in “No Respect”. It's a pretty heavy record really. Last record was heavy too but I've been doing a little more dreamy stuff like the Smoke and Shadows kind of stuff. This one is personal, they all are, but with this one I just kind of got a Lil extra voodoo on it for some reason because I just cut the vocals by myself. So far people that like” VAIN” that I've played it for, have really liked it. I really dig the vocal sound on it. I've tried even using some older equipment on it too. I stumbled across this really old microphone that just made my voice really come out and really capture it. I'm excited *laughs* KCM: Tell us one thing that nobody knows about you DV: Hmmm, one thing that nobody really knows about me...let me see...Ummm... When I was a kid I was a star athlete, not a lot of people know that. *laughs* KCM: *laughs* Are you embarrassed by that? DV: No, but I just don't really talk about it that much. I had my picture in the paper, and was a star athlete for a while. I wasn't really embarrassed about it. Then I switched to rock, and it was kind of a shock to the people that knew me, because when I started getting in bands and stuff, and I was athletic and was joining all these sleazy bands and stuff like that *laughs* It was just an overnight transition. I actually got kicked out of the house because I was a really good kid and it was just shocking to everyone. *laughs* KCM: If you had to do one thing over 20 years ago, what would it be and why?
DV: Get married and have a bunch of kids *laughs*
KCM: *laughs* I'm not a foot person, I don't like feet.
KCM: *laughs* you answered that very fast.
DV: So you might say "cover those up!" *laughs*
DV: I know, I'm kidding *laughs* It's easy to look back and think. it's funny because I made this comment the other day talking to my manager and I thought” oh hey, there's a new song title “and I told him, I think I would do the same thing all over again and give rock another chance and thought; “Oh, that sounds like a song!” *laughs* I think there may be a few strategic things that maybe you change cause then I would know that rock was gonna die at a certain point which I didn't know because when the whole Seattle thing came in it was really bad, clubs closing down and stuff. So, if I would’ve known that I might have thought about stuff differently. Back then” VAIN” could have gotten two or three record deals if we would have been more commercial and done more hit songs, and putting out hit songs because people loved our image and the way we played, but they didn't like the fact that we wanted to be so rock. My voice was more commercial and I could do more commercial stuff too. People were telling us we could be like this hit band and having all these hit songs like” Def Leppard”. You know being good players kind of hurt us in a way because some of the record companies that really liked us at first thought they could put us in the” Poison” category then we could just jump around with our songs.
KCM: In what ways do you feel better now than 20 years ago, physically and mentally?
KCM: Why do you perform with your bare feet?
KCM: How do you feel physically?
D V: The very first show that I ever did as a kid, cause the very first band I was in, ya know that one I told you I got kicked out of the house for because they were a "druggie band" *laughs* It was a backyard keg party and it was my first time singing, and they knew I was scared. So I just showed up in these flip-flops and they go "hey we're gonna play a gig" and I go "cool! when" and they go "right now" and I'm like "what the fuck why didn't you guys tell me about it, and they go "cause we didn't want you to sit around and think about it all night" and I go "oh ok, well I didn't even bring any clothes or anything" But I always liked to walk around barefoot back then, and thought I'll just go barefoot. It also just makes me feel more comfortable and at the party there was a lot of people so I was really kind of nervous and we never played or anything, so when I walked out, I just felt like I did it a million times before just being barefoot felt good. And then I thought it feels more jungle like. KCM: You put a lot into being barefoot when you perform, weird question do you get pedicures? DV: I have, and that's only because I knew this chick that did them, but I have never got a professional one done. But I paint my nails a lot of times.
DV: Well mentally, I think everybody of course has a little more insight on stuff maybe. I've always put a lot of thought into stuff. The difference in playing shows now is like 20 yrs ago every show even though it's kick ass or whatever, I have always taken it very seriously even in those days I just never really partied and ruined my voice on tour and I have always just really cared about every detail. I never missed anything, I've never been lazy. I think that may come from being an athlete as a kid and that I knew that if in sports you're lazy, you'll lose. And I noticed in music, a lot of people are really lazy because they think its all part of rock and roll. You get stoned, you party and it's easy and that’s what makes it rock and roll, you don't have to do anything, and I would hate to see somebody outwork me. So even back then I always cared about all the performances and every note of everything. So, I think the only difference now is every show back then was more of an ends to a meaning, because from our very first show to getting signed where everything was going up, up, up everything was to get to the next stage and the next level.
DV: Physically, I feel great. I think my voice is actually better to be honest with you. I mean, I think it's a little stronger in a different way because it was always high and had some kind of cool thing. But I think I have some lower registers now. KCM: You still work out as well, right? DV: I do. I always have though. I need to be able to perform. I just don't wanna stand there and sing. I jump around and move around a lot. I have a whole band of guys that were the same age as me when I started. I've gotta keep up. Well actually, they gotta keep up with me *Laughs* KCM: What do you hope to accomplish with your new album? DV: I just want as many people as possible to hear it. We've gained a lot of newer fans who dig us, as well as our first fans. So that's awesome. This album never stops rockin. KCM: Well there are a lot of people really looking forward to it, including myself. DV: Yeah! I can't wait for you to hear it. KCM: Do you have any touring plans?
DV: Right now we are just looking into the beginning of Oct to do a European promotional tour. We will do some in store appearances, and more interviews. KCM: *Laughs* you are crazy. Are you going to try and get anything going with the US? DV: Yeah! We’re talking about it and if we do, than we would like to try and get all the original guys for a one last all original thing and do just mostly the No Respect stuff. But right now, it's just been all about finishing this new album. KCM: If you had one day off, with no interruptions, no cell phone, nothing, what would you do? DV: Oh wow! Let's see...I would probably go on a little adventure like from my house and jump on the fairy that goes into San Francisco, cruise the city, meet people and get wired on coffee all day *laughs*. There's an AC/DC song called “Down Payment" and there's a line that goes " I’m not doing much, but doing nothing means a lot to me" *Laughs* KCM: Who would be your musical inspirations? DV: 70s & 80s bands, some Motown, Stones, “I love the stones”, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. KCM: Speaking of the amazing songs of yesteryear, tell us what you think of today's music? DV: Some of it's good but, not as good as it was before. The production value is so different now and not as good. You can't hear every member of the band. It's like only hearing the singer with just all the tracks. Nobody sounds together anymore. KCM: Did you ever think 20 years ago you would still be doing music 20 yrs later? Did you think you would still be doing the band thing? DV: Actually probably not. I thought I might be doing something musically. I mean playing when I was younger, I was always kind of avert, a sexual performer. Crawling around and just being sex charged. So I guess I just thought it was a more youthful thing. But here I am today. Like there's one track called "Drag Me" and it basically says, is it time to stop or are you gonna have to drag me off the stage *Laughs* I'm not ready to quit yet. KCM: What do you think SATAN’s last name is? DV: Clause.
KCM: If you were a candy bar, which one would you be and why? DV: A “Big Hunk”. KCM: A what? DV: A “Big Hunk”.
KCM: That's not a candy bar! DV: It is too, look it up. It's full of nuts and lasts all day. KCM: You're lying. DV: I am not lying, it's really hard and you like hit it against something and it breaks into little pieces, or I'd be a snickers because it satisfies. KCM: You're right! I guess that was just my perversion mind. They're old. DV: They're still around. They're rare, that's why I like rare candies. Big Hunks are always hard to find * laughs* but never turned down. KCM: I don’t know what to say to you anymore, I swear. *Laughs* DV: If you had one of my Big Hunks, you'd never go back. OK, next question. KCM: If you had to compare yourself to an animal, what would it be and why? DV: Umm, it would probably be, that's tough. I like so many different kinds. I would have to say, some type of cat. Because I think that's what I feel like on stage, Jungle like, prowling crawling and sneaking. If I was drinking coffee all day, I’d probably be a hummingbird. *Laughs* KCM: Ok well that wraps it up. DV: That's it? KCM: That's it. DV: Ok cool, well I think you got plenty of stuff huh? Great! Well thanks a lot! KCM: Thank you and I will be talking to you soon.
KCM: Hello John here!
KCM: In the last couple of months I lost 35lbs.
EDDIE: Hello Eddie Money here, how are you Buddy?
EDDIE: Wow. Ha,ha,ha,
KCM: Doctor Eddie Money, how are you Sir?
KCM: You’re originally from my neck of the woods; I’m a Queens’s boy.
EDDIE: doing great, doing great got a lot of shows to pull off on the road, but it’s okay I gotta play.
EDDIE: I’m actually from Woodhaven. KCM: I grew up in Corona.
KCM: I know.
EDDIE: I went to Franklin K. Lane and my school is where John Gotti went.
EDDIE: Napa Valley over in California. Tonight I got here then I gotta drive to Lima and then I gotta fly over to Burbank.
KCM: Oh really Ha, ha. ha
KCM: Wow. EDDIE: Then I’m going back because I gotta show in Michigan so I got a planned out summer, I’ll tell you that much. KCM: That’s a tough thing to do. Especially if you’re still back in party days you know.
I’ll tell you I’m in fact today is my 54th Birthday , and recently I said I gotta change my eating habits, everything. Nothing the Doctor really said but me I was starting to feel all crappy. You know too much beer; too much other things and I said I gotta stop. I feel good EDDIE: It’s amazing how many beers you can fucking knock down when you’re just partying with friends you know.
EDDIE: I’m always partying and up until about year and a KCM: Oh you’re not kidding because it just becomes…… half ago everybody’s happy but me. EDDIE: Because it becomes a license for drinking. KCM: Well you know it’s funny, .
EDDIE: and as you know I grew up in East New York and I lived on Atlantic Avenue and 88th street. Right down the street on Atlantic it turns into East New York. KCM: Do you get back to Brooklyn at all? EDDIE: Yeah I get back there occasionally. I was just back there a couple of weeks ago. KCM: When you’re back in town, and because there are certain foods that you can’t get anywhere in the world, do you ever say “Let’s go here to try this, or let’s go there to try that?”
EDDIE: What restaurants would you recommend? KCM: It’s so hard to recommend but you’ve got “Rocco’s” calamari. It’s on Fort Hamilton Parkway, it’s a small place, and the food is delicious and inexpensive. It’s the best meal you’re going to have. When I was talking to Paul before he told me to make sure and talk about “One More Solider Coming Home” EDDIE: You wanna turn your tape deck on now, I’m ready to rock. KCM: I have it, it’s digitally recording. EDDIE: “One More Solider Coming Home” It’s actually about a kid who doesn’t make it back from Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s a very sad song. You should go to my website and look at the video. KCM: I did, it’s very….it got to my heart. I have a nephew he’s now Lieutenant Coronel but he was in Bosnia and Iraq. Every time he is deployed overseas I get a knot in my stomach. I have a few family members who’ve gone through the service. EDDIE: I wrote this for a lot of people but mostly to their parents. We’re selling our shirts for one more veteran coming home, and all the proceeds go to the “Intrepid fallen hero’s club” which is a fund which is privately funded corporation and it started in the early 2000’s. They raised over 27,000,000 dollars. They had a facility with 150 beds in San Antonio and they’re building a new facility in Maryland. It’s for people with head trauma whether it’d be psychological or physical. When and if this cut takes off it’s gonna be out in a month. I can’t get it on top 40 Radio because top 40 Radio is too commercial and urban. If you’re not” Lady Gaga” or” Brittany Spears” you’re not gonna get on top 40 Radio so we’re leaning towards hot country right now. The guy that I wanted to do the second verse “Jamey Johnson”, he is a marine corps veteran and like Eddie Money in the 80’s , you know fight with the wife in and out of jail just a great guy through.
Thinking about using a girl named “Gretchen Wilson” on a cut called “Redneck woman” or we’re gonna use a woman called” Bekka Bramlett” have you ever heard of her? KCM: Is she related to” Bonnie Bramlett”? EDDIE: She’s” Bonnie Bramlett’s” daughter and she plays her fucking ass off. I was gonna have her do the bridge and re-shoot the video with her in it, and have Jamey Johnson in it as well. That way the video could be played on hot country. KCM: I think that’s brilliant and it makes sense especially since country is more attracted to songs like that. They appreciate that, the country audience more then…. EDDIE: The song goes over well live and I think if I improve the video we’ll see what happens. KCM: I’m talking from a radio point….That commercial rock radio doesn’t favor a song like that, where they should. But country will embrace it you know. EDDIE: I think so I’m looking forward to finishing up the track and going back down to Nashville. Shootin’ these guys flyin’ out the fucking goddamn video. We’ll see what happens. KCM: So many lost lives and so many parents need to know that there’s a voice. EDDIE: A lot of the parents have lot kids over there and that’s really tough. Things have been going great; I’ve had 17 songs in the top 100. KCM: You always give access to all your fans so they get a personal moment with you when possible and I think that’s wonderful. EDDIE: The Ed heads are crazy; they’re all over the country. They hold up these little signs in front of their face like they do in sports events with a picture of me on it. Like on a cardboard stick, they’re all over the fucking place. I don’t know how they’re gonna get home they’re so fucking loaded. I feel like I should get them all in the car and drive everyone home. I gotta good fan base, things are happening. I get out there and I’m kicking ass and
“REO Speedwagon”, “Styx” and” Peter Frampton” a lot of these guys will not. I don’t do shows with them because I’m loaded with so many fucking hits like” The Rolling Stones” or” The Beatles”. They got like 3 or 4 hits and I got like 15 or 16. KCM: There’s never a time where one of your songs comes on the radio and its turn it up time. It’s great Rock’n’Roll. KCM: Your daughter was singing with you for a while, she has a fantastic voice. EDDIE: Lately she’s been hanging out with the wrong crowd. I don’t dig that at all and now I got her back at the house. KCM: Well that’s good. I have kids of my own. I was very impressed by the fact that your music talks about positive things and your family. I think it’s great that you can be a rock star and still live a life. EDDIE: Right now I’m not that fat. I should weight around 190lbs but I weight around 216. Weight Watchers wants to use me as their new” Jennifer Hudson” and I’m like” oh wait a minute I’m not that fucking fat” If I turn around and do” Weight Watchers” there’s a lot of Eddie Money fans out there that are overweight and they’re gonna be like “Well if Eddie did it” in a way it’s a good thing and a bad thing because he was never fat so why is he doing “Weight Watchers”. KCM: But why not? It doesn’t always have to be like you look like Walter Hudson to go on a diet. “Weight Watchers” works even only if you’re trying to take a couple pounds off. EDDIE: Every night I’m out there signing shirts for the” Intrepid Fallen Hero’s Foundation” and I’m signing a pink girls shirt for the” Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics Aids Foundation” Every night I get out there and I talk to the fans and I’m not like” Rod Stewart” with my big security guard that’s gonna break your arm if you touch me. KCM: Well, you’re from Brooklyn…You’re from East New York It would behoove someone not to do that.
EDDIE: Yeah when I started singing before “The Beatles” or anything like that I was singing accapella in the hallways. KCM: That’s a great way to tune up your voice on that stuff. EDDIE: There’s nothing like singing accapella. KCM: How did you end up meeting” Bill Graham”? EDDIE: My manager unfortunately got into a helicopter and thought he was invincible on a night when nobody should have been flying at a” Huey Lewis” show he ran into a fucking goddamn power pole with a red light on it. That was the end of that. KCM: That’s too bad, so much he’s given and it’s amazing that. To be tapped by him someone he wanted to represent….that had to be. How was that feeling? EDDIE: He was like a Father to me, it was tough. He was on my right; he was always my manager for over 20 years. Died in 94 signed me in 76. KCM: Was it through him that you met” Ronnie Spector”? EDDIE: No actually I met” Ronnie Spector” because we did that “Take Me Home Tonight” and it said “Just like Ronnie said” and I said they gotta be talking about Ronnie Spector because the verse ”be my little baby” was in there. I called her up and I heard whole bunch of clinking and clanking and I said “what are you doing?” and she said ”I’m doing the dishes” She dropped out originally and” Martha Davis” from the” Motels” was going to do that and they said no we gotta get “Ronnie Spector” to sing that. She came in and did a great job on the video. She’s such a sweetheart. Once she got into the “Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame” the first thing she did was thank me. She’s a doll; I just love her to death. She’s got one of the most unique voices in Rock’n’Roll. KCM: Yeah and she went through her stuff with Phil Spector.
EDDIE: Yes she was married to” Phil Spector” and she knew he was bald. When they first got married he used to wear his wig into the shower. What the fuck is that all about? KCM: It’s amazing he made it so far without winding up dead or in jail. EDDIE: like the rest of us.” I’ve been to jail and I’ve been to college too”, that’s what “Bob Dylan” used to say. KCM: Because you’re so sincere with your music, you give to all these different organizations… EDDIE: I just wrote a check a month ago for eleven thousand dollars to the “Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics Aids Foundation” KCM: WOW, That’s awesome! You did a photo shoot for the book “Dogs and Their Rock Stars”. Knowing that I was going to speak with you, the editor called me and asked me to ask you what quote they could put underneath your picture? EDDIE: “Eddie Money loves his wife, but his dog is his best friend.” KCM: I LOVE THAT!! EDDIE: Well I gotta tell you a story, my wife was watching my dog a couple of weeks ago and she called me up, she almost put the dog to sleep. I said “What the fuck?!” and she said the dog jumped up on the couch… That was just a joke. KCM: When you write, do you get a chance to write a lot? EDDIE: You know, I got to write a bunch of songs for a Broadway play and we did the play out in “Vicks Community Off Center” out there in Dix Hills and the play was very successful. And I wrote all these quick Broadway songs to it but they wanted to do a Jukebox musical. So they actually wanted to use all the Eddie Money songs, they didn’t wanna use any of the Broadway songs that I wrote. So now I got the people from “Rock of Ages” interested in the play to maybe getting the play out to Broadway.
KCM: Is there any plans or any dream that you might have of your children playing any instruments? EDDIE: I have two kids that play drums, another son plays bass guitar and my daughter plays keyboards. I don’t wanna sound like” Donnie Osmond” but if my whole fucking band consisted of the Eddie Money family that would be a big vehicle for me to get gigs too. KCM: I have this album titled for you, “This Band is Money” EDDIE: Nice. KCM: Are there any businesses that you wouldn’t allow to use your music? EDDIE: Put it this way, when I first put out my Facebook, my wife had a fit because the first hundred people that befriended me were strippers dancing and shaking to “Take Me Home” And these strippers would message me and be like, I love dancing to “Shake It”, I love dancing to “I’m Coming”. I’m going “Wow!” Then there’s pictures of them on poles and shit and my wife’s like “what the fuck is this?!” I said “honey I have nothing to do with this, what am I supposed to do?” KCM: Right, Facebook is just this open place and you know a fan like that, you gotta appreciate that they are a sales person for ya. EDDIE: Well the girls love me, what am I gonna fucking do? KCM: They’re only human you know, they can’t help themselves. Next question, is “ZZ Top” one of your favorite bands? EDDIE: I like “ZZ Top” and “Frankie Miller” is fucking fantastic from the 70’s! What a great vocalist, and now my new favorite album “Vintage Winos” the” Keith Richards” album. I love that fucking record. I’ve always been a big fan of Keith; I’m reading his book right now. What a great fucking guy and when I met him he was so down to earth. He had me come back and I met Mick and everyone, what a sweetheart of a guy.
KCM: That’s pretty awesome. Is there someone that you would like to meet that you haven’t met? EDDIE: I always wanted to meet” Jeff Beck”. I never saw Jeff live because every time I was working, Jeff would play. I love” Jeff Beck” I think he’s fucking amazing. Everybody else that I wanted to meet I guess I met. I met” Ringo Starr” and my wife met” George Harrison” before he died. KCM: Since you’ve done a few guest spots on shows, would you consider acting? EDDIE: Actually what I wanna do is comedy.” Kevin James” is a good buddy of mine, we’ve been friends for years and a matter of fact I played at his wedding.
KCM: With everybody in your family being in the police, were you the first one to leave that career path? EDDIE: I had a Rock band in high school but they moved out to California and they go “Eddie we need you out here we got nobody to sing these fucking tunes” and I said “I’m staying at the Police department” and they said “fuck that shit and come out to California” and I said” I got occupational deferment from Vietnam war” so I went out to California and I went back to college. The band broke up and then I moved to Northern California all by myself without any of my friends because they all moved to L.A. I’m out there all by myself I got a job at JC Penny and then eventually got back into singing again. I was in band called “The Rockets” and then it was “Eddie Money and The Rockets” we just changed it Eddie Money. Then we wrote “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets” and all those songs and then I got the record deal from “Bill Graham”. Next thing I know I’m on “Saturday Night Live” and “Midnight Special”. I’m on fucking “Letterman”, “Leno” I’m selling records and things are going great.
KCM: Are you going to put out an album with songs that weren’t released? EDDIE: I will put out a record eventually, but to tell you the truth what I found out from the world of music is once you put out your greatest hits record say goodbye to people buying your new album. KCM: What advice do you have for someone that’s just starting out? EDDIE: Master the art of songwriting and singing. Don’t practice “Led Zeppelin” or “Jimmy Hendrix” or “Kings of Leon” leads, but practice your fucking scales man. KCM: If you were on a desert island what three albums would you take with you? EDDIE: I would take the first “Are You Experienced” by Jimi Hendrix, I would take the Led Zeppelin first album and I would take “Life For The Taking” my second album. KCM: Excellent.
KCM: Where were you when you had a moment to yourself and realized that your life wouldn’t be the same? EDDIE: Before I was even famous I was always chasing the bitches and drinking my ass off and singing in a rock band which I loved. Then I became famous and things didn’t change because I was still drinking. KCM: So it was a natural process...Ha,ha,ha EDDIE: I always thought I was gonna be famous. I always wanted to be a Rock’n’Roll star. Then when I wrote “Two tickets to paradise” I was just really determined to make it and when I met” Bill Graham” he said “This is all gonna be possible” I remember the first time I heard “Baby Hold On” on the Radio. That was before they had cell phones and I called my Mom crying telling her “Mom I’m on top 40 Radio” and I was on AFRC and my Mom told me “I told you not to call me on Mahjong night”
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation: http://www.pedaids.org/ The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund: http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/ See the new EDDIE MONEY Video Click below
“ONE MORE SOLDIER COMING HOME”
KCM: How long have you been playing guitar? MP: I' vet been playing since I was 9 years old - my uncle used to play guitar but was killed when he was still a teenager in a road accident...so playing guitar has always been a bit of a thing in my family. KCM: What inspires you to write music? MP: Anything I write tends to be inspired by what I'm listening to at the time...and I listen to a lot of different stuff. Originally I'm a classic heavy metal sort guy - the first time I heard Randy Rhoads play guitar on the 'Blizzard of Ozzy' album it was something of a life-changing experience...any other plans went out of the window and I knew that I had to play the guitar. I suppose something that inspires me to write music is to be constantly chasing that impossible goal I've set for myself - in writing what I would consider to be the greatest heavy metal record of all time! KCM: How was your experience playing with Steevi Jaimz? MP: We only did a couple of shows - one in Vaxjo Sweden and one in Copenhagen with The Wildhearts. It wasn't really my sort music to be honest with you but I got on with the guys and it was pretty cool. Ended up falling out with Steevi though and to be honest that whole thing totally changed my perception of him. I suppose I wish him all the best and whatever but I’ll not be working with him again. KCM: The Green River Project is over? What’s next? MP: I don't know if it's over, but we've been laying low for a while. I've been going through this 'should I keep playing?' dilemma for a while but I'm not convinced that I'll ever be able to totally stop without thinking `I should record that track too - that sounds cool`. We ended up with ZP Threat fronting the band for a while after he left Dragon force but didn't get round to doing a gig, which was somewhat annoying after getting a set sorted in band practice and sorting out an epic video shoot. I believe he's moving to Australia, and Andy (Law/GRP vocalist)'s got a lot of his own stuff going on up in Stoke ... so I may be recording a few more tracks and finishing the GRP album. Been talking to Connor (O'Keefe/Green River Project bassist) and we might be starting a project together on the side too. Not sure what yet...maybe something drop-tuned and heavy.
KCM: What are your other interests outside of music?
KCM: Who are some of your idols? MP: I've got a load, and from all different sort areas. Yngwie Malmsteen has always been something of an inspiration to me. People tend to class him as power metal but I never thought he was power metal for me was always cheesy `swords in the air/riding into battle` sort crap. Yngwie Malmsteen is badass. Gene Simmons is an ongoing inspiration - not just for his music but for his business sense. And because he may be the only guy in existence who's fucked more girls than me. KCM: What do you want people to know about you? MP: I'm pro-meat but anti-Halal I refuse to eat hall food and so should you - if you're ignorant as to what Halal slaughter actually is, look it up. Don't just buy their filth without questioning what it is they're actually doing. Halal Slaughter needs to be banned immediately. KCM: What are the three things you can't live without? MP: Cigarettes, tragically, may be in there...seeing as I'm now on about my millionth attempt to stop smoking. Crap TV too - true garbage TV is always so much more entertaining than intellectual, IQ-expanding high-brow stuff that I suppose I SHOULD be watching. What comes in third place? Err...smutty girls. They’re so much more fun than nice girls.
MP: I'm actually doing a degree in business management - ever since I used to run the clubs in the Hotter than Hell days I've always had an interest in business. I'm a bit of an astronomy nerd too - I was wanting to do a qualification in that too but for the money they were asking it seemed a bit pointless when you couldn't really progress in the subject without studying moths and physics too....which wasn't really for me. I'm a major Apollo program/moon landings nerd too - I'm having the Apollo 13 spacecraft tattooed on my arm at the end of this month....it's gonna be epic! They need to start doing stuff like that again. They should have landed a man on Mars by now but it would appear people don’t have balls like they did in the 1960s. Mickpriestley.net
One of the things that makes a great album great, is, identification with the music to what you are experiencing in life at that time. From 2002-2005 I was spending a lot of time going back and fourth between Europe and US. It was my first exposure to actually being in Europe. I was blown away how the UK fans in particular latched onto the Murderdolls and I was watching the movie Velvet Goldmine a lot too. If you see the Bowie inspired movie, I believe the Maxwell Demon‟s assassination scene was shot at London Forum where we played often. Just like in the movie, the kids lined up for blocks to get into our show and often dressed just like us! So the movie was a lot like how my real life was at that time. And, maybe subconsciously, I identified with an album about a band that would achieve great success but had a definite end, right at their peak. We all knew that Joey would return to Slipknot and it would be the end of the Murderdolls. As if all that isn‟t enough, the hotel Bowie is standing in front on the album cover is the K West, where we always stayed in London. I started a little tradition with each trip across the pond, I would grab at least 2 CD‟s. one of which had to be a Bowie CD. The goal was to have the entire Bowie collection by the time we ended our touring cycle. Rise starts with a song about the end of the world and concludes with a song about Suicide, and the word „Star‟ is in the title of 4 out of 11 songs. Here are some of the highlights for me. Kicking off is „5 Years’. The song is about the end of the world in five years. I could see that my world would have ended five years ago had I not made some changes. From song one, I had an identification. Your still on a pink cloud from Soul Love when Moonage Daydream kicks in with I’m an alligator; I’m a mama-papa coming for you’ Whop! Right over the head!
With the outro solo of Mick Ronson‟s dripping sustained sweet notes. Star is very Mott the Hoople. Which should come as no surprise? „All the Young Dudes‟ was originally written for THIS album. Hang onto Yourself is clearly one of these songs that connect 70‟s Glam to Punk. Ziggy Stardust to be fair, we have all heard enough BAD covers of this song and know how much this song means to all of us that no need to talk about it. Suffragette City. Wow. I remember hearing this on the radio as a kid and my mom looking a bit uneasy when I heard the ‘Wham Bam Thank you Mam’ line. While I celebrate Bowies entire catalog, and I do think there are some albums that might be „better‟, „Rise‟ always holds a spot in my fan boy, rock n roll dream or suicide!
I remember when I was a sophomore in College. I was aimless, antsy, seemingly trapped in the Midwest (or so I thought), full of piss, fire, and lust, and had my drums in the basement. I recall sitting around my living room after band practice with several of my buddies, all tripping on some great mushrooms, each with a "silo" of bud on the table in front of us, passing around a bottle of Tangeray and a spliff. As the life-long, self-appointed DJ, I abruptly exhaled my latest hit, bolted up to my feet, and exclaimed, "I know what I listen to....RIGHT NOW!!! AHAHAHAHAHA!!! " And I ran into my room, shoved both speakers out the door, put the vinyl in the turntable, & turned the volume up to "11"....and the opening, sinister chords of "Down On the Street" began to creep into our warped skulls, with Iggy shrieking along like a vulture. It was a very fitting album to prepare us for the kind of night we were about to have..... Now that I think about it, I was probably at around the same age and place in my life as the Stooges were when they made this album....so this all makes a lot of sense! This album was Punk Rock before Punk Rock knew what it was. It was the product of aimless, futureless young boys looking for identity, without realizing that, in making an album like this, they had FOUND it, right in these very moments....and unbeknownst to them for many years, altered the shape and scope of Rock N' Roll, which at the time was a relatively young form of music. It was Rock N' Roll made by delinquents who, like the Ramones and the rest who came after them, didn't know any other way to be, but sought some kind of escape, some kind of release, beyond the norm and beyond the law, but were able to get it together enough to do something creative, cool, and cathartic...not that anything else would have occurred to them! My favorite thing about the Stooges is that they defined the sort of Rock N' Roll that is extremely chaotic, but never spins out of control. The music is loud, cacophonic (if there is such a word), and cantankerous, but never lacks in simplicity, melody, or groove. It is daring, but never attempts to be something it isn't. It is as purely self -defining as any Rock N' Roll I've ever heard, and I think that's why it was so ignored at the time of it's release, yet is so adored and influential today. Ahead of its time? No shit! The songs? They're all about reckless sex ("I stick it deep inside...'cause I'm LOOSE"), overzealous women ("She got a TV Eye on me!"), self-loathing with a sideorder of hope ("I've been DIRT....and I don't care...'Cause I'm....burning...inside...."), and simply being, "OUT OF MY MIND ON SATURDAY NIGHT...." Now, I implore any of you Rock N' Rollers out there to say you can't relate with all of that! This album was really the first time Iggy Pop truly fulfilled his vision, and at least half the time, remains, for my ears, his defining work. I still want to smash shit and drink and fuck and swear whenever I hear it, which I can say about a relative few albums.
As wild as youth gets, indeed!
No one will mistake Led Zeppelin for an underdog, and none of their records could be labeled a cult classic. These guys represent the pinnacle of rock n roll success, and today in 2011 their legacy as one of the greatest bands of all time remains wholly unquestioned. Houses of the Holy was #1 on the US and UK charts (among other countries worldwide) and went platinum a whopping 11 times in the US alone. That‟s 11 million records sold boys and girls!! Scarier still is that 3 of their other albums outsold this one! Rarified air, for sure. So why, when asked to review a classic record for KRASHCITY did I choose Houses of the Holy? What more could be said about the original monsters of rock that isn‟t documented by Hammer of the Gods, Lester Bangs and David Fricke? Well, like many kids growing up in the Philadelphia „burbs, I was raised on classic rock radio and Led Zeppelin was king. They were simply untouchable. To include them as one of your favorite bands was like saying one of your favorite activities was breathing – it just goes without saying!! Every once in a while, however, the world can stand to be reminded why it is that certain things are what they are. I took an hour to give Houses of the Holy an uninterrupted listen, thinking of the historical context in which it was created and released, this record is an awesome testament to the complete mastery these four guys reached in their craft. This is clearly a group of musicians at the peak of their considerable power -
the songwriting, the individual virtuosity, the combined effect of the bands history and their relationship to their legions of fans. It‟s all on display. „Houses‟ was Zeppelin‟s 5th album, and their last on Atlantic before they went on to start their own Swan Song label. The title is actually an homage to their live shows, having dubbed the venues they played as „houses of the holy‟. Coming off their famed 4 th album (Stairway to Heaven, etc.) Zep was well established as a top arena draw. The tour for Houses of the Holy actually established a new attendance record in America. One show in Tampa became the largest concert ever, topping none other than the Beatles historic Shea Stadium show. Not to beat a dead horse, but it is impressive to consider the heights they were reaching. The record was recorded in England, outside Mick Jagger‟s house, on the classic Rolling Stones mobile truck. You could fill a book on the details and background of the process, but let‟s leave it that legends Eddie Kramer and Andy Johns were manning the knobs, with Mr. Page overseeing it all and the results are evident. Of note, however was some of the new things Zep were doing. It was on this album, „The Crunge‟ in particular where John Paul Jones first introduced listeners to the Mellotron. Also, new was a deeper, more layered style of production from the bands founder and guitarist Jimmy Page. No surprise that they were growing as artists and in musical ambition, given the massive, massive success they‟d enjoyed with previous records. Houses of the Holy opens with “The Song Remains The Same” which of course later became the title of their concert movie. The 90 second intro, as the song itself, sets a new tone for a Led Zeppelin album groovin, heavy, melodic if not a shade mellower than before. John Paul Jones‟s bass work is so subtle, yet totally badass if you focus on it. He‟s really one of the all time greats. The tune of course ramps up to the expected Zeppelin rolling powerhouse, but in a slightly different manner than on previous records. “Where Whole Lotta Love” and “Immigrant Song” simply pounded out the primal instinct, the tunes on Houses take a different road. There‟s the stylistic adventuring of “D‟Yer M‟aker” and the extremely intense epic “No Quarter.” There‟s even a shout out to funk master James Brown in there, which brings the Zeps down to earth a little bit in terms of connecting them to the greater musical landscape of the day. What‟s amazing is that a record achieving Diamond sales figures can somehow be considered a „disappointment‟ (other lame 1990‟s albums aside). There are many critics or fans that knock this record as too much a departure from the blues rock that put Zeppelin on the map. But what more could they achieve there? This record highlighted some of the outstanding musicianship in a more relaxed, confident (as if that were previously lacking) style. There may not be an all out stomper like “Rock-n-Roll” on here, but “Over the Hills and Far Away” and “The Ocean” certainly stand as outstanding Zep rock anthems. The second cut on the album, “Rain Song,” is simply one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I dare anyone to put it on in some headphones and disagree. I‟m listening to it as I type, and I just had to stop, relax and take it in. It has been said that Beatle George Harrison was a huge fan of Zeppelin, but remarked to Robert Plant that they „didn‟t have any ballads‟.
Page and Plant responded thusly. Thank you Mr. Harrison, another of my idols, for inspiring the boys to write this masterpiece. Kicking off side 2 of the 8 song album is “Dancing‟ Days.” One of my all time favorite Zep songs. It‟s tough to choose a favorite from a band with such a massive, potent canon such as Zeppelin‟s, but this song invokes an amazing aura of late summer, and freedom. John Paul Jones mellotron riff doubling with guitar is as timeless, original and distinctive as they come, even standing amongst the many others in Zep‟s catalog (Heartbreaker, Good Times Bad Times, etc, etc., etc., etc. ). Bonzo‟s drumming on this track is the same as on every other – fat, heavy and always appropriate for the song. You can almost take it for granted because every arrangement, even in the long ass 6 and 7 minutes songs, is perfect. You don‟t need to hear my personal outlook on each song on this album. I simply invite you to give this gem another look. Yes, you‟ll hear most of these tunes a thousand more times on the radio before you die, but I have found that there is never a bad time for Zeppelin to come on the radio. I didn‟t even get to the iconic artwork of this album, another story in itself and worth some further research for you Zep heads out there. Now go get the Led out!!
Lee Pistolero has been through quite a few things and the year is not even over. Working on his solo project, reuniting with a new line-up of the “GYPSY PISTOLEROS”, playing ROCKLAHOMA” and recording a challenging album of covers. That’s not even where it ends. They were thrown off the “L.A.GUNS”(Tracii’s version) European Tour for being “TOO GOOD” as the greedy Mr. Gun’s put it. Never mind the disappointing thousands of fans but the thousands of dollars. They are in the market for new representation so that they can do a proper American Tour in 2012. All their fans that have been waiting patiently, may finally get to see these bad boy’s invade their hometown. Here is the low down on their upcoming album.
GYPSY PISTOLEROS "My Big Fat Gypsy Party Covers Album” and the track are: THE ROLLING STONES –“Paint It Black' ,HANOI ROCKS 'Malibu Beach', CRYSTAL PISTOL - 'Rock star' DAVID BOWIE - 'Wild Is The Wind', THE SWEET 'Hell raiser'', THE CULT 'Spirit walker' THE OSMONDS - 'Crazy Horses', MANIC STREET PREACHERS - 'You love us', NO DOUBT-'Don’t Speak', ANTI NOWHERE LEAGUE-'Never drink alone', TERRI JACKS'Seasons in the Sun'.
KCM: Who made the suggestions for you to record a cover album? LEE: Yeah it’s what the fans want and we’ve put some suggestions up too. They want “ Manic street Preachers” I’ve never done a song of theirs before. The other one is “68 guns” by “The alarm” which is whoa! It’s quite nice because it shows what sort of band we are as well. KCM: That’s a great song! With all these cover songs, will you keep your signature sound with them? LEE: Yes with all of them! The one that everybody wants but it’s going to be weird is “Don’t Speak” by “No Doubt” but I rather do that then “Whole lot of Rosie” (both laughing) KCM: I think your solo album is kick ass and…… LEE: I know and it’s getting some great reviews everywhere.
KCM: Now that you’re not doing the solo tour….didn’t that sort of fall on the back burner? LEE: Yeah it did. Now all the Gypsies are all together. We all went mad and it was all great for a bit you know. We were doing this and a promoter got involved from Live Nation and we thought yes he can take us to the upper level and now we are Gypsies again. I mean I’ll do my stuff. I can do my stuff at any time but now I want to see this through. The thing is on my solo album there are things I couldn’t do with the Gypsies like the ballads and some of the slower stuff. KCM: Seems like you can’t stay away from each other. “The dysfunctional Pistoleros” but it works. I heard that your show in London was awesome. LEE: We had a great time in London. It was a Monday night and that sucks, but it’s cool.
It was very sad when the L.A.GUNS tour fell apart because London went, Glasgow went, Nottingham went and we all suffered for it. It cost Tracii so much in publicity and so much in bad will getting rid of us and at every show between songs people would shout “Pistoleros” and they were pissed off. Jizzy got really pissed off and its like” Yeah it fucking serves you right” I said to Tracii” How could we stay on this tour? I said look a hundred quid just per driver and on petro” and the guy just shook his head. “Well fuck you!” KCM: You know what he deserves it, he really deserves it…If you’re going to treat somebody badly then you deserve the negative attention. A lot of people saw the feud on Facebook. LEE: Your coverage was fantastic! Then a review came out which totally backed up what we were saying and it was like” Yeah there you go! There you go Trace!” We’ve always said to Tracii” Dude put back the original band” but then Stacy Blades is a really good guitarist. He walked away from them anyway to start ”Brides of Destruction” KCM: People who’ve seen Tracii’s version of the band had told me that it wasn’t the same and the band felt” plastic” whatever that means. They also said that a lot of them bought the tickets just to see the ”PISTOLEROS” LEE: Yeah that would be cool. I know there will be some London dates and a couple of others. We’re not gonna do the Dutch, French and Belgian dates. I’d like to go back to Spain that would be cool! KCM: Well with Phil’s” L.A.GUNS” will do a few Scandinavian dates with a band called “Naked” that would have been a cool gig for you guys.
LEE: We’ve had offers to play Scandinavia in the past but they fell through once again because of a promoter. KCM: Maybe the Tracii thing was a blessing and now you’ll have better options. LEE: Well yeah, we are in the market right now. We’re doing a brand new photo shoot in a few days, so I’ll send you couple of those photos. KCM: Oh great, we’ll use them in the interview. LEE: Oh brilliant. KCM: I can’t wait for you to play New York. LEE: Oh I know, but it’s such a massive country. After playing the Whiskey to get to play Texas its 27 hours of straight driving! KCM: Don’t book dates in Arizona it can get up to 120 F in hotness! LEE: “ Rocklahoma” 2009 we played the main stage. We were on mid-day and that was about 120F degrees on stage. All the American bands were coming out and passing out. We went out there and I said” what the fuck, we’re English what the hell did you put us out here for! its beach weather we’re not use to this!” (Laughter) We were melting because “Rocklahoma” is all concrete. KCM: You guys should play the”M3 Rock Festival” next year which happens in May. LEE: That’s a possibility.
KCM: I know of a few labels you should look into. LEE: Thank you. At this point we need all the friends we can get with our luck. I must have been the devil in the past life or maybe it has something to do with me being crucified on my album cover. Ha,ha,ha, We’ll make it all better with the praying quire boys photo shoot next week!
KCM: I know that cover pissed off a lot of people but it was brilliant.
We had like 50-60 people but they were really cool and so yes we had a great time and it was a really good show. KCM: We watched the live link from ”Wakefield” and you guys were great but the audience sucked. We were yelling” Wakefield wake the fuck up!” LEE: We weren’t going to play that show but a couple of days prior to it someone told us there is a live link there even though the place is a shit whole so we said” oh what the hell let’s just go and have the show streamed live” We didn’t promote it, we didn’t really want people to know that we were playing the “Snooty Fox” but everybody would know we were there because of the live stream. But now it’s on their website and we went” Oh shit, we didn’t think that one through” (laughing!) There were like 15 people there. We forgot that we were even playing to anybody there. It was a bit surreal. It’s like “Thank you England!” KCM: How was it playing “ROCKLAHOMA” this time around as oppose to all the other times? LEE: We have the best band that we’ve ever had but actually what sucked was that we went on after “Stained” That was totally not a band we should’ve played the night after. When it was” CRUE” and “POISON” that’s what a lot of people bought the day tickets and that was sort of the glammy and” PAPA ROACH” went on as well…Saturday “STAINED” they played three ballads in a row so people were just walking away and we were like “ Noooo don’t do this please” It was a smaller crowd then we normally play to, it was only couple of thousand. So we were a bit disappointed but the show was great, plus I think we went on like at 11:45pm
and people were there all day so that’s a long time to wait. So it was great fun but afterwards Mark and Dave who run the event said ”Fuck this next year you’ll be on the main stage!” We wanted to coordinate everything with whatever record label we’re signed to and have “The greatest package” released by Christmas if we could do that. Then the covers album to be released early next year and then in May we want a brand new album to be released. Then “ROCKLAHOMA” and a proper American tour. We didn’t do New York, we didn’t do Chicago you know what I mean? We have to hit all the major cities where we haven’t been to. In a year we’ll go back and play Texas. There are people over here who think we’re a Texas band. KCM: Yeah I know! LEE: Yeah but Texan bands don’t play to 15 people at the “Snooty Fox “ in “Wakefield”(laughter) KCM: I originally thought you guys were from the Mid-west.. LEE: People also think that we’re from Spain, nobody ever thought that we were from England ever! This time around we have a really good band with a brand new drummer Jeff who use to be the “Iron Maiden” tech. We were really looking forward to that L.A.GUNS Tour when it fell apart and during our first gig we blew them away. KCM: How did you hook up with Kenny? LEE: Kenny…I approached him a few years ago when he was in a band called ”The Sweethearts” they were very “Hanoi” I suppose. looked great, so he came down and auditioned for us and he is so laid back. He is just a good kid. He fits in perfectly with us.
LEE: I know….I got some comments from people in Texas saying things like” You know guys you can’t do this” and I said “ Geez that’s the bible belt isn’t it?” (laughter) KCM: Well you know down there all the Evangelists must hate you. LEE: That’s okay, it’s great publicity. KCM: You must have been the topic of quite a few masses. LEE: Yeah “He is the devil!” KCM: Lee just keep praying! LEE: Yeah I will, I’ve got my crucifix!
Whenever these guys play, the crowd follows and this was no different from any other Dirty Pearls live show. The bands who also played that night were “Panzie”, “Star Killer” and “Sweet Fix” and the event was hosted by none other than the beautiful adult film star/Penthouse Pet, Justine Jolie. Who would not like being squashed in a packed club awaiting the reveal of two of the bands videos? “Who’s coming back to who?” was filmed at the legendary “Don Hills” that is no longer in existence; upon the sudden passing of Don Hill. The video was directed by the “Star Killer” front man Jasin Cadic. What made it even more exciting was that all the bands that performed that night were somehow or another featured in this kick ass video. The second video was called “Static” and was directed by Matt Weckel and filmed at the” Blue Barn Pictures”. The band started their set to a roaring crowd with “Like it” followed by “Caffeine” and “Static” and midway through the set they had the crowd going wild to the guest appearances by Brian Newman of Rivington Rebels and a good friend of the band solo artist, Sunny Climbs. The night continued with ”Mayday”,” Sucker” and everyone belting out the chorus to” Who’s coming back to who?” The energy charged show descended towards the end with the anthem like “New York City is a Drug” to which the audience lost their minds to, and in my opinion the show ended much too soon. However the after party festivities resumed at Tammany Hall with Samuel Valentine as the DJ and Justine Jolie giving out everything from adult movies to sex toys. The best of The Dirty Pearls was incorporated into this night and if you still don’t know who they are “WAKE THE FUCK UP!!!”
It’s been a while since the crazy days of “FEMME FATALE” and when the chance came to speak with the Rock´n´Roll tigress Lorraine Lewis I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say. Lorraine is a sweet, giving and wonderful woman with a huge heart for animals, big love for her brand new reality TV show “Ex-Wives Rock”(working title) and she also dishes out delicious tid bits about the fountain of youth and what it’s like to be the woman behind the camera. It sounds like she’s hot on the heels of success with her co-creator Lisa Brucker and Pete Mervis. From our chat it sounds like you’ll be entertained for hours by Sharise Neil, Bobbie Brown, Athena, and Blue Brit.
KCM: What have you done that’s significant to your life after “FEMME FATALE”? LL: The most significant thing that I feel really good about is my work with rescue animals and helping dogs. I‟ve turned into a “flippin” dog mom. I don‟t have any children and I went through a divorce. I use to be married for 13 years had no kids so I‟ve turned into a rocker dog mom. I‟ve rescued a 15 year old messed up terrier named “Buddy”. I took him in a year ago and he‟s like a puppy now. He‟s a completely different dog. My biggest love right now aside from music and the TV show are my animal projects. KCM: How did you initially come up with the idea for the show? LL: I was working with Roxy Petrucci from “VIXEN” and we were in a band called “ROCKTOPUS”. I wanted all girl raw eighties rock star kind of a band. We were kind of calling ourselves the” Desperate Housewives of Rock” that‟s when the” Desperate Housewives” TV show had just come out. It was really big and I said “I‟m not a Desperate Housewife” but I‟m a total “Desperate Housewife of Rock” because I was shuffling my schedule and trying to be a wife, it was just nutty. Roxy was kind of the same way, it all made sense so that was my original idea. Then I got together with my buddy Lisa Brucker who‟s a co-creator of the show and we started talking about doing a reality show about the Desperate Housewives of Rock. Then Lisa said” I don‟t see it being housewives, what about if we did exwives?” We started brain storming and came out with ex -wives of rock stars which I am not one of. There are a lot of them out there but I never married a rock star. It made sense to develop this show because there‟s a lot more dirt and a lot more fun with ex-wives.. Being married is boring,, Ha,ha,ha Being the ex-wife of a rock star is a lot more delicious and that‟s how we came up with the idea. KCM: How did you find all the girls to participate? LL: We were actually really lucky. Because of my background in Rock´n´Roll I knew a lot of people in general back in the scene. I was actually at the “Cherry Pie” video shoot by “Warrant” so I knew Bobbi from
long time ago and I gotta admit I used Facebook. I went on Facebook e-mailed her, introduced myself and we just started having mimosa breakfasts. I was like “Do you wanna meet me for a mimosa breakfast with Lisa Brucker co-creator of the show?” and that‟s how it started. We got Bobbi Brown to sign on with our idea because at the time we didn‟t have a network. She went for it, she liked it and through her we met Sharise Neil and that worked out really well. Then we had a mimosa breakfast with Brandi Brandt who was married to Nikki Sixx.
Then it‟s so bizarre what happened next. I didn‟t know Athena but I knew of her. It‟s so flippin‟ weird that we‟ve never hung out because she is like my evil twin. We‟re like doppelgangers. I was doing” L.A. NOOKIE” (All-star cover band) it‟s me, Alex Caine who toured with Marky Ramone and Lisa Leverage who toured with Courtney Love. I have the rhythm section from “WASP” the two Mikes…and then Me and Athena we were going to do the Sunset Music festival at the House of Blues opening up for “KIX” one of her favorite bands and I asked her if she would be interested in doing a song or two. She jumped at the chance, we started talking and last year at the Sunset Music Festival she came up on stage and we did “Cherry Bomb” together. It was really, really awesome because the first time I met her was either at Deluxe or Amp rehearsal studio. She comes down, she walks in the door and we are almost wearing exactly the same thing. (massive laughter) We both had sneakers on and tight black pants so we just looked at each other and said” she‟s fucking cool” She got behind the drums, we played and she kicked ass at the show. We had a great time and then afterwards we stayed in touch. Our show is” “Ex-Wives Rock”(just a working title) and she was still married to James at the time and then things just started unraveling with her marriage, so a big light bulb went off in my head and I asked her to join the show. It all made so much sense with the other women too. They were married to these rock stars years ago and Athena was going through it freshly so it was like a sisterhood thing. Even though Athena is a woman, her point on the marriage/divorce thing is through the eyes of a musician. Kind of you know like the man because she‟s been on tour and been in bands. It‟s just a totally different perspective then these other women so it‟s awesome to see them all together. They have a history, all of them. Bobbi dated Tommy Lee and all of that. It‟s amazing. KCM: What network are you going to be on? LL: It is airing in April. I don‟t have the exact date but we are signed to a Canadian broadcaster called “Slice” they are the Canadian equivalent of “Bravo”. We are also shopping right now for an American broadcaster. The networks are really excited here in the States so that‟s basically were we are at right now. KCM: How was Phil Lewis involved in this? LL: We were actually with Phil yesterday because Stacy Blades and Athena are really good friends
and she and all of us are really big fans of L.A.GUNS”. After playing with “KOTTAK”, Athena is trying to rebuild her life as a drummer again. She‟s been a mom for all of these years and that‟s what this show is partly about, rebuilding your lives after being married to these rock stars. She is a bad ass drummer and part of this is getting her in a band that she wants to be in and possibly even building a band around her. She‟s getting her chops and strength back and one of the things she wanted to do was get up on stage with “L.A.GUNS”. So they invited her and we had a rehearsal yesterday. She „s going to be on stage with them tomorrow night and join them for a song. You never know what‟s gonna happened in the future. KCM: How does it feel to be behind the camera as oppose to in front of? LL: That‟s a great question because I‟m so use to being in front and actually there was a reality TV company that wanted me to be involved and be a star on one of their shows and then we started developing this. It‟s really different and at first it was really an adjustment for me, but I love it. I really love it and I understand rock so much because I lived it for so long. I get it, I get Athena, and I get the girls unlike some of the production team who have not lived Rock´n´Roll. I feel like I have an inside scoop on what really goes on, what we need to do and the truth about Rock´n´Roll. I still get to do all the fun stuff but I don‟t have to worry about my make up being perfect or being a size zero for the camera. Right now I‟m exactly where I want to be and the show is my number one priority for now. I really dig it. KCM: If you were the inventor of fountain of youth what would the formula be? LL: Ha,ha,ha, Some things never change. I think it comes back to having a younger guy around you that digs you. It‟s always been that way for me. I mean I was 29 chasing 18 year olds back in the day and it‟s still the same. My boyfriend is 14 ½ years younger then me and it keeps me young. I think that a big part of the fountain of youth is finding someone who thinks that you‟re cool, someone who‟s younger then you. Just keep it young, be who you are and don‟t let a number dictate who you should be. I‟m still wearing my “flippin” converse sneakers and my short shorts. I‟m on the set with my chain wallet. Those things will never change, I‟m a Rock‟n‟Roll chick. I have toned down using the” F” word a lot. Now I say “flippin” a lot, but otherwise I‟m still a dorky kid. KCM: Coming from New Mexico do you consider yourself spiritual? LL: I do consider myself spiritual. I was raised Catholic and I gotta tell you there‟s something about Catholicism. Maybe because of going to church as a kid is a big part of who I am, and my love for animals I think it‟s a real spiritual thing.
I live in downtown Los Angeles and to me spiritualism is in the acceptance of people in who they are and realizing that I‟ve been lucky. I‟ve had my hard knocks but I„ve been lucky to be where I am and I don‟t take anything for granted anymore. KCM: What is your take on death? Do you believe in the after life? LL: I believe in heaven. I was raised as I said a Catholic so it was kind of imbedded in me that there‟s hell. When people abuse animals, kids and elders there has to be a place for those people as well. I guess you would call it hell. I guess we would find out later but I definitely believe in heaven and I believe that all animals will be there and all of my friends will be there. I think you have to be really dark and bad to end up in a really bad place. KCM: If you were chosen to be on a game show, which game show would you be on? Are you more of a Trivia girl or more of a “Price is right girl” or more of a “Family feud” girl? LL: Ha,ha,ha That‟s funny because I‟m really bad at game shows. I was on “Remote Control” years ago on MTV. I actually did pretty well and that surprised the hell out of me. One thing that people don‟t know about me is that I‟m def in my left ear . I was born def in my left ear so I have a really difficult time. I would be really bad at all those games. I would say that I would be the girl on the “Price is right”, the girl that shows the prizes. That‟s the girl I wanna be because otherwise I‟m not quick enough, smart enough and I don‟t hear correctly. I don‟t like to lose so I would want to be the winner. I would want to be the girl showing the groovy car. That would be me.
KCM: What else do you have in the works besides your side band and the show? LL: Believe it or not there has been a lot of energy toward” “FEMME FATALE”. and the biggest thing right now is that I really wanna play M3 next year 2012. On the Facebook page fans have put together petitions and all of this stuff for Femme and I„m so down with doing that. Especially by then I think the show will really be cooking and it will be in the States. I think there will be plenty of time to focus and put together a kick ass set for “FEMME FATALE”. That‟s my number one thing aside from the show. I don‟t know if Athena mentioned this but we actually wrote the theme show for “ExWives Rock” (working title). The music was written by Athena‟s son Miles and Athena and I wrote the words and I went in and sang it. So my voice will be on the show, and it‟s really kick ass it‟s great. I still have that idea for an all star all female super group. So I‟m toying around with that idea and I‟m going to give a shout out to Lita Ford again. I love that woman. She is always on top of my list of guitar players that I would love to do something with. Just do a handful of shows with some kick ass Rock´n´Roll chicks that people know. Maybe call ourselves “Super Blonds” or something like that.
KCM: Well how do you know when to trust and not trust people? That seems to be always an ongoing problem. LL: I‟d say you gotta trust your gut. If somebody is trying to sell you something that just sounds too good to be true, you know it‟s too good to be true. Especially in this business anybody promising you anything is probably just full of shit because I‟ve been in this business a long time and I don‟t make promises to anybody. There‟s a million ways to make it in Hollywood too. You just gotta be true to yourself and go with your gut. KCM: If you had a million dollar product that you had to sell to the world what would your pitch be? LL: I‟d pick up the phone because I‟m never afraid to call anybody, tell them I want to meet them for a cup of coffee or a shot of vodka and tell them that they have to hear my million dollar idea. Ha,ha,ha let‟s have face to face time over coffee or vodka your choice! KCM: Face to face is a good approach. LL: Don‟t forget the coffee or vodka!
KCM: What’s the best advice that someone has given you that you’ve actually followed?
KCM: Well if its a million dollar idea then I’d say vodka! (Laughing)
LL: Move to L.A. Move your ass to L.A. I would say that‟s gotta be what it was. It was a stripper who was my buddy, her name was Kathy and she was from Albuquerque. She moved to Los Angeles and she really is the reason that I got my ass out to L.A. She came here and she was a stripper hanging out in rock bands in the 80‟s. She came back to Albuquerque and we had a cocktail one night. I was doing a top gig with a band called “BABE RUTHLESS”. We were having cocktails and she just said” you gotta get your ass to L.A.” and within the next three weeks I did what she said. I moved to L.A., made it happen hung out on the scene, got a record deal and lived the dream.
LL: Absolutely!! Or vodka in your coffee.
KCM: What type of advice would you give to someone who’s trying to break into the business? LL: Do it yourself. You‟ve gotta love it and you‟ve gotta own it and you‟ve just gotta do it yourself because the whole record company thing is so yesterday. I would suggest becoming a good songwriter. I didn‟t really understand that back in the day because I come from the school of “you listen with your eyes”. There‟s a big part of that in the music business still but there‟s nothing like a great song. If you have a great song, that‟s what it takes. I would work on your craft and keep the ownership of your stuff.
KCM: Well you don’t wanna get them all hyped up you wanna get them calm and drunk. LL: (Hysterical laughing) and then you slowly start brain washing them!
After listening to the album, what Jacob can do with his vocals, just amazes me. A fulfilling number. Born to Rock - Energizing double bass percussions opens this feel good rockin' sleaze sing-along. I actually watched the video to this song while doing the review. This tune electrifies with the intensity of the vocals, bass, percussions, and riffs. The double bass couldn’t get any better. It really fits this band. I was very impressed by this CD, and how much energy and excitement Stop, Stop has to offer. It would definitely be a blast to see these guys live. Come to the U.S.! But until then, I'll just enjoy the album Rated http://www.stopstoptheband.com http://www.myspace.com/stopstopbcn https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? id=100000977957526 http://www.youtube.com/user/
Hailing from Barcelona, Spain Jacob A.M., Danny & Vega. A crazy-fun trio that ruptures with in-your-face rock. Here is their CD Unlimited. Oh and you have to check out the CD cover! In Your Face- The title describes the song perfectly. With the hard hitting percussions the open the song, then Jacob breaks in with his powerful and unique vocals. With the tight rhythm section following with the slamming guitar riffs, bass, and percussions that carry them throughout each one of their offerings. This song is definitely empowering and strong. Regret - More harmonious, but not really to be called a ballad. Regret's intro is just awesome with a clean mixture of guitar sounds. And of course the acoustic jumped out at me, which we all know being my favorite. The vocals took me by surprise as at first they were somewhat soothing and mollified which then morphed into a heavy yet melodic expression.
along...But I only got to dance in my chair L Love this song though! My next fav is Babylon BoulevardLaunching this track the nice acoustic guitar and strings sets the pace, but not long enough to shed a tear when the chaos erupts. Heavy guitars and heart pounding drums have me reaching for the volume, but that’s as loud as it goes. Lesli’s vocal clearly purchased at the Dynamite Jet Saloon, makes me want to call up Uncle Jack and get this party started. Everything blends so perfectly for this individualizing style, and very well composed tune. Rejection - This upbeat sleaze/punk number. have Rev and Amit's Guitars and Lesli's bass just bursting from the seams, while Jimmy's skin pounding rumbles in time. The high -energy vocals give this song total mass appeal. This song left me with an itch looking for a scratch. I HIGHLY recommend it to those whose hunger for some glam/ sleaze and a side order of bluesy/punk. The Prophets of Addiction will definitely satisfy your appetite.
Rated http://www.prophetsofaddiction.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheProphets-of-Addiction/103907246333668 http://www.myspace.com/ theprophetsofaddiction http://www.reverbnation.com/ theprophetsofaddiction
From California and Washington State with influencing from the punk/blues to glam/sleaze genres; Lesli (formerly of Queeny Blast Pop/ Pretty Boy Floyd), Rev (x), Jimmy and Amit make up the fantabulous Prophets of Addiction. Here is their debut album Babylon Boulevard. Kick it In- The minute I heard this, I felt as if I was getting ready to go see these guys play. Getting dolled up, and dancing around in my panties with excitement. Opening this tune with the clean guitar riffs along with Lesli's Tylalike vocals, followed by the flawless bass lines and percussions. This song is a definite feel good, sing-
It seems that these days, a lot of good musical talent is clustered to one corner of the world and that’s HELSINKI, FINLAND!!! Vanity Ink seems to fall perfectly into that category. Ok, so I sit down, put the CD into the computer, turn up the music and wait for it to begin, not expecting that my head is about to explode with such pleasing sounds. The CD kicks in with the first track called “Smell the party” (My personal favorite) with its tongue and cheek lyrics and melodies that make me wanna party on Hollywood Blvd. It doesn’t hurt that the band is fronted by Annabella who carries the band with her “Don’t fuck with me Rock’n’Roll attitude.” I find that immensely sexy! Overall I consider this album to be wildly diversified where you will be on high alert at all times, not knowing when the next wave of powerful vocals and guitars will slap you in the face next. I wholeheartedly recommend this album to anyone who is into down and dirty, sleazy Rock’n’Roll. This band knows how to party but it’s impressive that they can back it up with original talent. Rated www.vanityink.net
They say” Never judge a book by its cover” and in this case you shouldn’t. Looking at the album cover I would have immediately said these guys were from L.A. It was a hair raising wakeup call when I found out there is actual talent living in Salt Lake City Utah and that’d be none other than CORVID. This threesome have been together only since 2009 and already have shared the stage with the likes of Vains Of Jenna, Bang Tango, Dirty Penny and that’s just to name a few. This band is definitely for the new generation of kids and I say that because “Feeding the addiction” reminds me little bit of The Murderdolls flavored by Rob Zombie with a surprising twist of Mortiis. (This Aint your Mamas Rock´n´Roll) My favorites off this album are “Cheap and Nasty,”2nd Class Trash”,” Call me crazy” and “Burning in the spotlight” The high intensity of power filled guitars, and feet stumping drums with a little bit of darkness are definitely rolled into this album. What’s impressive about Vision on Vocals, Sai on Drums and Stich on Guitar and Vocals is that they are so well put together musically and visually. I also have to mention that this album was mixed and mastered by Martin Sweet of CRASHDIET at Sweet Studios in Sweden. Martin and Peter London are singing the backup vocals on this gem as well. Having said all that I feel like CORVID still has a lot of room for growth and I’m looking forward to see how these guys will expand in the coming years. “Feeding the Addiction” will leave your heart bleeding for more. Rated http://www.myspace.com/corvidband
Imagine yourself in a convertible on a beautiful morning speeding down the Pacific Coast Highway after a great night of sex with your hair blowing in the wind. That’s how the latest Naked CD makes me feel. Named “Double Down” after New York City and Las Vegas haunts famed for their ass juice and bacon martinis. The CD kicks off with melodic” I got a feeling” and keeps on going to just as groovy but much edgier “Back to Haunt you” These guys are not just pretty faces from Finland, but surprisingly talented musicians who can give The Harlem Quire run for their money with their unbelievable vocal harmonies. “A pair of big sunglasses completes my faces walking with the living dead” those are the opening lyrics to a track called” I know” Hearing this song makes me wanna run naked through South beach. “Sonic High” and “Lost along the way” continue to carry the album with catchy melodies. To be honest I have no favorites or suggestions. This album is superb head to toe. This is the supersonic power punch with feel good songs and catchy melodies that you’ll sing for days. You must own “Double Down” or you’ll miss out on what these guys are trying to say and that is “Let’s get Naked and start a Revolution” Rated www.nakedonline.net/shop
Rated http://www.theblessingsweb.com/
Emerging out of CA, a dynamic group of guys are Jeremy, Jamie, Mike and Jason who are bringing back the vigorous, bluesy sounds of The Stones and the raw likes of The New York Dolls of course in their own fashion. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, The Blessings with their second album "Tomahawk Inn" She Thinks She Loves Me- Immediately this track sets the pace with the confident swagger of the Mississippi Saxophone. The vocals are clean, bold and definitely rockin'! The smokin' hot guitar solo shares the spotlight with some Honky Tonk piano that fuse ferociously. A dance around in your underwear tune...well at least I would J Twisted Little Heart- Presents an abundant instrumental diversity with all the apparatus this band has to offer. The frontman explodes with intensity while the auxiliary rocks with a backbone of harmonies that conform perfectly. Gutsy and soulful. Definitely a must listen. And crank it up!! Never Too LateKicking off this number with a few acoustic chords raises the curtain for the bluesy licks and hammering skins. The vocals bring off a Crowsy cadence. It put a big smile on my face and all I could think was, I’m hungry, can I please order a Chris and Jeremy sandwich? J The Blessings impressed me with their divergence and confidence. Every song carried its own character and left me thirsty one tune after the other. What can I say? I love these guys!! So, I think you need to check them out, you'll thank me later. Oh, can I get a napkin? You can find The Blessings here:
Hessler is a fairly new band from Chicago, with the awesome Lariyah Daniels on vocals. Far from being just a pretty face Lariyah blends together with the rest of the band creating a perfect tandem of heavy metal and hard rock which deserves the industries recognition. The new album "Bad Blood" opens with the song "Shark Attack" which reminds me of the power of Phantom Blue with legendary Michelle Meldrum, while "Crash N Burn" is a mix of elegance of Vixen, but with the force and power guitars of Warlock and Doro records. Make no mistake; Hessler is Lariyah Daniels with a great team of musicians. When I got to the exceptional "Windy City Wild Child" and "Kamikaze" I realized that this band has found its own genre of sound, which results in Hessler resurrecting the throne and place of women in heavy metal. Maybe one of the most important female parts disappeared after the death of Michelle Meldrum, but Hessler promises to return the essence and power of a woman, to the pantheon of heavy metal where it should have never disappeared to begin with. If you want “Bad Blood” you got: Hessler. Rated
http://www.facebook.com/#!/ Hesslerchicago
www.hesslerchicago.com www.facebook.com/hesslerchicago www.youtube.com/hesslerchicago
Listening to “Ritual Dance” by Eric 13 is like sipping on fine aged wine. The sound is refined and sophisticated, yet the simplicity of the heartfelt emotion is what makes me completely addicted and wanting more. This album is stripped down to the bare minimum and I like the fact that Eric 13 has the balls to show the world little bit of his vulnerable side. The lyrics are very clever and memorable, the melodies are deep and the vocals are surprisingly good. Not bad for a Sex Slave. “Please kill me” and “Miss you like The Beatles” are two of my favorites but I can’t stop without saying that the stripped down versions of “I live at night” and “Contagious” keep me singing along with total abandon. “Say what?” and “Dead Boy” makes me want to call up my friends and throw a huge party in the Hollywood Hills. This album has substance, Character and variety. One minute I’m sipping wine in Italy and three minutes later I’m dancing with a few Fraulines at Oktoberfest holding beer steins. If this is what it’s like to share your soul with others, then I never want to leave this journey. I highly recommend this album. Buy it now and create your own Ritual Dance. Rated http://www.eric13.com http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ritualdance/id427837051
Every so often I get the feeling that there are a handful of new bands whose music can move you the same way as it did with bands who composed music twenty years ago, maybe that's what I thought when listening to "The End" the second work of Hard Wires, a band that picked up a sleazy LA sound of the late 80's. Hard Wires are one of the most attractive bands in Spain in terms of Hard Rock, very different from anything I have seen in the Spanish panorama so far, which will make you feel like you were at the legendary Sunset Strip at the height of its glory. After their debut with their first album "Fear", Hard Wires are considered as one of the major, most recognized bands of the Spanish Hard Rock. Songs like "Hang Man's Town" and "Just like a Suicide" Are the most powerful and most known songs at concerts and on the other hand songs like "How It's Going " imagine the sound expanding halfway between the Backyard Babies guitars but providing the intensity and sensuality of such legends as Vain. In short, this band that can change the vision of what hard rock has been so far in Spain, highly recommended for all lovers of sleazy hard rock. If you like L.A. Guns and Skid Row, you will like Hard Wires. Rated: www.facebook.com/hardwires
80's glam does it again with four sleazers out of Italy with their CD "Life Without Control" Here is Sandness. Lay Your Hair Down- I didn't know Will Farrell was a part of this band? I really wasn't expecting the cowbell. I got a Poison-esque vibe with the sleazy licks and banging of the skins. Altho, the lead vocalists voice appeared stressed and forced with the intonation of being ubiquitous. The backing vocals were irksome. This track just fed me so much drabness. Maybe it needs more cowbell? Artificial Lover- The tight guitar riffs over-power and totally drown out the remaining ensemble, while the vocals remain mundane. I love 80's glam as much as the next person, but not when it's all over the place and sloppy. I feel Sandness has potential for improvement. I don't know what medicine to offer, but I hope they get better soon! Rated https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Sandness/158502724190935
The Buzzos were originally introduced to me by my friend Enric who works for Popular 1, one of the most recognized Rock´n´Roll magazines in Spain. I couldn’t wait to listen to the CD as it arrived at my door. The Buzzos hail from Spain and their CD artwork is simply amazing. As I started listening to the songs I could clearly hear the ACDC influence popping out with every guitar chord and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Having said that when you rely too much on your influence you lose the originality of your own band and I fear that’s what has happened with this album. The songs that mostly stand out in my mind are “life is not life”, “freeze the sun” and “snake oil”. Musically speaking I feel that the band is pretty electrifying but I have to be honest and say that the singer’s vocals are overwritten with overpowering guitar riffs and his voice gets lost somewhere in the songs. For a band that has been rocking for over a decade I would have expected the vocals to be a little bit more powerful and a little bit more melodic. Other then that I recommend this album simply because it will make you get your rock and roll groove back on. Rated www.thebuzzos.com
New Jersey’s own “End of an Era” has first impressed me with their energetic live show at Trash Fest USA, in Philadelphia. This album starts out on very slow gloomy note and by the third song the album finally opens up. “The good, the bad & the better”, “wait for you”, “the walking dead” are very catchy, melodic and my favorites off of this album. While listening to “freak show”, quite a catchy song, I really did not appreciate them stealing the first few lines of the chorus from a NIN song which I will not mention. The album descends on a weak note once again and I feel like the instrumental “Be All” doesn’t fit the album. Altogether their self entitled album “End Of An Era.” Consists of really good vocals and the band definitely comes off as very put together musically.
and Dan’s voice I’m turned off. Although the choruses are semimelodic I believe that the songs need to be more open and flowing. There’s plenty of room for expansion and I feel like that’s what the singer needs to do is to step outside of the box. For me personally not one song has the “It” factor, not one song is memorable. Once again “So high so low” has a sort of memorable chorus but the lyrics are so adolescent. This is not to say that some of you out there will dig this Philadelphia quartet and my hat goes off to you, I’m just saying that this band simply isn’t my cup of tea.
the turf all with a huge smile on my face. Next comes “Trash vs. Class” a tune that’s filled with 80’s inspired power cords and it reminds me a little bit of ACDC with a twist. “Moonshine” “Rain” and “New Day” are all good songs but in my opinion not as good as the first two. Sunset Riot is one of the hardest working bands in the business and they are about to conclude their two and a half month American tour in September. Rated www.SunsetRiot.com
Rated: www.facebook.com/JulietsVice
Rated www.endofanera.org
Listening to this album I have to admit that to me not one song stands out. I don’t think I will walk around and sing “Never Gonna Change” as the opening track indicates. The bandwagon of Rock’n’Roll rebellion has left years ago and I need more substance to be impressed by a song. Musically sounds like these guys have done their homework because the guitar playing sounds pretty damn good and I have to give the same credit to the bass and drums. However the minute I hear the lyrics
Sunset Riot is a band right out from down under, that’s right I’m talking about Sydney, Australia. The first song on the album titled “Rattlesnake” begins with powerful guitar riffs which leaves its brand permanently scarred into your brain tissue and will leave your eardrums rattling and begging for more. The energy of this song just oozes its way into your veins more and more with each passing verse, just like a lethal poison, until you find yourself rocking your head along to the powerful riffs and highly contagious words. This is a song that makes me want to grab my skateboard, hit the streets and just cruise around tearing up
From the German lands comes this new work of Kissin Dynamite. The first thing to note is the consistency of heavy guitars, and Hannes Braun's voice transmitted to us a distant memory to the records of Vince Neil in the first song, "Addicted To Metal" have a part in this song, the legendary UDO, and is also the title of the disc. The speed of different changes of rhythm is this album is constant, as the power ballad “Why Cannot You Hear Me”, one of the best tracks on the album, which vocal records are considerably closer to the sound of Eric Martin of MR Big vocals, or too the great cover of the legendary “High Enough” of Damn Yankees.
The interesting thing about this band is that each track is close to different worlds of metal genres, not dying in anyone, as the song “Metal Nation” is much closer to the Power Metal genre that already became famous years ago for Halloween and Gamma Ray. The fastest rates and fast melodies classic Hard Rock, we will find in the fast Supersonic Killer, whose powerful guitars and Jim Braun Ande Miller with the battery Andreas consistent form this new promise German Band, called Kissin Dynamite. Rated
Track six called "The Effort" is possibly one of the best songs I've heard in years, and others songs like "Blood Harmony" or the majestic end to the album with "Preaching to the Choir" will make us remember the missed “Phil Lynott” from “Thin Lizzy”. Honestly I don't have words, when music is art it creates pure magic, and this is a treasure from these Swedish Barons:
enjoy this confusing concoction. I was always under the impression that first you need to have some hits before you can put out a greatest hits album. Rated www.xxxrecords.com
Rated www.marveltheband.com/
http://www.kissin-dynamite.de/kd/
There´s just one word to describe what I feel when I start listening to the first song on this album: Adrenaline. "Warhawks of War" is the third album of the Swedish trio Märvel, and I'm objective when I say that this treasure is just a masterpiece. These twelve new tracks of SOLID ROCK that can shoot your emotions into best of the 70´s era. The first song "Hello!" is reminiscent of the best era of “Paul Stanley” from “Kiss” in the golden '70s. Awesome riffs, perfectly fitted chorus, master solos, and really good compositions with constant changes of rhythm. "Banks of Light" or the powerful "Whispering Eye" brings back little bit of flavor from the line of the classic "I Stole your love" from legend “KISS”.
Jeff Jones might be a legend of his own mind but in all honesty something’s are meant to stay in the past. This album is his greatest hits album and even though it seems like it has variety I feel like I’m being pulled in twenty different directions and quite frankly I’m confused. Some of the songs consist of Broadway like theatrics while others sound like hard hitting big arena concerts. Most of the songs start with powerful guitars and just when I think that I’m about to embark on something really good the singing begins and I’m let down in a big way. In my personal opinion the songs would’ve sounded much better with a different singer. This truly isn’t my cup of tea but that’s not to say that some of you out there won’t actually
Out of all the recent bands that I have listened to out of Australia, this one has to be my least favorite. The title “Excuse the Mess” is suitable for this particular album. The only track that I liked was “Bar room Boogie”. It’s fair to say that the band has potential but they lack the focus, direction and originality which is what it takes these days to make a band stand out and be desirable. To me personally this album is half baked but, has huge potential for growth. Rated http://www.myspace.com/ devineelectricofficial
From the gutters of NYC emerges a fireball of a band known as “The Deafening”. Their songs are high energy, straight in your face, dirty Rock-n-Roll. “Bass To The Treble” is a melodic little ditty pushed by the very impressive voice of none other than Coco Caine. I like when a band is fronted by a female singer because it gives a different dynamic. The CD continues with songs like “The Jackals” and “The Demons of L.A.” on which you can hear the electrifying melodies and powerful drums, this is a little bit of a kickback to the 80’s but it’s not to be missed, as the CD busts out with talent. Rated http://www.thedeafening.com/
This is the triplet of Long Islands own Billy Kohout and its amazing to me how he finds the time to sing in “Grimm Jack”, “Rooster” and “Vintage”. This ten song album is driven by blues based guitars and in your face melodies. Though it’s not really my cup of tea personally, I can definitely vibe to the songs on this album. “Train Station Boogie” makes me wanna run down to the depths of Mississippi and down a couple of flasks of moonshine with a few buddies. The other songs that stand out are “Innocent Me”, “Old Skool Daz” and “In and out of love”. This album is perfect for a rainy night, when you wanna chill at home with your buddies, play some Texas hold’em, smoke some cigars and shoot the shit.
This is rock and soul at its best and if I didn’t know any better I’d think the band has come from the depths of the Mississippi. They will be opening for” Michael Monroe” on October 2 nd at “The Bowery Ballroom” in New York City. Their latest EP “No Sin, No Soul” clearly demonstrates the musical capabilities and potential of these musicians. The EP kicks in with “Good time (Aint No Crime)” and the song brings me back to the easy breezy 70’s and it has me grooving like I have no care in the world. In fact this whole album is filled with great vocals and really catchy melodies that will make you move your feet no matter how bad of a day you have had. “You’re the Devil”, “Work me”, “Up all night” and “Going Down” each song has its own flavor and each one stands out on its own merit. You gotta be a true music lover to like this band, but I highly recommend this CD because it will sure as hell put a huge smile on your face. I only wish this was a full length album because for this girl….
“The good time ends too soon”. Rated https://www.facebook.com/ BrassKnuckleEvangelists
Rated Beginning with the first track on this album “Burning his Cross” I knew that I was going to be on psychedelic roller coaster of trippy riffs, amazing drumming and a array of funky, groovy, catchy vocals. I knew I was gonna be bopping my head along through this entire album. The sing along like Beatlesque tunes send waves of feel good emotions pouring all over my body, making me tingle with a boyish excitement. This album has an acquired taste but should definitely be experienced by anyone who has a open mind. My favorites on this album are …. Well actually I don’t have any favorites; I really loved the entire album and would recommend giving it a listen. Rated www.trampmaterial.com
www.vintagehardrockband.com
The New York City quartet called, “Brass Knuckle Evangelists” have got it going on. The clever name alone draws attention to their “Soulchadelic Rock” sound.
Trucker Diablo hail from Northern Ireland but it sounds like these guys are flavored by Southern Rock with heavily rhythmic guitars, killer riffs and very cool easily memorable lyrics. They remind me a lot of the American equivalent of “Hell Yeah” and if they toured together it might just be one awesome show. I have been reading a lot of positive stuff about them from reviews and rock bands alike.
Their debut album “The Devil Rhythm” kicks off with a song called “Drink Beer, Destroy” and the title truly speaks for itself. I could see these guys doing just that with the thumping drums and screaming guitars. To me this is all the way a party band and here are the tracks I will recommend if you are a true Classic/ Southern Rock lover. “Stand Up and Fight”, “Voodoo”, “ Dirty Love” and “When Angels Die” Get yourself a six pack, hop in your truck and turn up your speakers for Trucker Diablo needs to be experienced in its full intensity. Keep your eyes wide open because I have a feeling that this band is about to invade your brains whether or not you want them to. Rated http://www.truckerdiablo.com/
What is the point? Where is the story, the situation, the inspiration?? I didn't even realize the song was over when it got quiet. I really thought it was about to break into a power ballad. FAIL. As for the music aspect, very cliché power metal sounding. Nothing jumped out at me. Ok so ONE more, I promise! Hell I had to even promise myself that too! "Priesthood Pedophilia" *long pause* Why on Earth would anyone even want to touch on a subject like that in a song?! With what I believe is a news station playing in the beginning along with the music...I guess. Must be a story from what this song is all about...you know their inspiration to write a song like this. I cannot understand the vocals all that well, which is ok with me because they are just way annoying. Just listening to these three songs made my ears bleed, and luckily I did this review before dinner. Just saying. They list Dio as one of their influences, and honestly, poor Ronnie must be turning in his grave. And I just gave a small horns up in respect for mentioning his name *smile*. If you are interested in finding out how about this band is, you can find them at the link. I really don't want to rate them...but my boss will make me..lol Rated http://www.myspace.com/tornadosteel
Tornado. The name is way too powerful for this four piece who comes from Amsterdam. Then again, literally a tornado makes a mess of things. Ok, maybe the name does fit after all. Here is their album titled Amsterdam, Helsinki. Let’s begin with the song "Diva"Three words to define this song: lousy, obnoxious, and nonsensical. Breaking into the song with the lyrics "shake that ass, shake that ass, big dicks, small dicks we don't really give a shit" Really??? And the instrumental part was just monotonous, and vexatious. Hey guys, let’s leave the comedic metal to bands like Steel Panther, cause it really doesn't work for you. As I forced myself to listen to a second track, I chose "Noora". Noora is...well, I guess a ballad. That lasted no more than a minute.
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SEX PISTOLS A day in the wildest tour history By : Phillip Beaucamps Garcia When the dirtiest band in history first visited the States to offer a ten-day tour to the south of the country, it was anticipated that they would not be quiet shows. Instead fans were greeted with fights, thefts, drugs, women, outraged audiences, demonstrations of ultra-religious associations. These Angels were capable of causing massive damage in the course of a day, not to mention a whole tour.
Tuesday, January 10, 1978. Dallas.
6 AM Here are a few examples of the band causing ruckus in places they shouldn’t have. The band stops at a roadside bar after having spent the night traveling in a van and Sid tells the waitress: "Hey, pussy! I'm hungry. I want my food and I want it now!� Anyone in their right mind knows that road side bars are homes and pit stops to a lot of truck drivers especially in the south. Within minutes Sid was surrounded by big burly truck drivers as they asked him to immediately apologize to the waitress. Sid apologized to the waitress and truck drivers relaxed a little. It's six am and Sid has downed six beers. Twenty minutes after the incident with the waitress, Sid shoots into the bathroom and vomits on a wall. When he returns he explains what has happened, pays quickly and leaves. If any of the truck drives had come into the bathroom, Sid would have been beaten to a pulp.
1 PM The rest of the journey is without incident as arrive at the Greenleaf Hotel.
6 PM Sid causes unnecessary friction with the staff on tour as he refuses to shower. The bass player was forced to bathe as the foul smell was killing everyone. Sid gets dragged kicking and screaming while everyone stands around laughing their asses off.
9 PM The Longhorn Ballroom. It’s cold and snowy as a naked girl poses in her Corvette for TV cameras and a son of a promoter gets out of his car as the diehard Sex Pistols fans spit at him for not looking the par and fitting in with the punk image. The site is taken literally by the police and firefighters, who heard rumors that the Sex Pistols use pyrotechnics at shows and want to be well prepared for any disaster which might be caused by the band. The police chief said: "I really do not know what to expect. We have been advised that they tend to simulate sex on stage, and that I will not tolerate it. If people come to see them spit and vomit , that's their problem ???????? There is also a representative from the health department of the city, warning young people of the dangers being spat at.
11 PM The band leaves the stage and Johnny Rotten decides that it would be cool to make fun and imitate the southern accent "Hello damned cowboy," he says in a mocking tone. Sid does not to be out done by Johnny and yells, "Dance, queer cowboys. Damn bastards! ". The reign of objects is impressive, and the band gladly begins shelling their repertoire. During the show a girl throws something at Sid and hits him in the nose. He starts to bleed and attacks a guy who is in the front. The bodyguard picks up the girl and Vicious is forced to let go. The girl spits up a mixture of saliva and blood, and shows Sid her "middle finger". The Pistols leave the stage
and come out again to play the encore. Rotten wears a shirt decorated with a swastika, and the public does not take it too well. Apart from that, the front man throws out another one of his phrases: "You must be crazy if you want us to continue the concert, cowboys fucking bastards." The band plays” The Stooges No Fun”, and before leaving the stage they collect all coins thrown at them throughout the show. A camera man that recorded the show for Warner, tries to sneak backstage and because of being insistent Monk gets angry and breaks the camera. A fight breaks out and the Police enter the scene pointing their guns at the guy filming the show as he gets escorted out of the venue.
1 AM After the show Sid gets into a car with the girl who has made his nose bleed at the show with her two friends. Monk sees this and does not want to let them go. Their car starts skidding in the snow and Monks rips out the keys out of the ignition and throws them away from the car "I wanted to fuck her!" Sid says and Monk responds "You're going to fuck her in the hotel we’re staying in” The last time Sid disappeared after a show it took more than twelve hours to find him and bring half of the city to search for him.
3 AM Monk hears strange noises in the next room. Enters it and finds Sid hitting the wall with brass knuckles with a happy expression on his face which shows that he is being amused. The lobby rang Sid’s room that the girl he wanted to fuck was waiting downstairs. Sid starts hitting the wall with more fury and Monk suggests that he should take out his anger on the girl instead of the wall. Sid chooses to take that advice and introduce the girl to his brass knuckles.
Saturday January 14, 1978. San Francisco >>>>>>>>>>>>>
6 AM Breakfast time rolled around once again and once again they pulled up to a road side bar. Sid took pleasure in insulting rednecks and truck drivers only this time around he decided on making a loud statement about a black man.” This black is as good as any of you white boys” All the rednecks surrounded his table as Sid decided to pick up the knife he was having breakfast with and stab himself twice in the left hand. As blooded started pouring all over his eggs everyone returned to their seats and the waitress asked them to leave immediately.
10 PM 2 PM Rotten and Vicious granted the only interview on this tour to the station KSAN (who only play songs on discs) Ted Cohen, chief executive of Warner, tried to convince them to control their statements a bit. He promised that if they were good kids he would buy them more expansive leather jackets. Both accepted the deal. Upon arrival at the station Sid took out a disc and told the presenter: "Click this, motherfucker." Cohen grabbed him by his neck and reminded him that if he keeps this up he will not buy them the promised leather jackets. Vicious and Rotten bow their heads. This tactic worked. During the interview "the kids" behaved and but Rotten couldn’t help himself and stepped out of line once again saying: "It stinks, The Ramones suck, all the bands suck, and rock sucks. I'm just in a band because I get to destroy things. The only artist I like is me. " After the interview Sid and Johnny are quick to demand their new jackets and Cohen pretends jokingly like he has no clue what they are talking about. Just as they gotten their jackets ungrateful Rotten throws his prize to the ground and begins to stomp on it. He does not like shiny new things.
The show that night is incredibly wild. This time people do not throw too many objects on stage, and they stick to any member of the band, but Rotten's voice is very dramatic and violent. The Pistols will fly head to the audience. Just before playing “The Stooges No Fun”, Rotten asks the audience: "Have you ever had the feeling that you are being fooled?. Good night.” And that’s how the wildest tour in history has ended until now……
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I was beaming with joy when Gilby Clarke finally had sometime to sit down and talked with me. I decided to ask him everything from A to Z just in case that opportunity never arose again. I found our chat to be interesting, exciting, funny and inspiring. If you want to find your own inner “Gilby” read this interview and I promise you‟ll change your way of thinking about a thing or two…..
When Slash called me I really wanted that gig. If I was going to do it I wanted to be myself so it was a perfect situation. KCM: So after five years you left “Guns „n‟Roses” and then what did you do? GILBY: Well when Guns started to fall apart, as a band we were actually working so me, Slash and Matt would get together at Slash‟s house and we would work on songs, and then it got to a point where we had quite and few songs and Axl and Duff came over to hear the material we‟ve been working on and Axl decided that he didn‟t like it and he wanted to go in a completely different direction. I wanted to leave that G‟n‟R sound behind and wanted to go in a new direction. So the music we were working on became Slash‟s “Snake pit” No I‟m wrong. Right after Guns I put out my solo record which was called “Pawn shop guitars” and then right after that is where we made the “Snake pit” record. At that point from joining G‟n‟R in 91 to right up until 1997 I really didn‟t have a break off the road. I mean it was the “Gun‟n‟Roses” tour then I made my record and I toured then the “Snake pit” record and a tour so from 91 to 97 I was on the road the whole time. That‟s what musicians do and I was happy. KCM: From there what happened afterwards? GILBY: After Slash‟s “Snake pit” that‟s when things got a little bit confusing. That was that period in the 90‟s where hard rock wasn‟t very popular like anything that was popular in the 80‟s it was anti. We were having really hard time getting stuff on the radio and just making records. It was a very difficult time. Grunge was very popular, alternative music was popular so any of us who had long hair and black leather pants it really wasn‟t our time. For me I always said “good music is good music” we all will go through periods where our music will not be popular, you can‟t be on top all the time. So I made a decision where there was a period where I was putting out “Gilby Clarke” records just trying to make a living and stuff and I knew it was going to be hard at that time. So I wrote some music that was featured in TV shows, movies and a lot of different things while I continued to make records and I was not playing big shows anymore, more like couple of clubs here and there. KCM: When the whole “Rock Star Supernova” thing happened was it always meant to be just a temporary thing? GILBY: No it wasn‟t. When we did the Rock Star Supernova situation it actually came up from the first show which the network did with INXS. The network had an idea that they wanted to put together an all star band as the back up band that would play behind the singers so this was for the first season. I actually went in with Johnny Colt and Steve Gorman from The Black Crows and Dizzy from G‟n‟R was in my band and my friend Ryan Roxy who played with Alice Cooper at the time.
We auditioned as a back up band and at that time Mark Burnett said “You know what, I really like your band for next season, let‟s talk about maybe having you guys as the band to put a singer in front of.” So then when the next season came along I was the first one to have a meeting with Mark and he said” If you had to put together your all time favorite band who would be in it?” so I gave him a list of people. Tommy Lee was on it, Jason Newsted was on it. I had Johnny Cold I had a lot of people that I had worked with before. I said look” If we‟re going to put together my favorite band this is what it would be” and so when it came about Tommy Lee came into the picture, he had a really strong management company so he kind of took over the project which started as my project and it became Tommy‟s project. We wanted it to be a permanent thing, I went into it going “Look this would be a great opportunity to have a new band and this would be a great way of finding a new singer” Getting to audition singers from all over the world there‟s got to be someone somewhere out there that‟s great. I don‟t think it was until the process of doing the television show that Jason and I felt the same way that this was not going to be a permanent thing. It seemed like it was too hard to get guys like us who had a definite idea of how they want their band to be. We really had a hard time staying on the same page. Then you bring a young singer into this situation where this is his opportunity, it was just impossible. KCM: Who from that show as far as contestants go stood out in your mind? GILBY: There were a lot of people that stood out in my mind. I thought a lot of them were good in their own way. This was I think the mid 2000 when this happened and music was different. In my eyes a good singer is someone like Bowie or Jagger or Paul Stanley, so I think for me, my scale might have been a little too high for some of these people. Looking back now I probably might have been a little too harsh on some of them, but I did think that there were quite a few of them that had careers. KCM: Did you end up working with Dilana? GILBY: Yes I worked with Dilana afterwards. She was one of the people on the show who I thought consistently had something. Then when the show was over we worked together on a couple of things. She did a song on one of my records and then I produced one of her songs but I think she was using that show as a launching pad. I‟m talking from my experience not hers, but I think she wanted to do it herself. I didn‟t think she wanted a cowriter. KCM: People wondered if there was going to be another season of that show. GILBY: I think it was too expansive for CBS to continue with another show like this. It shouldn‟t have been on CBS, maybe if it was like a VH1 show or something like that.
KCM: What was it like playing with “Candy”?
GILBY: That‟s a good girl!
GILBY: Wow “Candy” you‟re going that far back (laughter) when I joined this band I really loved the music. I actually came along when the band was already together for a little while. I joined them while the band was already rolling and I loved it, although I wished they were a little bit more of a rock band because they were little bit more on the pop side. I thought the combination of having a singer that had a great voice and if the music were heavy that it would be a nice combination. Having a name like “Candy” it just gave them a light pop touch. If they had a different name and even with their image I think it would have worked. I loved being in that band.
KCM: So from there you moved on to what?
KCM: “Whatever happened to fun” what a great album. GILBY: Jonathan wrote all the songs back then and he did a fantastic job, to me it was a band where everybody did what they were supposed to do. We all contributed. Jonathan would bring the songs in, but we as a band made the songs come to life and that‟s all we were doing. We always said that we were just a couple of boys enjoying our summer and having fun. KCM: So from there you moved on to do what? GILBY: I moved on to “Kill for Thrills”. When “Candy‟s” record was coming out we were having a lot of problems with our record company. We were signed to a New York label and we had New York management but we were an L.A. band and they really didn‟t understand what the band was about so they kept on trying to change the band into what they were hoping it would be. What that did was create a lot of inner turmoil. We started fighting internally and we weren‟t happy. There came a point where Kyle left the band, I started singing and we brought in another guitar player. We had two guitars and after that I could see that it wasn‟t working. The whole thing had run its course and I started my own band called “Kill for Thrills” I was singing and playing guitar at that time. During the early years I did a lot of both. So “Kill for Thrills” was my band where I wrote all the songs and played guitar and sang. I gave it a shot. KCM: I was one of those people who went to the East Village and bought that album on vinyl (both laughing) GILBY: Thank you, I do appreciate that! I just did six dates in Italy on my own tour and I signed quite a few “Kill for Thrills” albums. The “Kill for Thrills” record I‟m actually proud of because I think we did a good job, but the “Candy” record wasn‟t a good representation of the band. I thought the band was good I just didn‟t think the production was good. With “Kill for Thrills” I was happy with it, I thought we sounded good. KCM: I didn‟t know that “Kill for Thrills” released both albums on CD; I have it all on vinyl.
GILBY: I actually started a band called “The Blackouts” and it was very short lived because while I started this band I got a call from Slash to join “Guns „n‟Roses” It was basically just material that I had left over from “Kill for Thrills” and I was under a publishing contract with Virgin at the time and still had to keep working. So the songs I was writing I kind of used for “The Blackouts” but then the phone call from Slash came in and I joined G‟n‟R and I stayed there for about five years. KCM: Coming from a band like” Kill for Thrills” and joining” Guns‟n‟Roses” where they already successful at the time when you joined them? GILBY: Both bands (Candy and Kill for Thrills) were locally successful. When both bands played locally we always sold out, we always played the biggest place in town. “Candy” would play places like “The Palace”, “The Whiskey”, and “The Roxy” whenever we wanted. “Kill for Thrills” we actually got our record deal at our first gig, which is actually kind of wild. At the time we were playing places like” Scream” and “Cathouse” Locally I can‟t say we were as successful as “Candy “but we were getting there. We were nowhere near where “Guns‟n‟Roses” were. KCM: So going from those bands to “Guns‟n‟Roses” did you have stage fright? GILBY: No, none at all. Matter of fact we had this little joke going on. They were so surprised that I didn‟t. I walked out in my first gig with the band and G‟n‟R had little breaks during the set where everyone had their own little solos, and on that first little break it might have been a drum solo, both Axl and Slash run to my side of the stage and they both went “Are you Okay?, is everything Okay?” and I walked in eating a slice of pizza.(Slight laughter) and then they went “ Well you‟re obviously ok” and I said “ Yeah, why? What‟s wrong?” I think it was because I played a lot of gigs and with” Candy” we played big venues. We opened up for Rick Springfield so we played big arenas; we opened for Corey Hart who played theatres so….It‟s not that it was all that strange. I had done it before but I‟ve never been the featured band. At that time I was really confident in what I was doing.
KCM: What is the best advice someone has given you that you have actually followed? GILBY: Wow, wow, wow…You know what? This is a really strange one. I think when I first got my G‟n‟R gig I ran into Bobby Blotzer of “Ratt” and he was telling me how he had owned some flower shops and how he had put his money outside of music and how well this was working out for him. I had known Bobby since even before he was in “Ratt” so he was someone I listened to and that was some interesting advice when I first started doing well. It was a really good advice. KCM: Who‟s the one person that really stands out in your mind that you have worked with for whatever reason? GILBY: When I first started I worked with someone that was real eccentric and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot of things from him good and bad. He was Kim Fowley. I did a lot of session work with him, I use to co- write with him when he was writing music for different records and things like that. He was coming from a complete opposite place of where I was. I was into it for the love of music. I wanted to create something that wasn‟t there before. I loved music. I wanted to play it, perform it, and record it. Where as he was completely from a business standpoint where music isn‟t art. So it was interesting as a young person to be able to open up and listen where a lot of people during those years had blinders on, I was listening. KCM: Sounds like you have been coming across all the right people. GILBY: Well I‟ve been doing this for a long time so you do come across a lot of people. KCM: Would you ever consider writing music for a Broadway Musical? GILBY: (Laughing) Alice Cooper was doing a Broadway Musical at one point and I wasn‟t writing with him but I was producing it in my studio and it was real interesting. He had some pros that he was doing the music with and I don‟t really think that‟s one of my strengths lets just put it that way. KCM: It‟s a totally different experience. GILBY: Yeah I think it‟s nice to explore different musical styles and not be stuck in the mud with “I only do this” That is not definitely one of my strengths but I did enjoy working on it with him. KCM: If you had a chance to do something different musically, what would you do? GILBY: Wow that‟s a good one! I really don‟t do very much instrumental stuff. In fact I don‟t do any instrumental stuff and that‟s what I would like to do. I‟ve actually been thinking a lot about it lately just because I‟ve
been hearing some great stuff. I heard something that Peter Frampton did and it was fantastic and Jeff Beck has been doing it for a long time. Stuff that‟s incredible. So I would like to try some instrumental stuff. KCM: Describe a typical day in your life? GILBY: Ha,ha,ha Let‟s say this summer. Usually what I do when I get up in the morning the first thing is the dog. The dogs gotta go out and then I have to decide: Am I working in the studio today? Do I have a recording project working with somebody, or do I need to do some writing of my own? So music always comes first. So If I don‟t really have something that I‟m doing musically then I look at my motorcycles. What needs to get fixed? I actually have a full motorcycle garage in my garage where I can make and build motorcycles. I do a lot of welding and I actually made two bikes from top to bottom. So it‟s usually one of those two things, then when the wife comes home from work and I usually have to pick up my daughter from school then we have dinner and then I see whether I have some more work to do and then maybe take the dog for a walk if it‟s a nice day. We do that a lot. We take the dog out, grab something to eat and usually that‟s about it. KCM: What do you do to switch things up? Do you ever get bored of being a musician? GILBY: The last couple of years for me this has been the slowest time it‟s ever been. My studio use to be busting. If I‟m working with an artist or a band I usually have two other acts waiting on me. So if my first session is done in a couple of weeks I‟d have another project and things would get so overlapped that what I would have to do is take a break, book some live gigs so that‟s when things were going well. However the last couple of year‟s things have slowed down. The studio has not been as busy as it use to be, my live gigs there haven‟t been as many as there use to be. There‟s definitely a lot more time to play with motorcycles and spend time with the family then there has been over the last ten years. KCM: Out of the current bands out there is there anybody that you would like to play with? GILBY: Oh geez yeah! There are a lot of great bands out there right now. I know people occasionally complain about the state of music. I like rock music and rock music isn‟t that popular right now. Pop has over taken everything at this point. I have a 17 year old daughter so I take her out to see Paramore and The Strokes. She likes Kings of Leon, so she is not the Mile Cyrus, Lady Gaga kind of daughter. So I definitely see a lot of rock bands out there. I still like the good bands. If ZZTop ever needs another guitar player I‟m ready. If Ron Wood ever breaks his wrist I‟m ready. Those are the kind of bands that I like. KCM:
What is your favorite brand of guitars and why?
GILBY: I‟m still a Gibson/Les Paul guy. I play the Gibson 60‟s classic. It‟s a pretty standard Les Paul. Can really just take them right off the rack and they‟re fine. I might change the pick ups every now and then. I am a Les Paul guy. I also like Teles, I„ve been playing them for a long time. I also played the Zimitis costume deluxes; I played with those for a long time too. KCM: In your opinion: What‟s the perfect recipe for Rock´n´Roll? GILBY: Wow! That‟s a good question. I think the perfect recipe for Rock´n´Roll is originality. I think doing something that has not been done before it‟s probably the most important thing. KCM: If you were to brand somebody with your own stamp, what would the stamp say? GILBY: I‟m a firm believer in Rock's‟ Roll because it stands for freedom. So my stamp would say “Rock´n´Roll” KCM: How did you get into motorcycles? Were you always into them or did you start liking them because a lot of Rockers started to like them? GILBY: When I was a young fellow living in Ohio (Gilby now laughs under his breath) a bunch of bikes came rumbling down the street and actually parked right across the street from my house. Turned out that there was a motorcycle club house across the street from my house, so I could look out my window and see all these great 60‟s and 70‟s choppers. Everybody had long hair drinking beer and did whatever they wanted, and that instilled the tattoo in my head you know. So I was always into motorcycles. If anybody remembers me back from the Hollywood days I always had a motorcycle. My first job I rode a motorcycle back and forth to my job. I‟ve always had bikes. KCM: So if your daughter wanted one would you get one for her? GILBY: Ha,ha,ha Yes I would, but she doesn‟t want one. You know it‟s strange because she loves music and plays guitar and sings but she doesn‟t like motorcycles. KCM: How was it working with “Hotel Diablo” as oppose to other bands that you‟ve produced and worked with? GILBY: “Hotel Diablo” was actually easy because I‟ve worked before with the singer Rick and the bass player Mike, but I never worked with Alex or the drummer. I think when there‟s confidence in both parties it usually is going to be a good project. I had heard the music they were doing and I really liked it and I said” Look I‟m a supporter and I wanna help you get your music out there”
and that‟s how that marriage was made. We‟ve only recorded a couple of tunes but both came out fantastic. I‟m very, very happy with them. KCM:
When is this whole thing coming out?
GILBY: Well I think they‟re just starting right now. I know they have more songs but because everybody‟s a full time musician it‟s going to take a little while for them to get a full record or set together. We‟re just kind of doing a couple of songs at a time right now. KCM: Would you ever consider writing a book? GILBY: I actually thought about it before everybody was doing it. I think unfortunately if I wrote a book it would not be the guy who was in “Guns‟n‟Roses” and wrote a book. It would be a guy who has been a musician his whole life. “Guns‟n‟Roses” was a part of my life but it‟s not my life. I know if people know my name they know it from “Guns‟n‟Roses” but there‟s also a story in somebody who comes from Ohio who plays guitar for a living and it‟s not always easy. I think there‟s a story there, we‟ll just have to see if a publishing company wants to do it someday. They are over loaded with “Guns‟n‟Roses” books right now don‟t you think? KCM: They‟re over loaded with everything right now. It seems that one person comes out with a book and suddenly everyone in the Rock world has a book, it‟s kind of boring you know. GILBY: It is a little boring because not everybody‟s good at writing books. KCM:
What are your plans for the rest of this year?
GILBY: I actually have been finally working on one of my own records. It has been a long time and I didn‟t even realize how long it has been. It‟s almost been ten years since I put out a record. I just started writing some new material at the beginning of this year that I‟m actually happy with. I have about six tracks recorded right now so as soon as I get ten good songs it‟s time to put out another record. KCM: Do you have plans to play the East Coast? Places like NYC? GILBY: No I don‟t. You know gigs come up all the time. I just did the Italian tour which a month prior to that I didn‟t have any plans. For right now I really have to finish this record. Once I put out a new record things will be easier. It‟s really hard to go out there and play clubs without new music, especially since the last two years have been very slow. KCM: What is the weirdest gift that you have ever gotten from a fan?
GILBY: Some one gave me a voodoo doll at one time and it was kind of odd because I didn‟t know whether or not that was a good or a bad thing. In one of my studios I use to have a lot of voodoo stuff in there so maybe somebody saw a picture knowing that I liked it. I guess I‟m still alive so it is good. KCM: Do you have a funny story that you‟ve lived through on the road? GILBY: It was a big “Guns‟n‟Roses” stadium show where we kind of had those wings and stuff and we had wireless guitars where we can always walk out on the wings to play to some of the fans who were out there. I remember staying out there playing along and everything was great the fans were screaming it was a great moment I took one step back and then the next thing I knew I woke up and I was in a stretcher. Apparently what happened was when I took that one step back there was no step back. When I fell back it was a stadium stage so it was really high up and they had speaker cables break my fall. When they found me I was unconscious and I was holding my guitar up so the guitar didn‟t touch the ground. Everything was okay I just knocked myself out and the guitar made it through. I didn‟t care about myself I was thinking about my guitar. Ha,ha,ha, KCM: What‟s the best advice you can give to an up and coming musician? GILBY: I think it goes back to what we talked about before which is originality. What I see a lot of are people who are influenced by another artist then when they‟re making their own music they sound exactly the same. Obviously because of my connection with GnR I got bands that want to work with me as a producer that have that hard rock sound and sometimes I‟ll get a guitar player that sounds exactly like Slash. It‟s okay to have someone as your influence but you can‟t be your influence. If you‟re not contributing anything to music, maybe you shouldn‟t make original records but instead go play in a cover band. Once again. I think originality is so important as a young artist to contribute something to music. You know, music is art and our job is to bring something new something exciting something fresh and if you‟re not, don‟t cloud up the system. There is a lot mucky cloudy shit out there right now. You hear pop music and you know where it came from if they didn‟t blatantly sample it from someone else. So I do think originality and creativity is an important thing to someone young and someone who‟s just starting.
KCM: I’m a big fan of you and your brother….I followed you when you played with Derringer a few times here in New York… VINNY: I played with Derringer in 1976 and we did a couple of albums and couple of tours. I only had a two year run with that. KCM: How do you feel about your legacy of what you’ve done so far in your career? VINNY: I’ve played with a lot of cool people and I have no complaints. KCM: You’ve done a lot of touring, what was your most memorable moment on tour and with whom? VINNY: Probably the first time playing Madison Square Garden and being from New York…It was a like ”Wow” playing on the same stage as the bands that I’ve seen play there as a kid. KCM: Who did you play that show with? Who were you on tour with?
VINNY: Actually it was” Derringer” and we were playing with” Aerosmith”, and the next time after that it was with” Black Sabbath” and that was thrilling too because we were headlining. It’s a different thing when you’re opening then when you’re headlining, but both are very memorable moments. KCM: Question about the” Drum Wars”. What brought this project about? VINNY: In the early 90’s we did six or seven drum clinics and it became a pretty cool thing. We put something’s together musically and then we did a video called” Drum Wars” and we filmed it at MIT out here in Los Angeles and we put it out and then we didn’t play together since so we kept talking about it that we should do it and then finally decided that we should do it now. We got together wrote some drum pieces and we put together a show. We played music from my career and then from Carmines career, it’s a really cool show. KCM: Back in the day growing up you and your brother in the same household was drumming something that was a favorite of both of yours or one or the other? VINNY: Carmine’s 10 years older than I am well actually 11 and he started with the drums earlier then I did and when I was a kid I would watch him rehearse with his band so the drums were always in the house. One day I got behind the drums and started to play being inspired by what I saw as a kid
and then eventually Carmine told my parents to take me to drum lessons to the same guy that Carmine went to named Dick Bennett. So it’s kind of like my path was laid out for me you know. KCM: Moving forward were you nervous seeing your brother at a great high when he was out there playing all over and touring? Did you say:” I wanna get to that point, or how am I gonna get there?” or did your brother help you get to that point? VINNY: I use to see him with “Vanilla Fudge” as a kid and I’d be nervous, and I was like “Wow, Carmine’s playing in front of all these people” Yes of course I thought “I wanna do this too” and the way I thought it was possible is that you gotta be good….So I practiced hard and listened to the music and different drummers Bobby Wick, Carmine, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Ian Page and then I tried to figure out what everybody was doing so I committed seriously even as a young kid. KCM: Influencing young kids, did you try to figure out what you wanna put out there, from your inner playing that you want other kids to learn or did you say “This is what I can give out there in a book” to help teach these younger kids to play? VINNY: Carmine has a lot of books. I only have one book that’s out but now I’m starting to put together more of a rock book of things that I think are important and different approaches to drumming.
I’m working on that right now and hope to get it done soon. I like teaching, I like clinics I like the whole educational aspect of it too! KCM: Let’s talk about” Dio” the greatest band in the metal world. You guys were out two years ago and back with” Heaven and Hell” doing your stuff. Share one of the special moments with your experience in “Dio”? VINNY: There were some many moments. I played with them since 1980 and at that point I played with them for almost 9 years so we have so many experiences together. We’ve been to so many places and shared so many stages, rehearsals, hotels, restaurants, clubs and you know moments that it’s hard to pick one. We’ll always remember being on the phone with Ronnie finding out he was ill and he said “I’m going to beat this man, don’t worry” that’s what he said. So I’ll always remember things like that and those were fucking great times, we’ve had fun times together. We were like brothers even though there was an age difference there too. We were hanging out and making each other laugh because we got along really well. KCM: Let’s talk about the new band “Kill Devil Hill”…. VINNY: Yeah “Kill Devil Hill” is a band that I’ve always wanted to do and I tried here and there and it never materialized because I was always busy. Couple of years ago it all started with laying down some drum tracks and then on the “Heaven And Hell” tour I hurt my shoul-
I hurt my shoulder where I had surgery , but luckily before that I laid down 13 drum tracks. It’s a really cool sound. I did it at my friends “Jeff Pilson”(s) house and then after the surgery I couldn’t play so we started with” Jimmy Bain”. I invited him to come to my house and we played some bass on some of the tracks and got some ideas and then I had my eye on this guitar player named” Mark Zavon” who played with “Ratt” for a short time. He came down and we were working together and the songs were coming together and then he knew this singer” Dewey Braggs” and he didn’t really play with any major bands and I said that’s the guy so we started writing songs together and then eventually it didn’t work out with Jimmy so we got in touch with “Rex Brown” from “Pantera”. We got together played some stuff and he joined the band. That’s the band right now and “Kill Devil Hill” is scheduled to go into the studio and record their first record sometime next month and we have shows coming up next week in Vegas, L.A., San Diego, and El Paso. Then we’re planning on touring in October, so we’re coming back on to the East coast at some point. We’ll play New Jersey I think “Dingbatz”.
KCM: So that’s basically where your focus is right now in your career on this project? VINNY: Yeah that’s where my whole focus is right now. We really wanna have this band happening and we really wanna have some fun. So right now that’s my focus and then I’ll try” Drum Wars” with my brother. We’ll do about six shows together, and it’s coming together great, it’s getting tighter and tighter and people love it because they never seen anything like it before. KCM: Me being a drummer myself, I noticed that you hold your sticks sometimes in between your fingers, what’s with the grip? VINNY: That’s something that Carmine showed me a long time ago and it was like holding the stick between your pointer finger and your middle finger instead between your thumb and your pointer finger. When you play a lot of shows your fingers get a little stiff and that relives a lot of the tension. Carmine never really had any injuries and I just had that shoulder surgery. Keep your seat low, keep your cymbals low and warm up your shoulders a little bit and just be careful. KCM: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the KRASHCITY readers?
VINNY: If you want there’s always the website www.VinnyAppecie.com and check out www.Drumwars.com and www.KillDevilHillMusic.com and hear a couple of little snippets of some songs and as we talk I’m passing the cemetery where Ronnie is buried right now. I know where it is so when I’m passing I always give him the horn sign.
We sent Paulina and Simon to hang out with Jussi 69 in Camden town, London and ask him a few questions. Here’s what the Helsinki Vampire had to say about the latest happenings in his life,,,,,,
ON THE TRAIL OF JUSSI 69! By: Simon Suleman and Paulina Stasicka KCM: Being that the 69 Eyes have called themselves" Vampires" way before this current vampire craze started, what do you think of this current vampire craze? JUSSI: I think we’ve had the last laugh. To be honest with you I think it’s pathetic when people get pissed off about Twilight and the whole thing. Its pop culture and I have nothing against Twilight. It’s fun. We’ve been Vampires since forever and we basically stole the whole Helsinki Vampire thing from L.A.Guns who came out with the record Hollywood Vampires in like 87 or so but so we stole the whole thing too. At least I can say that we came out with the thing before it was super fashionable to be a blood sucker. KCM: What's your favorite song to play on this current album? JUSSI: On the current album the intro to “Kiss Me Undead” it’s pretty heavy. Usually I like the slow tempo but on this song it has this flow of heavy groove on it. KCM: Where's the one place that you always look forward to playing JUSSI: Right now it’s Camden town London. Every city is fun especially on this tour because I’m the biggest Hardcore Superstar fan and I’m the biggest CRASHDIET Fan. I think this package is super exciting and I can’t think of any cooler package if you’re into hard rock bands. Can you name any cooler bands to tour with? This is absolutely fantastic. KCM: How has the tour been so far? JUSSI: Well it’s just getting started but as I told you I’m excited because of all these other guys and the after parties are awesome too.
There’s going to be a tear in my eye when this is over. KCM: Who are some of your favorite people that you like playing/hanging out with? JUSSI: Michael Monroe. He is a good friend of mine and I’m a huge fan. KCM: What do you do, when you're not touring with the Eyes? JUSSI: Well I have my own radio show in Finland and I also have a rock club and that takes up all of my time but I don’t mind because it’s all Rock’n’Roll. KCM: Choose one and tell me why: Would you rather live at Graceland or The playboy mansion? JUSSI: I guess Graceland because it would be like a museum but then there’s the ghost of Elvis all over the place so maybe I should go with the Playboy Mansion. I met Hugh Hefner and I think he would make a cool roommate so yeah I’ll go with Playboy Mansion. KCM: If you could be one person for a day other then Jussi, who would you be? JUSSI: I never wanted to be anybody else then me so that’s a pretty hard question. It’s pretty fucking cool to be Jussi. I wouldn’t want to be anybody famous. I’d rather be the ordinary Joe but of course I would like to be a girl for a day so I could play with myself but not anybody famous, why bother? KCM: What are some of your favorite things? JUSSI: Hanging out with friends and having nice food in Camden town and I like to go to weird places like Indonesia. My future plans when I’m and old fart and retired I’m gonna sell beer or beach beds in Bali. That’s my retirement plan. That’s what I would love to do. Work for two Euros a week and sell beer to surfers. KCM: Who is your idol? JUSSI: Keith Richards. I’m just reading his book. Well I’m not into doing heroin so he is my idol only in the fashion sense.
KCM: Would you rather drink whiskey with Jesus or play poker with the devil? JUSSI: Whiskey with Jesus absolutely! There are so many questions I would like to ask him so hanging out with Jesus would be cool. I wanna know why he died for everybody’s sins and maybe he could give me some tips for life. KCM: Three things you must always have with you? JUSSI: Cell phone money. Well money is not that important but it helps a lot, I’m talking only a minimal amount to get you around.. Oh and sunglasses. It’s good to have pants on when you walk outside sooo…skip the money. KCM: Please finish this nursery rhyme: "Jack and Jill went up the hill, to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down......" JUSSI: ….and he went down on Jill,,,Damn I forgot to rhyme. Jack went down on Jill and came like never before! KCM: Favorite city to wake up in? JUSSI: There are so many places where each city has something special. There’s always something I like in Paris or Los Angeles. L.A. is a lot of fun. KCM: What are some of your bad habits you'd like to overcome? JUSSI: I haven’t been smoking for a year but I’m dying for a cigarette so I would like to forget all about that. KCM: Would you rather swim across the ocean or jump out of a plane? JUSSI: Swim across the ocean because I like to swim. I would like to jump out of a plane one day with a parachute. KCM: What advice would you give young musicians these days? JUSSI: Don’t start playing drums because it’s expansive and your hands hurt so buy a guitar and listen to some Rolling Stones.
July 22 & 23rd will always stand out in my mind as a fond memory. I have been getting ready for” Trash Fest” as if it were the second coming. Had everything figured out to the last detail, but sometimes things don’t EXACTLY work out the way they were planned. As I got to the” Legendary Dobbs” in Philadelphia I managed to catch the tail end of performance by “Primitive Evolution” from Canada and I have to say they were rockin’ as was Philadelphia’s own “Haley”. The night was just heating up as I finally met people from Facebook that I have been chatting with for years. Speaking of heat I have to quote Acey Slade as this has become my favorite saying “It’s hotter than the devils armpit!” and that it was. New York City has hit 107F that day and Philly was not any better. All merchandise was in place and Mama Trash was running around taking candid pictures with everyone trying not to miss any of the performances.
The place was really rocking by the time “Trash Gallery” from Canada has hit the stage and people’s jaws hit the floor when Del Rio from “Sunset Riot” (Australia) has shown everyone what he is made of by displaying his madman antics on stage and on top of the bar. People have cheered him on and it seemed like the heat has just risen by a hundred degrees. A little while later New York City’s own “Star Killer” has hit the stage and has shown everyone what they’re made of. Their music is a bit industrial but nonetheless kick ass. The night has come to a close with a performance by “Naked” from Finland and toward the end of the night people were going crazy to their clever incorporation of “Fat Bottom Girls” by “Queen” into their set. All this excitement and this was only the first night! Despite the second day of high heat, word must have gotten around because Dobbs was packed to the rafters and even the pretty boys had their make-up running down their faces like the Delaware River. There was simply no escaping the “body heat” as everyone rubbed shoulders like sardines dipped in olive oil. “The Keefs ” from Delaware had opened the night followed by Philadelphia’s “Leiana” and both of the bands were energetic and impressive. A little while later “The Black Saints” from Milwaukee have brought back the classic rock chill factor and after them New Jersey’s “End of an Era” rocked the stage with a non-stop high voltage performance. That night I met some really great people such as the “Smyrna Boys” which consist of: Jack and Sammy from “Private Line” as well as Skinny from “Deathstars” and I can’t forget to mention Val from “Fashion Bomb” from Chicago. All this fun and I hurried in front of the stage as one of my favorites “The Dirty Pearls” from New York City were about to take stage. I can’t say enough about these guys. They make me proud to be a New Yorker. In my opinion they were entertaining and flawless and the set couldn’t have been long enough for me. No one could top what was coming next, and that’s the long awaited performance by non-other than “Private Line” (Finland) these guys have great songs, passion and they know how to bring the audience to their knees. The place was packed and people were singing along to their songs. I was having a great night and didn’t want the festivities to end. The all-star band has followed right after “Private Line” and I have to say that the players and songs could not have been better selected. “Slither/ Velvet Revolver”, “Cherry Bomb/ The Runaways”,” Rebel Yell/Billy Idol”,” Live Wire/Motley Crue”, “Beautiful People/ Marilyn Manson” and” Dragula/Rob Zombie” Over all Trash Fest U.S.A was a success and the only thing I would have done differently is not to have it in the middle of the summer. I hope everyone had a great time and that everyone involved would want to see “Trash Fest II” grace our American shore.
When I was asked to interview STARZ frontman and vocalist extraordinaire Michael Lee Smith and guitarist great Richie Ranno I must admit that while I have definitely heard the name STARZ expressed in rapt tones of awe, I was not familiar with their music beyond the pop-hooky laden / radioplay garnering “Cherry Baby,” the lead track off of the band‟s 1977 sophomore release Violation. I loaded up my iPod with the goods to find out what I was missing, hit play and STARZ slammed through my headset like an audio version of The Northern Lights. Those who were at the STARZ starting gate blend descriptions of the band and its sound with a backdrop of references to the days of rock and roll youth gone by – or vice versa. Thirty-five years after the release of their self titled debut, one listen to this legendary band let me know why STARZ maintains a strong following to this day. The material bristles with unmistakable talent on all levels and stands head and shoulders above the majority of what is currently hyped as „hot & new‟. I was duly impressed and scooped up a second, third and fourth helping of STARZ, still wanting more. STARZ were frontrunners of the glam metal 80s but never achieved the same level of commercial success as the bands they influenced. Product-moving bands such as Poison, Motley Crue, Cinderella and Bon Jovi have cited STARZ as a key influence. “Starz was Motley Crue before Motley Crue!" according to Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue as reported on the Starz website, www.starzcentral.com He was not kidding! If you listen to the opening of the song, “Coliseum Rock”, on the release of the same name, you will hear the same guitar simulated / motorcycle revving sound that opens the 1988 Motley Crue song, “Kick start My Heart” from Dr. Feelgood. After four releases without receiving their commercial due, the band called it a day with their most evolved and complex release, the stunning Coliseum Rock.
One would never guess that STARZ – sans Richie Ranno at the time - evolved from the ashes of the tame-sounding 1960‟s group, The Looking Glass that had a # 1 hit in 1972 with “Brandy (You‟re A Fine Girl)” and follow-up success with "Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne" in 1973. Michael Lee Smith was recruited to replace singer / guitarist Elliot Lurie who left to pursue a solo career after Looking Glass brought on a second guitarist – humph! –, Brendan Harkin. After recording two singles for Epic that didn‟t do much, the band decided to make a fresh start and changed its name to Fallen Angel. Ranno didn‟t join Fallen Angel until 1975. In 1973 he had joined the band Stories‟ just after their song "Brother Louie” hit # 1 and guitarist Steve Love quit to join Jobriath... who? Ranno was among about 20 guitarists who auditioned and won the position. He toured with Stories‟ for a while before moving on. About the same time, Peter Sweval, bassist for the band that would come to be known as STARZ, had a fateful meeting with Sean Delaney, the right hand man for Bill Aucoin of Rock Steady Management who also managed SPIKE as well as up and comers, KISS. Sean felt that Fallen Angel should have two guitarists. Richie Ranno, one of about 75 guitarists to audition, nabbed the spot. It was Sean‟s idea to lose the keyboard sound. EXIT keyboardist Larry Gonsky. It was also Sean Delaney‟s idea to change the name of the band to STARZ. The line-up remained the same for the first three releases, the last of which, “Attention Shoppers” – horrible name! – took a stylistic turn towards pop and away from metal. Many have cited this release as their least favorite, but except for the „PL-E-E-E-A-ASE BUY ME‟ name, was an interesting foray into a new genre. “Attention Shoppers” was also a departure for STARZ in that it was did not bear the Jack Douglas name, but instead was self produced. Internal disputes erupted as to where to go from there and several changes were made. For the fourth and final studio release….EXIT Brendan Harkin on guitar and Peter Sweval on bass due to conflicting ideas regarding the artistic direction of the band. ENTER: their replacements Orville Davis on Bass and Bobby Messano on guitar. ENTER: Producer Jack Richardson of Guess Who fame. According to New York‟s own Rick Fox, W.A.S.P. / STEELER bassist,
“This girl, Cherylyn, (whom I started to date off and on), also happened to work at the newlymoved, and expanded offices of AUCOIN Management. She also happened to pass on to me, that STARZ had left bassist PETER SWEVAL behind, and that they were looking for a new bassist, and that I should try out and audition for them. I said “What should I do? I know all their songs, how can I get in for this”? She said “Let me take care of that”, and winked.
When I asked him what the hell that was, he answered "You crossed many a bridge, my friend". of the time could only help open doors for us. On the other hand, I remember hearing many times over the years from people who worked in the background that Rock Steady was bringing in so much cash at the time, that they needed some kind of tax write-off to help balance the books. Some people have speculated that STARZ was that write-off. But I have no personal knowledge of the financial aspects at the time, other than once sitting in the office of the Rock Steady-appointed accountant, who was showing me my financial statement for the year. I noticed that in one column they had deducted $60,000 from me under the heading "TOLLS". When I asked him what the hell that was, he answered "You crossed many a bridge, my friend". KCM: You toured with a number of highly popular acts. Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Rush, BOC, ZZ Top. What was the most memorable tour – in a good way? Richie: Probably the Foghat tour of 1978 and the Rush Hemispheres tour of ‟79. Of all the bands we toured with, the members of both of those bands were far and away the nicest bunch of guys. Michael: They were all fantastic, it was truly the Golden Age of rock. Music was practically a religion then, and kids going to concerts was like attending Mass with the Pope... fans were crazed, and the best part was you could get away with ALL KINDS of inappropriate behavior then, because no one had cell phones or digital cameras to be able to prove you did it!!! One of the best tours was with RUSH, I love hockey and played in leagues for many years, always carried my skates and sticks on the road, and I spent may afternoons playing roller hockey with RUSH out on the arena floor while the roadies were building the stage and lighting for the night's show. One huge regret I have is that I didn't hang around and meet all of the people in all of the bands we played with. Truly a lost opportunity to have possibly created some long friendships. The problem was, by the time the other bands were going on stage, I was already back at the hotel with a bunch of groupies! KCM: What was it like to work with the legendary Jack Douglas on the first two Starz releases? Richie: It was a great experience. We not only recorded with Jack producing but, legendary recording engineer, Jay Messina was at the board and we recorded in quite possibly the greatest recording studio of all time, The Record Plant. Michael: Jack is, of course, a genius. To have had the privilege to work with him on 2 albums was a glorious thing, and I can't tell you how much I learned from him, stuff that I use to this day when I record stuff in my own little studio. The only thing I don't do that Jack did, is go into a closet for a while to think about things! KCM: In between your reunion shows, which are less frequent than your fans would like (due to the fact that the band members have established lives in various parts of the country) how in touch are the band members? Richie: Dube (drummer), George (bassist) & I have a rock trio called, Richie Ranno‟s All-Stars. We play almost every weekend in northern New Jersey. Michael: We're constantly in touch by email or phone, especially just before we go do shows. These guys are my lifetime friends, we're hooked up for perpetuity. KCM: Though you have a strong and loyal fan base currently in place, clearly Starz had / has the talent and material to achieve greater success. In previous interviews you have sited Capital‟s marketing strategy, or lack thereof as the root cause for not going further. What other labels were you talking to at the time, and why did you go with Capital? If you had it to do over, was there a runner up label that you wished you had gone with?
Next thing I knew I was THIRD in line to audition out of a list of about 30 bassists!!! ….. but, since ORVILLE DAVIS was the bassist for REX, and REX and STARZ were pretty much cousins, it was decided to just make it a done-deal, and make ORVILLE DAVIS the new bassist for STARZ, With the new line-up in place, Starz went on to release Coliseum Rock on which they shined the brightest before leaving the studio as STARZ (Stars!) in every sense of the word. We caught up with Michael and Richie not too long ago for insights on the past as well as a couple of updates.
KCM: If you had to choose from the four original Capitol releases: Starz (1976) Violation (1977) Attention Shoppers! (1977) Coliseum Rock (1978) which would be your favorite and why? Richie: That‟s a tough one. It‟s like having 4 kids. They‟re all different and you love them all. But, the first one would have to be it. It‟s truly timeless. I‟m very proud of it. Michael: I'm my own worst critic. I really only hear things I WISH had been done differently when I listen to any of these, which is only in my car, for an hour a day for a few weeks before we go out to do shows, I sing along so I can get my voice ready. Otherwise I don't listen to them. I feel like a total failure when I do. KCM: The STARZ machine was revved with the release of the remastered original Capitol releases on the Ryko label. What was the most significant improvement on the re-mastered works? Richie: I‟m not sure there was any. The current way of thinking regarding re-mastering is to just master them as hot (loud) as possible before distortion. I‟m not sure that‟s the way to go. But, I did like the fact that they added bonus tracks we supplied them. And they did a great job on the booklets. Michael: Other than coming out on CD's, I couldn't tell ya. I know it was really hard to try to fit those old LPs into the changer in my car, so the new format was a HUGE improvement! What was the relationship chemistry between Kiss and Starz under these circumstances? In your opinion, did Kiss‟s success help or hurt you? Richie: Actually, we signed with Bill in September of ‟75 – before Kiss Alive was even out. We were always great friends with the Kiss guys – as for the effects of their success – it was a double-edged sword. We got a little more attention but then we got treated as a secondary, sort of spin-off band of Kiss – which we weren‟t at all. Michael: I first met Paul and Gene way back when they were recording their album as "Wicked Lester" (I think that was the band name then?) My wife was doing background vocals with them in the studio and I was there at a couple of sessions. I was introduced to them by their real names, and that's how I always think of them. I wouldn't say I actually had any type of relationship with them after that. I would see them sometimes at the Aucoin offices, or at gigs ( I remember Gene backstage several times, but not the other guys). As far as helping or hurting, I'm sure it cut both ways. Being managed by the guy managing the biggest music phenomenon of the time could only help open doors for us. On the other hand, I remember hearing many times over the years from people who worked in the background that Rock Steady was bringing in so much cash at the time, that they needed some kind of tax write-off to help balance the books. Some people have speculated that STARZ was that write-off. But I have no personal knowledge of the financial aspects at the time, other than once sitting in the office of the Rock Steady-appointed accountant, who was showing me my financial statement for the year. I noticed that in one column they had deducted $60,000 from me under the heading "TOLLS".
Richie: Okay, let‟s see – our manager was talking to all other labels – there weren‟t many at that time. He decided to go with them for reasons of his own and made a huge error. If we had to do it over, any other label would have been better. Capitol was totally inept and marketing real rock groups between the years of ‟76 & ‟79. Michael: I'm not sure I cited Capitol's strategy as a problem anywhere. There may have been an issue with us being in NYC and them being in Hollywood, so it wasn't like we could drop by the office and schmooze with the execs. But I mean, these guys had the Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Steve Miller, etc. and they sold millions and millions of records. It's not like they were rookies. We were! We had tons of exposure, more than most other bands at the time could even dream of. My feeling is, the record buying public has the final verdict on things, and we just didn't have that elusive mass appeal. I take the blame for that, since I couldn't help but be my quirky self in terms of lyrics, and we probably could have done a lot better if I had written more mainstream stuff. KCM: You were managed by Bill Aucoin‟s management company, Rock Steady Management. At the time, Bill was also working with Kiss. Bill‟s right hand man, Sean Delaney brought you to Bill after he met your bassist at the time, Peter Sweval. How did Sean and Peter meet? Richie: Well, if you must know, in a gay bar. Michael: My understanding was that they met at a gay bar in NYC. Could have been a gay bath-house. Something gay for sure. Gayness abounded at the time, and proved useful to us! KCM: When you signed with Bill in 1977 Kiss had just released Destroyer, their first release to go Platinum and were working on Love Gun. KCM: At one point you and drummer Joe X. Dube were working on Wheels Of Fire, a tribute to Cream. How far did you take that? What other side projects have you been involved with over the years? Michael: Yes, that was a lot of fun. I think we only played about a dozen shows. Cream is probably my favorite band of all time. Is for other projects, I really just wrote & recorded some solo albums and released them on my own label. KCM: Are you working on anything else, musically or concerning Starz in any way that that you would like to tell us about? Richie: Yes, we just recorded the song, Waiting for the Night for the new Runaways tribute album due out next week. We‟re also recording Surrender for a Cheap Trick tribute album. Michael: I built a small studio at my place over Christmas 2010. It's tailored to recording vocals mostly. Since then I've recorded one song for a "SEEDS" tribute album, and 2 songs that will be coming out on a Runaways tribute album ,one song is by STARZ, and one is by WHITE FLAG with me singing http://www.mainmanrecords.com/MMR040.html Also, I'm going to do my absolute favorite song by one of my all time favorite bands on another album, can't talk about it yet, but I'm VERY excited about it.
A lot of you out there are still hoping for Lizzy Devine to come back to “Vains of Jenna”, and a lot of you still have misconceptions about Jesse Forte. The band is still the same but the dynamics have changed. I was hoping for a chance to speak with Jesse and when they played in New York City this past May I jumped on the chance to be able to clarify all the misconceptions about the new front man of” Vains of Jenna”. Read on and find out for yourselves. Just because someone new has taken over, it does not mean it’s a bad thing, and in this case it really isn’t. Jesse is a very cool and down to earth guy; all you have to do is give him a chance.
KCM: Who is Jesse Forte? JF: (Slight laughter) Jesse Forte isssssss……in New York City right now and you should come out to the show tonight. That’s what you should do. KCM: What was your initial reaction when you were asked to be in this band? KCM: There are a lot of assumptions out there about you, and still a lot of haters. What would you say to those people that you are the man for the job?
JF: It’s same as now. I was excited. How would you feel? I was doing my thing in Hollywood with local bands and stuff like that, just playing around Sunset, JF: I’d say exactly that. I then a worldwide act am the man for the job. It’s comes along and asks you a new band now, it’s still on a tour and ships you off Rock’n’Roll and I’m not goto Europe. That kind of ofing anywhere. If there’s something they really wanna fer is once in a lifetime. say they should just come KCM: Are you originally out to a show and see for from L.A.? themselves.
JF: I’m from Orange County. KCM: How did the band end up naming the album” Reversed Tripped”? JF: Actually I think J.P. might have come up with that. You gonna have to ask him and find out what it means to him. We were all cool with it, it’s kind of a throwback that we were listening to as kids and those songs made us who we are. KCM: How has the tour been so far? JF: It’s been awesome you know, different venue every night you meet new people. Of course familiar faces come out to the shows too. KCM: What was your favorite place to play in the U.S. so far? JF: So far? It’s hard to say. Every place is a different experience. The whole tour has been awesome. KCM: I have some questions from fans, here we go. Have you picked up any Swedish being in a band with all Swedes?
JF: The first thing I learned is:” Vill du knulla eller vad? Wanna fuck or what?” And they said that’s an important one. Another is “Kommer ni att ha bananer på din pizza? Will you have bananas on your pizza?” So I’m learning all the important stuff (now laughing hysterically)
JF: That’s tough; I don’t even watch reality shows.
KCM: Are you going to be touring Eastern Europe countries such as: Russia, Poland, and Czech Republic?
KCM: Do you have other interests outside of music?
JF: I hope so; we’ll go wherever people want us.
KCM: What’s the one thing that you wanted to achieve but had not yet achieved?
KCM: Do you have plans to play the U.K. anytime soon? JF: Absolutely! KCM: Who would be your dream band to play on stage with? JF: It would be amazing to open for Aerosmith! Just the thought is mind blowing, what do you say to Steven Tyler? KCM: If you had a reality TV show written about you, what would you call it?
KCM: What do you like to do in your down time? JF: Lately it’s just been a lot of touring. Seriously, just hang out and watch some TV. I like to kick back and relax.
JF: Not really, music is everything to me.
JF: Sing to a stadium full of 80,000 people and have them know every word to every one of my songs. That’s one thing. I wanted to be the President of the United States and open the door to the White House and let all the poor people stay in it. There are so many rooms in the White House. KCM: What would you say to the Queen of England if you got invited to the Buckingham Palace? JF: I would say YESSSS!!
KCM: If you were the President of the music industry, what would you have done differently?
KCM: Lastly, what would you like to say to your fans about you, to kill all those misconceptions?
JF: Get rid of poopy music, you know. Keep the good stuff.
JF: To the ones, who support us, we love you, you’re the reason why we do what we do, and to the people who don’t I’m sorry there’s nothing here for you hopefully you can find something someplace else. If ever you feel like you wanna come back we’ll still be here, we’ll still keep on making music, and to the true Vains of Jenna fans We Love
KCM: Would you stick to the download or would you rather shut down the whole I Tunes and have people buy CD’s and vinyl like they use to? JF: That’s not really up for me to say. People will get their music the way they’re gonna get it. The only thing for me is that the artist should be paid for the music that they put out. With I Tunes artists get paid for that, I’d say that’s a good thing. There are a lot of sites out there where people go on and rip off music and that’s not cool. We love what we do but it is a business. We need to have the means to get there. KCM: According to certain psychos online the world was supposed to end on the 21st of May at 6pm and it has not, but if you knew for sure the world was going to end what would be the last thing you’d wanna do?
You! Special thanks to Jesse for the interview and the laughter and very special thanks to D.B. for hooking us up!!
JF: The first thing I would do is take off all my clothes and run around the block naked. God Damn it! I’m in New York City and this is my first time here and I’m gonna run down the street naked! I would just want to spend time with my family.
My Political View: At the end of the day I am far from being a politician, therefore I like to keep my political opinions to myself. :-) If I was the U.S. President I would: Plan A: Move into a Hello Kitty Swaroski crystal palace... PLAN B (in case of potential failure of PLAN A): Paint the white house pink. ;) Any Final Words: Feel free to join me on Facebook. www.facebook.com/portiavictoria Don’t worry. I don’t bite... hard ;)
Born in Liverpool ENGLAND September 22, A lady never reveals her true age.. MY DIGITZ: Height: 5”6 Weight: 9stone Waist: 25” Hips: 34” Breast: 32C Shoe Size: UK 5 Tattoos: None Piercings: 5
MY PROFILE: My Ambitions: To break into the TV and film industry and have a long and successful acting career. My Turn-on’s: Boys (and girls :p) who have a quirky/odd (yet sexy) look about them PLUS a great personality! hehe! My Turn-offs: People that think they are “too big for their boots”. I can’t stand arrogant people. My Current Crush’s: Adrian Brody, Amy Lee, Katy Perry and Eric from True Blood (DAMN!! HE’S TOTALLY HOT MASH! :P) My Fetishes: LATEX!! My Favorite Bands/Artists: Evanescence; Slipknot; Queen; Kiss; David Bowie; Motley Crue; Gwen Stefani; Mindless Self Indulgence... My Favorite Movies: Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Step Brothers (I LOVE Will Ferrell!), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, La Cite des Enfants Perdu and many more... I also LOVE British sitcoms for example: Fawlty Towers, The Mighty Boosh, Blackadder, Harry Enfield and Chums, Monty Python.... (the list goes on... haha!)
John Corabi has just finished his amazing acoustic tour hitting the road with Cinderella, and he found the time to call us and speak with me amidst putting the final touches on his solo album. Besides being an amazing musician, John is just as equally and amazing person. He opened up about his experience with Motley Crue, playing with Ratt and what respect is all about. Read on and maybe you’ll learn and thing or two for yourselves.
KCM: So what happened with “the Scream” why did the band break up?
KCM: What was it like growing up in Philly trying to make it in the early years? JOHN: First of all Philadelphia is a pretty musical town if you go back and you think of some of the artists that come from there, not just “Cinderella” but also “Tangiers” and “Brittany Fox” , all those guys. They kind of blew up after “Cinderella” got their initial kick-off. Philly has always been kind of an R & B city. “The Hooters” came from there, “Hall and Oates”, “Todd Rundgren”. There was always music going on in my house and for a while there I kind of cut my teeth playing covers in and around Philadelphia, New Jersey, Upstate, Delaware. So that was cool and I don‟t know what possessed me to start writing my own music, but I‟ve just been a huge music fan my whole life and I still am. I just wanted to be “Robert Plant”, “Steven Tyler”, “Paul Rogers” and all those guys that I grew up listening to. It was a little difficult for a while because there really was not a market or a scene for hard rock until Cinderella broke, but by the time they broke I had already moved to California.
KCM: I have first gotten to know you through “The Scream” You guys use to send these little flyers in the mail. JOHN: Yeah, yeah there was a company called” American Noise” I believe and they did a lot of work with the “Black Crows” and” The Bulletboys” so they had a mailing list from them. We hired them to help promote and publicize our record. We got permission from the “Crows” and “The Bulletboys” to use their mailing lists so we just kind of tapped into that. Just started sending out little sample cassettes. KCM: Yes you did and I still have the flyer and the cassette. JOHN: That‟s funny! If you get a chance you should scan that and send it to me.
JOHN: Well we didn‟t really break up. What happened was weird.” The Scream” came out and we got great reviews for that record and we toured almost a year pretty much non stop. Somebody gave me a copy of Spin magazine and they had interviewed” Nikki Sixx “he was on the Spin cover and he mentioned “The Scream” there and how he loved the band and said that we were really cool. Then I got home and we had one more show left in L.A. and I just happened to call Nikki just to say thank you for plugging our band in that article, and I wanted to know if Nikki would be interested in writing with me for “The Scream” second record. When I called, Nikki and Tommy were on the other line speaking to their manager at the same moment that I called. They were trying to find out if somehow they could get in touch with me because Vince had left “Motley Crue” or got fired or whatever the deal was and they were trying to get a hold of me but nobody had my number, and I just happened to call in right then and there and I left my phone number and they literally called me five minutes later. We talked and they explained the whole situation with Vince and they would ask me if I would come down. All of that happened on Friday and the following Monday I auditioned for them and by Tuesday they asked me to be in the band. KCM: Were you a fan of Motleys prior to joining?
JOHN: Yes and No. I was obviously aware of the stuff that they had on MTV and the stuff they played on the radio. It was 1992 and they‟ve just come off of a huge record called “Dr. Feelgood” massive tour and then they did” Decade of Decadence” the greatest hits thing and that was out at the same time as “The Scream” record. So I was very familiar with their career but as far as being a fan: I didn‟t have all of their records and to be honest I never saw them live , so I can‟t totally say that I was a huge fan. If you really look at my record collection of ten thousand songs on my I Pod it‟s like “The Beatles” entire catalog, “Aerosmith”, “Zeppelin”, “Queen”,” Bad Company”,” Humble Pie”. It‟s all that 70‟s bluesy thing. Then the 80‟s just kind of went over my head . KCM: Once you started singing with” Motley Crue” did you feel comfortable up on that stage, did you ever feel like this band is “It” for me? Or maybe you thought” I don‟t feel so comfortable and this is just a temporary thing”? JOHN: At the time it was all of the above. I totally felt like I belonged there. The guys absolutely made me feel at home at the very beginning. On tour I felt like, there were moments where we just kicked major ass and then there were other times when I would look out to the audience and somebody would hold up a sign saying “F*** you, where‟s Vince?” So at times I had moments of all of those feelings and towards the end there were all of these rumors swirling around about Vince coming back and all this other stuff. The guys at the time were saying that Vince would never come back , you‟re the guy don‟t worry about it, and then there were other times were I was hearing that Tommy and Nikki had met with Vince in Las Vegas and that they were trying to work things out. So I didn‟t really know which end was up. I would honestly have to say that I kind of ran the gamut and felt all of those emotions. KCM: Sounds like it was confusing there for you for a while…
JOHN: Yes it was, but at the end of the day you just have to the best you can do and make the best out of whatever situation you are in. KCM: Since the music business has obviously changed, have you ever had moments where you just wanted to give up? JOHN: Yes. Well I gotta be honest, probably for the last 10 years or so there have been moments where I asked myself “Why am I doing this?” I think that most musicians, artists and poets thrive on acceptance from people that at times I would go out and do things and the expectation wouldn‟t live up to the reality. I would say to myself” why am I doing that? What‟s the point?” I have no manager, I‟m just kind of doing everything myself and I have been for the last 5 or 6 years. So yeah at times it has been very frustrating. I‟ve also accepted the fact that most likely anything that I record it‟s not going to see the light of day on a radio. I probably won‟t get any radio support or any support from MTV, so basically my success or failures are just going to totally rely on the fans directly. It‟s a new time now where these bands are just going out and working the internet and their Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Just doing whatever they can do and just getting out there and playing as many shows as possible to make things work. So it‟s been a little difficult because obviously I came into it, My first record came out in 1990 when there were still lot‟s of record labels out there giving away big money for records and you know you had that machine behind you and it‟s not there anymore. It‟s only there for a handful of artists. KCM: So the transition must have been really hard on you? JOHN: Yeah and it‟s weird.. Last year or two years ago I was doing this thing called “Monster Circus” it was with “Dee Snider” and “Rudy Sarzo” and “Fred Coury”. We had such a great time doing it but at the same time we use to do a meet and greet every night I would honestly say that every 9 out of 10 people that would come up and talk to me would say”
Dude you are like one of my favorite singers, what have you been doing since Motley Crue?” That would frustrate me because I‟ve done five records since Motley Crue and you have no idea about it and I was talking to my girlfriend about it not that long ago and I was saying that it‟s really frustrating. I think I would rather somebody come to me and say” I bought your record and it sucked” then have somebody come up to me and say: ”Oh I didn‟t even know you did anything” All I can do is write the songs and record them, put them on a record and just hope that whatever record label I‟m involved with does their job and promotes the thing. Since playing with Cinderella I have been getting a lot of e-mails about the acoustic record but it‟s weird, it‟s just frustrating at times and it‟s not just me. There are ton of other bands out there with great music and great songs and because they were popular back in the 80‟s or 90‟s there‟s no support from the media for them now. In their eyes those bands are just passé they‟re done. Right now we are building my website and I‟m trying to stay current as far as the media goes. I‟m doing what I do and like the old phrase says” Throw some shit against the wall and see what sticks” KCM: If you weren‟t doing this, what else would you do that you feel passionate about? JOHN: I also want to start getting into producing other bands and song writing. There is a band in Florida called “Big Shooter” and they asked me to play on their record and maybe help co-write some of their stuff so I‟m going down
there for a couple of days. I live in Nashville where there‟s a huge song writing community, so I‟d like to get involved in writing music for other people. I‟m a musician and entertainer and I‟ll always figure out a way to make a living and do my thing but it‟s definitely gotta be in entertainment because I suck at that 9 to 5 thing. (Laughter) KCM: Would you consider composing songs for a different genre of music like maybe Broadway musicals? JOHN: If somebody asked me to take a stab at it then sure. I just love music and it doesn‟t matter to me what it is. I love different types of music so I would not be against Broadway. KCM: What do you do for inspiration? What other hobbies do you have? JOHN: To be honest with you I‟m pretty normal. When I‟m not doing something where I‟m totally engulfed in music I like to sit around with a guitar near by. Just kind of sit around and watch the Philadelphia Eagles as I am a fan. I‟m very excited about the new season, but I‟ll sit there and watch” Law and Order” or walk around in the yard where we have a nice patio or grill and have some friends over. We‟ll just sit around and strum our guitars. Even in my off time there‟s usually some musical outlet there. I have two kids but my son Ashley just got his first record deal, he‟s like Corabi part two. He is a drummer and his band is taking off so I‟m really proud and the name of his band is “Mureau” They are heavy like Pantera, Sevendust that really heavy stuff. KCM: I read somewhere on line that in your off time you‟re driving a truck for a trucking company. Is that true? JOHN: Oh, no, no (laughing) It‟s actually kind of funny….In 2001 I got married and divorced the same year and I toured that year with “Ratt” and we toured again in 02‟
(I don‟t mean this as an insult to anybody) but we did this tour called “Rock never stops” and it was “Ratt”, “Dokken” ,”Warrant”,” L.A.Guns” and “Firehouse”. We did this gig at this place called “The Pig Pen” in Clinton, Iowa and they had a big outdoor area outside of the club where they would usually do bigger concerts. So they were these 5 bands there and I watched them all play and there was nobody there. The club probably held 4,000 people and there were maybe 400 or 500 people. So I just sat there and I talked to this girl and I said to her” You know the thing that kind of freaks me out is that 10 years ago anyone of these bands would have sold out a stadium, and nobody gives a shit now” I kind of had a bit of a panic attack. Between getting divorced, the guys in Ratt not getting along and the reality hitting me I just came home and I told the guys that I had to get out of this. There was no upside to this. We were all as talented as talented could be but nobody cared. I went home I opened up a newspaper and I swear to God I closed my eyes and I touched down on something in the help wanted section that just said” Over the road drivers” So I put myself through school. I went to school in California, learned how to drive a truck. I grew a beard put on a baseball cap and I drove around America for the better part of the year. KCM: That‟s sounds like it might be a good story… JOHN: It‟s all in the book Darlin‟! KCM: With the knowledge that you have now what advice would you give yourself back then if you could? JOHN: I would definitely have lawyers check my contracts. I would definitely be more aware of things that were happening with my finances, and I‟m not the only one who went through it. Willie Nelson went through this as well. He was busy doing his thing and had no idea that his taxes weren‟t being filed and he was being ripped off right and left. I was paying managers,
agents and all these other people to make sure that I was taken care of and I just didn‟t pay attention. So ultimately I would just say” Pay attention, stick with it. If you believe in yourself you can make shit happen” I „m working on my book and the title of it is “Life is as it should be” Just work hard, do your thing. Change the things that you can and accept the things that you can‟t, and just go with it and make it all work for you. KCM: How was this current tour? JOHN: The tour has been absolutely amazing! The guys in Cinderella…I can‟t say enough about them. I have been o stage for 30 years now with variety of bands and normally there‟s a bit of ego between the bands even when they‟re friends and there‟s all this bullshit that happens. I can honestly tell you that this tour I just did with Cinderella they were absolutely amazing to me. They told all the guys in the crew” Whatever John wants make sure he has it” They watched me almost on nightly basis from the side of the stage, and I watched them. I have nothing but kudos for those guys. They are amazingly talented, consistent band. They treated me like a king and I can‟t thank them enough for it. KCM: How do you feel about the fans responding to you on this tour? JOHN: I thought the response was amazing. I was a little nervous about it cause in all honestly you‟ve seen the pictures. I was walking on stage and sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar playing. By the end of the night it was weird. Tom Keifer was telling me as we were riding in the car together that people were surprised as I was walking on stage that it was only going to be an acoustic set, they were little apprehensive, but by the second or third song you‟ve got them. They‟re singing along with you, they‟re laughing, you‟re kiddin‟ along with them. He said” It was amazing and kudos to you man” It‟s hard to sit down with an acoustic guitar and win people over.
KCM: You know what it is? You have one of those amazing voices that no matter what you sing the soul always stays there…. JOHN: From your mouth to Gods ears Darlin‟. KCM: Did you maybe feel a little bit naked on your own out there? JOHN: I was little nervous, but every song I have written was on an acoustic guitar so that made it very comfortable. I always have been since I was 8 or 9 years old. I just did a show in Philadelphia on my own and a bunch of my cousins came that I have not seen in like 20 years and they were just laughing and going” You know, we totally remember Birthday parties where you would show up with your guitar and sit on the floor and all the cousins would sit around” and I would play “Hey Jude” and “House of the rising Sun”. So playing the acoustic thing was not a stretch for me at all. KCM: Do you have a title for your solo album? JOHN: It‟s just very simple” John Corabi unplugged” KCM: When is it coming out, in the fall? JOHN: No, no we‟re actually just finished mixing it when I came home. I‟m just gonna go through all the mixes and make sure I like everything and we‟re just getting all the art work together now. I‟m gonna do some advanced pre-orders and my web site should be up and running this week (8/2011) and maybe we‟ll have couple hundred signed copies for sale. So hopefully we‟ll have the record out in about a month. KCM: What about your book? JOHN: The book I‟m still working on. I started working with a couple of writers and it just wasn‟t what I wanted. I apologize for the delay but I feel like if the
book doesn‟t come across like it‟s me talking, it just was not my personality. So now I‟m giving the writing a shot of my own and then maybe have someone correct the grammar. I want this book to be as good and as interesting as “The Dirt” That‟s my bar. I don‟t want anything less then what “The Dirt “was or what “The Dirt” did. Then I have to find someone who would be interested in publishing it and putting it out. I had a couple of bites early on but due to the forces of the universe it wasn‟t meant to be. It can be the most amazing book ever but I still have to find a company that believes in the book and is going to do everything they can to make sure that the book is out there. KCM: What movie character would best describe John Corabi? JOHN: Hmmm…Most people nowadays would say Capitan Jack Sparrow. Being Italian and from Philadelphia I would tend to say “Al Pacino”, “Robert Deniro” those characters in “The Godfather”. They went in and did their thing. Not that I‟m doing anything illegal but for me life is all about hard work, pushing forward but it‟s also about me respecting you and you respecting me. If I feel that someone doesn‟t respect me or treats me lesser then, then I‟m done with you. It‟s over. If you could take Jack Sparrow and combine it with the two characters in “The Godfather” then I would say I would be that. I like to have fun and do silly things but at the same time there‟s this serious side to me and I don‟t take bullshit from anybody. It‟s about respecting me just as a person. I don‟t like people who don‟t respect others but I especially don‟t like people who don‟t respect me. Just remember one thing” Everybody that you met on the way up you‟ll meet them again on the way down and if you treated them like shit on the way up, you‟re gonna get treated like shit on the way down” So that‟s what I live by.
KCM: How did NAKED come together? and why NAKED?(When naming the band)
I seriously have to admit that “I’ve been Muffed” and you can quote me on that! I got together with the one and only Muff of the Finnish band Naked on a sunny June afternoon in Washington Square Park in New York City to talk about their fourth album called “Double Down” and to talk about their summer tour in the States. I found out much more then I bargained for like the fact that not only can Muff front a kick ass band he also fights crime by night and I got to know all about sipping on a delicious ass juice on a Sunday afternoon…..What can be better then that? Find out for yourselves.
MUFF: I think Because the planets aligned :) Became a huge KISS fan at the tender age of four after Tikka, my brother and the drummer of NAKED gave me 5 KISS albums to check out. I was blown away by them so since then it was either a choice between playing awesome music and fighting crime by night while wearing a cape. I decided to juggle both. So when Zack and I were 11 or 12 we put together our first band called Voodoo Duck. We were kick ass mind you. So that band developed into NAKED somewhere down the line and in 2003 my brother joined on drums and we released our first album "This One Goes To Eleven" in 2004 by 2006 Ilari joined us on bass, we have been kicking booty ever since. The name NAKED was chosen because we wanted something short and snappy that everybody knows and can pronounce. The other choice was actually RATT :) obviously we had not heard of the band RATT back then, we have now! KCM: Where else have you played besides Scandinavia and New York? And what was that like? MUFF: We have played Japan, Germany, Russia and Italy besides Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Finland and Sweden. Everywhere we go it's always different besides the great people we meet all over, who get our music. I mean Japan and Russia differ on many levels for instance. Still wherever we play we always seem to find ourselves in the most interesting
scenarios you can think of hahaa! Everything from seeing the local police station to getting lost in Japan. But the coolest thing is to see how people from different cultures like our music. KCM: Tell me a little bit more about your album “Double Down" and where it's available? MUFF: It's an album we made by ourselves from scratch, we poured our hearts into it. That is the reason why it is superior to our first 3 albums. We tried a new approach with song writing on this album; ergo we let the songs write themselves. It took more time but every song is great on Double Down, trust me I've listened to it over 700 times. We put ourselves in situations that inspired the songs to write themselves. For me a big source of inspiration was and always will be New York City. I mean the album is called Double Down, thought that was a marvelous idea while guzzling down Ass Juice on a Sunday afternoon at the Double Down Saloon :) But if anyone wants to hear how that story continues you need to get the album and find out for yourself. We also built our own studio called "Der Bünker" around this album. We recorded and produced it ourselves. It was grueling because we had to approach the whole process with a no bullshit attitude. But it really paid off and we learned a lot.
KCM: Where did you film the "Back to haunt you" video and how was that concept born? MUFF: We filmed it in a rundown rent by the hour kind of hotel :) No it was really nice.... We just threw shit at the wall and the weird hotel idea stuck. We were balling with different ideas with the directors who were twins. It was our first video in color. We might shoot a new video for it for the American market when the album is officially released in the states. We need to showcase my smooth face that I sport now a days plus hot rods and some American beauty, yes I want Kevin Spacey in the video. KCM: Who are some of your musical idols, who did you, listen to growing up? MUFF: KISS from 4 to 16 hahaa! Then Hanoi Rocks, The Hellacopters, Prince, Queen, Thin Lizzy, Boston, The Black Crows, The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Todd Rundgren, Anything Motown did, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Classic Van Halen and my latest obsession is Rick Springfield haha KCM: What are your interests outside of music? MUFF: Well it's not yoga that's for sure. At this point in my life everything is pretty much NAKED. But I like to kick back with a good book or watch WW2 documentaries. I take a bath everyday when possible; I like to shoot the shit with my friends over a beer or 20. Like to meet interesting people. I do get off on writing new music, so when inspiration comes along I love it. I'm a great cook too. KCM: If you came across God and the Devil in a bar, what would you say to them? MUFF: Although I know the answer I'd ask which one of you am I going to be hanging out with in the afterlife. KCM: What was the experience like running around London in a strait
a mustache and tights on. I thought it was amazing, I totally get it! KCM: Hey what’s with the Dude with the mustache thing?
MUFF: We’ve done a tour of Finland with the 69 Eyes which was pretty fucking fun I tell ya, and I flew to London while I was sick with a 102F fever. I had to run around in a strait jacket for two days and at some point I was just done, I couldn’t run anymore. I’m in the middle of Oxford Street and these Pakistani guys are like” Are you shooting Porn?” just standing there. My hair is up, I’m exhausted I have no money, no keys I’m in a straight jacket and they’re asking me if I’m shooting porn? It was an interesting experience to say the least. It was a lot of fun! The last video we did for “Sonic High” let’s say the” European Version” I made that myself with my friend Taxi. We actually shot the material here a year ago, and then I put it together like five months ago. Even though I didn’t know how to I made myself make a video. So in the future if I’m working with professionals I’ll be able to say things like” This fucking sucks, or this works”
MUFF: Well I’ve had one for three years so I totally get that and you know what the funny thing is? Three years ago I was Zorro at a Masquerade Ball so I grew a mustache for that. I didn’t know I could grow one but I was determined. I had it for three years this Pirate thing and I’d walk on the street and guys with mustaches would be like (gesturing with his finger) so I knew there was this mustache beard community out there. After three years of everybody complaining about it I was convinced to stop with it and I did and at the same time I stopped doing my hair that I’ve done for the last 18 years cause I couldn’t fucking stand it anymore. I probably inhaled more hairspray then anybody else in the Universe or Finland at least. I’m probably gonna die when I’m forty but not of the excess of Rock´n´Roll but of hairspray. Maybe I’ll go back to it at some point, but no one is questioning it. Everyone’s sort of like “ughh Thank God!” So I guess it was a wise decision. KCM: Well if you have never experienced a hairspray called “Aqua net” (Muff interrupts with excitement) MUFF: I put Aquanet on my hair today. NOT GOOD!
KCM: Which band from the States would you like to play with (and I don’t mean someone like The Rolling Stones)
KCM: I KNOW! YOU’RE STILL USING THAT SHIT!
MUFF: Hmmm…The Sex Slaves for one. I would love to play with them. BuckCherry is fucking huge so that could be good. Foxy Shazzam that I just heard about. They are amazing. Thank God I remember them. I would love to play with them! I thought it was a girl singing but it’s a dude with
MUFF: I found it in a draw! It’s not good! What you have to do is combine these two. You can only get this in Finland and nowhere else. You gotta put green Swartzkopf after you come out of the shower before you put your towel on , dry that and then you gotta do your hair with that and then you cement it with a brand called Wella
Strong. You can do the Muff do with that! That will take rain, wind and whatever natural acts of God you throw at it! KCM: I use to live on Aquanet and it kept your hair stiff for days not to mention what it did to the enviroment. MUFF: I’ve killed so many birds probably… that you know….seriously (giggling) KCM: What would you like to say to your fans, what would you like them to know about you? MUFF: Well to this small tight community… KCM: Of the mustache people! (Hysterical laughter) MUFF: No, no the Naked fans, we really appreciate when people actually come to see us and get into the stuff. That could be one of the Rock´n´Roll clichés. We don’t have a lot of fans like huge bands do so….When people come up and they talk about the songs, and we see them get into the songs at shows…You know that’s why we’re there to have fun with them! We don’t have this pompous attitude like” COME AND SEE US WE FUCKING ROCK” Every night is different, whether we play to 50 or 5000 people…We will play because they’ve came to see us! The other night we were sitting around drinking beers and we decided to incorporate “Fat Bottom girls”( a Queen song) into our set and we’ll probably do that song till the end of our career so that’s why it’s so interesting to play out. Although the amounts of shows we’ve played versus the success it’s been a little bit weird. But the again we’re sitting in a park doing an interview. To me that’s pretty cool being a guy from Finland. You gotta keep that in mind.
dingy bar. MUFF: Yeah it’s very cool! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this with me. KCM: This was great, see you at Trash Fest!
http://itunes.apple.com/album/double-down/id404010338 http://www.nakedonline.net http://www.youtube.com/nakedofficial
KCM: I thought this was a much better choice than sitting somewhere in a
http://www.reverbnation.com/nakedofficial
One of the hottest bands floating around New York City these days is KILLCODE. I had a nice chat with their singer Tom and he filled me in on the latest with the band and gave us all a little bit of his own KILLCODE wisdom. KCM: How was your show last night? TOM: It was great, really good. It’s refreshing to see the New York scene coming back. Bands that are new and bands such as “Sex Slaves” who been playing round for a while and also “PANZIE” and “BETA PLUS EMBRYO” is a new band so it’s a nice eclectic mix of New York Bands. Little industrial, little old school, little Punk, little bit of what we do which is like “SABBATH” meets “SKYNRD.” It was all around a great night, great vibe and the after party was sick too. KCM: Where was the after party? TOM: Three of Cups. Jen C was DJ it was out of control, I never seen that place so crowded before. KCM: Have you played the Gramercy before? TOM: Yes we did and I believe this was our third or fourth time there. I played there the first time as a feature artists for “Gotham Rocks “and then as a support for “The Dirty Pearls” and another “Gotham Rocks” show. First time as a headliner though. It was nice to see your name up on the marquee of the “Gramercy Theatre”. It’s a good feeling . KCM: Saw that and I was laughing. One side said” KILLCODE and the other Sex Slave. (Laughter) TOM: Yeah the other side had the extra ”S” I guess they run out of “S’s” and it’s pretty common and happens all the time. I can’t tell you how many times it happened to us. KCM: How long has the band been together? Fill me in little bit on the history? TOM: We’ve been together little over two and a half years now actually going on three. I was briefly in a band with Chas for a minute and we decided that’s not what we wanted to do so we started writing songs and putting demos together. Once we got the demos we started looking for musicians. Eric BONESMITH who’s from New York and was a friend of Chas’ prior to the band, I met him through Chas. He came aboard playing bass and then Pat Harrington who was in SLUNT. It’s funny how I met Pat. I went to see “THE DIRTY PEARLS” at this cool little place called “Snitch” and there was an opening band called “DREW BLOOD” and Pat played with them. While Chas and I were in rehearsal he had mentioned that he had a guy in mind to play lead guitar for us I checked him out on Facebook and it turned out to be Pat. Then we needed a drummer and put an ad out, we flew drummers in from all over the country and Rob came aboard and that was it.
KCM: So, so far you have two EP’s? TOM: Yes we do. The first one was called “To die for” with six songs, second one was called “Taking it all” also with six songs. They were both produced by Stacy Odell and right now we are little more then halfway into our first full length album which will be self titled, so we are excited about that. KCM: So you guys haven’t really toured the States yet have you? TOM: We went on an East Coast tour with “Refueled” which was then “Red scallion” and a couple of other guys in the fueled outfit. We did ten or twelve dates with them, which was awesome because they are a little more for a lack of better “commercially straight ahead radio band” and although we sort of have that appeal, that opened us up to a whole other crowd and they really embraced it. So other then that we’ve been focusing on taking over New York. KCM: When I hear the word” KILLCODE” I immediately envision a metal band, which you are not, what made you name the band that name? TOM: I came up with the name at first and Chas and I played around with it back and forth and then when we bought it up to Eric and the other guys they kind of said the same thing, thinking it was too heavy, but we stuck with it only because it’s a military term which means, Its like a clean house kind of weapon. In a war after you bomb everything, you send in the kill code to make sure everything is dead. I kind of made that analogy with our music with that. KCM: Now that you explained it, it kind of sounds cool (laughter) KCM: Have you ever been blown away by any local NYC acts? TOM: That’s a tough question… I’m a big fan of the old New York hip hop; it’s kind of like my punk rock. I also like hardcore industrial rock and roll. There are a lot of bands that I really respect, I love “THE DIRTY PEARLS”, and I love “PANZIE”. There’s a new band out now call “STAR KILLER”, they are awesome, and I have to say that “STAR KILLER” really impressed me when I saw them live. There’s another new band out called “PUI”. I also dig “ACEY SLADE”. So there is no top dog. I kind of feel like we all bring different sounds and feel and different genres together, that’s why I can’t just name one particular band to be honest. KCM: Is “KILLCODE” a hobby for you or a career?
KCM: Who’s the one person that you would like to meet, which you have not met yet? TOM: I’m a big classic rock fan, I love “THE WHO”, “ZEPPLIN”, I’m a big “U2” fan, I love early “FACES”, Those are the people who I would probably be like “Wow” over. KCM: What would you do if you met Bono and he was an asshole towards you? TOM: I would respect his art but still think he’s an asshole. I’m the type of person who judges people by their hearts and where you’re coming from. If you’re an asshole I can almost forgive that if I know where it’s coming from, so if he was an asshole, I would take it with a grain of salt and I wouldn’t be devastated. KCM: If you ever made a reality T.V. series of yourself what would you call it? TOM: I have no idea what I would call it (laughter) KCM: Let’s rephrase the question, if you got a phone call from a network which reality TV show would you go on?
TOM: I wouldn’t but if I had to name my own show, I’d name it “Still Here” (laughter). Well actually if I was invited onto a show, it would have to be along the lines of “Amazing race” or “Survivor” because they are both challenging. KCM: If you had a chance to go on tour with “KILLCODE” and play with your favorite band, who would it be? TOM: A band called “SHINE DOWN” and “HELLYEAH” would be a good match for us. Anybody who has a basic classic sound mixed with metal and pop. KCM: What do you do in your down time? TOM: My mind is 24/7 in music, I’m constantly wheeling and dealing, my day job allows me to constantly be on the phone and work my band while I’m doing my day job. KCM: What’s the best advice that someone has given you and what’s the best advice you’ve given to someone else? TOM: Best advice I’ve ever given was probably “Don’t take anything too seriously” and the best advice that someone has given me was “If you don’t love it, don’t do it.” KCM: What would you say to a start up musician? TOM: I would tell them to create a scene. There actually is a scene happening in New York, at least to me. I’m really fortunate to be friends with a lot of bands from New York and there is a certain type of camaraderie that comes out of all of us together, and probably what I should have said to begin with was worry about your craft and your songs first.
I’ve been hearing bits and pieces about this band of Aussies for months, and when I saw them tear up the stage in July at Trash Fest in Philly, my mouth dropped to the floor. Their songs and stage antics had the whole place going crazy. I caught up with the guys while they had some down time in New York City, and we started chatting at The Three of Cups to pitchers of Sangria before showing them around the East Village a little bit. Review and Photos By: Agnieszla Wilde KCM: If your life was a movie what would you call it? JP: This guy has really no idea. KCM: What does” Sunset Riot" mean? Resh: Sunset riot refers to a few different things. The main reference is a Christian reference. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, there was an eclipse and there was some crazy stuff that happened such as people rising from the dead and there was a riot...hence the name Sunset Riot. KCM: What is the difference between playing the U.S. and Australia? Jazz: There are less Kangaroos getting in the way in the U.S. and definitely less drunk people in the U.S. I thought everyone liked us in Australia but maybe that's because they all love beer too much. Just have to see how the U.S. can handle us. KCM: What was your most memorable show playing the U.S. so far and why? Ziggy: My most memorable show so far has been playing at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. It was great to play where so many of our favorite bands have played before us. The electricity on the strip was great. What made the show most memorable however was the fact that our car had been towed, with all our gear in it, 30 minutes before we were set to take the stage. Luckily enough the venue and the stage managers were very helpful. We ended up grabbing a taxi and picking up the car and about an hour later we were rocking the Viper Room. KCM: How did you hook up with these guys? Del: I answered an ad in a local newspaper. Looking back it seemed so flippant but I'm really glad I did.
KCM: What’s the one thing you would change within the music business if you could? JP: I’m unsure if there’s anything I would change!! There might be something in the future. The music industry is so fickle and so small so when someone gets up or makes it as they say, me as a musician in a band trying to do the same can appreciate it and know that a lot of hard work went into that for the most part. Besides all the fun of being in the band is trying to get fans, meet new people and working hard for nothing I feel that that’s where the best material comes from the desperate days. KCM: If you had a celebrity status what would be the one thing that you would change in the world? Resh: Something close to my heart is finding a cure for leukemia. KCM: What have you enjoyed the most on this tour so far? Jazz: We are traveling in an RV so I like the challenge of going to the toilet while someone is driving. Sometimes I'm even successful. It's a dirty, interment 3 month tour but I'm loving the open road, being young and moderately stupid. KCM: Best advice someone has given you that you have followed?
Ziggy: Take an eye mask on tour so you can get some sleep during the day - Because you won’t be sleeping much at night (and they were exactly right). KCM: What has been your most memorable show in the U.S. and why? Del: Our most memorable show in the USA? That's a tough question because we've had quite a few. Dirty Dog in Austin TX was memorable because it was the first encore we did in the USA plus we played really well but Legendary Dobbs in Philadelphia was also a standout for me. KCM: Where is your EP available now and what are the near future plans for this band? JP: You can get our EP through I Tunes or if you would like a hard copy sent to you, send us an e-mail at Sunsetriot@gmail.com saying you would like one and we will contact you accordingly. KCM: Are groupies a necessary evil in your line of work? Resh: I would have to say no as it goes against my Christian faith. To me, what's important is the music. What’s necessary is to give it your all every time you get up on stage. We treat each show we play as if it's our last; we just leave it all on stage. KCM: If God sat next to you in a bar what would you say to Him? Jazz: I think I would be in awe... I mean it is God after all and definitely would not buy Him a Fosters, no one should experience that. KCM: What was the experience like making your” Rattlesnake" video? Ziggy: The experience was great. We worked with Gabor Kukucska on a one day shoot. It was very easy to work with Gabor and he has so many great ideas. We are looking forward to working with him again in the future. KCM: Who are some of your idols, dead or alive? Del: Some of the major musical influences in my life would have to be Steven Tyler, Chris Cornell, Jon Bon Jovi, Brent Smith, Darius Rucker, Rob
I also take a lot from the stage presence and antics of people such as David Lee Roth, Mick Jagger, Sebastian Bach and Jimmy Barnes. For me when we perform our songs live is when I feel most at home. KCM: What would be your best advice for up and coming bands? JP: NEVER GIVE UP! Always work at your craft/instrument. The more time you spend with it the easier it becomes to communicate with it. Always strive to write better songs and get your product ready for the world. Find whatever it is you want your band to be about and give it all you’ve got. Don’t ever regret not trying hard enough cause you could just be this generations Led Zeppelin or Guns and Roses.
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I have been hearing a lot of buzz about “The Black Saints” from friends up in the Milwaukee/Chicago area. So it seemed perfect when they were a part of Trash Fest USA and I had a chance to check them out live. All the comments I’ve been hearing were dead on, these guys put on a great energy filled show so I decided to chat with Drew and dig a little deeper into “The Black Saints.” KCM: How many albums do you have out and how long has the band been together? DREW: Well, we’ve been together for about two and a half years now, and we have an EP. Before that we have released a single but as of right now it’s the one EP and we are releasing another single shortly. Probably within the next two months. The single will be called “Capone” One thing I like about being in this band is that we are all talented musicians and we all push each other. We grow musically through each other. I think that we keep getting better with each show. Originally we were supposed to have a full length CD but unfortunately our original drummer decided to leave the band so instead of misrepresenting “The Black Saints” we decided to do another CD with a new drummer. He brings in a little bit different sound. KCM: Where’s your current EP available? DREW: It’s available on I Tunes and at www.theblacksaints.com
KCM: What are some of your influences behind the band? DREW: Early “Aerosmith.” “Led Zeppelin”, “ACDC”….People try to overdo it with the influences, but you can’t do that because it takes away from the originality of your own band. KCM: Who’s the one band that you’ve played with and were inspired by to the point where you’d want to play with them again? DREW: There’s been a few but “Steel Panther” when we played with them in Chicago. That was a phenomenal show….It was sold out to 1,200 people so that was a first for us playing to so many people. Another band that I think has a lot of energy is” The Last Vegas” from Chicago. They put on a great show, and that’s what’s it about. It’s not just about playing the music you gotta put on an actual visual show. KCM: If you had the power to change something’s within the music business, what one thing would you change?
DREW: I think clubs should be more welcoming to bands who are not on the what’s considered” National Level” We were trying to go on a tour and no one would book us outside of the mid-west, and California wouldn’t even open the door. Also once you make it to a little bit more of a higher level doesn’t like how the producers try to change the band. What’s the point of being picked up by a label if they will try to change you to their benefit? I think it’s stupid. If you are giving my band a record deal to me that means that you like our music, so why would you try to mold us into something we are not? KCM: I keep hearing more and more about how if you want to get on a bigger bill like say Motley Crue you have to pay them. This has become almost a trend where the bigger guys expect to get paid by the small fries so to speak. How do you feel about it?
whole bunch of bands together that have nothing in common.
in South America and it worked because people want to see us out there.
KCM: What’s next for The Black Saints?
KCM: What is the one most important thing that should hold a band together?
DREW: We will be working on improving our stage show and improving our fan base and try to get out there and find someone who’s willing to represent us. It’s important that we find someone because right now we do everything on our own. With everyone having full time jobs it’s really hard to get your band out there. No one understands how much actual business is involved when you’re doing it yourself. KCM: What do you think makes “The Black Saints” stand out as a band?
DREW: No one’s really doing what we are doing. I like to describe as reDREW: It is what it is, that’s the nature vamped 80’s rock feel with a modern of the beast. If we had to pay a band x sound to it. I think that in its self amount of money and we were playing in makes us stand out above what’s befront of thousands of people I would do it ing played out there today. We all because I want to make those people love what we do and our passion fans. Maybe be they would normally see drives us. us so this would be a good chance for exposure. Yeah you have to pay to get your KCM: Do you think that radio play foot in the door but we’re not just playing is still important this day and age? music for it not to be heard. It is a cut Do you think Radio play still has a throat business and you have to do what- big impact as it did years ago now ever it takes. Thankfully we never had to with the internet taking over? pay anyone, so it’s easy for me to say ”Yeah I would pay” However if we were DREW: Yes and No. It’s always asked to pay lets say $5000 then I might great to have exposure out of the area. have to re-think it. Whether it’s radio, internet or whatever else, but I think one of the big KCM: How do you feel about this Mot- reasons why people got turned off by ley Crue/Poison/NY Dolls tour? Don’t “NICKLEBACK” was because they were so over played on the radio. I you find that to be a bit of a strange think that worked against them. Modcombination? eration is key. DREW: When I first heard about this tour I was kind of shocked because it did- KCM: Do you have any plans to n’t make any sense to me. Well I happlay out of your area? pened to hear through someone I know that they all did this tour for the money DREW: We’d love to go out to the aspect of it which is crazy for me to be- west. I think our sound would fit well lieve because these are all famous bands out there. This was our first time to so you would think that they would have the east coast in Philly at Trash Fest. a nice income already. I would rather play We’ll play wherever as long as people a show that makes sense instead of just dig us. There are a lot of Colombian throwing radio stations that have been playing us and a lot of people from there buy our merchandise. We have been asked to play there and we are trying to get out there for a rock festival. There’s a
DREW: That you are all on the same page and you all have the same goal in mind where everybody is on good terms and respects each other. Communication is important. A band is a family, it’s a relationship. KCM: If you were described as a deadly sin which one would you be? DREW: I’ve never been asked that before but I’ll say a little bit of everything!! Ha,ha,ha..I choose pride! KCM: If you had a banner made for yourself what would the slogan say? DREW: I don’t know, ”Rock out with your cock out!” Ha,ha,ha.. KCM: What would be the best piece of advice that someone has given you? DREW: You’ll never get a second chance to make first good impression. First impressions are everything.