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John 5 New DVD Ian Hill Judas Priest

BLS by the Berserkers New Music Archer RnR Girl Leja Siv Harju

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Thank’s to Mike Davis & Roy Z from Halford ,Manrique Photography, Stephanie Cullen, Fernandes Guitars, Hiwatt Amps, Bludotone Amp Works, EBS Amps, Center Staging

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Features

Departments

In every issue

16-Behind the scenes with John 5

24-Fan Favorite

31-RNR Girl and Gear

22-Interview with Ian Hill Judas Priest

47-Chops

Cover story tribute to Randy Rhoads 37-With Kelle Rhoads 40-Kathy Rhoads 41-Neil Zlozower 42-Ronny North 52- BLS by the Berserkers 54-New Music Archer 62-RNR Scavenger Hunt

32-Centerfold with Leja Siv Harju 50-How to be a RockStar in a Bar

50-Book Review

58-Music with Michael G

57-Know Your Gear 64-CD Reviews

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Cover and Feature photo by Neil Zlozower Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 5

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 7

EDITOR IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mike Smothers Leja Siv Harju mike@rocknrollindustries.com leja@rocknrollindustries.com

As 2011 drew to a close, we wished an eventful year goodbye at the UNITED ROCKERS 4U benefit for Japan with a bunch of 80’s Rockers! The Hard Rock Hollywood proved to be the center of great fun when we met up and hung out with our friends (many of whom performed that evening) and took in all the live musical ensembles. Earlier last year, Terry Ilous from XYZ joined GREAT WHITE and is still singing his heart out with them live– and in fact, it was Terry’s idea to stage the charity show in the first place after he watched some of the aftermath footage of the tsunami in Japan. In addition to the benefit show, Terry also co-wrote a song called “One Family” to garner some extra relief for the victims. To read more about this event, check it out in “On the Scene with Mr. 80’s”. What a Rockin’ night!

It’s always inspiring to see people in the entertainment industry reaching out to do good, especially when it’s a high-profile person doing the giving back. Humble people, grateful enough for their gifts to help afford those in desperate situations a second chance at life.

The New Year also brings an iconic guitar player into focus who, despite his unfortunately short life and career, left an eternal mark on the music world and set the bar for guitar chops at an unbelievably high level. The musician in question is none other than Randy Rhoads, and his name will be everywhere in 2012. March 19th marks the day that Rhoads lost his life in a plane accident at the age of twenty-five.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine chose Randy as our NAMM Issue cover to celebrate his legacy, and inside, we’ve also brought you exclusive interviews with brother Kelle and sister Kathy, photographer and family friend Neil Zlozower, and guitarist Ronny North about how Randy touched each of their lives.

With all that being said, me and the Rock N Roll Industries team genuinely hope that you enjoy this special issue, because we loved making it come together every step of the way and we are happy to share it with you.

Mike Smothers, Editor in Chief Follow us Facbook.comrocknrollindustriesmag Twitter @RockNRollind

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SENIOR EDITOR Jessica Johnson jess@rocknrollindustries.com

SENIOR EDITOR Angelica Ulloa

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Keith Stixx, Dan Hazard ILLUSTRATOR Scott Snyder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julian Douglas Darren Bennion Justin Edward

STAFF WRITERS Michael G Clark Joaquin Sahagun Manny Rivas II Stacey Shaw Sarah Roberts Peggy Murphy

PHOTOGRAPHERS Neil Zlozower Chad Lee Alex Kluft Ernie Manrique Leah Burlington Enrique Nuñez

angelica@rocknrollindustries.com

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RNR Readers, we need your help! Our singer didn’t show up to our first GIG! Here’s your chance to help us with a speciaol “Audition” - you can create the new DAGGER singer by submitting your art work to facebook. com/rocknrollindustriesmag or email/mail us a copy (addresses on page 5) If you’re our lucky winner, your rendering will be used as a guideline for the look of our new singer! The winning selection will be featured in our next issue. Scan the tag for more info about the contest and DAGGER!

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 11

I had the privilege to meet a very inspirational artist. Her name is Lynda Kay. Many know her as a classic country singer dressed in glittery gold. What captures even more attention than her unique style of music is her smile. It’s that type of smile that says a million words without needing to say anything. It suits her personality as she is this big bubble of positive energy and traps you inside of it as soon as she gets near you.

When I met her, she wasn’t dressed up, nor did she speak of what she did as a profession. Instead I met her working alongside her husband Jonny Coffin, (owner of the Coffin Case Company). She smiled, introduced herself, and went right back to work. She was all over the place, and not once did it occur to me that she herself was an amazing musician. Focused and determined to finish whatever goal or job she may be working on, she presents herself as one of the most down to earth people you can possibly meet.

To later learn of her and watch her perform was one of the most thrilling sensations I have felt in a long time. It’s one thing to meet an artist, but another to meet someone that works so hard to be where they dream of being. I took the time to ask her a few questions so that we may all learn how Lynda became what she is today.

ROCK N ROLL INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE: Where are you originally from and what brought you to California?

LYNDA KAY: I moved from my home state of Texas to California years ago seeking opportunities as a comedic actress. I quickly realized that the business side of acting and auditioning was not very much fun, so I shifted my focus to music about a year after I moved here and been living the life of a musician ever since.

RNR: For those who have never heard your music how would you explain your sound?

LK: Dream Noir. I’ve been influenced by a variety of artists, especially ROY ORBISON, PATSY CLINE, JULIE LONDON, and ELVIS. The songs that inspire me the most are those that speak of dreams, love, and loneliness.

RNR: What inspired you to sing and write songs?

LK: I can remember singing from the time that I was about three years old. I sang in choir at church and school when I was growing up. Funny thing is, my choir teachers would always place me in the highest vocal section which is first Soprano, but my natural singing voice is actually a rare mid-to-low range known as Contralto. The beauty of this was that it allowed me develop my voice into a four octave range. I truly enjoy songwriting and singing songs that utilize my vocal style and abilities. When I write, it always starts with a melody in my head that just comes to me out of nowhere, and the mood of the melody will tell me the story.

RNR: From your set of songs which one is the most meaningful and give a little details on why.

LK: “Dream My Darling” means a great deal to me. I wrote it with my husband as an homage to two of our favorite artists, ROY ORBISON and David Lynch. It’s very dreamy and haunting.

RNR: What is one of the greatest experiences as a singer?

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LK: When someone tells me after a performance that they were moved emotionally somehow, I feel very happy knowing that I was able to reach them, soul-to-soul. That is what music means to me: real, raw, and soulful.

RNR: I read somewhere you had it rough surviving on your own and staying positive, do you mind opening up and telling us about it?

LK: I like to surround myself with kind and caring people, and that brings me a lot of joy. I am very happy in my marriage and with my career as a musician, but I won’t lie, it has not all been easy. There have been times that I have had to really struggle, with financial and emotional disappointment. But what saves me is that I feel so lucky to be on this unbelievable journey and I’ve had the genuine pleasure of meeting and working with some of the most amazing people on the planet. And I feel like I’m just scratching the surface.

But if I’d known how hard this path was going to be, I probably wouldn’t have chosen it, so thank goodness I didn’t know! I’m sure glad I took on this adventure of living the life of an artist, I’ve truly found my calling.

RNR: What kept you going?

LK: My husband. He has always been so encouraging and supportive of me. He’s my love.

RNR: Did you ever feel like simply giving up on your career?

LK: Oh yes, many times. In this business called show there are no certainties. I never believe any performance or part is real until it’s happening, and even then, I try to savor each moment because that one will never happen again. I guess I’m just too stubborn to quit! And plus, I think that music is the best cure for anything that ails me. If I just pour my heart out into a song and share my pain with others, then somehow it doesn’t seem all that bad.

RNR: You have also started singing Spanish songs, is that correct?

LK: I have a lot of Latino fans, and I wanted to surprise them by singing in their language. I thought the songs would work beautifully in Spanish, so I solicited the help of my dear friend Alfonso Pinzon, and he did all the translations and worked with me on proper pronunciation. I had taken a few years of Spanish in school, but I was pretty rusty so it was hard work! I like a challenge, and I got it.

RNR: Aside from music, what do you do on your spare time?

LK: Painting and sculpting are top on my list. And when I’m working in the studio I really like to sculpt while listening to playbacks. I have a clay ear and finger collection from my last mixing session!

RNR: You were recently featured inside and on the cover of LA Weekly. How do you feel about knowing that your music is being heard all around, and that many people want to introduce you to other listeners and readers?

LK: I am very grateful. There are so many wonderfully talented artists out there, and to be recognized and appreciated for something that I enjoy doing so much makes me feel very fortunate.

RNR: I am aware that you are country and your husband is.... well more in the dark underground type of scene, how did you two stumble upon each other?

LK: Jonny and I met at the NAMM Convention in Anaheim backstage at a show where EDGAR WINTER and Jonny’s old friend STEVE STEVENS were playing. We saw each other from across the room and the rest is history. Jonny and I may seem like opposites, but we’re really not that different. We both have a passion for all things artistic and interesting. We love The Twilight Zone, great design, dry wit, Dexter, Johnny Cash, and the list goes on. By the way, although I have sung in a classic country style for years, I am venturing into a broader musical direction and I couldn’t be more excited.

RNR: So as a guitar player and singer, can you tell us about

your favorite gear?

LK: I am very proud to be endorsed by Gretsch Guitars and Shure Microphones, which works out perfectly because they make the best gear! My favorite Gretsch is my Gold SparkleJet, and it sounds just as beautiful as it looks. And I love my Shure Super 55 Vintage Style Microphone!

RNR: Lastly, tell us what we should expect for 2012 from you?

LK: For the last few months, I have been working with music producer Brad Benedict, and I have learned over thirty classic songs from my favorite period in musical history, the early 1960’s. Brad is a creative genius who is probably best known as the visionary behind Capitol Records’ immensely successful Ultra Lounge Series and Producer for BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY. He’s a man whose abilities go well beyond music production, as Brad is also known for launching the careers of many of the most revered pop culture visual artists. I am thrilled to be working with him and we are going into Capitol Studios in March to begin recording my next album.

Brad has taken my vocal abilities to a whole new level, and he has chosen a repertoire of the most beautiful and engaging songs I have ever sang. We have been showcasing the new material on the first Thursday of every month at Jonny’s and my Club Tarantino night at the Three Clubs in Hollywood. I must say, the reaction to the new material has been overwhelmingly positive, so I feel confident that we are on a great path.

RNR: And anything you’d like to say to your fans, and new readers, and those who have supported you as well as stand by your side?

LK: I have the best fans in the world and I am very lucky to have them! They have stood by me through my many incarnations and I promise not to disappoint with this next phase. Oh and, I can’t say what it is, but I have a very special surprise coming in March...more news on that on my Facebook page coming soon: facebook.com/officiallyndakay Written By Angelica Ulloa

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 13

Vic’s drum shop is Chicago’s hottest new drum store. Chicago native Victor Salazar, owner of the Music Garage, started his own drum shop called Vic’s. After months of preparation the grand opening was held on October 29th, and some of drumming’s biggest names were there to perform clinics and do signings. Clinics were held in the rehearsal rooms of the music garage starting with Hannah Ford (HANNAH FORD TRIO), and continued throughout the day with Derek Roddy (SERPENTS RISE), Jimmy Chamberlin (SMASHING PUMPKINS), Chad Wackerman (FRANK ZAPPA), Will Calhoun (LIVING COLOUR), Todd Sucherman (STYX), Gavin Harrison (PORCUPINE TREE), John Riley (MILES DAVIS), Nathaniel Townsley (STEVIE WONDER), Terry Bozzio (FRANK ZAPPA), and the opening was closed out by Billy Ward (JOAN OSBORNE).

Danny Seraphine (CHICAGO) and Jimmy DeGrasso (ALICE COOPER) were there as well, but didn’t perform. Jonathan Mover (ALICE COOPER) and Mike Portnoy MOB, (ADRENALINE MOB ex-DREAM THEATER) exwere scheduled to perform as well but they were snowed in. Vic’s carries many of the top brands like Paiste, Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, DW, Pearl, Tama, Roland, Yamaha, Gretsch, Pro-Mark, Regal Tip, Vater, Vic Firth and

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many more.

On November 14th, Vic’s hosted a Simon Phillips clinic at the Bottom Lounge. For Vic’s Holiday Metal Bash on December 18th, there will be in-store appearences by Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Dave Lom( bardo (SLAYER), Mike Portnoy, and Jason ( Bittner (SHADOWS FALL) ( Written and Photos By: Alex Kluft

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John 5 Coffin Case founder Jonny Coffin always has his hands in a wide array of intriguing creative undertakings. A week before Thankgsiving, Jonny invited RNR Industries to take a peek at his latest project, a mini-”movie” he wrote for famed shredder JOHN 5. The feature will make its debut on the DVD that will accompany JOHN 5’s new album, God Told Me To. Coffin has cooked up an inventive, funny, and raunchy tale. Actor and musician Mike Odd plays a jealous “mad scientist” bent on taking down JOHN 5 and establishing himself as a guitar god, but not without the help of his two sexy “Frankenstein” shredders (played by two of THE IRON MAIDENS!) and his creepily cute sidekick, Vanna, portrayed by Kelly Devoto. Viewers will have fun watching these bizarre characters in action!

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Our interview began with Mike, Coffin, and JOHN 5 all answering questions about the shoot, but we experienced a technical difficuty along the way and halted the interview. When the issue was finally resolved, Mike and Coffin had left to resume filming. Luckily, JOHN 5 remained, and we continued our discussion about the shoot and his one of a kind career.

RNR: So tell me a little bit about the film project you guys are working on!

JOHN 5: It’s for an album I’m doing called God Told Me To. I wanted to put a DVD with me in the studio and things that happen on the road. I love Coffin Case, and Jonny had this idea of a kind of “horror host” kind of thing, and he said, “I have the perfect person for this! This guy Mike, he’s amazing.” And he just blew me away when I met him and talked to him. [He’s] incredible.

JONNY COFFIN: John and I have worked together on several different projects. We did this little iPhone piece, and we wanted to have a meaning behind it. He has this DVD and this new album coming out, and it was a great chance to work together creatively to come up with some concept to kind of tie it all together. And we have more plans to launch some contests and stuff around the release.

RNR: How’d you come up with the idea?

Did you guys collaborate, or did JOHN 5 give Jonny free reign and just approve the project after the fact?

JOHN 5: What happened was I was doing this DVD, and I’d finished the record – I was really happy with the record – and then I had all this DVD footage and was

putting that all together. When I was a kid, I loved this horror host named Sir Graves Ghastly, and he would introduce these old monster movies that I would watch religiously, and I said, “Man, that would be really cool to have a ‘horror host’ kind of theme to introduce the DVD and to close it out, ‘cause I just wanted that kind of vibe, as it’s a part of my childhood. And then I talked to Jonny about it and he just took the reins. He was like, “I got it.” And thank God for that because he did a fabulous job.

JONNY: We’re horror fans. We [wanted to use] music, horror, girls, all the classic stuff.

So it’s fun to get to do a project that you can incorporate all those elements [nto.

And like John said, he gave me an idea of what he wanted to do, and Mike and I have been working on this bit for a while, trying to launch our show. My wife [Lynda Kay] plays Doris, who’s a character, she’s not in this bit but... we worked this whole bit up around his new album... I don’t want to leak anything at this point, [hopefully] we’re not talking about it too much. But...

MIKE ODD: GOD TOLD ME TO! (all laugh) JOHN 5: It’s really exciting. When I met Mike for the first time and went up to his place, I was like, “Oh man, I hope he looks cool,” and all that stuff. He opened the door and I was like, “Oh my God, this guy’s PERFECT!” His house was so tricked out, and all this stuff... I was so at ease, because I didn’t know what I was getting into, but... I was just like, “This is going to be so amazing.”

So, for the future, anyone [reading] this, look up Vampyra, Sir Graves Ghastly, and all these people – these horror hosts...

Mike is amazing.

JONNY: He’s right up there with them.

JOHN 5: Oh yeah.

JONNY: Yeah, Vampyra... all these classic horror hosts are stuff we grew up on, and we’re just recreating some of that with our own spin. Mike’s got his own spin, that’s for sure.

MIKE: I’m still spinning!

RNR: How long in the making is this story, from the conception phases ‘til today?

JONNY: Like John said, we talked about it, we met once, I told him about Mike, I showed him a little clip of something that I’d done, he’s like, “I wanna meet this guy,” drove down there... Who knows what his thought would be, but obviously he liked what he saw, and that kinda kicked off the whole thing. Then we started running with the theme a little bit more, with Jenny, another writer – I had a friend Ray, that’s a great writer as well – and we started developing this story, putting the pieces together.

JOHN: Yeah, I started doing this about a year ago with the music, and putting all the footage together... the material, and everything. Because I want to give the fans something special, something worth their money. So I just thought, what would

be better [is having] the music and a DVD together with it. People are always asking me, “How do you do this? How do you do that?” and this time, at the beginning of the record, I put a camera in the studio and I think a lot of people are going to dig it. I’ve been releasing singles and people have really been enjoying it. I just can’t wait for the DVD to come out now. It’s great, ‘cause it’s my favorite thing as well!

RNR: So how much of the DVD do you have done now?

JOHN 5: I have all of it done except for this.

RNR: Where will the results of this filming go on the DVD? JOHN 5: Actually this is going to be in the beginning of the DVD, with Mike and everything. It’s gonna start like this. And this interview part will probably be like a special feature or something.

RNR: You experiment with a little Spanish guitar or kind of a flamenco sound on God Told Me To. Who are some of your influences in that style?

JOHN: I always like to do things a little different. I play a Telecaster, and it’s more of a Country guitar. But I started playing it in MARILYN MANSON. I wanted to do something different, and that’s why I started doing the Country stuff too.

And I think that’s one of the reasons I’m getting notoriety, because it’s different. It’s something that you don’t hear everyday - like, total Country songs on really heavy Rock records. And so, with the Spanish style music I just wanted to shake it up a little bit and keep everybody on their toes.

So I did this thing that was completely out of left field. That’s like if you started talking Japanese right now, it would be like, “Oh wow, that’s really wild.”

So I started studying this music, and then I put it out, and I was really pretty nervous to do it because I didn’t know what peoples’ reactions were going to be.

I was so surprised I got such a great response to it... because it is technically very, very difficult, so I knew that musicians will appreciate this and it doesn’t just always have to be heavy Rock music. So luckily people really dug it.

RNR: Is it just used on “Noche Acosador”?

JOHN 5: Just that. I didn’t want to overload them. There’s a number of different styles on there, so it’s good.

RNR: With ROB ZOMBIE, you used a lot of 60’s and 70’s pedals for a certain kind of “old-timey” effect. Is there any of that on God Told Me To? JOHN 5: Yeah, I used the same kind of old equipment on that stuff. I think it gets such a great sound. It’s fun to break that old stuff out ‘cause I’m a collector as well. I like to break it out for recordings and things like

that... I can’t take it out live because it’s not very dependable, since it’s like forty years old, or thirty years old.

RNR: Speaking of collecting vintage instruments, I read somewhere that if you hadn’t made it as a guitarist, you would’ve gone into dealing vintage instruments. Any interest in doing that still anyways?

JOHN 5: I hope not! Because if I keep doing well with what I’m doing, I won’t have to do that. But that is like a real, true love and interest of mine... vintage instruments... and I love the history of it, it’s really interesting for me. Some people have certain things [they’re obsessed with].

Cars, or art, or things like that. But I really enjoy old, vintage instruments.

RNR: What are some of your favorite collections so far?

JOHN 5: Well... my favorite guitar, I would say is the Fender Broadcaster and it’s the first solid-body electric guitar, and very very few were made. It’s one of the cleanest Fender Broadcasters out there, and it’s my pride and joy for sure.

RNR: They stopped making those because they had a copyright issue with the name, right?

JOHN 5: Yes, exactly. Then it turned into the Nocaster and so on, and so forth. But luckily I got it. And it’s very expensive, but it’s so worth it to me. I mean, you only live once, you know? So I’m very very happy with it.

RNR: You’ve worked with a very broad range of artists. Do you feel like you gain more from the challenges presented in your solo work, or those presented by collaborating with other musicians?

JOHN 5: I like to do a little bit of everything.

With writing with artists, it’s great. I write with people that I’m very big fans of that I’ve been listening to for a long time, so it’s kinda easy for me. So if I’m writing with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, and they say, “Give us something like, off of Nuthin’ Fancy,” or if I’m writing with Paul Stanley and KISS, then I know the whole catalog better than he does. All these artists [are people] that I’m fans of, and I think that’s why I’ve had success as well, because when they talk

about certain things I kinda know what they’re talking about.

And doing my instrumental stuff is a great outlet, because I get to do exactly what I want to do. I don’t think that a lot of Rock artists want to do a Bluegrass song or anything like that.

RNR: So you like to see where you can put your own signature in all these different kinds of styles too?

JOHN 5: Yes, absolutely. It’s really fun for me because I really do just sit around and play guitar all day. It’s just what I do. I’ve sacrificed a lot of my life and a lot of other peoples’ lives as well, because a lot of people can’t really hang with it or deal with it... “Oh great, I got this really cool guy.”

“Oh, how’s it going?” “Well, he kinda just sits around and plays guitar all day.”

My wife, Rita, really understands, and when I’m on tour she’s like, “I miss you sitting there playing guitar on the couch!” or something like that... Everything just worked out really well in that aspect. I’m very lucky that she can put up with my guitar playing twenty-three hours a day.

RNR: I read somewhere that you met her at a hair salon.

JOHN 5: Yes, actually! My friend said, “You gotta come down to where I get my hair cut and you gotta meet this girl.” And I have a specific type, and over the years, you just kinda know and understand what you want and what you like... it was great, it was really wonderful how we met and everything. But we met, and then I was like, “Cool,” you know and then, “Here’s my number, blah blah blah”. But then she didn’t call for a really long time, and I actually forgot. And then she called a couple weeks later and I was shocked - but I remember being really, super excited and the rest is history. It’s been great.

RNR: How long have you guys been together?

JOHN 5: Five years. We were together a year and then got married.

RNR: Educated Horses was the first ROB ZOMBIE album that you wrote and played on; the most recent album of his you’ve worked on was Hellbilly Deluxe II. How do you feel that the creative process with Rob has progressed from the first album to this newer one?

JOHN 5: Well, he’s super creative. I was such a big WHITE ZOMBIE fan. I knew everything [of theirs]... I have certain music that I listen to that I’ve always [listened to]. It’s like going to the dentist...

I guess I’m just a creature of habit. You’re sitting there waiting for someone to drill your teeth, and that’s what I would listen to. I’ve listened to his stuff ever since it came out, but when I started to write with him, it was amazing But he’s so on top of it; every note, every drum beat. But I’m never with him when Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 17

unleash your rig

he’s writing lyrics or singing. I’ll come in and it will be done. It’s really cool. I’m telling you, I wouldn’t be in another band, and I will be with Rob until he doesn’t want to do music anymore. The grass is not always greener, and I’m so lucky and happy to be where I am. And he’s such a cool guy, too. I’m so lucky. So life is good, I’m gonna have to say.

RNR: You’ve found your niche, finally.

JOHN 5: Yeah, I found someplace where I can hang my hat, that’s for sure. If I wore a hat.

RNR: You kinda like to have a theme to each of your solo albums. For example, Requiem was about torture devices. What would you say God Told Me To’s theme is?

JOHN 5: I just wanted to have an album of diversity, and this is the first CD I’ve done that’s half acoustic and half electric, because I just didn’t want to keep putting out the same thing. I always wanted to keep the listener on their toes. But a lot of people don’t like change. “I want my AC/DC to sound like AC/DC.” And so on, and so forth. I always liked to keep people on their toes because you can only hear so many guitar solos that I do. But with this, I want... to just have a wide range of diversity... I did a cover of MICHAEL JACKSON’s “Beat It”, which is a tribute to Michael. And of course, Eddie Van Halen with the amazing solo in there. I was like, “This is such a special record. I want to put a DVD with it.” That’s the first time I’ve done that with a CD as well, and luckily everything’s just been falling into place.

It’s just been taking a little while. Not on Jonny’s part; boy. He’s just been cranking out this stuff.

MusicCord by

Screen shots from the new DVD

Scan the tag to see the DVD Trailer

The Gold Standard Look for Lynda Kay to appear in all her golden glory in the Emmy-Award Winning FX Series Justified in Episode #308 which airs on March 6, 2012. She is also set to begin recording her next dreamy noir styled album with Ultra-Lounge Producer Brad Benedict at Capitol Studios April 2012.

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www.essentialsound.com

RNR: I don’t think he ever sleeps!

JOHN 5: I know! And it shows, I mean, he’s so successful. It’s a lot of work to do all this stuff, on top of all these other things I’m doing, but I couldn’t be happier.

Written by Leja Siv Harju

ES P ssent ssentiial al

RNR: How did you guys meet the Coffin Case family, and owner Jonny Coffin?

NITA: Coffin Case was the first company when I was a young guitar player, I think fifteen or sixteen years Front Center Leja RNR monkeying old, to actually get behind me and a chance with around with Courtney Lefttake & Nita this unknown, girl guitar player. And here I am, eight years later. It’s really cool to have walked in here as a teenager and still be asked to come back!

COURTNEY: Jonny actually introduced us to each other.

NITA: Right! I actually forgot about that. At NAMM in 2009, maybe? We both happened to randomly be walking by the Coffin Case booth and Jonny Coffin said, “You guys should meet each other!”

iron maidens A unique video project is coming to life at the Coffin Case headquarters in North Hollywood. THE IRON MAIDENS guitarists Nita Strauss and Courtney Cox are here, both starring as “axe”-wielding femme fatales that a mad scientist creates to snuff out the source of his self-loathing... which is none other than JOHN 5.

strange thing. I remember I heard my brother playing Kill ‘Em All, the METALLICA album, and I went to my dad and was like, “I want a guitar.” And he looked at me like I was an idiot. He’s like, “...What?”

From then on, it just fit and it was the only thing I was ever good at.

RNR: Were you guys involved in other bands before you joined IRON MAIDENS? Or are you now?

COURTNEY: I was touring with a lot of Prog people... I used to tour for Adrian Belew from KING CRIMSON and then Jon Anderson [from YES] before joining the MAIDENS. Then I had a KING DIAMOND tribute band called “Queen Diamond”. But then I left Philly to come out to California.

NITA: I have my band CONSUME THE FIRE, which takes up all my time. It’s a full time job, having a band, much less two bands. And Courtney and I decided that the world needs a female guitar shredder, kick in the face duo... so... it’s in the very beginning stages of planning, to do this album together. You heard it here first!

RNR: What’s the dynamic like between everybody in the band, especially for you guys since you’re newer?

NITA: I was a little apprehensive coming We can’t reveal if the MAIDENS’ charac[into the band] because I’ve been in girl ters follow through on their deadly task, but RNR: What about the guitar made it your bands before, and it’s intimidating coming we can tell you what the ladies were up to main instrument, and when did you real- into a family that’s this close, that’s been when we discovered them waiting in the together for so long... and they’re really, ize that was your true direction?

Coffin Case lobby, all camera ready and NITA: I was playing drums, and then I saw really welcoming. It’s like that with the fans anxious to start shooting. With tall beers in the movie Crossroads – not the Britney too. So come up and talk hand, they agreed to let RNR Industries’ Spears one! - the one with Steve Vai at the to us, We’d love it.

Leja throw some questions at them. end, where he does that big guitar solo at Scan to see the full the end of the movie. That’s what I want, “We do a lot of interviews with a lot of interview that should be me. I wanna do that! So that alcohol,” Nita tells me, laughing as she sets was the catalyst for me to actually pick up down her can. the guitar.

Written by Leja Siv Harju COURTNEY: For me, it was kind of a

Misfits

waged between Glenn Danzig and THE MISFITS bassist Jerry Only, and it took about a decade to determine who owned the rights to the name and image.

Glenn left THE MISFITS back in 1983, and while many say that Glenn Danzig’s voice and lyrics are what made the band, it’s Jerry Only that supports the fans and still travels a great deal, keeping life on the road a priority.

When Jerry Only tours and plays shows, he is always This December in San making sure every fan gets a photo or autograph if they Francisco, hit MISFITS songs were given new life when former want one. Seeing Jerry give every person the time to meet vocalist Glenn Danzig took to him is always appreciated by the microphone with METALthose who still sing every lyric LICA to perform “Last Caress/ and chant every word with him, Green Hell” and “Die, Die My everyone from the smallest Darling”. kid to the older adult. You can definitely understand why THE Legal battles once

MISFITS are an important band for anyone who loves Punk Rock and its past, and why the band’s instantly recognizable mascot, The Crimson Ghost, will never die. THE MISFITS’ name carries on today with Jerry now fronting in addition to playing bass, Dez Cadena, who used to front and play guitar in BLACK FLAG, and Eric “Chupacabra” Arce from MURPHY’S LAW on drums. The current line-up has also just released a new album under the title The Devil’s Rain, and it happens to be their first studio effort since 1999’s Famous Monsters.

Everyone from METALLICA to ALKALINE TRIO have given respect and credit to THE MISFITS for changing the way people see images of horror and bloodshed in music and art.

THE MISFITS have seen several members in and out; Robo and Marky Ramone were great chapters in the band’s legacy, as was Michael Graves, who sang on the album Famous Monsters.

Jerry has always kept true to what THE MISFITS means to him, and in all he does he knows the past that got him there.

I’ll end this reflection with something Jerry Only once told me. I asked him what it’s like to travel in every town and always encounter so many have dedicated fans. He said, “That makes every day worth it to me. Life on the road with those that care about what I do is what keeps us alive!”

Written by Joaquin Sahagun Photo by Brian Akira Hoy Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 19

CLASSICS WITH A TWIST metalachi What do Metallica, Guns and Roses, AC/DC, Scorpions, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Motorhed, etc., etc., have in common?

Let’s explore the possibilities: Clas sic Rock anthems? Check. Possibly millions of records sold? Check.

Their members are some of the most recognized faces in all history of Rock? Check. I came up with a few more possibilities of where all these bands might have crossed paths, tried to think (and researched) a major festival or concert, but had no luck in connecting all these options into a single event, unless there’s another option that I had never thought of and has recently been a new addiction for me… yes, I found it, it is METALACHI! Yes, you read it right… METALACHI (Si, señor!!!).

With influences such as those mentioned earlier plus Pedro Infante, and Mariachi Vargas you might wonder: “What would the baby of classic rock anthems and a mariachi band look like? Or sound like? Well, the spawn of these two is METALACHI, the world’s first and only Metal Mariachi.

They cannot go unnoticed, as soon as Metalachi walks onstage with their mariachi sombreros (Lights included), tight zebra spandex, leather chaps and jackets, platform boots and the

First-ever Musicians Institute reunion, focused on grads, faculty and staff from the years 1977-1994, have been confirmed for March 23-24, 2012. The weekend will include a variety of events to be held at and around MI’s Hollywood campus.

always fashionable shades, you are sure to stop whatever you are doing and follow their every move, maybe because you are attracted to the Christmas lights on their sombreros (many will do this with their mouths open). With phrases like “I looooooove you,” “You liked it,” “Puto,” “Foo,” and “Chichis” it’s a guarantee and you can rest assured that the heaviest Mariachi band has arrived. I love to see the faces of those “first timers,” (I was once one of them) when they are both confused and in awe as the classic mariachi instruments project their sound, the audience’s common pondering thought is “Did I show up to a rock show or an adult clown Fiesta?”

It is not until a few seconds into their first song, most skeptics will smile and get their head banging going while getting closer to the stage, could also be that the name “El Cucuy”

reminisces bad childhood memories as well. With songs like: “Crazy train,” “Ace of spades,” “Living on a prayer,” “Rainbow in the dark,” “Sweet Chayo O’ Mine,” or their “Master Of Puppets/ Nothing Else Matters/Image,” mash up, to name a few of the fan favorites, the audience can enjoy their favorite songs while the tequila and cervezas begins to pour. The five brothers: Vega De La Rockha (Vocals), El Cucuy “The ambassador of LOVE” (Trumpet), Maximilian “Dirty” Sanchez (Violin), Pancho Rockafeller (Guitarron) and Ramon Holiday (Guitar) survived the life-threatening, bordercrossing experience through El Rio Grande, just outside Ciudad Juarez (MEX), and aren’t we glad they did?

Because today, they sit down with us just before their presentation at Club Tarantino’s Coffin Club, hosted by Jonny Coffin owner of Coffin Cases, for this interview which can be seen on our website for easy viewing scan the tag. Occasionally they are joined by “El Primo” (the cousin) Juan Jovi to cover for Ramon Holiday when he is deported back to Mexico., such as today’s case.

If I ever get married this is what I will say: “Honey, do you remember that I wanted Scott D. Davis’ cd to play during the dinner at the reception and you wanted mariachi? I think I have just found the right Mariachi for our wedding!!!” (wink and 2 thumbs up).

-Enrique Nuñez Scan the Tag for the Interview

www.Metalachi.com 20 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Always my deepest love and admiration for my brother Randy - Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio

RANDY RHOADS LIMITED EDITION 2005 VINTAGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Available at: www.dargenziowine.com

Or Burbank: D’Argenzio Winery Tasting Room 818-846-8466 ©2010 D’Argenzio Winery Sonoma County CA

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 21

EPITAPH

Ian Hill, bassist of Heavy

Metal titans JUDAS PRIEST,

took some time off while on the road to recount his experiences on tour (and at various points of his tenure) with one of Metal’s most beloved bands. When we called him, the band were en route to Arizona. Hill is one of PRIEST’s proud founders. He gave his thoughts on the departure of K.K. Downing (also a founder), and tells us how he thinks JUDAS PRIEST created a musical empire that stands alone.

RNR: Are you here in town in California yet or still on the road?

Ian: Were on the road, where in Phoenix at the moment. We’re playing Phoenix tonight, then off into California.

RNR: That’s a lot of traveling in one night!

Ian: It is; it’s all part of the game. its one of the reasons why this is going to be sort of the last world full on tour that we’re going to do. It does start to get to you! I mean, we

all love what we’re doing. It takes a lot of time on the road; it takes the best spot of two years, and you have to start looking at the two years you have left in you. So when we decided to do the farewell world tour it will be the last time some of our fans, unfortunately, will get to see us in their hometowns, so it won’t be the last time that we go out on the road but it will be more condensed. We all still genuinely love what we’re doing... Really, just the enjoyment of coming home at the end of every tour after having been away from your family! So we will take some space and time off between legs and reacquaint ourselves with our families again.

RNR: With Singles Cuts, the new JUDAS PRIEST box set, new and old fans alike can now get an in-depth at the legacy and history of such an iconic band. It features fifty-two U.K. singles that PRIEST released via Columbia Records between ‘77 and ‘92.

What do you hope fans and new listeners will take away from this compilation?

Ian: Yeah, thats why the box set really has a chosen few [song selections]. We have been lucky enough to be able to continue to tour all these years and we have had our ups and downs, of course, and we’ve influenced some people along the way. That’s quite possibly a great legacy as well. If people can be influenced by what we’re doing that’s great, that really is.

RNR: What were your feelings when people

who gravitated toward Metal began listening to Grunge more (or maybe even exclusively), and then when Grunge “died” and the focus shifted back towards Metal again, and now there are more subgenres of Metal than anyone can keep up with?

Would you say, today, that Metal is kind of a niche genre in a lot of ways, and do you think that if more iconic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands started doing things like JUDAS PRIEST’s stint on American Idol that we can get a whole new generation familiar with this music?

Ian: Yeah, that’s why the box set really has a chosen few of our songs. But the surprising thing is fans of [one extreme in Metal to another] and everybody in between seems to enjoy at least some of our music. Heavy Metal in general was very versatile. Fast, slow, you name it. Back in the 90’s, they sort of lost the variety and I think now, the variety has started to come back and people are starting to appreciate Metal for the versatile kind of music that it is.

It’s coming back to the most important thing I think over the years we tried to move forward... We tried to change a little bit with each album and embrace new procedures and technology or gizmos. we’ve evolved, and we’ve always tried to do that.

RNR: You guys are seen as very successful. What would you define as “successful” for a band?

Ian: I think success is being able to do what you love. It doesn’t matter what it is. You can be a musician or actor or whatever. If you’re enjoying what you do, I think that is the level of success. To be happy.

RNR: Do you have any books that influenced you, and have you ever considered writing a book?

Ian: Oh, I’ve read all kinds of stories. I don’t think I’m good enough to write one myself!

[I’ve read lots of] crime thrillers, historical fiction books, war books... a little bit of everything. Agatha Christie.

RNR: Do you have a favorite song that you picked on this tour this year?

Ian: Personally, no. We get together and do the set list, it’s a pretty long winded process really... This set we have now is over two and a half hours long, and it’s the longest we played... ever, I think! It’s a difficult process to put together when you’ve got so many songs, and like I said, you get to the point where everyone has their favorite!

RNR: I have been to quite and few of your concerts over the years and I have always noticed that you have never been much for the spotlight. You’re more of the dark horse!

Ian: I suppose I got to the point where people were so loud I couldn’t hear the drums, so I had to stop and watch the drummer’s left foot to keep the time! (laughs) I mean I’m

22 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

a bass player, I’m not one of the frontmen, I leave that for the guitarist and vocalist. I think they do a great up front so I stay back with Scott. And I’ve always been very happy to do that.

RNR: How did guitarist Richie Faulkner fit into the band, and was it a long wait or last minute replacement?

Ian: When Ken [ “K.K.” Downing] announced his retirement, it was a big kick in the guts, really. It was completely out of the blue, Richie knew he was up for the job, for a month he had to keep his mouth shut, because we were convinced we could get Ken to change his mind, to come back. Which much have been burdensome to him...He announced he had retired to the press, and it was just obvious that Ken meant what he said, that he did indeed intend to retire.

Richie was already on the sidelines. We said, “Okay, mate, you’ve got the mark!”

What a find, he’s an absolute gem! I mean, he is a very, extremely talented guitarist and great performer. He’s a nice bloke, we couldn’t have found anybody better. And he’s done a tremendous job in filling Ken’s boots.

RNR: What other hobbies do you have outside of music?

Ian: I mess around with old cars, fly airplanes... I play golf. That’s all stuff I like to do when I’m not on the road.

RNR: I noticed you’ve always had a “goatee”. Is that your trademark?

Ian: (laughing) Every pubescent youth is sort of proud of his whiskers! think it goes back to that.

Interview by Mike Smothers Photo: by Alex Kluft

MASSIVE WORLD TOUR

Judas Priest: Epitath Tour, Las Vegas NV Oct 23rd Judas Priest has been my favorite band since ‘80, and they are the reason I have been a Metal Head for all these years. Now after almost 40 years together they have issued the Epitaph, or so they call this supposed final tour. By definition, a eulogy or funeral rite. After seeing these Brits command the stage on this tour, the backdrop hardly resembles a headstone. Nostradamus fell flat to me, but this actually felt like a new beginning, even without an epic record release in years and a tour called, “Epitaph”.

With K.K. Downing’s retirement just prior to the tour, my personal fave of the dynamic Tipton/Downing duo, and such an impressive catalogue of amazing music, it would be hard to put together a setlist that will please all the most diehard fan. Though it felt like Ritchie Faulkner, the new kid on the stage, breathed some new life and fire into this metal dragon’s beating heart. The kid had so much enthusiasm, and he and Glen were actually laughing together onstage and having a jolly good time about it.

And then there is the Metal God himself, Rob Halford, cruising full steam ahead with vocal chops that

will make your ears bleed, working the stage with energy and vigor. The man has a voice to be reckoned with. Tone, vibrato, and range that many have attempted to duplicate, and have yet to succeed. At age 60, Rob Halford still stands as one of the best metal singers ever.

There was an incredible light show.

Very old school, with lasers that would rival Floyd, and pyros to put Metallica to shame. Wardrobe changes by Halford were plenty, accessorized by Hell Bent for Leather Harley’s standard issue appearance.

Nothing new here, but we expect and always crave this from a stellar metal show. Loud and proud and in your face!

The Set List was to die for to a hard core fan like me. Tears streamed down my face during ‘Blood Red Skies’, as well as ‘Beyond the Realms of Death’. Every song was pitch perfect, and they kept them coming one after another for over two hours.

After twenty-two songs and two encores, I was spent and was left wondering how the hell these guys can bring that kind of energy at their age night after night on a massive world tour!! That must be why they are calling this the ‘Epitaph’, they want to go out ‘All Guns Blazing’ and ‘Hell Bent for Leather’.

Written and Photo by: Leah Burlington (concert photographer)

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 23

Fan Favorite

This issue’s Fan Favorite, IVAN MIHALJEVIC & SIDE EFFECTS, comes from Croatia. A nation neighboring Italy, Croatia’s population totals less than five million people. While I haven’t ever had the chance to visit, I have read that it is a great vacation spot. But sadly, since it was recently rattled by the Croatian War of Independence (though Croatia was victorious) it can be extremely unsafe to wander

in certain “off the beaten path” areas because of active land mines that remain from the War. It is said that each side placed up to a whopping two million landlines throughout the former frontlines. Perhaps the tragic reminders of a violent time in their history that ended not too long ago helps give IMSE’s music its own unique “color”. IVAN MIHALJEVIC & SIDE EFFECTS’ music is something

bearing enough familiar yet exciting elements that American listeners can dig, but there is still something very (excuse the term) foreign to me - largely due to its “psychedelic” qualities. Each of the band’s songs has its own unique mood and story, sometimes making them seem unrelated to each other.

So it would seem the band’s aptly named! This is emotionally charged stuff with much of its makers’ souls audibly added

to the mix. It generates several states or visuals in the listener’s mind. Whether or not you wind up enjoying it overall, you will appreciate the musicians’ boldness and experimentation, and the unusual flairs they’ve woven into this album. Destination Unknown, the group’s second and most recent effort, was released in 2010. I’d say their sound is reminiscent of JOE SATRIANI’s. Ivan’s guitar work, which another music reviewer called “schizophrenic” in nature, really shines on Destination above all else, but the bass riffs on “Your Plane Flew Away” kick ass too. So if you enjoySATRIANI’s music, you should give IVAN MIHALJEVIC & SIDE EFFECTS a spin.

Nominate YOUR up and coming band (or one you think deserves to win!) for the Fan Favorite title for Rock N Roll Industries’ next issue, #5!

Details for entrance are on our Facebook page: www. facebook.com/rocknrollindustriesmag

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24 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 25

(Clockwise: Big Papa & The TCB,photo: Ray Gutierrez / Rod Piazza & the Mighty Fliers/ Jumpin Jack Benny/ Kelly Mcguire, /Cold Comfort Blues Band, photos: Steven Brazil)

I recently attended the first annual Inland Empire Blues Festival at The Fender Center and I must say that I had a blast! The performers included Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Big Poppa and the TCB, Jumpin’ Jack Benny Blues Band, Kelly McGuire and The Cold Comfort Blues Band. There were many highpoints of the show, one of which was during Rod Piazza’s set when his wife, and piano player, Honey, performed a ten minute boogie woogie duet with drummer Dave Kida.

However, the real star of the show was Chris “Big Papa” Thayer, front man and guitar player for Pig Papa and the TCB. In addition to putting on one hell of a show, Big Papa ,along with his cohort and fellow bluesman Kelly McGuire have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the I.E. Blues Festival happen – so I recently sat down with Chris to discuss the event. Here’s what he had to say:

BIG PAPA: Exhausting. It was a helluva lot more work than I had imagined. And it wasn't big stuff, but a million little details. But it was pretty amazing to see it be as successful as it was.

26 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

BP: That's tough to answer. I was running around like a crazy person, so I can't really remember much. Just kidding! Actually, it was pretty cool sitting down with the Mighty Flyers back stage after the whole thing was over and talking about different events we had all put on or been a part of over the years. It was also really cool to have Rod give Kelly and I props from the stage for putting together such a cool festival. All of the bands were very gracious.

BP: Life. My life is pretty amazing now, but man I did more than my share of living before I got married and filled up a vault with bad experiences, bad decisions, and bad relationships. I have plenty of blues in my past to draw from for at least another 10 or 11 records. I learned early on that you have to do some living before you can do any real writing.

We've all seen the 10 year old kids who can play any blues lick you throw at them, but when they get a little mileage under their feet, then their blues will be sincere.

BP: Robert Cray has always been a big one. Louis Jordan is, especially for BPTCB. But I gotta say, Rod Piazza and Jumpin’ Jack Benny have both been real

Big papa 2

BP: There is a wealth of immense talent in this area, but a lack of opportunities. That was the whole reason for putting together the fest, to give local players, like BPTCB, a chance to share the music

When your blues is honest and YOURS, then people will respond. And work together. That's what we did with the fest, and I know that is why it was successful.

By Dan Hazard, photo by Ray GutierrezB

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 27

UPROAR & 48 hOUR FESTIVAL

P A C E R

Photos By Chad Lee Writen by Manuel Rivas II

Up-Roar Festival is the followup tour to pick up where Mayhem Festival left off. Just as Mayhem was coming to a close, Uproar came in for round two, with bands such as AVENGED SEVENFOLD, SEVENDUST, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, SEETHER, THREE DAYS GRACE, ESCAPE THE FATE, THE ART OF DYING, BLACK TIDE, HELL OR HIGHWATER, ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL, and let’s not forget about THE ATHIARCHISTS. Going out to shows like these are great experiences to have with all your friends! Not to mention meet and greet, which is the chance to meet your maker in the flesh. This year they also had a Miss Uproar contest! At every city the tour plowed over, Uproar sought the hottest girls in the area. If you love hard-hitting music and girls and you were not there, you missed out on one hell of a time! The grand finale was the 48 Hours Festival. Think of the 48 Hours Festival as an alliance of Mayhem Festival, Uproar Festival, Ozzfest, and the Music as a Weapon Tour ALL jam packed into one of the world’s greatest places to be - Las Vegas!

Did you get that? If not, better luck next year! OCCUPY A VENUE!

28 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 29

Maor appelbaum

Maor Appelbaum’s work is all over the albums of many familiar names in music.

He is a coveted mastering engineer who has hands on experience honing audio from all the colors of the musical spectrum, and he took some time to shoot RNR Industries an email and give us a glimpse at his life’s work.

You work with a broad variety of bands.

What are the different challenges that you experience working with different genres?

During my career, I have worked with various styles of music from all over the world, from the lightest and most melodic to the most aggressive and heavy. Some of the more known Metal artists that I have worked with include SEPULTURA, HALFORD, CYNIC, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, and ANGRA.I also mastered Jazz, Pop, Hiphop, Country, Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock, Industrial, and singer/songwriter recordings. Every music style demands a different approach to the mastering process -

both on a technical and artistic level - some music styles need more clarity, dynamics and space, others might need more coloration and less dynamics, or more drive and width to them. Some recordings can benefit from certain processing that others won’t benefit much from, so its always a case by case situation. It’s not only about making it sound good. It’s also the final place to have any additional tonal adjustments. In some recordings, mastering can add some “mojo” to an already great-sounding mix. So you really have to think twice. What you want to do to the overall sound, and how it will reflect on the listeners’ ears. There is no next stage to help it out - mastering is the final process. So you got to be familiar with a lot of music and styles of sounds. I work with what I get - so if the mixes are good, then it can become great. But if the mixes are bad, then I find myself working hard on making them sound decent. It’s kind of like being the person who puts the icing on the cake (in a good situation), and sometimes you are the alchemist who tries to turn the lead into gold, and you get something like silver or copper instead.

How did you learn to do what you do? How did your journey into the music world begin, and what has the path been like for you up until today?

The way I learned mastering was first being a music lover - I was also a music journalist, which gave me the luxury of listening to a lot of music and writing reviews about it. I was a DJ and a broadcasting engineer - where I noticed how music translates into big speakers in clubs and radios.

For a long time I was recording my own bands, so a lot of experimentation came from that too. I started with music as a teenager, played bass in a few local bands, did some shows, and recorded. In time, I progressed into the audio-engineering field.

It’s been a long and interesting ride from not knowing anything about the music and the sound to learning from it all the time. That’s a huge progression. I love my job, and I really take care of the projects I work on.

It’s awesome and things are going great - I am happy with what I have, and feel a huge development every day!

Tell us about your new studio!

The new studio’s equipped with more gear - Analog / Tube and Solid State external digital hardware - so the processing here is real. I like using a combination of modern and vintage hardware gear that has a warm tone or a punchy sound; I have different types of gear for different styles of sounds and music, so the new studio has more options to choose from in terms of tone shaping and dynamics. Also there are a lot of special modifications on the equipment and on the way it’s set up and wired. www.maorappelbaum.com

Written By: Sarah Roberts 30 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Scan the tag to see the full interview

Favorite Bands/Musicians: In the order they come to mind - Lacuna Coil, Amberian Dawn, HIM, Leaves’ Eyes, Tarja Turunen, Coal Chamber, Epica, Toxic Holocaust, Satyricon, Moonsorrow, Anathema, Black Sabbath, Alestorm, Celldweller, Apocalyptica, Keep of Kalessin, Children of Bodom, White Zombie, Opeth, Judas Priest, The 69 Eyes, Jimmy Eat World, AFI, Nine Inch Nails, Icon of Coil, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, No Doubt, Djinn, A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, Fear Factory, Cradle of Filth, and tons

e

Epiphon

more. Everything from Metal, to Classic Rock, to Opera/Classical pieces (LOVE Cecilia Bartoli) to Electronic/Dubstep and Industrial. Anything weird or unusual, I’m all over that too. My tastes are as random as I am! I like to keep an open mind. Not a big fan of Rap or Country, but I have some exceptions there, too. I’ve also been handed some great demos to review. It’s cool when I get good submissions that I wind up loving.

What made you

want to be RNR Industries’ centerfold: I also work for the Magazine. I’m a writer, artist, and music addict, but I started modeling for various photographers’ portfolios just for the hell of it when I was seventeen, and loved it. I didn’t do much else until I was shot for a clothing line right before Halloween last year, but that was pretty cool. I started working with RNR Industries Magazine after I was asked to do the ARCHER interview in this issue, and I really hit it off with the staff! While attending college in New York, I began my own exclusively Metal webzine, HailsWebzine. com. That was about three years ago and it’s starting to take off since I transplanted myself here in the Golden State.

Originally I had moved here to pursue my acting career, but I kept on with Hails and recently won Metal Sanaz’s approval with my video interviews with bands like Toxic Holocaust, and I’ve conducted interviews for her in the LA area as well. Back in September, I got to host this cool little music event at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills in September. This is my first year at NAMM and I’m equal parts nervous and stoked, but I’m SO glad to be here! I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings Hopefully not the Apocalypse, but hey, if it’s coming, it was nice knowing all of you!

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RNR Girl Leja Siv Harju Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 31

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RNR Girl Leja Siv Harju 32 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 33

tars, I [just] wanted to become a guitarist.

RNR: And I also read that you have a brother played drums and another that played bass you guys would go out and play some gigs, what age did that start at?

RM: I was nine, the others were eleven and twelve. We played big shows actually, we had some state fairs, we got to perform on the big stage but I wanted more.

I wanted to continue my journey as a musician and to expand in more directions, so I got into college at seventeen, but I knew that wasn’t for me. So I moved to LA to go to music school.

Rafael Moreira Rafael Moreira is a singer, songwriter who was born and raised in Brazil, It was there that he started his love for music and started building his chops, After having great success in his home land, he really wanted to come to America to do more with his love and he did just that. He has gotten to play and record with some of music most know artist as well as meet many of his idols, after seeing him perform in an All Star band and seeing his talent, we wanted to see what has gotten him there.

RNR: What was your first guitar?

RAFAEL MOREIRA: It was called Jennifer.

It was a local brand. I remember being very depressed and I went to my room when I was probably eight years old. My mom said there was something outside on the clothes line, and there was a guitar there, like in a guitar bag. That tripped me out! I couldn’t believe it, that was Jennifer.

She came at the right time.

RNR: You started playing at a very young age. What is it that inspired you and also your siblings to get started in music?

RM: Definitely Rock N Roll. I think as soon as I saw KISS on TV in the early 80’s, I was blown away. We were listening to the STONES with our cousins. We lived on a farm my parents still own. From there on nothing ever changed. When I started my love for Rock and electric guitar I never really left the other thing, like acoustic gui34 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

opinion.

RNR: You have played a lot of genres of music from Metal to Jazz. What makes it so easy for you to transition and what’s your favorite genre?

RM: I think it’s [important] to have an open mind, I don’t believe in people having an open mind just for the sake of being flexible musically. Everybody has different sides to themselves, I don’t think I’m hard all the time but I can be hard and harsh. I can be soft too; that translates to music in my

RNR: From all the different projects that you have worked on tell me some of your favorite stories from on tour or in studio.

Things you’ve done with musicians that you have worked with.

RM: I think in my case, meeting my heroes has been touching for me. To meet people who I grew up listening to. After a show, I was greeted by Brian May from QUEEN, and he said some really nice things to me.

It’s really hard not to feel like, wow, and he’s one of my heroes. I was just doing the things I love at the time. I was gigging and working, but I am giving my all as a guitarist.

RNR: You also have some of your own solo projects going on, ACID GUITAR, and your band project MAGNETICO. What can we expect to see out of those coming up?

RM: You know my first album was crazy.

It was a combination of my Brazilian influence and with the free form of jazz, I wanted to explore it and just go for it. It’s called ACID GUITAR, and the title really does mean that if you can imagine. It’s a lot of partying and that’s the result of that time of my life. A lot of partying and music in my life, a lot of freedom. You can find that album on Amazon, Cd Baby, and in Brazil on Imusica, but all over the world on iTunes. It took me awhile to do a Rock album, but I wanted to make a band project

where I could put that element in there, so I created MAGNETICO. It’s a power trio, but it’s based on songs, lyric writing, and a lot of cool Rock riffs. Songs can be found iTunes, CD Baby, everywhere I said from the earlier. And you can also check them out on my website www.rafaelmoreria.com.

I’m working on a new Rock album and I’m really excited. It’s all about the songs, the grooves, and the guitar solos. I really enjoy soloing.

RNR: In other interviews, you have talked about how to network yourself on social media. Do you have any tips for our readers?

RM: I think you have to be yourself, share yourself, your day, what you’re doing and vice versa. Nowadays, it’s more of an interaction than anything else. You have to connect with your fans. I do that, and I think it’s still good to have some mystery, but nowadays it’s much simpler than before and I’m a real people person. Everybody is a monster or an alien; I’m an alien, but everybody’s simply a person. Everyone has different talents. That’s what makes you different than some other person with great talents.

RNR: Not long ago, you went back to Brazil and played for your friends and family with your new projects.

RM: What happened was Dean Markley strings flew myself and my band down to Brazil and we played a few shows. It was kick ass playing at home, and people love Rock. We also did the Expo music, which is similar to the NAMM show. I did some acoustic songs. I have a project which is [all about] acoustic songs that I’m probably going to release this year.

Scan the tag to see the full interview

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KLos Christmas Show

Mark and Brian put together another fantastic Christmas show this year with Mark and Brian All Star Band with special guests Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony (Van Halen, Chickenfoot), Joe Satriani, Kevin Cronin (Reo Speedwagon), Edgar Winter, and Richard Page (Mr. Mister) who played with the house band which included Marc Bonilla (Keith Emerson, CTA) on guitar, Steve Lukather (Toto) on guitar, Gregg Bisonette (Ringo Starr) on drums, Steve Porcaro (Toto) on keyboards, and Ed Roth (Glenn Hughes, Rob Halford) on Keyboards. The show opened with Mark and Brian introducing the KLOS family and an introduction to the All Star Band. The All Stars band set started with ”Santas Going South for Christmas with Sammy Hagar” , Keep On Loving You and Roll With The Changes- Kevin Cronin Kyrie and Broken Wings- Richard Page, Franken-

Dogs and their Rockstars: A Celebration of the friendship/

love between Rockers and their special four legged friends A non profit project to benefit the John Bartlett, “Tiny Tim Foundation” http://www.johnbartlettny. com/tiny-tim-rescue-fund The book project will consist of classic rockers, such as John Waite, Paul Rogers, Tom Petty, and Eddie Money as well as old school hard rockers, such as Alice Cooper, Steven Adler and their dog (or a rescue group dog if you are interested, but dont currently have a personal dog;-) The point: Capturing stolen moments bet a musican and his best friend.

The goal: To raise money for an organization (The Tiny Tim Fund) that distributes money to groups nation wide, who are on the forefront of rescuing dogs (and cats) off the euthanise lists.

If you are a musican in one of these genres, or you know one who would be interested in participating in this project, please contact me for more information about the project You can see more images at www.dogsandtheirrockstars.com .

(Please click on the link “dogs and their rockstars”) Simi

stein- Edgar Winter Satch Boogie-Joe Satriani Poundcake and I Can’t Drive 55- Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.

The highlights of the show were Edgar Winter and Gregg Bisonette trading off drum solos on “Frankenstein” and Winter showing of his multi instrumental talents by playing Sax and Keys as well. Richard Page hitting those high notes at the end of “Broken Wings,” Ed Roths organ solo on “Roll With the Change”, Satriani’s incredible solo on “Satch Boogie” Chickenfoot hit the stage after the M&B Brian AllStar Band and played 25 minute set including my favorites “Soap On A Roap” and “Sexy Little Thing”. Morgan Freeman took the stage for a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” he was perfect for the reading. Comedian, The Steve Miller band closed the show with a full set playing many of their hits such as “Jet Airliner”, “Abracadbra”, “Space Cowboy”.

“Living In the USA”, “Take the Money and Run”, “Swingtown”, “Jungle Love” “Rock N’ Me’, and ended with “The Joker” Written by Alex Kluft and Darren Bennion Photos by Alex Kluft

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 35

Kelle Rhoads

36 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Randy Rhoads 30th Tribute by Kelle, Kathy, Zloz and Ronny

Kelle Rhoads

We saved the molds so people that come to the School and take the tour can look at them. But they would originally have been delivered to the “Did you know that Houdini had a brother that cemetery. The Les Paul one right behind me, I practiced music?” Kelle Rhoads asked me. “No,” couldn’t believe it! It’s amazing how they match it.

I answered. “Did you know that Barbra Streisand RNR INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE: So your has a sister who sings?” I shook my head. I didn’t.

“Welcome to my life. Trust me, I am so proud of household growing up was a very musical my little brother. I miss him and I think about him one. How old were you guys when you first every day, but you have no idea the shadow I live started learning how to play? in. You didn’t know who the hell I was before you KELLE RHOADS: When Randy first started came in here. But you knew who Randy was, and playing guitar he was about six years of age. you know why you were coming here.” Chances When I started to play drums, which was the are that before you read this article, you didn’t first instrument I learned to play as a kid, I was know that guitar icon Randy Rhoads has a big twelve. And my sis was about seven when she brother who is himself a gifted musician. In fact, started guitar. She didn’t continue with the music Kelle Rhoads and Randy jammed together fre- but my brother and I did. But that wasn’t at the quently – the two formed a band called VIOLET same time; I’m about four years older than him.

FOX as kids. He has long since traded his Hard We actually had all three kids at the family at one Rock ventures for Classical music and teaching, time playing an instrument, but my sister got inand now the accomplished composer, vocalist, terested in other endeavors. and pianist says he’s found his niche RNR: How did you guys each choose your Make no mistake; Kelle very much loved his respective instrument? little brother. But his exasperation stems from KR: I wanted to play the bass drum and my people being largely unaware that the Rhoads mom said, “You can’t just play one drum. That’s family’s musical heritage spans back to a time no good... You need to play the whole drum set.” before Randy’s. Their mother Delores founded That was the time that THE BEATLES broke, so the Musonia School of music in 1948, and since I saw ‘em on Ed Sullivan and said, “You›re right, that’s where this all began, Kelle invited Rock N Mom! I want the whole drum set!” No, really! It Roll Industries Magazine to tour the School. was February of 1964. And yeah, I›m really that Kelle had a special setup for our interview as old. I saw the whole thing... So I took lessons for well – He surrounded a red leather armchair with a while, got into a band with my little brother. He huge fabric replicas of Randy›s guitars. There is was about fourteen and I was about eighteen. also a guitar shaped, polkadotted clock bearing And when you hear about VIOLET FOX products, Rhoad›s face propped up at Kelle›s side. or records, or CD›s, it›s not true. We didn›t make “They›re styrofoam molds that some of the any recordings. We were just kids, doing ROLLvarious Japanese fanclubs sent. A couple of ING STONES songs, “Mississippi Queen” and Japanese fanclubs, on March 19th, have florists ALICE COOPER songs and DEEP PURPLE...

deliver these guitars with flowers stuck in them, We weren›t on any kind of record or recording and they really do look like the [actual] guitars. or anything like that, so don›t be fooled. I get that

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 37

all the time, people [saying], “I got the VIOLET FOX demo, I got that from my friend.”

None of you›s got it, ‹cause it›s nonexistent.

We played right here.

The room is flanked by neat collections of vintage instruments, stacks of sheet music, and many band, student, and family photos.

real lot of students. He taught Chet Thompson, who actually has a recording studio now that I believe is called Elephant Symphony.

And [Randy] taught Craig Turner. George Lynch also taught here. Tony from SNOW...

Nick Mensa from MEGADETH... Drew Forsyth from QUIET RIOT... Arlene Thomas taught here. A lot of people came through the School. Joe Holmes was a student here, the guy that was in OZZY›s band for a while.

He was really good at doing Randy›s stuff.

He used to hide in the back rooms and listen to Randy teach other people.

KR: The room at the time didn›t have any of this stuff, it only had the grand piano behind me. And so we would go all through the School and take all of the chairs, the couches and settees and set ‹em all up. We could RNR: Randy›s teaching room is actuget about fifty, fifty-five kids in here, and that ally still as is from the last time that he was the beginning of the whole thing. entered it, and people sometimes leave RNR: What years did Randy teach things in the podium? here, and did any notable musicians take KR: The reason they leave them is they lessons here?

KR: The list is pretty long, actually... first of all, Randy took lessons here. He took about nine months› worth of lessons, some on acoustic guitar, from a man named Scott Shelly, who was our guitar teacher at that time...

In his teen years, he came to my mom and said, “I want lessons in how to play lead guitar.” So my mom gave him lessons for about nine months. Every Friday, Randy would go take his lesson. At the end, Scott went to my mom and said, “I can›t teach him anything more, he knows everything I do!” And that is the only guitar training that Randy ever got for electric guitar.

Towards the end of his life, he did seek out people to teach him Classical guitar. The rest he taught himself; he learned by just watching and teaching himself.

Now, as far as he being a teacher, when it was real close to around the time that QUIET RIOT was started, which was 1975, it was Randy›s full-time gig to be a teacher here.

He had quite a few students, and that was equivalent to a really good job pay-wise. He had between fifty-three and sixty students.

That›s a lot considering every one of them gets at least half an hour, so he would be here probably five or six days a week and then, when he got in QUIET RIOT, he would go rehearse after he taught here, and sometimes he would go do shows. All he did was play guitar. He said that being a music teacher made him a lot better player. That was one of the things that actually prepared him for the stage. He used to tell me, too, because I have to teach here and it›s the family business. He was a great virtuoso and a great teacher, and usually it›s one or the other.

To answer your previous question, all kinds of people have come through here.

My brother›s only female student was Janet Robins from PRECIOUS METAL. He had a 38 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

so she›s been teaching about seventy-eight years. Can you imagine teaching something for seventy-eight years? There isn›t a goddamned thing that my mom doesn›t know about music. The only thing that she hasn›t ever done is written a piece of music, and she told me doesn›t understand how me and Randy can do that.

Well, we can›t do what she does! She can look at a piece of music and start playing it. She can play it on flute, and then she can play it on violin. She can transpose it in her head while she›s doing it. The piano is steps away from what the horn is. If you play a C on the piano, it won›t be a C on the horn. So if you were to take something that you would play on piano, and then play it on the horn, what most people would have to do is transpose it first, they would have to work out the flats and the sharps, the incidentals. My mom can do that in her head!

RNR: She can play fifteen instruments. Which?

KR: She plays coronet, trumpet, French horn, violin, viola, flute, piano, clavichord, harpsichord, organ... she can also play the English horn, and can kind of play oboe.

Did I mention flugelhorn? She can play all those, and she taught all those. In the younger years of the School, she was way too busy teaching brass, which is her main instrument. From 1948 to 1960, my mom only taught trumpet and coronet and there was another brass teacher too. But there were so many people in the School – so my mom ran the School and she taught brass. But later on after my brother passed, my mom started teaching some of the other instruments because the demand grew thinner, and so she didn›t really have [enough] of the students on any one feel that it›s like a talisman. They feel if they instrument to have a teacher come in just add something that›s personal to them in for violin or whatever. So she, late in life, the box, it›s kind of like Dorothy with the started teaching all those. shoes. They›re going to have good luck beRNR: What do you teach here? cause that was a room that Randy spent so much time in. People leave picks, [flyers] KR: I can teach drums, and I teach voof their band, a CD, and they feel that will cals. I have a lot more voice students than bring them luck. This has been in the last I do drummers. I was a singer for a while, few years. Before that, it was just an orches- that›s why I can teach voice. tra podium.

RNR: Tell us about your time singing RNR: And what about your mom? in different bands.

KR: When she was 28 years old, she had KR: Well, here›s the way it works. It›s two other partners, and they formed Muso- kinda like strike one, two, three. When nia. She invented the name, she designed I started out I was a drummer, and I got this school. My mom went to UCLA and got a little bit bored that way. There›s a lot of her degree in music, and she actually started cases where people started as drummers teaching when she was sixteen. When she and then they went to singing. That›s strike was a little girl in San Bernardino, her mu- one. I became a singer, my brother didn›t sic teacher said, “I have too many students; like that. He goes, “You›re gonna suck as you have to help me with the overload, so a singer, stay on drums.” So it was kinda I›m gonna give you some of your own stu- rough at first, but I did that for quite a while. dents.” She still teaches a couple of stu- I was a singer from the late 70›s up until dents on piano. She›s gonna be ninety-two, about 1992. And then I said, “I can›t do this

anymore, I›m getting out of the music business. This is not fun anymore and it›s too crazy. But I got back in the music business.

I worked very, very hard and assiduously, as I do now. Strike three? Not yet. I love piano.

I›ve released three commercial CD›s that have Classical piano music and I really think I›ve found my niche. Wanna know how old I was when I found out what I really wanted to do in music? Forty-nine. So anybody out there who thinks they›re too old, I never, ever wanna hear that excuse, okay?

You›re never, never too old to play a music instrument. Everybody›s like, “If I›m not gonna be a star, then why do it?” It doesn›t have to be that way! That›s so silly! Everybody that plays basketball›s not gonna get into the NBA. Just do it for fun!

public›s invited. It›s at Mountainview Cemetery. It›s going to be the thirtieth memorial that we have for him, and he›s interred in San Bernardino because that was the city that my mom grew up in. On the anniversary of his passing, people get together, there›s a person that plays clips of [Randy] in concert - mostly with QUIET RIOT, of course - and people come and they pay their respects.

At this point of the tour, Kelle takes me into a beautiful wood-paneled room where a grand piano shares a corner with stacks of sheet music.

It›s in this room that he RNR: What was the Randy Rhoads conducts a great deal Celebration at your sister Kathy›s win- of his lessons. ery, D›Argenzio, this past month like?

RNR: Describe You played with Ronny North. How did the timeline of your you meet him? career as a musician.

KR: It was really a good situation. We KR: I came out in didn›t think that many people were actually the year 2005 with gonna go there. We thought it was gonna be my initial CD, which kind of small and intimate, but then it got on Blabbermouth, and my sister said she had is called Titanic Overmore people there than for any other event ture, it is a three-part that they ever had. It was packed to the raf- piano piece, there ters! The vibes were good. I had to play kind are three movements of a cheesy little keyboard, but it worked out to it. And it’s only pigreat. And, I got to do a song with Frankie ano. Then in 2007, I released Portraits of Banali playing drums, so that was an honor. Oblivion. In March of this year, I came out with Pride and Profanity. All three Classical It›s always good with Ronny. records that principally focused on the piaRonny opened for YNGWIE MALM- no, although I do use other things. I’ve used STEEN in Ventura, and I said to my wife, a child’s choir, I’ve used cellos, I’ve used “Check him out! He doesn›t have a singer flugelhorns, bells, different things like that. or nothing.” I like that guy, I like his energy. I’m working at this time on my fourth one.

About four or five months later, I see him at RNR: How did you gain inspiration NAMM. And we just struck up a friendship. and come up with ideas for each of these RNR: This March will mark the thirti- albums, and how much time went into eth year since Randy›s passing. These them? memorial gatherings happen annually, KR: Where I get my inspiration from is but I imagine this year will bring an even not really listening to other musicians. It’s greater outpouring of support from peomostly from art. I like certain periods of art, ple everywhere. and I like to go to the Getty museum and KR: We expect a really big turnout. The look at artists’ work. To look at something and try to translate it musically.

We have adults that come here and when they were children, their parents made ‹em take piano, they hated it, they didn›t wanna do it, they got older and they said, “I wanna do it now! I didn›t wanna do it then.” And they are so happy, they look forward to their lessons.

RNR: Who are your favorite artists?

first part of the twentieth century.

RNR: How about composers?

KR: Franz Liszt. I love Robert Schumann.

I’m most fascinated with that period of piano playing, which is basically from about the tail end of the 1820’s to about 1860. I like that like [rockers] like people like Eddie Van Halen and Randy. Tchaikovsky, DeBussy, Eric Satie, and Maurice Revel.

RNR: What do you expect Musonia’s legacy will be, and what do you foresee in regards to the future of the School?

KR: I’ve been saying that people hold the School up as an example of these people - namely the Rhoads family - they really did it right. They’re not hanging around in Hollywood and going to a bunch of parties and living on their past accomplishments or whatever. They’re really making a committed effort to making sure that any child or adult that wants to study music can do so for a very affordable price This is what my mom started the school based on.

KR: I love Rembrandt. I like Chagall, Matisse. One of my favorite artists is a man that actually passed away kind of recently.

Andy Warhol said he was Mexico’s greatest painter. His name was Julio Galán, and I was so impressed with his work that I Scan the tag to see wrote a piece of music for him on Pride and the full interview Profanity. Basically, my favorites are the French Impressionistic artists, like from the latter part of the nineteeth century and the Written By: Leja Siv Harju

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 39

like PETER PAUL AND MARY. He always loved what I did and admired what I did, I always admired what he did, but we went different realms, but it was all good, sadly I don’t really play that much anymore. But I think one day I should resurrect it.

I know I should, he would be mad at me.. but it was a great time in our lives every Friday we would go down to Musonia.

It looks just like it did when we grew up, and that’s where we hung out. That was my mom’s passion, and her love, and her baby - and it’s still a working school of music, it [was Randy’s] stomping ground and his love, and he loved teaching there by the way. He loved teaching and he was a great teacher. His students loved him.

Kathy Rhoads In vino veritas (in wine there is truth).

I admit that I understand “wine speak” roughly as well as I do Greek, which is to say… I don’t. Luckily, opinions count for something, and the brain’s pleasure center never lies. On December 22nd, 2011, Rock N Roll Industries Magazine dropped into the Burbank, California-based D’Argenzio Winery for a very special meeting with Kathy Rhoads-D’Argenzio.

In addition to running the Winery with her husband Richard, Kathy also happens to be the older sister of iconic guitarist Randy Rhoads, whom the D’Argenzios honored by creating a special edition vino with his headstock and likeness emblazoned on each label. This smooth, sweet wine is a 2005 batch priced at $53.00 in recognition of the fact that the wine was made available on August 15, 2010, fifty-three years after Randy’s December 6, 1956 birth.

There is a warm family atmosphere permeating the Winery. And as is the case with the Rhoads family doing most of the wood- and stonework at Musonia School themselves, all of the interior woodwork in D’Argenzio was crafted by members of Richard’s family with as much love as Kathy and Richard poured into the commemorative wine. Many friends of the Rhoads and D’Argenzio families, musicians, and fans alike gathered at the Winery on December 3rd for A Celebration of Randy Rhoads.

ROCK N ROLL INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE: How was the Celebration here at D’Argenzio Winery earlier this month?

KATHY RHOADS: We’re trying to make it an annual thing. It’s a very interesting, bittersweet story, and this is my way of honoring him. I don’t play that much anymore.

I’m sure my brother would be very upset with me, because we started lessons together, and every Friday night we would go down to Musonia and take a lesson. And my brother, “Doug Kelle”, I call him, was a drummer. We would have jams on Friday 40 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

night, and all our friends would come down and we all would play, and it was a great time. A phenomenal time in our lives. I mean, you can’t replace those days. Very good memories.

My mother decided to bury my brother in San Bernardino because she was raised there, first of all, and second of all, she wanted to build a beautiful mausoleum, and couldn’t here in Burbank where we grew up because of regulations of the cemetery. They let her do whatever she wanted there, so people make the pilgrimage down there twice and year. Sadly, since my mom has become older it is really hard for her to do that anymore, so my brother and I had decided that we would continue [attending] the March 19th memorial. But on December 6th, or whatever date comes around on the Saturday closest to it, we have done A Celebration of Randy Rhoads now a few times. It keeps growing and the people that come… it’s mind blowing! And last time, which was a couple weeks ago, it was so touching. The people that were here Frankie Banali was here, Ronny North was here, I mean… it’s just growing, and like I said, it was just such a treat to see the love for him still. Keeping his memory alive is what’s so important to our family, and so good for him. He deserves that.

RNR: When you and Randy were taking lessons together at Musonia you were both studying guitar?

KR: We both started with acoustic and right away he knew he was going to gravitate towards electric, I kind of was favoring folk guitar,

RNR: What kind of person was your brother?

KR: If I had to describe him I would say he was very sweet, humble, kind, shy, fun. He never acknowledged how great he was… When we were kids, you don’t get how talented he is because you’re not comparing him to anybody, but as we grew up and started going to QUIET RIOT concerts [we realized] that band was his baby, and then you would see the people respond like, “Wow!” And then years later we would go to OZZY concerts with mega people, and you’re like, “Oh my gosh!” And they would be so into him, the concert was like about him. I think I really saw it when he started playing at the Starwood. It was very evident early on that his talent was huge. So that was kind of special. Randy was never without a guitar; once he got hat guitar in his hand he never left that guitar. He would go play in the shower before he had the right kind of amps and acoustics! He would be in the shower because he thought, “Wow, it sounds so cool in here!” That’s like when he was eight years old, okay, so not when he’s older! He was a talent, [but] it wasn’t just the talent, he was like a package. He was the looks and talent, the passion, the humbleness. He wasn’t the Rock star, [egotistical], druggy, “Well let’s take this for what it’s worth” [type]. He was just a good guy, and I think anyone that really knew him would tell you that. He had this kind of charisma about him that, when you meet him - anybody

Scan the tag to see the full interview

Written By Leja Siv Harju

Photo by Neil Zlozower of Delores Rhoads with Randy’s Guitar

that knows him will know what I’m talking about - it was just this charisma about him.

They loved him, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my little brother. Everybody got it if you knew him or met him.

He was a prankster, he wasn’t perfect. I’m not trying to make him perfect. He was a practical joker [and] had his little moments, but he was a special person and everyone that knew him knew it.

We’re fifteen months apart, so we grew up very, very close - everybody thought we were twins when we were little. My other brother [Kelle] was three years and ten months apart so he was, like, in another world, and he was a drummer. Actually, he’s the one that really got us into the Rock bands. We used to hang out in our garage with the neighbors and would all play and jam. Kelle would be on drums he’s a phenomenal drummer, by the way - and Randy would play. It was just a fun time. That was the 60’s, when we were real young so, [a] really, really special time you look back and you think we should have appreciated those days.

He had a passion for Classical music. I think he would have gone back to UCLA, because that was my father’s and my mother’s alma mater. I think he would have somehow combined Classic Rock and Classical music together and had his own style of music that would have blown everyone out of the water. I really do, because he was a true musician. He was never satisfied.

RNR: Where is the Randy tribute wine available?

KR: Dargenziowine.com. And we are not profiting from the wine; the proceeds from the wine go to the Randy Rhoads Charitable Trust. Anyone is welcome to come to the wine tasting room if you’re in the area, and we would be happy to meet with you.

Cheers to Randy - we love you!

got done. I was there ‘cause I was shooting his guitars for a Japanese magazine.

He didn’t have that many guitars; I think he only had three. He had the black poka dot, the flying V and the Les Paul. So I was there shooting Rudy Sarzo’s basses and his guitars, and I said, “Hey Randy, let me get some shots of you,” and he had his road case there, and I probably only shot him for fifteen minutes. The funny thing is when I look at those photos, I think that same day I was at a DAVID LEE ROTH audition, we get the proof sheet and half’s Randy photos and then the other half is David’s. May have been for a VAN HALEN video, so it was probably 1981. I think it was right around New Year’s time because I did the Randy stuff at four or five in the afternoon. They were playing that night, and I think it was December 31st. Everybody’s like, “Hey Neil, you coming back to the show tonight?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m not coming back here, I don’t want to spend my New Year’s here shooting an OZZY show.” I think I only shot BLACK SABBATH once with Ozzy when LYNYRD SKYNYRD wad opening up for them in 1985. I think they played at the Anaheim Stadium when VAN HALEN opened for them, where VH supposedly jumped out of an airplane and parachuted down, and it wasn’t them but people in the audience were supposed to think that it was real. It was one of their publicity gags.

[Randy and I] sort of have a common bond, even with his family, I love his sister Kathy, and Kelle.

Neil Zlozower Zloz has had the luck and skill to take some of the most iconic images around, it is hard to call yourself a music fan and not have seen his work. Especially when it comes to the most known shots of Randy Rhoades. From the picture of Randy on the label of the Randy Rhoads wine that you just read about with Kathy to other images from the same shoot as our cover image. If a picture is worth a thousand words then the quality of Zloz is off the charts, and with that not being enough to tribute Randy he also shared with us the experiance of getting them. As we sit in his studio office and search though pictures to find the perfect cover!

RNR: What was it like working with Randy Rhoads back in the day?

Zloz: Well I didn’t really do that much with him. In reality I did a QUIET RIOT shoot and then I shot him a couple of times with OZZY, I shot him once back stage at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, and I did that famous shoot backstage at the Sports Arena downtown, and those are really the only shoots that I did with him. He was easy to shoot and a really nice guy. He would always be playing guitar. You could talk to him, be having a conversation and he would be sitting there playing guitar while he looks at you straight in the eye.

RNR: So he wasn’t really camera shy then?

Zloz: Well that wasnt when I was shooting photos of him, that was when I was just talking to him. I would talk to him and he would always be playing. [In] the ones I did at the Sports Arena, I don’t know if he was getting ready for sound check or just

When I first met Randy in 1970, maybe even ‘71, he was in QUIET RIOT. His girlfriend was Jody, my girlfriend’s best friend, so all of a sudden Jody was like, “Here’s my boyfriend Randy,” and nobody knew who Randy was at the time. He was in an unsigned band. I saw Randy play with QUIET RIOT at the Whisky and I didn’t think the band was very good, and everyone was saying that Randy was the new prodigy. Actually, I did shoot Randy again, because they were doing rehearsals for the OZZY tour, where I actually shot VAN HALEN’s second album cover. They were doing rehearsals over at the same place and I went down to shoot Ozzy, and that’s right around when he got kicked out of BLACK SABBATH. Randy must have been playing twenty-five hours a day, seven days a week for four years straight after he left QUIET RIOT! So that’s when I really got to appreciate his guitar playing and everything like that.

[OZZY] with Rudy Sarzo on bass and Tommy Aldridge on drums was a great band. So I did shoot him that time too. But the only offstage season I shot him at was with QUIET RIOT. Scan the tag for more with ZLOZ

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 41

RONNY NORTH is one of the nation’s most gifted guitarists.

He is well traveled, having launched his six-string assault at eardrums all over the world.

Causes are close to North’s heart; over the last several years, he has played at countless charity events and really enjoys leading guitar clinics.

He’s currently chipping away at the followup album to his last one, 2010’s Light. And when he dropped by RNR’s office recently, we learned that North also has more interesting connections to one of the most idolized guitar players of all time than just his December performance at A Celebration of Randy Rhoads.

RNR: How did you get started in music, and what’s your connection to Randy and his family?

RONNY NORTH: I used to be a semi-pro skateboarder. I wanted to be Tony Alva in the worst way!

I got KISS’ Destroyer for Christmas when I was thirteen, and it changed my whole world. My mom bought me a guitar a couple months later, then a year later I was playing the Strip in Hollywood right alongside QUIET RIOT. Then, the year Randy Rhoads passed away, and I was actually asked to audition for OZZY when I was fourteen years old. But they thought I was too young, which I totally was. I keep playing the Strip right through the whole Hair Metal thing, which was awesome. Crazy times. The Hollywood

Ronny North

42 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Strip was awesome at that time. Right alongside POISON and WARRANT, GUNS ‘N’ ROSES... did a couple of high profile auditions, including with OZZY again! They asked me again when they got rid of Jake or whatever. I didn’t get the gig.

Some big, tall guy named Zakk Wylde got it!

RNR: Tell us about the Celebration?

RN: That was amazing! I love playing with Kelle [Rhoads]. I’ve been a Randy Rhoads fan since before he was even in OZZY. He was the first Rock star I ever met in my life, I met him at the Starwood when I was fourteen years old! He was nice, I got to talk to him for a couple minutes. He was all in polka dots! I watched him rise, and all the stuff that happened to him.

Several years ago, I was doing some shows with YNGWIE [MALMSTEEN] and I met Kelle Rhoads at one of the shows. He came up to me after and said he was a fan of mine, and I was just amazed that he even knew who I was!

So we became friends and started doing some ‘tribute’ Randy Rhoads shows together. We went to Japan, and we’ve done

some other things.

RNR: How are people reacting to your last album, and what have your experiences doing live gigs as a solo artist been like?

RN: Instrumental music is such a niche market. When I first started doing it, people were like, “Where’s the singer?”

There’s no singer, this is what I do. But they keep hiring me back, so I guess it’s okay!

Other people seem to enjoy what I do. I’m very, very fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living. For better or worse, it’s all I do! I’m endorsed by fifty-four companies, so I’m very fortunate in that aspect. My shoes, my guitars, my jewelry, my glasses. And it’s all been a heck of a ride!

RNR: What can you reveal about your new album?

RN: It’s gonna be along the same lines [as Light] but it’s another turn. Hopefully not enough of one to alienate anybody!

To see the full interview and song

Written By Leja Siv Harju

Dimebash

Seven years ago on December 8th the rock and roll world lost a great talent .This year once again fans, family, and friends came together to remember and honor the man and legendDimebag Darrell Abbott. Key club in Los Angeles hosted Dimebash on December 14th. The sold out event’s highlights featured performances by Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), David Draiman (Disturbed), Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Rex Brown (ex-Pantera), John 5 (Rob Zombie), Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver, ex-Guns N’ Roses), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), and countless others. All proceeds from the event went to fund the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. written by Sarah Roberts Photos by Chad Lee

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 43

Picture Me Broken What were you doing at age 12?

Riding bikes, stealing your parent’s leftover stash of fireworks, or going to the movies maybe?

Well front-woman/keyboardist Brooklyn Allman and bassist Austin Dunn were starting a rock band. I know what you’re thinking, everyone started a rock band when they were younger, what’s so different about them, right? Well they’ve stayed together, have signed on with major record companies, played the Vans Warped Tour and famous Summerfest Music Festival (the world’s largest music festival) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have opened up for bands; THREE DAYS GRACE,TAPROOT and THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS, among others. Now at age 18, Brooklyn and Dunn have evolved and acquired band mates; Dante Phoenix (guitar), Jimmy Strimpel (guitar) and Connor Lung (drums) . The band is known by many devoted fans and they are barely getting warmed up. I am talking about PICTURE ME BROKEN! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dante, Brooklyn and Jimmy.

I had been stuck in traffic and arrived to RnR Industries office in North Hollywood over an hour late, but I was still greeted with patience by the kind hearts of the band mates and their manager Shelby Blackburn. After the interview, Dante and Jimmy (the newest member of PICTURE ME BROKEN) put on a improve shred session, including new songs from their upcoming record,.They are very ambitious about the new year and I do believe that 2012 will be a big year for PICTURE ME BROKEN, here is what they had to say.

RNR-Where are you from?

PMB-(Brooklyn) We are based out of the bay area, Dante is from Hollywood.

44 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

ing. (Jimmy) I like cooking too.

(Dante) I like eating your cooking. (Brooklyn) We’re sushi enthusiasts’ aren’t we (looking at Dante)? (Dante) That we are, that’s not really a hobby, that’s just sustenance technically, but we consider it a hobby, it’s one of the only things we do on a regular basis.

RNR-Who is your biggest musical influences?

PMB-(Brooklyn) That really varies, I know mine personally has been AFI and Davey Havok (singer of AFI), that’s essentially the band that sparked my interest in darker, cryptic music, and rock n roll. As a band, we are all inspired by Eminem actually.

(Dante) That’s been one of the later ones, we all love Eminem.

There are bands we all agree on, like Muse, Thirty Seconds To Mars. Guns n’ Roses for me, was probably one of the first bands that I loved, just made me wanna do it, inspired me. Jimmy and I are pretty Avenged influenced.

(Jimmy) We like Avenged. As a guitar player, I’ve always liked Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Randy Rhoads, pretty bad ass guys.

(Dante) I just got to see Buckethead not too long ago, and I’ve been really nerding out on him for a long time. (Brooklyn) As far as a direct female vocal influence, I always say Ann Wilson of Heart.

(Dante) It’s all a melting pot you know, if our bass player were here he’d tell you Dubstep, we all

Justin Edward- How did you guys all meet?

PMB-(Brooklyn) The original lineup of Picture Me Broken actually met in third grade, the band started jamming around together in 7th grade, and several evolutions later we became Picture Me Broken. The bass player and myself were still the original members but he (points at Jimmy) was in a local band and we (points at Dante) met through a mutual musician friend.

RNR- If you guys could play any venue in the world, where would you wanna play?

PMB-(Brooklyn) Madison Square Garden! That’s the epitome of success. If you don’t wanna go as far as you possibly can, then why bother.

RNR- What’s the best venue or show that you’ve played up until now?

PMB-(Brooklyn) I know for me, we had the opportunity to play The Fillmore (before they where in the band, in San Francisco.

It was a beautiful venue, with amazing sound, and I look forward to playing there again.

(Jimmy) Summerfest was a lot of fun. (Dante) Summerfest was a great experience. Even though it’s not too exotic or anything, really like The Roxy, just a home kind of thing. I remember the first time I played there, it kind of fulfilled a little kid thing inside DAYZERO hit the stage with of me, like how many bands I power at their Whisky A Go Go respected started out on those show, and kept it coming right to stomping grounds. It’s not the the end. With Matt Lamb on vosame or anything but it’s really cals, Josh Sanderfer on Guitars, cool to get to do that. (Brooklyn) Sterling Peck on bass, and Scott I think every rock band has their MacLaughlin on Drums keeping go to spot on Sunset Strip, and the rhythm strong! You can catch ours is definitely The Roxy. watch as Mike Metzger jumps RNR-Other than music, what over them as they play at the Toyare some hobbies you do in your ota Grand Prix. And riding with spare time? the Ghost Riders, you also may PMB-(Brooklyn) I used to be an have caught them on the RNR athlete; I was a swimmer and a Jukebox in the last issue, which water polo player. I like cook- can still be seen on our website!

Dayzero

listen to different stuff.

RNR- I hear you have a record coming out and you were just signed, can you tell us a little about that and what the record will be called and when it’s supposed to be out?

PMB-(Brooklyn) We just signed to Standby Records, it’s an Indie deal, and we are writing our sophomore album. We had our album, Wide Awake, with distribution through Megaforce, but this is our first big step, I consider this more of a debut album. This is who we are now; we’re pretty much a different band. We were just kinda playing around with the Warped Tour scene in the previous album, and I think we’re more mature song writers now, and we’re actually establishing the sound that we wanna be conveyed as Picture Me Broken.

That’s going to be coming out this Spring.

To watch the full interview

This is Justin Edward saying, thanks for reading and remember, “Rock all night, Sleep all day.”\m/

Or hit DAYZERO up on Facebook.com/dayzeronation. Back stage we spoke with them and the Ghost Riders about their road down Rock N Roll boulevard, and what it may bring them. Currently, the guys are in studio working on their new album, much to the delight of their strong following.

Onstage they deliver an energetic show, and their dedicated fans always respond enthusiastically to Matt, and it’s one of those crowds that is both fun to watch and to be in.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 45

TRIED AND TRUE When Rock N Roll Industries

Magazine met GREAT WHITE for our interview, they were preparing to take the stage – together, and performing covers in ensembles – at United Rockers 4U. The star-studded evening of music at the Hard Rock Hollywood was a benefit for victims of last year’s tsunami in Japan. There were a ton of recognizable faces on- and offstage, but RNR came to speak to one group in particular that has a very unique history.

In 2008, GREAT WHITE celebrated a milestone that most bands never will – the thirtieth anniversary of their career. Since their start in the late 70’s, they have released eleven full-length studio albums.

Although life has largely been good to the band, the ride hasn’t always been smooth.

What’s in the cards for GREAT WHITE this New Year?

hooked ever since saw the movie Help! like fifty times because I liked Ringo Starr.

Scotty Snyder (bass): Once I heard DEEP PURPLE I knew what I had to do, and 70’s Rock is pretty much what got me into this. I’m glad to be here having a great time with these guys.

The reason I got into GREAT WHITE was because my cousin started dating the drummer of the band.

Great White

actually sent him daily prayers, and we talked a lot on the phone about our walks and RNR: So you guys started in sobriety and stuff like that it. It ‘78, how has the band grown was our manager’s idea to bring and changed since then as far as members and your direction him to fill in as our singer. Our singer was sick, and [Jani] was creatively? completely professional. He Mark: When we first got was totally prepared, and his together [it was in the] young performances were great. I’ve stage of our writing, so our never known his other side - his influences really weren’t showing up until later stages of alcoholic side, so I don’t know if our writing. As far as our line up, he was a Jeckyll & Hyde kind of guy. But I knew him as just a what seemed to change more sweet man, he had his wife out than anything else is bass with him to support of him, and I players. For some reason, we RNR: How did each of you seem to have the revolving door guess my opinion of him was come to this point today? of bass players. The joke is that that he was lonely, and that’s Mark Kendall (guitar): I started when his demons hit, on his they’re two strings short - in playing guitar as a young boy Scotty’s case, it’s only one - but down time. But when he was and got to the point where I just we have pretty much kept it the busy it was a little easier for didn’t want to put it down. I him... It’s always a shame to same over the years. Most of come from a musical backlose somebody. these guys have been in the ground and there was always I wanted people to know at his band for twenty-five years, but music around our house, and memorial that he wanted to be with the music, we’re always that’s what made me play. sober more than anything. He trying to get better. I just know Michael Lardie (keyboards, loved being sober. I was at an that in about the mid 80’s, we guitar): I actually met these airport on the road and he was started to fall into a more guys in a studio in Redondo sitting out with his wife, and the comfortable place with our Beach when they came in for sun was shining down, he was music. I know that my Blues their first full length album for looking good, and the fans were influence started to show up in EMI. I struck up a very quick saying they haven’t heard him the music more, as opposed to friendship with Mark and found sing that good in twenty years. I our first album where we were out that we had a love for go, “Dude, look - the sun is pretty much Heavy Metal, and JOHNNY WINTER and ZZ TOP we ran around stage like the shining, you’re sober, it’s a and bands like that; DEEP beautiful day. How can it get first band on the sun. That’s PURPLE, and we just started better?” And he goes, “Dude, I what I’ve really noticed about jamming together. Before I love this.” It kind of shocked me the band evolving, and everyknew it I was in the band. It was body’s influence is how quickly it happened, how very organic, but it was very really starting to show up. When fragile we are. You can just go cool. on one bender and you never you all get together and write, Audie Desbrow (drums): I pretty you get some of those elements know if it’s going to be your last much started playing when I one. You know, that’s the scary but they’re all put together. was a kid. My parents took me thing about addiction. You never That’s kind of what makes it a to San Pedro to this place know when the fatal dose is band. called Ports O’Call, and there coming. I thank God I’m sober was this band outside on the every day. I just live that way, RNR: For a time, the late Jani sidewalk, and I saw this drum but I always make myself Lane of WARRANT was your set, available for struggling alcoholsinger. What was it like to work and this guy playing it and I just with him, what kind of person ics or addicts to be a sober went, “Wow.” I wanted to be that was he to be with? friend and supportive. guy. And then, of course, my Mark: I was working very mom turned me on to all THE RNR: I have heard that there is closely with him as far as his BEATLES albums, and I was an interesting story behind the sobriety and stuff, because I 46 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

band name. How did you guys become GREAT WHITE? Michael: To my recollection, the band started off with the name “Dante Fox”. That was through the years of ‘79-’81 when they were beginning to be managed by a guy named Alan Newman.

He told me this story – he was driving down Sunset and was parking his car, and Kendall happened to be walking down the street and some guy yelled out of his car, “Hey, it’s the GREAT WHITE!” because that’s the nickname that he used to have for his super-white hair.

The manager wasn’t really down with the name of “Dante Fox” and thought that GREAT WHITE would be a lot better.

Mark: He liked everything about the band but our name, and we go, “But we’re going to lose our following!” and he’s like, “Well, don’t worry about those seventy people!” At first we didn’t even have this shark image contracted to the name, so we really didn’t like it and just thought that these are some of the compromises that you have to make to play with the big boys or what ever, but once we thought of the shark image thing we thought that it was okay.

RNR: So it was 2007 when you guys got back together at a studio called Sound-Tech. Tell us a little about the reunion?

Michael: Well we had all gone to a birthday party, and were all actually in the same room for the first time in about five years, and kind of looked at each other and went, “Hey man! Yeah, okay, we’re cool.” We started talking and telling stories about how things were back in the 80’s and the 90’s. We just had this idea and the party went well. Everybody felt pretty good about that.

Then we decided to do a reformation gig at the Key Club at the end of January in ‘07, but in the two weeks prior to that, we were at Sound-Tech Studio.

Audie: We rehearsed at [the] studio. I was kind of nervous at first... it had been so long. But

for GREAT WHITE? Mark: Tonight we are going to play a few songs. It won’t be a full set because there are so many bands playing, but there are going to be a lot of jams. As a band we’re going to play four songs. It’s going to be a great night. We got lots of shows next year, as far as the rest of the year it’s just about winding down and family time.

it was cool, it was a lot of fun.

[Scotty] wasn’t there.

RNR: Everyone can check you out where?

Michael: The first night we’re coming back in New Mexico, it’s between right now and the first part of March that you’re really getting the sense of what your year’s looking like, so we have dates confirmed at the Wisconsin State fair, we got casinos down in Florida we’re going to be doing, we may even do some motorcycle rallies because GREAT WHITE does really good with motorcycle rallies.

Mark: Got to break out a SKYNYRD song though! “Free Bird”, man.

RNR: Have you guys thought about doing a DVD that goes back in time, or a new DVD to show your music?

Michael: Yeah, we have talked about that. A live DVD. There are so many bootlegs out there that we don’t endorse.

RNR: Tell us a little bit about this benefit concert for Japan?

Terry Ilous (vocals): It all started about eight months ago when I was watching T.V. and they had the Japan disaster [on the news]. When I talked to [songwriter] Jeff Paris, I said, “Maybe we should do something about it,” he said, “What can we do... we could do a song?” We did that, and we got a lot of great players. And here we are today. The song’s out and it’s called “One Family”. It’s a beautiful track.

RNR: What can we look forward to in the upcoming year

RNR: Scotty’s a tattoo artist.

Tell us a little about your shop?

Scotty: I do have a shop in Riverside called Ground Zero, soon to be called Rock Me Tattoo, and I’m looking forward to getting that place going. It’s a lot of fun, I love doing ink and music at the same time.

So, having a good life, I should say.

You can also check out his artwork in this magazine, so look out for it! For more on GREAT WHITE, visit www. greatwhiterocks. com.

CHOPS

long since our promoter’s family owns a steakhouse; Hallefucking-lujah! The bonus that I didn’t expect was a grilled Provolone and Chimichurri How cool is it to be able to do the things you love for a living? appetizer served with a crusty baguette. When I tasted this Fortunately, I’m one of those incredible, smoky goodness, I people. I started playing and touring the world with my friends felt like I could hit the Rob’s last Lizzy Borden back in ’83, seg- scream on Green Manalishi!

Obviously being a sous chef ueing to jamming with former in my other life I’ve heard of all Lizzy guitarist Joe Holmes in Terriff and now currently having these things but was taken with the honor to play with the Metal the grilled provolone. Being a skim milk cheese, it lends itself God himself, Rob Halford in well to heat; in other words if HALFORD and my Alternative you put it on the grill, it won’t troubadour brothers, Dramarama. I also have the pleasure melt right away and fall through of being a sous chef at the 700 the grates. Seasoned with dry oregano, dry basil and olive seat FrontRunner restaurant oil, this truly a simple treat with at Santa Anita Race Park in complex flavors – salud amigos!

Arcadia Ca. Good work if you can get it!

At the Frontrunner, I took and ran with these ideas and came Being able to travel and have up with my own dish, incorporata passion for food as I do, ing all these incredible ingredienables me not to only play ents. the fuck out of my bass but also sample the unique and exclusive cuisine the road has Grilled Argentine Chimichurri Steak Chimichurri to offer. From my backyard of Los Angeles CA, to impeccable Combine (all fresh herbs) Italian Osaka Japan, the heights of Cusco Peru, north-bound to my parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, hockey-loving pals in Winnipeg olive oil, lemon juice, red flakes and salt/pepper. Marinate steak Manitoba and to the coasts of Chile, I’ve tasted and cherished with the Chimichurri for about the finest the world has to offer, an hour--reserve about an ounce of the mixture to sauce at I am truly blessed. the end. I use a Flat Iron steak So much to talk about, so little but can easily be used with your favorite cut of beef. time; I guess I’ll start with two stand-out dishes for me on the latest 2010 tour with HALFORD. Twice-Cooked Fried Potatoes We began in San Francisco CA Bake a Yukon Gold potato and and then proceeded to Montreal, Canada. San Francisco is let cool. Cut into quarters and a column of its own, so I’ll save then coat with seasoned flour (I use salt/pepper, granulated that for a later piece and start with, “ Poutine.” Everyone who garlic and paprika. Then fry to a golden brown and drain on loves chili fries should have paper towels.

Poutin-- French fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. OrigiGrilled Provolone nated in Quebec, Poutine has been a staple of Canada for years--chili cheese fries, great Cut Provolone into half-inch circles and lightly coat with dry white north style--an excellent with a cold Molson or any other oregano, basil, salt/pepper and olive oil then grill very quickly; cold beer for that matter. just enough to achieve grill marks on both sides.

I’m going to spend the rest of this article to talk about South America, specifically, Buenos Aires, Argentina. All I can think of was kicking the shit out of our set and drinking some Argentinean red wine and eating some meat. Since we had two shows there, I had a little more time to find the goods. Fortunately, I didn’t have to look for very

By Mike Davis Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 47

Peace, Love and Rock N Roll! Hippiefest 2011 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on a cool California summer’s night was one of the best shows I have ever been to. I have never been much into the hippie genre of music, and I thought there was no way I was someone who could attend and be able to have the experience that it is meant to give.

knows the song “Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo?” I remembered hearing the song on the movie “Dazed and Confused,” as a teenager.

We were all on our feet, singing and dancing. Rick then ended with great

But I have a passion for music, like so many others, where music can give an experience which creates the most amazing feelings and clarity of integrity.

My preferred listening is at live performances. Growing up with my best girl friend and significant other being hippies, I was told this would be a great show and that it didn’t matter if I didn’t know anything. I quickly thought of my man putting on his brightly colored tiedyed GRATEFUL DEAD shirt to go to Home Depot, and I cried, “No…Oh please no! We are about to have the Hippiefest experience!”

All of a sudden I felt a large gulp. I felt ashamed. How will I ever be able to write about the music? I soon found out many friends started singing the classic hits and I knew of a few songs.

After two deliveries, I was leaving Corona for a 55 mile drive to Los Angeles at 6:30pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. I had learned from coworkers that the men at the show were amazing artists who are legends. I was excited that the drive was smooth, no traffic, no wrong turns and we arrived in the pleasant hills of Los Angeles. I noticed that no matter where I turned smiles were everywhere. There is the man who wrote…. “Sloopy!” Rick Derringer! Suddenly I was in it! Here comes the chorus “Hang on Sloopy…

Sloopy hang on!” Wow! Everyone was singing and Rick shared news that he was about to sing the chorus that was cut from the song he had written. Sloopy in a red dress! Rick nailed it and I am forever a fan. I grew up in the 90’s and as a teenager I fought my Dad every step on what music was cool. Rick had a surprise for the fans.

Gary Wright then appears to rock the show with a bright red piano guitar. Who 48 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

words, “Keep on rockin.”

Within a matter of a few minutes Gary Wright was on stage ready to go. I must say that I was impressed with the respect that there was no 30 minute delay between artists to set up for their very own equipment.

I instantly knew these were Rock legends walking on stage. I had learned earlier in the day that Gary sings the song “Dreamweaver.” I endure the song.

Dreamweaver stands for peace.

Gary shared with us that George Harrison had advised a trip to In-

dia and had given Gary a book by Paramahansa Yogananda. Hippiefest truly reached my soul with peace when Gary shared his experience of his creation of the song and the inspirational thanks of being blessed by God when he wrote and with his voice only Gary can sing that song. We’ll see if anyone on American Idol can perform and take one of the most beautiful songs of our history.

The song describes Hippie beliefs of peace and love which to some may also be described as God….Now it’s time to get ready for Rick Derringer to join Gary on stage with “Love is alive,” fans danced in the aisles. Happy faces everywhere! The crowd was succumbed with feelings of letting go and dancing toward happiness where all negativity has left us all in the moment.

Next up is the amazing Mark Farner from GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. Mark came rocking out with his maroon red guitar bearing a cross on it playing Locomotion. I then was amazed by his performance of “Closer to Home.” I watched another performance of this same song recorded many years ago.

Mark dedicated the song to our troops and to the Vietnam Vets. I realize now that this music is from the 1960’s and when you really listen to the music and what peace and love is, this is very much music for the 2010’s. Half a century later we have yet another war whom some wonder why we are still fighting. There were piano slaps and dancing clear from one side of the stage to the other. Now

I have been going to concerts a long time and I have seen much younger, much easier music and not as much energy as Mark!

Mark’s ending was classic.. God Bless what’s left of America!

Closing performance was Dave Mason.

Dave opened with the song “Let it go, Let it flow,” and there was an overwhelming feeling of all the worry and stress was rising up and leaving a feeling of relaxation and peace of the fact that we have our storms and we’re moving past them every day so why worry. And we can’t forget the loving sound of an electric piano. Is it possible

Dave Mason invented the growl? He performed an amazing guitar solo while playing “All Along the Watchtower.” And the drummer was amazing where I haven’t had a drum solo get my hands and shoulders in rhythm for years. Dave brought the whole gang out and his sister to perform and leave us with “Feelin Alright,” the fans were completely satisfied with what I believe is the meaning of the Hippiefest… Peace, Love & Rock N Roll.

In closing I must say that I enjoyed the Hippiefest and will forever follow the tour. As I walked back to my car I saw groups chatting, drumming on buckets and a man & woman eating top ramen they just cooked in their VW Bus. There is no possible way to leave the Hippiefest without that positive energy of Love and Peace flowing through your veins and the lasting memory of the sounds every time you hear a song by Rick, Gary, Mark and Dave or any performer who has been here fighting to make the world a better place and to bring each other up.

The Hippiefest 2011 Lineup: Frank Cavaliere’s Rascals Rick Derringer Gary Wright Mark Farner Dave Mason

Written By: Catherine DeLuca Photos By: Alex Kluft

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 49

this book 20yrs ago, it would have saved me so much time.

I think it’s safe to say that most people perceive bartending as a “fun” or even “cool” job. For the most part, it is. However, as with most professions, it does have its downsides. Frequently, there is at least one customer that makes me think that if everyone spent some time working behind a bar the whole experience would be better for bartenders and bar hoppers alike. I’d like to take this opportunity to put you into the mind of a bartender.

A bar is often the choice for birthday celebrations.

Some establishments do give their bartenders comps, some don’t.

For those that don’t, honest bartenders will supply you that celebratory cocktail out of pocket.

If that is the case, you’re more inclined to get that drink if you don’t straight up demand it on approach. In addition, it’s very “un” rock star behavior. Being with a great group of friends that keep you in cocktails through the whole celebration…that is very rock star!

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me to “hook up” their drink, or make it “extra” strong, I’d have an ocean front home by now. Hard economic times have taken an extreme toll on the bar business in recent years and I have noticed the use of jiggers (a measuring device used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces) has become more prevalent. Many establishments, including mine, are eliminating the “free pour” in exchange for the more precise option in order to prevent over pouring and keep costs down.

Let me just point out that NO bartender likes to use jiggers. If your bartender is using one, it’s because they have no choice.

Therefore, if you want an extra strong drink, order a double.

Also, let me take this time to dispel some common myths. Ordering a drink in a bigger glass doesn’t mean more booze, it means more mixers and more ice. Ordering easy ice, again, doesn’t mean more booze.

count on every weekend, I am going to be slammed. I don’t mind. I tend to thrive under these conditions. What I do mind is how completely oblivious people are to this. Here are the dos and don’ts when dealing with a slammed bartender: DO have your entire order ready when approached. If you can’t order, we can’t serve you. DON’T wait to ask your 4 friends what they want as the bartender stands in front of you, and DON’T order 5 drinks one at a time. A good bartender will make all five drinks at once, and does not want to make 5 trips to complete your order. This is what my co-workers and I refer to as “time suckers.” DO have your form of payment ready. DON’T wait till the drinks are in front of you to fumble through your wallet/purse/ pockets…again “time suckers.”

DO wait patiently. DON’T just scream out your order without being acknowledged by the bartender. Whistling, snapping your fingers and pounding on the bar are also ineffective ways of getting your bartender’s attention.

The patient customer will be the first to be approached. Another “time sucker” that will drive a busy bartender crazy is what I refer to as 20 questions. Yes, we will absolutely answer a quick question but please don’t make us run down the ingredients of 6 different cocktails or ask us how much everything costs.

When bartenders have the time to chat, we absolutely will. It’s part of our job. However, when your favorite bartender is “in the weeds,” please DON’T take offense to the absence of small talk. Getting drinks across the bar is priority number one. DO come back on a slower weeknight when your bartender has more time to catch up with you, or answer your 20 questions.

Believe me when I say that following these simple guidelines will make for the best possible experience. What it all boils down to is without you we don’t get paid. Without us, you don’t get a drink. As always, have fun and drink safe.

As a whole, I think most bar goers, on their nights out, prefer For questions, comments or to be in a busy bar with lots of future topic ideas contact me at people. There’s one thing I can intoxicologist@rocknrollindustries.com 50 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

First of all let me start by saying that this is the only official book review I’ve ever been asked to do. I actually don’t like critics that much and probably shouldn’t be reviewing this book as a critic but more such as a colleague. You see I’ve known the author for almost 20yrs and he is partly responsible for my success as an audio engineer in Los Angeles. I first met Rob Gainey when I was working at a small nightclub in the west San Fernando Valley and it was he who gave me an opportunity to succeed at a very well known nightclub in Hollywood, for which I am forever grateful.

I couldn’t think of a better person to review this book as I am a working musician and I am currently an instructor at the Musician’s Institute College of Contemporary Music where I teach Intro to Live Sound, Live Sound Essentials and Monitor Set Up and Operation plus I am also the Head Sound Technician at the HardRock Café in Hollywood. I am literally using techniques found throughout this guide on a daily basis, it’s actually pretty ironic that I stumbled upon this assignment as I’ve been looking for a textbook to refer to many aspiring student/musician/ engineers that I encounter regularly and this book fits the bill perfectly.

The book is broken down into easy to read chapters with excellent diagrams that make easy understanding of some very complex principles and theories. There is no subject matter concerning Live Sound that is not covered in this book, it’s got all the important information that every musician/ engineer should have at their disposal from proper microphone techniques for micing electric to acoustic instruments, drum sets, woodwind instruments to keyboards and pianos. The section for vocalists is especially helpful for anyone wanting to learn proper microphone technique and tips for success.

There is a section dedicated to amplifiers which answers a lot of the questions we all ask when were getting started, specifically about volume issues. If you have any questions about effect processors and how to use them correctly, Rob answers all those questions in that section. The chapter dedicated to setting up is particularly useful for those of use that want to get the most out of our gear and the best sound on the stage while still maintaining the bands sound integrity.

The chapter regarding monitor systems is extremely useful to anyone that wants to get stage sound and it can answer a lot of those questions about how to set up your system properly.

The chapter on sound-checking is essential to any musician or engineer that wants consistent success and a positive experience regardless of which side of the stage you’re on.

There is a chapter called making it work that actually tells you how to deal with technical personalities like stage managers, and sound engineers which I think every musician and artist should read if not be In particular the biggest asset required to read before they ever is the participation of real set foot on my stage. musicians currently working If I had to pick a book that throughout the business. It really covered all the subjects in Live gives the reader an accurate Sound from both a musician’s perspective that actually can be perspective and a sound perceived in the real world. It’s engineer, “Rockin’ your Stage like asking the artist for yourself, Sound” by Rob Gainey would be he’s done the hard work for you the definitive text, faders down. and its all here. Rob ask’s the important questions and the artist’s answers are right there William “Billy” Thornton for you to explore. If I only had

to and admire!

Ben: So we will be writing a lot.

Garrett: And we’re expecting the album to be out by that time.

RNR: Who inspires you, personally?

Garrett: JIMI HENDRIX. I love his music and his guitar playing, and just his whole persona. Huge TOM PETTY fan.

Ben: When I was getting into drumming I really liked Neil Peart. I remember the first time I heard him play. I went though the RUSH stage and I think most drummers do. Now I’m into Abe Laboriel, Jr. He is so RNR: How has it been re- great... And also, Matt Cameron, the drumcording your debut album mer from PEARL JAM. If you survey the horizon of the Los Angeles with Robert Deleo from STONE TEMPLE Kevin: Paul McCartney. For him to play that PILOTS’ insights at hand? stuff and to sing at the same time, and to music scene in depth, you can’t help but Garrett: Robert’s been a great asset to us, write awesome bass lines and melodies... I notice the ever-growing number of young and just a really good friend and mentor. He just admire him. bands are appearing on the calendars wants to produce our EP and we’re really of some of Southern California’s hottest venues. In many cases, the band members happy about that! So we have been kind of RNR: How would you describe your going back and forth with all the songs and sound to people that haven’t heard you aren’t even old enough to enjoy their free demos that we have been doing, we send yet? drink vouchers! them to him and he gives us his feedback, Garrett: We always get stumped on that and eventually I think we are going to reone.

Guitarist and singer Garrett (18), basscord the EP out of his home studio.

Ben: I would say we used to sound like ist Kevin (16), and drummer Benjamin WOLFMOTHER but (18), A.K.A. JET STREAM, haven’t even RNR: Speaking of STP, you guys have not now, I would say completed their debut album and they’ve opened for them before, and I think you you have to listen. already got some impressive supporting gigs under their collective belt... and one of said before the interview that you were planning to do so again pretty soon...? their idols is making sure their first studio Garrett: Yeah, we played with them over Scan the tag to see the venture’s one to remember. Rock N Roll the summer It was our first touring experifull interview Industries Magazine interviewed the trio ence and we learned a lot. We just feel three weeks before their New Year’s Day gig at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. So really lucky to have that as our first touring www.facebook.com/ memory, with a band that we really look up jetstreamrocks

jet stream

Photo By Neil Zlozower

what will 2012 usher in for the boys?

RNR: How did JET STREAM come to be?

Garrett: We have been together about four years now. We met at a music school called Rock Nation.

Up until that point I had been playing guitar for a few years, would write my own songs periodically, then we got in this band.

RNR: DAYLIGHT ECHO have been in the studio recording for the past several days.

What can you tell us about that?

Alexis: We’re really excited about the finished product. The songs are going to be a little bit redone a little bit faster a little bit upbeat, but it’s still going to have that same feel.

where do you see yourselves in a year as a band?

Alexis: I think we will be playing shows and signed.

RNR: Where are you guys all from, did you grow up locally in California?

Alexis: I was raised in England, but I have been in California for the past four years.

Megan: I’ve always been in California.

Max: I was born in Florida, then we moved to New York, then we moved to California RNR: How did you start play- Jared: I’m from California. ing your instrument and how long have you been playing? RNR: So you guys have pretty different histories behind you - who are some of Alexis: I’ve always sang. I’ve your inspirations, favorite musicians, had some training, but for awhile it was just me and I just favorite music?

Jared: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, LED loved it so much when I was little. I wrote a song when I was ZEPPELIN and all those kinds of bands from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. That’s all of six. us!

Megan: I started playing bass like a year Rock N Roll Industries Magazine caught Alexis: If we’re talking about the band’s ago. It was drums and guitar for awhile, up with DAYLIGHT ECHO to discuss their then I got asked to join the band with these inspiration, it’s modern Rock, like THE recent trip to the studio to work on their first guys so I just picked up the bass.

BLACK KEYS, TWO DOOR CINEMA album.

Max: I’ve been playing drums for probably CLUB... a nod to the classics. five years and the reason that I’m playing Before any of them have blown out their drums is because my cousin has a band. fifteen candles, they have all mastered their Jared: I have been playing guitar for six respective instrument ( and many of them years, and then I also play bass and keyplay multiple!) and started making their board. name on the Hollywood scene. Here’s what bassist Megan (12), singer Alexis (13), and RNR: Since you guys are so young, www.facebook.com/daylightecho guitarist Jared (14) told us.

Daylight Echo

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 51

“The Berserkers... an essay.”

by R.W. Colquitt

Odin’s elite warriors, the Berserkers, were Norsemen who wore shirts or coats made from animal pelts such as the bear and wolf.

They were known for their ability referred to as “berserkergang”. Prior to battle engagements, and before extreme tasks, they would invoke a trancelike focus of energy to achieve strength beyond mortal capacities.

Zakk Wylde and his top notch Doom Crew resemble these remarks all too well. From the leather clad family of Berserkers fueling the unyielding unstoppable force that is Black Label Society, right down to when that focused energy is gathered, and the Doom Crew rolls on the stage. The Black Label stage colors fall, and the Berserkers are in full effect.

People of (S) trength.

(D) etermined to be (M)erciless.

Beyond (F)orever. SDMF… first acronym of this lesson.

Shakespeare once wrote, “To be… or not to be…? That is the question.” A Berserker will tell you there is no question at hand. This isn’t about following a band around, or about worship of idols. Berserkers refuse to bow down. It’s about SDMF… GIFD… and TBLO. To the diehard, it is a way of life, and as the bylaws state, “Suicide is not an option.” The GIFD 52 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

mindset is represented by the patch on the right front center of a Berserker’s vest. (G)et’n (I)t (F)ucking (D)one… or (G)et (I)t (F) ucking (D)one, whichever applies best to the situation, both have nothing to do with surrender or retreat, and there is no quit button to be found. It’s existence where GIFD is the agenda.

Strength and honor for what you believe in your heart are shown by holding the line at all cost, and any objective set before you is there to be conquered.

There is no pardon for the language here. Primarily, this is to explain basic Berserker lore… thus ‘tis elemental. Secondly, as the bylaws state, “Complaint department: closed.” So, just read on ‘n GIFD. Acronyms… indeed.

You can wear the gear like any other wardrobe accessory if ya’ dig the music, but (T)he (B)lack (L)abel (O)rder comprises a group of people vastly different than fanbases from other bands.

When you wear the Black Label colors you’re part of the Family. Hands down… no band I have ever witnessed has fans like the TBLO Family. Being a Berserker is much more than music or apparel to those livin’ and bleed’n this stuff. The Berserker mindset is not role played, and is not just worn.

Colors don’t get washed when dirty like ordi-

nary shirts f r o m other band’s merch lines, and brighty whiteys don’t stay that way long bleed’n Black Label. Road dirt shows mileage, and is to be carried forward. Unlike that of a uniform worn to a part time job, or a costume change for an actor, when you put ‘em on the hanger, and head about your day addressing whatever tasks at hand, the colors are still upon you. The mindset remains solid. Many fans sport t-shirts of their favorite band, but flying the TBLO colors is an entirely different shade o’ warhorse. The Black Label Order is a family thing. It takes the word ‘fan’ out of the equation, and it puts ‘family’ behind it. When you wear TBLO colors… the bylaws kick in. “Respect is to be shown to all Society dwellers worldwide.” That’s the way TBLO rolls. Acronyms and bylaws. Three of each thus far. Let’s continue.

“Live life stronger than death”, “Refuse to lose”, and “Colors are to be worn at all Black Label Society shows and events.” Three more.

ment like a Panzer tank division.

The Doom Crew does it with precision relentlessly. With every mountain, and with every mile… every drop of blood, sweat, and doom that is vested… the family bond is strengthened. As a result, The Black Label Order grows with each event. More and more l’il berserkers are following their parent’s footsteps, and being brought into the tribe to wear the colors. Traditions in the making for certain. Forged from the metal of The Black Label Order.

Straight up… I’m no jet setter. I don’t work for the band, and this essay is not about me per se. What I am is a Berserker sharing how acronyms and bylaws have indeed supported my endeavors from the Ozark hills… across the Great Divide... to the edges of the Grand Canyon. To the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and all points in between.

Through the badlands of the deserts in the west, as well as on icy paths through seemingly endless blizzards. I support my quests in life with the GIFD mindset of a Berserker. With every possible opportunity... I have carried the colors, and made myself present and accounted for. Countless miles I’ve navigated missions along the warpath in the wake of the Doom Crew vessels. Let me tell you about rolling hard ‘n heavy mercilessly pounding the pave-

We have now discussed origin, foundation, a bit of terminology, as well as my hypothesis on what drives Berserkers like myself worldwide. There simply can’t be a feast without a founder though.

Guitar hero destined to be legend. Songwriter of epic proportions. A man seemingly forged from the metal of Thor’s hammer itself. Zakk Wylde, has inspired people from all walks of life young and old alike. Coast to coast. North to south. The compass points have been covered in fine order across the nation. Across the globe as well, Berserkers worldwide have carried Black Label colors proudly, because of this man and his music. It all boils down to one man and his guitar, but this isn’t just about music or going to shows anymore. Through the battlefields overseas, and crime infested ghettos across the lands, military and law enforcement both have met many a day with the GIFD agenda just like the Berserkers of old.

Whatever the lot in life… no matter the cards dealt… this is a lifestyle for people of all stations and walks of life who strive daily to GIFD. Scops and skalds alike… bards ye old and the new… will resound words in the ballads and battle

hymns for generations to come. Enkindled are the hearts and minds of countless people in countless ways. Music in effect… changes the world most definitely.

If you think this all sounds pretty serious… and wondering when the fun begins. Then you should most certainly attend a TBLO Family Mass, where there are always good times to be had for sure. Not to mention Black Label Comedy Hour… where the skit o’ the day is never the same and is always shot in SDMF hi-definition Black & White.

Attending a Black Label Society show is a fine place to start . Watching the Crazy Horse stomp out from behind the stagedrop, and commence to GIFD is a must see. Combine all this, and it will provide the precise data needed to show you what is ‘entertaining’ about this ‘act’. If wearing colors and being a BERSERKER seems hardcore… it’s because it is.

Though do not fear that which you do not understand.

There is only w h a t we do in this world.

M y a d vice t o you is simply… GIFD. Support your local TBLO chapter today.

SDMF. Respectfully submitted, Cap’n Ron, of the Bulldozur vessel Live Shots by Leah Burlington Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 53

photo by Roberto Pamucci

Archer

At first listen, ARCHER sound like a blast from the past. But that should come as no surprise after glancing over the band’s list of influences, which includes BLACK SABBATH, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, GUNS ‘N’ ROSES, and LED ZEPPELIN. ARCHER’s no trio of retro wannabes, though; they’re simply fusing elements of yore with their own brand of Rock - without “guyliner”, masks, ties, and silly matching stage getups. In other words, these guys are all about the music.

The band, who have trekked down to L.A. from their hometown of Santa Cruz to do a show, are looking forward to the release of their official debut album, Who’s Gonna Save You Now? Frontman and guitarist Dylan Rosenberg, who is both a founding member and the main driver of ARCHER’s artistic output, has also scored another huge gig as the recording and live lead guitarist for American Idol rocker JAMES DURBIN, who is also Rosenberg’s longtime friend.

54 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

DYLAN: Yeah, it was like Rounding out the a festival lineup are bassist stage thing, so that was really Dave DeSilva and drum- cool. mer Ferret, the latter FERRET: My favorite was of which had never Switzerland, this small club in toured with a band Switzerland. I really like the before ARCHER smaller venues where you can hit the road get really intimate with the crowd over the and fans. We had a blast, it was summer awesome. with none other than BLACK LABEL RNR: Was it in Switzerland SOCIETY. that your bus broke down, and what happened with that?

DYLAN: Actually, BLACK LABEL’s ROCK N ROLL bus broke down.

INDUSAnd we didn’t know TRIES if the show was gonna go on, because all of a sudden the headliners dropped out.

So we talked to the promoter, and he said, “Well do you guys MAG- just wanna play anyways?” So AZINE: we ended up doing the show by I spoke ourselves that night. It actually to you guys turned out to be a successful before for Hails- gig!

Webzine.com. But FERRET: When we hit the stage that was before your for that show, there were maybe second successful twenty people out in the front European tour in and we decided we were just support of BLS. So of course, gonna [give it a] go. And we had a bunch of new developments two encores, we had four hunhave come your way since dred people that were just going then. And how was it? absolutely nuts! It was really DYLAN ROSENBERG: It was kinda powerful to see, ‘cause we the first tour with [our] new line- were the only band playing. up. And having gone on the road DYLAN: It kinda validates you with Zakk previously, I knew it when you can convert people was going to be a good enviwho’ve never heard you before ronment because genre-wise over the course of an hour, or it fits really well, and BLACK however long you’re playing.

LABEL’s camp has always been DAVE: People that were probreally supportive and helpful with ably disappointed because the ARCHER, so it was awesome. band they came to see wasn’t The European fanbase is great, there. And they still enjoyed it. they love Heavy Metal, and we DYLAN: It’s one of those chalhad a blast! lenges that you like to accept, doing these things that you didn’t foresee. It was good!

RNR: What was one of the best stops along the way?

DYLAN: The best crowd is in RNR: Last time I spoke to you Poland. Surprisingly enough, guys, we were talking about they were just rabid. I mean, your forthcoming album, they’d never heard of us before Who’s Gonna Save You Now? Is and all of a sudden you got a that available yet? couple thousand people just go- DYLAN: It’s about to be reing nuts, and I guess leased online on ArcherNation. they’re really passionate about com, and iTunes, and all that the live music and this genre. stuff. And then we’ll be making DAVE DESILVA: I would say duplications of all the hard copy Rome was like the biggest CD’s. crowd and it was one of the DAVE: The artwork’s getting coolest ambiance venues. finalized and it’s right around the

corner. We’re excited about the new direction.

DYLAN: Dave signed on a couple of years ago, Ferret’s been [in ARCHER for] just about a year, so it’s really cool to make a new record and hit the reset button and say, “Okay, this is where ARCHER is now versus two years ago.”

RNR: And you’d been through a couple of lineup changes before this as well.

DYLAN: One old drummer and one old bassist, yeah. It’s good to give people a fresh take on what the band’s about now, and obviously, just as we are as humans, it’s good to see the band evolve. I mean, you aim to get better.

DAVE: As we all come from different musical backgrounds than the original lineup, we think that that brings a new element to the music.

DYLAN: Yeah, it’s a little more diversified.

RNR: And then, of course, the process itself is a little different because, if I’m correct, one of your early demos called Doomsday Profits, was recorded reel – to –reel.

What was that process like as opposed to recording this latest?

DYLAN: It was quite a bit different. The reason we did reel-to-reel in the first place is because the producer on our first record, Sam Taylor, is real old school. He’s worked with ZZ TOP, KING’S X, and guys like that – he had his studio and we actually drove out there on tour, right outside of Dallas, and so, we made the record within… I dunno, maybe ten days. And the process was entirely different versus what we did now with Gilby [Clarke], where it was more modernized, with ProTools and what not. Obviously the editing is far easier to do. Punching in this two-inch tape over and over, you run the risk of doing it so many times that you create audible gaps, so you can’t mess with it too much. But we were kids back then, so it’s hard to me to think [back] like… because it wasn’t even stressful, with this one I was thinking a lot about it. They’re pretty different but I mean, I’m really happy with the product now.

RNR: ARCHER recently played at an industry only event at the Beverly Hills Gibson Showroom on September 29th. It seemed like you all had fun!

DYLAN: We got to see a lot of our friends in the industry.

People we had only known through emails we finally got to meet face to face, and people we’ve worked with in the past.

There were a lot of good bands and a lot of cool sponsors involved, and it was just one of those things where everybody kinda came together and supported other bands that are at our level.

DAVE: Yeah, and it was cool ‘cause every band was so different. But they were all really, really talented. We’ve been stuck on bills with some pretty awful bands in the past.

DYLAN: Even though we were like, “We are the only even remotely Metal band on this bill, I hope we don’t blow everybody out of the building with volume and intensity that wasn’t present earlier in the night. But I thought it actually turned out pretty good.

FERRET: Yeah, it was a good dynamic build. We started out with an acoustic singer/songwriter and worked our way up to the whole Heavy Metal energy.

DYLAN: It was a good mix and it was good to get everybody together. But we had never been to that Gibson Showroom, either. So, that was nice, ‘cause the Gibson and Epiphone family… we’re involved with them as well. So it was nice to tie everything together.

RNR: Is there anybody in particular that you would like to work with in the future?

FERRET: We’re really excited about working with Maor Appelbaum again. We’ve been talking to him about mastering our upcoming recordings in the future, and he was very open to the idea so we’re excited about it.

DAVE: And I guess he was saying that he might know some producers and stuff… so maybe he’ll find us somebody really cool.

RNR: In closing – because I have to ask! – Did anything, er… funny… happen on the

road while you were in Europe?

DYLAN: (cautiously) A lot happened on the road in Europe.

Such is the life of a young Rock ‘N’ Roll band.

FERRET: Reputations were made and broken on that tour.

Sometimes all in one night. (laughing, and then cryptically) Such as the legend of Beatriz. We’ve been consistently humiliating one of our roadies… so uh, (laughs)… it’s good stuff.

I guess we’ll just leave it at that, but we’ll give a shout out to Beatriz.

DYLAN: If you ever see us at the bar, please ask.

DAVE: I’m actually going out on a tour and doing symposiums about Beatriz.

FERRET: We’re still gonna do that slam poetry video – (laughs) DAVE: (laughing) Yeah, we’re gonna do a slam poetry… it’s gonna be great.

RNR: Are there any closing comments or anything you’d like to announce to the people out there?

DYLAN: Just look out for the new record! It’s called Who’s Gonna Save You Now? That’s the title track, in addition to nine other songs, Gilby Clarke produced it and we’re really excited about the new direction, and…

ArcherNation.com! We’ll see you next time.

DAVE: This Peace Tea is delicious, by the way.

DYLAN: YES! And thank you to Rock ‘N’ Roll Industries.

Scan the tag to see the full interview

Written by Leja Siv Harju

check them out at Archernation.com

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 55

O

Cromwell

“ liver Cromwell, was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland in the 1600s”. Thomas Cromwell an English statesman who served as chief minister of King Henry VIII of England from 1532 to 1540, was one of the strongest advocates of the English Reformation; the English church’s break with the papacy in Rome.

Now, Cromwell st. in Rialto Ca, means the birthplace of one of Southern California’s most crowd-engaging, high-energy, inyour-face, high-voltage performing bands that I know. With current single “Daniela”, produced by Grammy nominated producer Ulrich Wild and video directed by Chris Rodriguez, this band is already in another level and ready to take it to the next.

Cromwell’s first music appearance on the music scene was in 2005 and the lineup has been a solid one since then. Members included vocalist Kenny Russell, Markus Estrada on guitars, bassist Scott Deloyer and drummer Marty Elliott. Their first EP “So Close to Forever,” was successful and helped them land a slot on Warped Tour. After this incredible experience and success of the then “rookie band,” the quartet went straight to work, and after a few months, released another highly anticipated full-length CD by the name of “Illusion & Obsession,” in March of 07. A few nation-wide tours fol56 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

lowed and it was then that another member came into the Cromwell’s family portrait; guitarist Nelson Ossa joined the lineup.

Cromwell then released EP “Dancing on the moon,” again leading them to play several shows in different cities all over the U.S. It’s a Sunday evening; the Sunset strip in West Hollywood is getting ready to start its last round of shows before the work week begins. You would expect the Viper Room to have a regular crowd, since it’s the so dreaded (by many) Monday in a few hours, but no, it just feels like a Friday or Saturday night, at least the people outside the venue make it seem that way. More crowds show up, the previous band is wrapping up their set and as we wait outside many of the previous band’s fans step out for a smoke and chat, but twice as many make their way in to get a good spot to see these boys.

I would normally pass the opportunity to see most bands I’ve heard of, but it’s very “painful” (for me) to miss a Cromwell show.

Especially with how serious they are about quality live performance and visuals. Not that there aren’t any, but I’ve never seen any other rock band bring in their own set of background props, home-made stage lights, switches and fog machine to deliver a more enjoyable experience for the fans.

They have really made the commitment to set themselves apart with not just quality music, but visuals.

Yes, every band is eager to be seen, every guitarist and bassist willing to suffer a stiff

neck the next morning at work and every drummer sore on all limbs to deliver a “fun” show. But when synchronization, stage presence and charisma are absent, all the head banging and the rest of the elements are almost useless, almost unnecessary and immediately go out the window. That’s where Cromwell pitches in their two cents for the weak economic wealth of today’s music industry and palpable talent.

I find it interesting that vocalist Kenny Russell does not settle for a microphone stand.

I’m not an enemy of such, but it’s far more interesting to see a front man deliver and try to reach most parts of the stage, whether it’s a barricade fan-restricted Glass House or an intimate face-to-face Viper Room.

He’ll jump, crawl, come to his fans face to face and offer his mic if necessary to have them lead in an anthem-like chant as “Daniela” is being performed.

When their sets are over, and if the venue allows it to, these guys will make themselves available at the merch table to chat with the fans and sign any memorabilia they have at hand. I know most of the fans say this about their favorite bands, but in my experience with many, many local and international acts, these guys not only perform and enchant, they also work hard in every possible way to make their shows a memorable experience for their fans, new and old. Now, I’m off to add a new definition of CROMWELL to Wikipedia…

Written & Photo by Enrique Nunez

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 57

What’s up music lovers, and welcome to another edition of Music with Michael G!...

I like to be very upbeat when I do my lessons, but today is a very somber day for me and all of the world, today marks the day that two wonderful musicians were taken away from us way to soon, in 1980 it was John Lennon, and then 7 years ago my friend Dimebag Darrell Abbot from the bands Pantera, and later Damageplan, were gunned down by cowards, if you haven’t heard either of these musicians please look them up..

Now, who’s ready for NAMM?.... this will be the special NAMM issue and I can’t wait to be back in sunny California in January with all of my friends and companies I’m blessed to work with, I’d like to thank them, Sabreguitars, XOXaudiotools, Minarik Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Big Lou’s,Redwitch Pedals, Brace Audio Wireless, Curt Mangan strings, Stoneworks guitar picks, The Guitar Wheel, and the killer family at Coffin Case, and Rock N Roll 58 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Industries!..That being said.... a lower key, sort of a Capo in relet’s get down to some guitar!!! verse.....make sense? A lot of today’s metal bands will drop tune, I’ve had several requests about and then drop the lowered note drop tuning and drop D tuning, to get the drop D chord strucmost questions asking if they turing and very low sound.... are the same thing......No..... But.......if you have a guiDrop D tuning is simply taking tar set up for standard tunthe low E string and dropping it a ing and you drop it, here are full step to a D note....this allows some very valuable hints.... you to play low power chords 1. Larger gauge strings...this will using only one finger to make stop some of the strings from feelthe chords, this is in a large ma- ing like dental floss and bending jority of music out there....try it out of tune just making chords.... and play around....again, it is 2. The action of your guionly the low E string that is low- tar needs to be set up for the ered in key, “Walk” by Pantera lower tuning, unless you like is in drop D, that’s how Dime a harsh buzzing sound...light got those monster truck in yer gauge strings will buzz, see #1. face chunky sounds...that and 3. If your guitar has a lockhe was f%&ing Dimebag....... ing whammy bar such as a Now on the other hand, drop tun- Floyd Rose, it will have to ing is lowering the key of every be reset to handle the differstring on the guitar, for example ent string gauge and tuning.... tune your low E string to a D, 4. There are a range of Pickthen tune the rest of the strings ups out there that are just for from there, i.e. D-G-C-F-A-D.... lower than standard tuning. this will put you in the key of D, 5. There are even amplifier while allowing you to play as you companies that have special would in standard tuning, only in amps for drop tuning, Pedal

manufactures,

you name it....

So go ahead and give playing in drop D or even a dropped tuning a try, you may be amazed at some of the sounds you can find, remember the music is in you , you just have to let it out!

Little drop tuning trivia....do you know what Metal guitar God played with extra light strings dropped to the key of A because of a finger injuries he sustained his last day of work? little hint...he is considered the Godfather of Heavy Metal guitar, the darkest sounding music ever heard at the time!!!...send your response to michaelg@ rocknrollindustries.com and until next issue, as always, keep your strings clean, and your riffs mean.......

Michael G

M.U.S.E.

By Manny Rivas and Alex Kluft Photos by Alex Kluft

Musicians United for Safe Energy

The M.U.S.E. Benefit was an act of speaking out by Environmental Specialists and Artists. The all star line up consisted of: Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Jason Mraz, The Doobie Brothers, Tom Morello, John Hall, Kitaro, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Jonathan Wilson. An earthquake and tsunami combination that had found its way to Japan, triggered a series of meltdowns to a specific nuclear power plant known as Fukushima Daiichi. The meltdown was catastrophic, easy to say but living by it is such a cruel reality that no one should bare. The proposition of clean energy is not impossible on a grand scale.

Being at the benefit gave an experience of new concepts that are much more efficient. One of them being a fully electric vehicle!

You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy skipping the gas station for the rest of your life. Clean energy gives the feeling of hope for the future. The entire concert was made possible on clean energy using solar panels, even well into the night. There were unforgettable collaborations by The Doobie Brothers with Crosby, Stills, and Nash on “Listen to the Music” Tom Morello, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne on “Ghost of Tom Joad”, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash with all the performers throughout the day playing “Teach Your Children” for the finale.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 59

“On The Scene with Mr. 80’s” It’s only fitting that my first official “On The Scene” article is not only filled with great rocking fun, but one that gives the opportunity for the rock & roll community to help a great cause. That’s because I had the honor of being part of the United Rockers 4U “Benefit for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief”, held during the Holidays this December of 2011, located at the new Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood.

The event was put together by Terry Illous (lead singer of XYZ and now Great White), Jeff Paris (who’s played with Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart & Cinderella, plus written for Lita Ford, Mr. Big, Y&T, John Waite, Vixen, Ace Frehley & more) and Peter Kalish.

Terry had organized the “80’s Rockers for Japan” Red Cross benefit back in April of 2011 at Harper’s Bar & Grill, and to grand success. That lead to the recording of the charity single “One Family”, featuring an all-star cast including Eddie Money, Don Dokken, Bobby Kimbal (Toto), Robin McAuley (MSG/Survivor), Phil Lewis (L.A. Guns), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake/Foreigner/ Billy Idol), Richie Kotzen (Poison/Mr. Big), Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot/ Whitesnake), Robert Sarzo (Hurricane), Michael Thompson and of course Terry Illous & Jeff Paris.

What better way to celebrate the release of the single, help a worthy cause once again, enjoy the Holiday season, and bring some of rocks great musicians together along with those who love their music, then to hold another benefit. You can see why it meant the world to yours truly, “Mr. 80’s”…

Julian Douglas, when I was called to host this event. Then after a few phone calls we had the perfect person to come in and host along with, none other than Phil Varone, drummer from Skid Row & Saigon Kick, and recent star on VH-1. Phil and I have been friends for a while, so we knew not only would we have a lot of fun hosting this event, but knew we would be able to help raise a lot of money for the Red Cross.

The musical performances of the night consisted of two main parts. The first half being acoustic sets, with the second half of the night being full electric and heavily rocking sets. Starting things off were James Kottak of The Scorpions along with Stephanie Smith doing a three song set, following them was the band Hurricane, including Andrew Freeman, Robert Sarzo, Tony Cavazo, Mike Hansen & Scott Warren performing “I’m On To You” and “Take What You Want”. The crowd was now getting into this show early and knew what a night of great music was in store for them all. After Hurricane, one of the events founders, Jeff Paris came on to do three songs followed by Richie Kotzen (Poison/ 60 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Mr. Big) doing a couple of tunes.

Up next was Frank DiMino (Angel) and Oz Fox (Stryper) doing a pair of songs, and with the crowd still riding a high of great music thus far, coming up to the stage next was original lead singer of Rainbow, Graham Bonnet, along with the seasoned guitarist Howie Simon. The Hard Rock was shakin’, proving that people can rock out to acoustic songs as much as plugged in, and when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Great White comes on. Terry Illous along with original members Mark Kendall, Michael Lardie & Audie Desbrow with Scotty Snyder break into a four song set of Great White hits, “Rock Me”, “Save Your Love“, “Lady Red Light” and “Desert Moon”, bringing an end to the acoustic sets and ready to plug in and rock out even more.

On top of all the great music thus far, the event was being seen world wide over the internet through UStream.tv, with donations coming through all the time.

Adding to that, were all the guests at the Hard Rock Café donating thousands of dollars in a raffle, with some incredible prizes being handed out, plus VIP passes which brought patrons the thrill of a lifetime, hanging out at side stage with all the artists performing. These fans got the opportunity to take pictures, get autographs & more. The best of this experience is that every musician was having a great time and made everyone coming to see the show, feel like they were a part of the show.

Now that all the instruments were plugged in and the amps cranked up, it was time to really rock with a slew of All-Star jams.

The first one started off with Graham Bonnet, Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot/Ratt), Jeff Pilson (Foriegner/Dokken), Howie Simon, Audie Desbrow and Jeff Paris doing “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Day Tripper”. With the crowd geared up now, it was Jeff Paris, Mark Kendall and Jeff Pilson being joined by Troy Patrick Farrell (White Lion) for a blazing version of “Tush”. That led to Frank DiMino, Oz Fox, Mark Kendall, Rudy Sarzo and Troy Patrick Farrell then performing “Whole Lotta Love”, followed by Terry Illous, Craig Goldy (Geuferia), Scotty Simon, Simon Wright and Scott Warren (Dio) doing

“Last In Line” and “Man In The Silver Mountain”. There was one more jam to be done before the finale, and the crowd had been waiting to see Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath/Dio) get behind the drums with Robin McAuley (MSG/Survivor) take the microphone, joined with Robert & Rudy Sarzo and Scott Warren, cranking out awesome versions of “Heaven and Hell” and “Rainbow In The Dark”.

The crowd was screaming and wanting more, and with lots of thanks being done, acknowledging everyone who took part in making this one memorable night, it was the moment for the encore, which deservingly so, brought most of the musicians all back on stage to perform “One Family”. This was the perfect way to conclude a wonderful night of music. Of course all the artists stuck around to hang out for more pictures and autographs and give back to all the fans that came out for this great cause. Now you can understand why writing my “On The Scene” article had to be this event. It wasn’t just about so many great rock stars being all in one place, performing on one stage, but how the fan was welcomed with open arms to become all “One Family” for something special.

When all was said and done, the benefit raised tens of thousands of dollars and is still giving everyone the chance to donate still. So please log onto www.UnitedRockers4U.org and download the single “One Family”, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross, plus you can always donate to Disaster Relief at www.RedCross.org at any time. Check out www.

RockNRollIndustries.com to see all the great pictures and videos from the show too.

To See Pictures also find the full Dokken

interview there

Q & A with “Mr. 80’s”...

Julian Douglas: An Interview with Don Dokken of DOKKEN. Don Dokken can be proud of his work with the band he founded back in 1978 and, to this day, is still performing and recording with as strongly as ever. In fact, DOKKEN will be releasing their latest album in Spring 2012. Their songs are etched in Heavy Metal; especially Don’s vocal style, which has carried over into his solo career. I’ve been honored to have been able to call Don a friend for over twenty some years.

MR 80’s: When you were playing the LA clubs in the late 70’s, would you believe it if somebody told you guys that soon you’d be touring and performing at the world’s greatest venues?

And how does it feel to do be doing that now?

DD: I would have never believed it. I wned an auto body shop and was playing just for fun on the weekends. Looking back, I thought if we could sell out the Whisky A Go-Go, we would have accomplished our goal.

MR 80’s: An unpopular trend for the fans these days is seeing many bands from the 80’s tour as two different versions, such as GREAT WHITE, L.A. GUNS, etc. What’s your take on this?

DD: They have to make a living. I understand when original members can’t pull it together. I’m an expert on that issue, unfortunately.

Who have been some of musicians you’ve really enjoyed working with as a producer or some you hope to work with one day?

DD: XYZ was one of my best producer efforts. I would like to produce Michael Schenker!!!

What’s next with Don and/or DOKKEN? DD: Singing and writing songs is my future until my voice gives out completely, which I hope won’t be for a while. It’s a rush to be on stage, there’s nothing like it, so I keep on going. Music is my life, it’s in the Dokken genes.

Venue Spotlight Goldenvoice certainly sports some fantastic venues across the country, 60,000 square feet and holding 2,300 people doesn’t hurt to provide an ample place for great shows. And I certainly have got to mention its VIP lounge, which in my personal opinion is by far the best in any music venue in L.A. This is one of my favorite venues to see a show at, which in turn has made it nothing short of an honor to have worked with so many concerts there too. Since it’s opening, I’ve gotten to help with such shows as STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, THE CULT, STRYPER, CYNDI LAUPER, and many more.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 61

To see available Prizes and contest Rules

-Epiphone Booth # 303AB (Level 3) Take a picture of the booth -Show to RNR Girl ____ -Daisy Rock Booth # 4822 (Hall C) List two shapes of guitars that they make _______________,______________ -Prentice Practice Pads Booth #2875 (Hall D) What are three colors of practice pads that they make __________, _____________,____________ -Fuchs Amps Booth # 5398 (Hall B) What is the name/Model of one of there amps _______________________________ -Kona Guitars Booth # 4358 (Hall C) What city was Kona Guitars Founded__________________ (and pick up a pick) -Essential Sound Products Booth #5725 (Hall B) Who is the Artist on the top Left of the display__________________ -Atlas Icons (MIA Booth # 2578 Hall D ) on Saturday have Neil Zlozower sign the cover-show to RNR Girl____ -Monster Energy take a picture with a Monster logo- Show to RNR Girl ____ -Coffin Case booth # 4130 (Hall C) Who is the Main Coffin Girl this year ______________________ -Rock N Roll Industries booth #4130 (Hall C) Like us on Facebook.com/rocknrollindustriesmag ____ (don’t have a smart phone, use our ipad)

Seeing this but not at the NAMM show go to our facebook.com/rocknrollindustriesmag and enter to win (not all prizes will be available)

62 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Strange Karma Thanks to Chip, a respected music publicist who also reps JUDAS PRIEST, RNR Industries got to exchange some Q’s for A’s with some of the friendliest blokes you’d ever hope to meet; STRANGE KARMA, fresh off a long ride from their hometown of Sydney, Australia. I spoke with guitarist Paul Strange at the Whisky A Go-Go in November to discuss music Down Under and how SK’s 2011 American tour’s been treating them.

STRANGE KARMA is Paul Strange (lead guitar), Martin Strange (lead vocals/guitar), Doe Prinojo (bass), and Jason McDonald (drums) RNR INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE: Give us the rundown of the band’s history. Were you guys in other bands before you formed STRANGE KARMA, and what year did you come together?

PAUL STRANGE: We formed in 2006 as STRANGE KARMA, but myself and my brother had been playing for a little bit longer than that. We had a band previously under a different name that we took to the U.K. Long story short, the band broke up due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control... we came back, reformed, got some cool players together and created STRANGE KARMA. A year later, we decided to come over independently to the U.S. and just test the waters and see what it’s like. And that’s around the same time that we wrote the song “America”, which is featured on

the album [Volume Volume I], I ‘cause it was just like an autobiographical song, it reflected what was happening. We were sort of coming to America, so we wrote a song about it and we started playing it, and people started liking it over here. People like it over there in Australia too. We were wondering how people were going to take it there, at first. But it’s all cool.

RNR: Did it really take you three years from the time that you completed Volume I, your new album, to get it onto a label because no one kept their promises to you?

PS: Yes. Snakes and leeches all over the place. And when you’re looking to sort of break into the industry, it’s really hard to. You never stop learning who the right people are, and who you’re dealing with and things like that. So, we had a lot of hiccups along the way, and we were talking to people that we just decided were probably not the best people to be talking to, so we kinda cut ties. It all took a long time, and now we’ve got a little independent label that’s released the record, so that’s the first step in the right direction.

RNR: FNA, based out of Nashville, right? How did you guys and the label find out about each other?

PS: That’s correct... they actually found us. [FNA] sent us a message, and just said, “Look, we love you guys and let’s work something out.” We saw that as an opportunity to get into the

U.S., and we know that that’s where our audience is – ‘cause that’s where we get the best kind of response – so we released the record in February.

RNR: So what has the response been like so far to you guys, and to Volume I, over here?

PS: It’s been good! It’s actually getting a lot better now. It’s been a little slow from the beginning, but now people are starting to know who we are, and we’re doing this short little tour as a stepping stone, and hopefully next year we’ll probably do [one lasting] three months or something, and come out and see a lot more people and push the record a bit more.

RNR: You have stated previously that the industry back home is a hard one to be successful in since the press and fans out there tend to focus more on the American and British music scenes, that a few big venues had closed down, and that the ones you do still play are pretty spread

out from one another.

PS: Absolutely. The younger bands and everybody’s kind of following, like I’d said, what’s “hot” in America and what’s “hot” in the U.K. We’re doing our own style, our own thing. We’re staying true to ourselves. We’re not trying to be like anybody, we just play what comes naturally to us, and what we like to play. So yes, in that sense it is a little bit harder over there... there have been a few venues that closed down... and there’s not enough traffic or population going out to see live bands. Don’t get me wrong – Australia’s a great place. But it’s not as populated as here, and I guess there’s not as much work as there is here.

And keep in mind that the cities are so far away from each other.

The major cities, and there’s nothing in between them.

RNR: What kind of advice do you have for people that are in up and coming bands and are kinda struggling?

PS: Never give up. I mean, we’ve been doing this for a very

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 63

Branded for Life, a four-track EP from the Swedish Deathpunk / “Black ‘N’ Roll” quartet known as RAWHIDE. Released in 2011 via Patac Records.

The last two tracks are without a doubt the EP’s best, in my opinion. “Through My Eyes” is a more somber-sounding song than “Sanitarium Blues”; it’s a hellraiser anthem like that which someone might torch a building to, and in fact for whatever reason that was one of the visuals that popped into my head the first few times I listened to the track. “Sanitarium” is equally mischievous sounding.

Rob’s vocal style is notably similar to the dry, gravelly bellows one knows Lemmy Kilmister for, and the instrumental forces combine to spit out the same sort of Dirty Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe (especially on the title track) embodied by Lemmy’s band, MOTORHEAD. So don’t let the “Punk” label being thrown at RAWHIDE have the final say for you. MOTORHEAD aside, this release has its roots deep in the bandmembers’ individual Metal upbringings as well; RAWHIDE is comprised of members of Black/Death Metal outfits BESTIAL MOCKERY, PROTECTOR, and KILL. Quite minimalistic and straightforward compared to many of the band’s previous ventures, this is a drunken party ride to the gates of Hell. It’s very raw, unpolished and very guitar-heavy. The guitar work is pretty strong and bitchin’, but the bass gets drowned in the mix a bit and isn’t so distinctive. No new grounds were broken making this EP, but its rebellious energy might do something for you.

Rating: 6.5/10

long time, and now things are starting to all come together. So I guess you’d need to be pretty resilient.

You’ve got to have thick skin.

Be true to yourself, [that’s] most important. If you’re following a trend you’re already too late. So that’s the way I always thought. I think the best thing is do your own thing and if eventually, if you’re good at what you do and you love it, I believe that eventually it’s gonna bloody happen!

RNR: What were some of the highlights from the last time you came over here, and what are you looking forward to this time around?

PS: I’m actually looking forward to Vegas, because when we came here last time, we spent a lot of time in Vegas and we met a lot of locals. We hung out with a lot of people, and it feels like we’re going back to see some friends. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Chicago and New York.

RNR: Who would you guys really like to work with in the future, whether it be in the recording studio or on tour?

PS: Anybody that wants to work with us that’s in the industry and can either improve what we already have, or help us out, would be great. When we recorded this album we actually approached Kevin Shirley, who’s a really good producer, and he was just a little bit out of our ballpark as far as what we could afford at the time.

But yeah, he’s cool, we’d probably like to work with him or some of the other [big] 64 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

guys around, just to see what kind of input they would have to our sound.

RNR: Are you all working on new material right now?

PS: We have plenty of material. I mean, we’ve been playing for so long, so we have a lot of material and we’ve saved a bit of stuff as well for the next album. The next album’s pretty much ready, it’s just a matter of everything coming together as far as being able to create this into something that we could [put out]. So if we get people and get a bit more momentum, then we’ll have a second album for sure.

RNR: Do you already plan to come back here soon?

PS: Absolutely, yeah. We’re planning to take advantage of the summer over here next year. That’s in the works. This is just like a stepping stone for that. We’re a live band, we just wanna play live as much and as often, for whoever wants us. Back home, I think we’ll start planning the next trip. We may do a few shows in the summer, ‘cause when we get back it will start to be summer over there. We’ve got a few things that we’re trying to do. “Persistence breaks resistance” is what I always say. We’ll just stay busy and keep at it.

You heard the man – so scuttle your butts on over to strangekarma.net!

By: Leja Siv Harju

Scan for the full interview

Love and a .38 ~ Love and a .38

By Peggy Murphy

Love and a .38’s self-titled EP starts out hard and heavy with a guitar intro that builds quickly to the driving bass and drum beats, promising more as they punctuate the vocalist’s delivery. The persistently strong high impact feel of these musicians’ performance remains constant throughout the EP. It is quite evident that every player is a master of his domain within the group. Their sound is almost immediately reminiscent of hard-hitting 80’s tunes mixed with a current-day progressive edge.

As a Los Angeles based band, Love and a .38 has played Hollywood venues in which history has been made time and time again, carving their name into the hearts and minds of many rock and roll fans. Through multi-media exposure they have gained popularity globally.

Any die-hard rock and roller will appreciate what this very talented band has to offer, making Love and a .38 a must-have addition to their music collection. The EP has 5 hard driven tunes that well make a lasting impression upon the masses.

Love and a .38 scored 5/5 http://www.loveanda38.com Genre(s): Hard Rock Label: Unsigned Joe Bonamassa ~ Dust Bowl

By Peggy Murphy

Dust Bowl by Joe Bonamassa is his tenth record in as many years and by his own admission is the best to date. Several of Bonamassa’s friends collaborated with Joe and his touring bassist and keyboardist, Carmine and Rick to create this collection of truly diversified tunes, while adding an impressive all-star cast to the credits for this album. Performances by Anton Fig on drums, percussion and Hammer guitar, Peter Van Weelden doing spoken word, Vince Gill - electric guitar and vocals, Michael Rhodes playing bass, John Hiatt on vocals, Chad Cromwell on drums and tambourine, Tony Cedras with his trumpet, Arlan Schierbaum on Hammond organ, the “Voice of Rock” Glenn Hughes, Reese Wynans and Steve Nathan also on Hammond organ and piano, Blondie Chaplin - rhythm guitar and Beth Hart on vocals are undoubtedly responsible in part, for Dust Bowl’s success.

The dozen tracks range from Blues, Blues/Rock to Rock to Country showing the great diversity and maturity that Bonamassa has been working so hard to achieve.

I would recommend this album to fans of all genres. There’s a little something there for everyone, no matter the age.

Dust Bowl was recorded in Santorini, Greece, Nashville, TN, Malibu & Los Angeles, CA. and was produced by Kevin Shirley.

Dust Bowl was released on March 22, 2011 Dust Bowl by Joe Bonamassa scored 5/5 http://www.jbonamassa.com Genre(s): Blues / Rock Label: J&R Adventures

Whant to see you band here submit your digital press kit to Want to see you band here? Submit your digital press kit to review@ rocknrollindustries.com or mail one to the main office. (not all media will get reviewed)

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 65

Jukebox

All Gods Kill Worm

Kreep Snippet

Demona Mortiss Lost

Rain

Master Locked

66 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Damian Cullen Band Popcorn Girl

Torture Chamber Torture Chamber

Nevermind Eternity

Nylon Pink

DarkSun

Roms

Snippet

Desecration of the Gods

Bestowed Spirit Confliction

Flu

Great Machine

Sarah Patrella Can’t turn your Back

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 67

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68 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine