Jack Blades of Night Ranger & Damn Yankees Fame

by Scott Alisoglu
Guest Writer –

Jack Blades has been a name associated with numerous melodically potent, spirited rock albums over the past three decades, the best known being Night Ranger, Shaw/Blades, and Damn Yankees. Blades took a look back over his storied career and summarized the ups, downs, ins and outs of it on his second solo album, the aptly titled Rock N’ Roll Ride (Frontiers). While the album offers a fair share of Blades’ distinctive brand of upbeat melodic hard rock, he also shows another side of his immense talent in songwriting informed by the 60s/70s influences he holds so dear; everyone from Rod Stewart to The Beatles to The Eagles to Humble Pie. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable and appealingly varied collection of material that any fan of American rock music will want in his or her collection. Blades squeezed out a half hour in his insanely busy schedule to break it all down for us.

Hardrock Haven: Rock ‘N Roll Ride is a very American-looking album. The American flag on the inside is anything but subtle too.

Jack Blades: [Laughs] Pretty much. I’m pretty much an American guy and my bands have always been pretty much American bands, starting with Rubicon and Night Ranger and Damn Yankees and all that kind of stuff.

Hardrock Haven: No wonder you got along so well with Ted.

Jack Blades: [Laughs] yeah, right, exactly.

Hardrock Haven: This is solo album number two and most of what you do has such a positive vibe about it. On this one there is quite a lot of material that seems to be focusing on just being who you are. You’ve got that great line in “Change it’s where I go when I want to be free” on “Back in the Game.”

Jack Blades: You’re actually picking up some good stuff there, Scott. That’s very astute of you; I like that instead of an interview that’s all [in goofy voice] “So what was it like with Ted?” But at a certain point in my life I’ve reached a point where I want to say something and I don’t just want to write lyrics down about whatever. I’m cool with the guy and the girl thing and I’ve written a lot of those and lord knows I’ve had huge hits that way, but at this stage of the game I want to be able to say something. Otherwise, it’ll be like Robert Plant said, that I might as well just sit around and write down the words from the room service menu at the Holiday Inn and call that my lyrics. The lyrics like “don’t give up” and “I was born for this” and “change is where I want to go when I want to be free,” that’s kind of the way I am, man. The lyrics on this record are probably about as close of a glimpse into my soul as I’ve ever dared let out [laughs]. It’s kind of a credo of the way I am.

Hardrock Haven: Over the years you’ve developed, intentionally or otherwise, a sort of signature way of writing melodies; it’s recognizable for the most part as Jack Blades. This album has some of those too, but there just as many or more that are a bit of a departure.

Jack Blades: What’s nice about a solo record is that you can introduce things that you wouldn’t normally do with your band. I’m thankful that I have Night Ranger and it’s just a kick ass American rock band. I’m thankful that after all these years people still come and see us [laughs]. I wanted to make a record where what the title says is exactly what it is. I want everybody to go on a rock ‘n roll ride with me. There are ups and downs, you slow into a turn and all of a sudden there is just this frickin’ 175 mile per hour thing and you’re jamming it, and then you slow down… Almost like a roller coast ride. The title is exactly what this is. This is sort of like my 30 years of my rock ‘n roll ride. The influences that I’ve had have always been… Well, I’m from Southern California so there is the Beach Boys and Eagles and that Southern California sound in my heart and soul. And then I was also a big Beatles fan and then in the late 60s and early 70s I was deep into British metal like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin and Cream and Blind Faith and Humble Pie. And then I moved to San Francisco and I got deep into like Sly and the Family Stone. A lot of times when I sit back and want to groove I put on Sly and the Family Stone’s Fresh album and just listen to like “In Time” or “If you want me to stay” and things like that. So this album is this ride of my life and that’s why it’s not all pedal to the metal, straight ahead Night Ranger and Damn Yankee type songs. So I can have a song like “Say You Will” or a song like “Hey Now,” a real bluesy track at the end. That’s why I enjoyed making this record.

Hardrock Haven: In fact, “Hey Now” is kind of folksy and acoustic and it has that bluesy organ in there. When you break it down it almost sounds like something Rod Stewart would have done in the early days.

Jack Blades: Oh, you’re so spot-on with that track! You’re frickin’ exactly feeling what I was feeling there. Of course I was into the Stones and “Wild Horses” and shit like that and when I did that song I played the acoustic guitar part and I thought why don’t I just put a scratch vocal on it, just so we know where the song is going. So I got up to the microphone and it was like 1:00 a.m. and we were in studio getting ready to finish out and all the lights were down, the candles and incense were burning, and I just sat there and sang those lyrics out, man. It was almost like stream of consciousness shit. I changed a few words and it was all finished. After it was all finished [engineer] Will [Evankovich] just looked at me and said “Where the hell did that come from?” I was like dude, fuck I don’t know [laughs]. And we left that vocal; that’s the vocal that is on the record. I listen to the vocal and would try to sing it like two weeks later and I was like “Dude, I can’t beat this.” Getting back to what you said, I think that’s the way a lot those Every Picture Tells a Story kinds of albums came about. I’m sure it was just a bunch of guys sitting their drunk asses in a room laughing and joking; he and Ronnie Wood or whatever. Just a bunch of guys going “Fuck, do that!” [Laughs]

Hardrock Haven: There are a couple of other moments too and this may not have been intentional but on “West Hollywood” and another song that’s escaping me at the moment you can even hear a Tom Petty vibe.

Jack Blades: Like “Don’t Give Up,” yeah. “West Hollywood” and “Don’t Give Up,” that’s the California vibe thing that’s in me. I know Petty is from Florida, but he was out in L.A. for so long and that’s kind of ingrained in me too. It’s kind of like the Shaw/Blades stuff that Tommy and I do too. We did an album back in ’95 called Hallucination and then we did Influence, which was covers of our favorite songs from the 60s and 70s that we put out a few years ago that sold really, really well and we were on the Howard Stern show and did all these shows. Actually, we’re halfway through an Influence II record. Tommy was here a week and a half ago working on some tracks and I was down at his place working on it last month.

Hardrock Haven: Even on the last Night Ranger album, Somewhere in California, that is also so full of that same vibe. You can’t think of anything but sun and driving with the top down and just cruising when you listen to “Growing up in California.” You can’t find a damn cloud in that song [laughs].

Jack Blades: Dude, check this out! That song, I had written for my solo record. I finished my solo record before the Night Ranger record came out and so we were going to release that one first. The song “Growing up in California” I had recorded for my solo record and Kelly [Keagy] and Brad [Gillis] heard it and said that’s a Night Ranger song and I’m like “yeah, you’re probably right” [laughs]. So I pulled it off my solo record and got all the Night Ranger guys to play on it and we put it out and became the first song on the record.

Hardrock Haven: And your son Colin co-wrote “West Hollywood?”

Jack Blades: Yeah, he lives in Hollywood and about a year and a half ago he came up to visit here for a weekend with his girlfriend. He walked into the kitchen one morning and had his guitar and just started singing “West Hollywood.” And I went “Fuck, that’s great, dude!” I always remembered that so when I decided to do the solo record I said I’m going to do that song. I called him up and we finished the song. He’s a real good songwriter and he’s doing his own stuff down in L.A.

Hardrock Haven: Then of course, “Anything for You,” before I even read that it was Robin Zander [Cheap Trick] performing on that it was so obvious it was him.

Jack Blades: It’s quite a difference, isn’t it?

Hardrock Haven: It’s interesting to hear how The Beatles’ influence comes through, like how Cheap Trick channels The Beatles.

Jack Blades: I gotta tell you, man, I’d love to do a whole album with Robin. I called him and told him I was doing a solo record and he was out on the West Coast doing a show or something like that and he shows up at my places in this big stretch limo. He gets out wearing this all white suit and I’m like “damn.” I have the music for “Anything for You” and he just starts singing that [imitates a grand Zander vocal line] and I was like “Whoa!” So we recorded it real quick and wrote two other songs and then he gets in this big ole long stretch, black limousine and drives away four hours later and Will and I are looking at each going “What the hell just happened?” That was just the most creative four hours I’ve spent in years. I’m so proud of that song it’s crazy.

Hardrock Haven: Even with the range of influences and styles the album flows very well. It’s never stuck in one mode for too long and it’s got a good mix of straight rock and deeper material.

Jack Blades: Trying to figure out which song should go where is always a constant struggle with me. I thought the record flowed real well and starting with “Back in the Game” I really wanted to sock everybody right in the chin with a rockin’ track. So I made this video and if you want to see it just go to You Tube and type in “Jack Blades, Back in the Game” [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpOPMYadzrE] and it’s like this mini movie. Actually, that’s my son Colin starring in the movie. You’ve got to check it out. It’s really cool. There is a Western Union telegram that’s in the video and some Army medals that were always in my family. In fact, the Western Union telegram is up in my studio and had it there for years; it was something my mom received like the day after Christmas in 1944, saying that her husband was killed in the war. So I’ve always had that and used it in there. At the end of the video I dedicate it to all the troops that have given their last full measure to ensure freedom for the world. I’m pretty proud of that video.

Hardrock Haven: The CD layout is great too. The memorabilia pictured on the cover is all yours?

Jack Blades: Those are all the laminates from the bottom drawer in my closet. I saved all my laminates going back to the days when I was in Rubicon at California Jam II in 1978. It’s pretty wild. Those are all the real deals!

Hardrock Haven: The post-it notes on the inside of the booklet, such as “When Rubicon broke up I thought the world had ended,” pinpoint significant moments in your career.

Jack Blades: Yeah, those are moments in my rock ‘n roll ride. When Rubicon ended I thought my world had ended. That’s the whole thing, man; you never know. The next thing you know I’m in Night Ranger and that’s where I was meant to be and here I am. It’s all these moments that mean something in the grand scheme of things.

Hardrock Haven: There is the one note about Night Ranger and Japan calling in ‘96 after the Shaw/Blades album came out. Were you wondering about whether Night Ranger was still relevant at the time? You seemed shocked by the response from the Japanese fans.

Jack Blades: Well, it was at a time when we were doing Shaw/Blades and Tommy had gone back to Styx and I was sort of like hanging out there going “Well, that’s interesting and I guess we’re not going to do a new Damn Yankees record” and I don’t know what’s going on. Then the next thing you know the guys in the Night Ranger found out about the Japan thing and said why don’t we play some shows there. Then all of a sudden the first show sells out, then the second, then third, and it’s like “Ok, we’re back” [Laughs]. We did something right over there I think.

Hardrock Haven: Some of the Night Ranger guys play on this album, as well as some others.

Jack Blades: Brian Tichy, my buddy that plays drums in Whitesnake and played with Foreigner and Ozzy and everybody else, played on some of the tracks and Kelly [Keagy] played on some. Alan Hertz, a great drummer from up here in Northern California, played on a few of the less rockin’ tracks. Joel Hoekstra from Night Ranger did most of the guitars, Will Evankovich, my buddy from Shaw/Blades, did most all the acoustic guitars and some electric and sang background with my son Colin. Those are my buddies, man and we made a record [laughs].
Hardrock Haven: No Ted Nugent on this one though.

Jack Blades: No, but we had Ted on our Night Ranger album last year [laughs]. We did an extra track, a version of [Damn Yankees’] “Coming of Age” and we broke it down halftime in the middle and Ted recreated the “Stranglehold” solo [laughs]. It’s a bonus track.

Hardrock Haven: Are you going to do any shows in support of Rock N’ Roll Ride?

Jack Blades: I’d like to do some shows. I’m trying to figure it out because I’ve been so busy doing everything else. So many of these songs are just screaming to be played live.
Hardrock Haven: Frontiers is treating you well it seems.

Jack Blades: Oh yeah, I love the guys from Frontiers. What’s neat about Frontiers is that sine the beginning they’ve given me a green light and just say do what you want to do and we’ll back you up, we believe in you. The owner and I are really good friends; I trust him and he trusts me that I’ll give it everything I’ve got. And I know he’s going to give it everything he’s got. We have sort of this mutual admiration for each other and it works out really well.

Hardrock Haven: I think that about covers it.

Jack Blades: Thanks Scott! Make sure you check out that video!

Visit Jack Blades on the web @ www.frontiers.it

Terrance Zdunich from The Devil’s Carnival

by Steve Patrick
Staff Writer –

Listen to the Interview

Terrance Zdunich is one of the world’s true Renaissance men. Not only did he come up with the ridiculously original concept of Repo! The Genetic Opera, but he also developed the visuals in the cult classic movie musical, composed the film’s songs, and starred in the finished product. Released in 2008, Repo! is the tale of a dystopian future in which the corrupt organ-lending company GeneCo is legally able to repo their product from the live bodies of their customers if the borrowers are unable to pay. Following in the rock opera tradition of Rocky Horror, Repo! contains several connections to the rock world including Ogre from Skinny Puppy starring as one of the main characters and a cameo by the legendary Joan Jett.

Good news came in 2011 for fans of Repo! and Zdunich’s work when word broke of a new musical project entitled The Devil’s Carnival. The film centers on three individuals that have stumbled into a carnival located in Hell and is operated by none other than Lucifer himself (Zdunich). This particular venture stars even more hard rock/metal musicians, including the returning Ogre, Clown from Slipknot, and Ivan Moody from Five Finger Death Punch. The Devil’s Carnival also stars Sean Patrick Flanery and Emilie Autumn. It also features Repo! alumni Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino, Bill Moseley, and director Darren Bousman.

Currently, Zdunich and Bousman are touring the new film like a rock show across the country. Both will be present at each showing and additional cast member guests will be showing up at each stop along the tour. For more information about the film and the tour of showings, please visit www.facebook.com/devilscarnival.

Zdunich took some time from working the floors at a recent horror movie convention in Columbus, OH to speak with Hardrock Haven about The Devil’s Carnival, his own musical tastes/influences, and anything else that came up.

Sever

by Chris A.
Staff Writer –

Meet Columbus-based hard-rock band SEVER. Combining high energy vocals with thick classic rock and thrash inspired licks, this foursome has the potential to move up the rock ‘n roll food chain.

Check out more about sever at www.reverbnation.com/sever and www.facebook.com/severitall.

Michael Clayton Arbeeny of Tyketto

by Alexandra Mrozowska
Staff Writer –

Forget the 2007 farewell: Tyketto is back and not to call it quits! New Jersey rockers, known from such classics of melodic rock as Forever Young or The End of the Summer Days released in the early ‘90s, return in triumph with their new album Dig in Deep due to be released this month… The new record soon to see the light of day and the band being back on track are, however, just two among many topics Michael Clayton, the drummer of the group, covered in his recent interview he provided for Hardrock Haven.

Hardrock Haven: Thank you for the possibility of talking. The title of your last album up to now, ‘The Last Sunset: Farewell’ (2007) suggested it was the end of Tyketto; also shows from that period were announced to be ‘farewell.’ Why have you eventually decided to continue?

Michael Clayton Arbeeny: The farewell came at a time when we felt stagnant. Actually I initiated it, as I felt Tyketto had run its course and had nothing new to say. With no new albums on the horizon and everyone living in different parts of the world, it seemed like the best idea at the time. We did indeed do a few select shows after the breakup, but with no new album, there was really no point to them. We vowed not to become a “nostalgia” band, and if we didn’t have something new to give our fans, it was best to fade away. Once Danny started sending me some of his ideas in 2009 and 2010, (all of which made it onto ‘Dig in Deep’), we were all inspired to move ahead, and the new album was born.

HRH: 2012 is a year of a long-awaited new Tyketto studio album – Dig in Deep, planned to be released April the 24th in North America. Are you satisfied with the final result of the recordings? What in your opinion are the strongest points of the new CD?

MCA: My favorite aspect of the new album was seeing the chances we took. Danny’s lyrics aren’t your typical “boy/girl” pop lyrics. He wrote some of his most insightful and poignant stories that will challenge the listener to think. That doesn’t mean we don’t still pack a punch! The record has guts, brains, and brawn. It was a hard record to get used to, as we hit on new themes and new musical territory, but the result is something unique and powerful.

HRH; What has inspired you in terms of lyrics and music during the period of working on new album?

MCA: I believe Danny looked through the eyes of a man just turning 50, settling into his happy marriage and “taking in” in his life experiences; both new and old. We wanted Tyketto to grow as a band the way we did as people. Songs like ‘Dig in Deep’ and ‘The Fight Left in Me’ are lyrics of pure inspiration, while ‘Monday’ and ‘This is How We Say Goodbye’ are more introspective. I believe we successfully managed to weave deep lyrical content into great pop melodies and music.

HRH: The album’s title may be understood literally at some points – there are moments where you dig deep into your blues/southern/country roots (a track ‘Monday’ in particular)… Any comment on genres that inspired the album’s content?

MCA: As you can hear, we approach many diverse styles. The title track. ‘Dig in Deep’ has a real Black Crowes feel, while ‘Sound Off’ would do Def Leppard proud. Danny’s folk inspirations always make their way onto our albums (a’la ‘Seasons’ and ‘The Last Sunset’). Brooke in particular, was seeking new styles to infuse into the Tyketto sound, with some unique guitar effects and innovative solo sections. This album has many styles intertwined, which makes it so distinctive; all the while still being a TYKETTO album.

HRH: Which of the new songs is your favorite?

MCA: There is something about the song ‘Let This One Slide’ that puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. The message is simple… “Life is tough, but never forget to enjoy the ride each and every day.”

HRH: Dig in Deep is what could be a natural follow-up to a killer 1994 release Strength in Numbers. Weren’t you tempted to go for something more experimental and unexpected and to explore modern genres of music?

MCA: You are actually the first person to say that! Most critics feel this album IS a total departure from the Tyketto of old. We LOVE the fact that everyone is reading this album differently.

HRH: Talking about Strength in Numbers – it took you quite long to release it, as it was rejected by Geffen and released under a different label. Were the changes in music industry a reason for that?

MCA: Yes, 100%. We were swept up in the grunge movement, and almost overnight, we were obsolete. It was a sobering experience, and forced us to step up and pave our own path without the support of a powerhouse like Geffen. Sometimes, through adversity, you realize your true strengths. As a result, we had more success with ‘Strength in Numbers’ than any other album in Europe.

HRH: The third band album Shine is not really listed among the fans’ favorite – often labeled as “too ‘90s” or a “Journey-oriented” and showing a bit of departure from classic Tyketto sound. What is your take on that?

MCA: I never felt Shine was a complete thought. We were forced to rush it, and didn’t give the songs the proper cultivation time they needed. In retrospect, I would have approached the album differently, as I felt there were some gems on that album that didn’t come to fruition.

HRH: The band’s first album was produced by Richie Zito (The Cult, Poison, White Lion etc.). How do you recall co-work with him? Are there any chances you’d like to join forces with him again in the future?

MCA: I loved Richie. We were mere kids when we met him to record our debut album, and he educated us well. He and I bonded, as we shared New York Italian roots. Richie was an integral part of what made ‘Don’t Come Easy’ so special. He and Danny had done some other work together, and he is actually credited with co-writing one of the songs on the new album.

HRH: Legend has it that Tyketto took its name from a graffiti tag scrawled across a Brooklyn wall. Is it true?

MCA: TRUE!!! We saw it spray painted on a wall in Brooklyn and fell in love with it. We loved the fact that we would define the name with our music.

HRH: Talking about legends – the wave of ‘80s nostalgia we experience nowadays spawned many band reunions. Sometimes what they deliver is simply disappointing, a mere shadow of their former selves… Weren’t you afraid to be perceived as being yet another ‘80s hair band trying to cash in on this back-to-the-‘80s journey when you reunited in 2004?

MCA: Indeed, to a small extent, we felt like we were just ”cashing in” on the name in 2004, which is why that was so short lived. We put all that aside when we started work on Dig in Deep, and set out to make a record WE wanted to make. People who chase the tail of the industry are fools, as only the bands with vision and integrity survive. Although we are proud of we did in the past, we set our sights on the future.

HRH: Also nowadays many new acts – from Crashdiet and Babylon Bombs to Lady Gaga – claim to draw inspirations from the ‘80s and early ‘90s rock and pop records. How do you personally judge such retro tendencies? Is there anything on the contemporary scene you find interesting?

MCA: I find it all interesting, and feel that after many decades, varied styles and passing trends, there are really only two kinds of music… GOOD and BAD! I like to think that despite trends and images, 80s or 90s or 2000’s… Tyketto always wrote good music.

HRH: Apart from this nostalgia we’ve been talking about, many music critics find pleasure in bashing the ‘80s hair metal genre for its overproduced, polished records, the “big hair” look and lack of what they call genuineness. What is your personal view on the genre and the decade, and the memorable acts and albums of that era?

MCA: Like any musical era, some depended more on their image than their musical ability. Geffen marketed us as a “pretty boy” band back then, but we always felt we had more to offer than that. Some 25 years later, I feel we can still light up a stage just as good as anyone. My faves of the era were always Bon Jovi, Guns and Roses, Aerosmith and Whitesnake. All managed to keep up great images and persona’s, but wrote some amazing songs along the way.

HRH: Recently, you have performed on festivals such as Sweden Rock or Download. What was the reception of the audience and your personal impression after those massive open-air festivals? Has the atmosphere changed anyhow from what you remember from the gigs in the ‘80s?

MCA: We still do the same thing onstage we always do… nothing short of 1000% focus and dedication. Our audiences react the same, and are always ready to sing along with Danny!

HRH: This October, Tyketto is going to headline a famous melodic rock festival Firefest in Nottingham, England. What are your expectations?

MCA: We are already FULLY sold out, so I predict madness, energy, intensity, and one hell of a show.

HRH: Do you plan to announce any further tour dates in 2012 in support of your album?

MCA: Not at this time… but stay tuned! Dates are coming!

HRH: Do you have any other plans concerning the band and promotion of Dig in Deep?

MCA: Frontiers are doing an AMAZING job getting the word out. We have been doing global press for weeks, and so far all reviews are fantastic!

HRH: Thank you very much for this interview! Is there anything you’d like to add in the end?

MCA: We feel that this album is special, and will make old and new fans proud. In my opinion, ‘Dig in Deep’ defines us, and shows our fans who we really are. I couldn’t be prouder of the work of my band mates, and it was a real labor of love to produce. This is a special album, and we hope you agree!

Mark “Gus” Scott of Trixter

by Alexandra Mrozowska
Staff Writer –

Having released their first self-titled album in 1990, Trixter achieved some moderate success but was never able to be counted among the biggest acts of an era. The story of this underrated band follows perfectly the hair band cliché: early success – touring with big names of the scene – loss of mainstream interest with the rise of grunge in the early ‘90s – disbanding – late ‘90s reunion. Now the Jersey boys are back with their new album New Audio Machine, determined to conquer the music world once again… Mark “Gus” Scott, according to his own words “drummer and lunatic for Trixter”, was kind enough to share his thoughts about the new record and making music in the new era with Hardrock Haven, with a bit of blast from the past as well…

Hardrock Haven: Thank you for the possibility of talking. The new Trixter album ‘New Audio Machine’ is planned to be released on April the 24th via Frontiers Records. Could you please take us through your personal highlights of the album?

Mark “Gus” Scott: First off, Making the CD was a real interesting experience. Everything was recorded at Steve Brown’s (guitarist) home studio. Right off the bat it put us in a very relaxed environment with no time constraints. We didn’t have a recording contract yet so no one was there saying, “Hey guys, we gotta get this thing done!” We just started doing it because we felt like it! Then something really weird happened… The more we recorded, the better the songs sounded! I don’t know what it was, we all were inspired by the songs when we heard the demos, but when we actually started to record, the songs really blossomed! It certainly fueled our excitement levels and made us want to do more and more. Serafino Perugino, President of Frontiers Records heard a few songs and signed us to a deal. We wanted the CD to be release prior to the summer so now we had a deadline. This put us to work and I cannot tell you just how excited and proud we are of „New Audio Machine”… more so than any other recording we have done! I know, I know. It is very cliché to have a new CD out and say, “Oh, It’s the best thing we ever did!” But let me tell you – don’t buy the CD. Go to iTunes and listen to the FREE samples of the songs. I’m willing to bet that you will hear something that turns your head and will make you say, “Wow! This sounds great!”

HRH: What is your favorite songs off this record?

MS: Crap, this is hard. But three of my favorite songs on New Audio Machine are “Tattoos and Misery,” “Dirty Love” and “Machine.” Our first single “Tattoos and Misery” is a great song that shows, I think, where TRIXTER is today. Great solid rock song with great musicianship, vocals and hooks! Very proud. “Dirty Love” – This one is special. When you talk about making a CD, you think about what songs would stand out or really shine. I remember when Steve (Guitarist) played me the demo. He played it for me first. It had been a long time since I heard any of Steve’s original material. I was always a big fan of what he wrote but it had been a long time. I heard the riff and I was sold – Bigtime! Killer fuckin Track! It’s very naughty. Sexy. Now that’s what I call a pole-dancing-ass-slappin Rock song!!! “Machine” was a song that Steve asked me to help co-write. Funny thing… I don’t think he used any of my lyrics. That son of a bitch! Actually, he did use some lines of mine. Anyway, it reminds me of a Van Halen / WHO – Classic Rock song and the ending just kicks ass!!! There are also a couple of real hot ballads on there too…

HRH: Were your inspirations any different while recording the new material in comparison to what has been always present in Trixter music?

MS: First off, above all else, the members have not changed. Peter Loran, Steve Brown, P. J. Farley & Mark “Gus” Scott are TRIXTER! All original members! Funny, it’s the kind of thing you just don’t see very often these days. After a 13-year vacation, we all got back together to rock once again and enjoy what we love to do best…Play Live and Kick Ass! We got back together and played some big shows in 2008. We did a few outdoor festivals like ROCKLAHOMA, we opened for Poison, the band Boston, Cinderella, Scorpions, and Warrant – Awesome bands – Awesome times! To do it all over again is such a rare privilege. Steve Brown (Guitarist) had some song ideas that he made demos of and we just started working on a new CD. Then, the weirdest thing happened. The more we worked on it, the better it sounded. It went from demo, to laying drum tracks, then bass, the guitar, vocals, etc….. Every time something else went down in the studio, it just sounded better and better. OK – I admit it. It is very cliché for a band to brag about how good their new CD is. But all bullshit aside, I can’t wait for everyone to here this f*ckin’ thing – It truly RIPS and I can’t express just how proud we all are of how it came out. Our first single “Tattoos and Misery” will be released on March 19th. That will give you a taste of just what I’m talking about. Great guitar riffs, Pete’s Vocal is nothing short of class-act Rock. But please, pay very close attention to the rhythm section. Me and PJ on bass… It just doesn’t get any better!!! [laughs] As far as different inspirations go, I think just by aging 20 years, everyone in the band grew somewhat so when you put it all together, something happens. In the case of Trixter, it certainly was a positive effect! I truly believe that when people hear the songs on New Audio Machine that they will hear growth and something they never heard coming from Trixter. We might have grown up, but we are still ‘little bastards!’

HRH: The new album is produced and engineered by Chuck Alkazian (known from working on the music of Elton John, Vixen, Uncle Cracker, Christina Aguilera, Tesla etc.). How do you judge this co-work?

MS: Chuck is AWESOME! He helped create a very aggressive sound on songs like “Machine” and “Save Your Soul” and his mix on “Tattoos and Misery” is Kick Ass! Did I mention he is a drummer as well? We totally click! (No pun intended for drummers)… There are some guys that are ‘In-Tune’ and some guys who are not. Chuck is on the fuckin’ money!! He runs a hell of a ship at Pearl Studios in Michigan. He has truly become a part of the Trixter Family! Too bad he can’t drink his way out of a paper bag. We are going to have to work on that!!! I also heard he was lousy in bed. That report is unconfirmed though so I’m hesitant to say. I personally wouldn’t know but I will be sure to ask around.

HRH: Some of the new Trixter songs are the result of songwriting contribution of Skid Row’s Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan and Styx’s Glen Burtnik. Why have you decided for some outside songwriting input this time?

MS: A few friends were called to collaborate for our new release. Some artists resent having other people “take credit” for work on their CD. I think that attitude is immature. It actually can be a lot of fun and if your collaboration yields a great song, well, damn! Isn’t that something special? As a Songwriter of several “Top 40 Hits,, former Styx member Glen Burtnik co-wrote “Drag Me Down” with Steve and created one of the CD’s hottest tracks. Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan of Skid Row wrote “Walk with a Stranger” back in the late 80’s. TRIXTER used to play the song live back in the day, ripped it out of the closet and slammed the up-tempo rocker on the new disk. There were a few men responsible for putting the “finishing touches” on the NEW AUDIO MACHINE. With production/editing credits from Shinedown and Paramore, Bret Michaels Guitarist Pete Evick was called in to help mix as well. From groove oriented rock tracks like “Dirty Love” to Rock ballads like “The Coolest Thing”, classic TRIXTER sound can be heard from track 1 through 11! There was also a TRIXTER “Classic” that made it to this CD. “Physical Attraction” was a song we used to play back in the old days even before we got our first record deal. It was always a fan favorite – Killer Riff – Sexy vocals – very powerful with a very catchy chorus. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure why it never made it to a CD before now. Our fans from the “very old days” are gonna smile when they here that one!

HRH: It’s “Tattoos & Misery” that was chosen to be the first single off the album. Why you’ve made such a choice – is this song representative to the album’s general content anyhow? How is your co-work with Frontiers going? Are you satisfied with the label?

MS: It’s funny… Serafino, the President of Frontiers Records thought it was a great 1st single… and we agreed with him! You never hear about the record company and the band seeing eye to eye. You always hear about how the record company wants to change everything or they want this and the band wants that… This is a very unique situation. Serafino is so in tune! Great guy!!! (I have to say that or he will cancel my contract [laughs]) All kidding aside, we really thought Tattoos and Misery was a great choice for a 1st single. It blends a little old-school Trixter with a new-school sound and is very representative of other material on the CD. Chuck Alkazian did a GREAT re-mix for the single release as well. New Audio Machine has a lot of great songs on it…. Not just one obvious single so for us, the band, it can be a little hard to choose. But I thing Tattoos and Misery was a very good choice! The team @ the record company is very on target. Charise in our Press room is top notch! The Frontiers team is truly top notch and it is an honor to be an artist on their label.

HRH: As the album is soon to be released – are there any further plans for the promotion of New Audio Machine? Can you reveal the band’s tour plans before the readers?

MS: We intend on taking all of the money from the pre-orders on iTunes and Amazon and we will all fly to Aruba. We will party for 6 days straight, spend all of the money, get one night sleep and then get back to work! This new CD will be distributed in US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Europe and Russia. Our Record Company President Serafino is also working on other markets as well. Let me just say that we will be very busy in the next year to come. We intend on rocking this planet very hard! If there are people to play to, we are there! We will start in the U.S. and systematically rock every area that rock fans want to see TRIXTER! This is what we live for! Playing live is truly THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD!!! If it were illegal, we would do it anyway!!!

HRH: “Tattoos & Misery” is already available on the iTunes. What do you think about the digital distribution of your music – and, going even further, about the all-pervasive piracy that seems to be inseparably connected with the world of the Internet nowadays?

MS: Interesting topic… digital distribution can be amazing. To just e-mail a song…zap…like that. It’s also a lot cheaper than mailing a few thousand CD’s to radio people around the world. There certainly are a lot of pros! By the same token, piracy has always been prevalent in the record industry. I also believe that we don’t know to what extent piracy exists. Nothing is ever perfect. This is our new world. Better get used to it or get out there and do something about it. I am certainly not going to bitch and complain about it. It is a big difference from the way we used to do things 15 years ago. I’m glad we work alongside of some real pros who know what the hell is going on out there. Media and technology can change so fast and we want to be on top of it. Social media is also something new that can truly be an asset to a band if utilized properly. To be able to get the word out with the push of a button is amazing… and it doesn’t cost anything! I remember all of those stamps we used to put on fan mail responses and fan club mailings….

HRH: How do you judge the first band’s effort now, from a distant time perspective?

MS: Although so much time has passed (22 years), Our 1st CD entitled TRIXTER is something very special to this band. It was our first major-label release that brought us a great deal of success. And success aside, there were some really great songs on that CD. It’s fun to crank it up in my car from time to time…

HRH: In the band’s early career, you played with many notable acts of the ‘80s rock era. What were your favorites among those? Any memories worth sharing in particular?

MS: We toured with KISS, POISON, SCORPIONS, WARRANT, L.A. Guns, Firehouse, Faster Pussycat, Winger, Slaughter, Stryper, Dokken, Great White and then some! Just the opportunity to play with cats like that… damn… I would have given anything when I was a kid. We truly are very blessed and I don’t believe we ever lost site of that. All of our dreams have come true many times over and we still live our dreams of being a rock and roll band every day. I’m one of the few people who can say that they used to have dinner with Gene Simmons several times a week! I got to jam with my childhood heroes! I got to share the big stage with rock icons! I am one lucky mother*cker! And I will never forget it! The idea that some of these people have actually become our friends is inconceivable. By the way – we will be touring with our good friends Warrant and Firehouse this summer so please keep your eyes open!!!

HRH: The second album Hear! failed to capture the attention of the MTV mass market; short after having released this record; the band was dropped by MCA Records. In your opinion, who is to blame for that – was it a rise of grunge many ‘80s bands blame for the sudden end of their career?

MS: Blame… Hmmmm… ‘Blame’ is a funny word for this. Here’s what actually happened. In the ‘80s we saw a lot of things happen. The most notable was the birth of cable television and MTV. And who did we see on MTV? Rock acts like Van Halen, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Ratt, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Kiss, Scorpions, Winger, Warrant, Slaughter, L. A. Guns, Guns and Roses and yes, yours truly, Trixter. All bands that visually (whether it be big production sets, outrageous costumes or just plain old good looks), captured attention and truly lent itself to exciting TV. We had three #1 Videos on MTV – 15 or 16 weeks @ #1. We were #1 for the second week in a row with a song called “Surrender.” It was our 3rd hit single from our debut album. We were #1 and MTV eliminated “Dial MTV”. It was an opportunity for the public to call in and vote for their favorite video and MTV just closed the door. Dial MTV was a major chart that MTV created. To just eliminate it? Why? Video did in fact “kill” the radio star. MTV saw a change on the horizon and they had the power to pour fuel on the fire. There were these bands from Seattle (like Pearl Jam and Nirvana) with a different image and different sound. In the 80s, these bands were considered “alternative”. They were the “alternative” to what the “mainstream” were listening to. MTV was responsible for creating that mainstream and in the end, flipping it and making what was once alternative, was now the mainstream. Bands like Bon Jovi and Def Leppard that sold 8 – 10 million copied per album were now selling 25% – 35% of what they were selling. Bands like Trixter…. Well… You get the idea. It’s not a blame game. Its business. It’s better to lead change than to be a victim of it. And if you can control a whole industry….

HRH: What was the reason of the band’s break-up?

MS: It started a long time ago. There was a lot of negativity with all of us. Coupled with bad timing in the industry we just busted. Getting back together with level heads is very exciting! I certainly do not see a break up in the near future at all.

HRH: There is no doubt that the most famous New Jersey rock band is Bon Jovi – in their interviews they often emphasize the influence the variegated Jersey Shore scene (and acts such as Bruce Springsteen or Southside Johnny) had on them. Do you, as a Jersey-based band, draw some of your inspiration from the scene too?

MS: Absolutely! The only difference is we are a little younger. Bon Jovi was a huge influence on me as opposed to Springsteen. I certainly respect “The Boss” but Bon Jovi was always something special to us. A lot of talent from NJ!!!

HRH: Your early ‘90s songs such as “Line of Fire,” “White Knuckle Scorin” and “One Mo Time” were featured on the movie soundtracks. Do you plan to wind up in the movies in the future?

MS: We actually have some friends in this area. Producer Michael Wehrhahn, one of my best friends, is currently co-producing the first of a 3-D film trilogy; The Monkey King starring Chow Yun-Fat and Donnie Yen. For any budding film producer, it is a dream come true; The opportunity to co-produce a real $110,000,000 “big-budget” Hollywood vlockbuster! He has been given an endorsement by the Chinese film community elite to share a very special story with the West; something that has never been done in cinema history. In his spare time, Michael is also producing a television show Ancient Technology for the Discovery Channel. However, you just don’t get a song in a movie because you want to…. They have to like your music or it has to be appropriate for the movie. You never know what may happen.

HRH: Being somewhat a controversial period in music and pop culture, the ‘80s have as many adherents as adversaries. How do you personally recall the ‘80s era? Do you mind labeling Trixter as ‘yet another ‘80s hair band’?

MS: Hell yes I recall the 80s! It was an awesome time for rock and music in general. Although people list Trixter as an ‘80s band, we really didn’t have an album out until 1990. The ‘80s were so big that they actually spilled over into the ‘90s! Go figure! The fact that people recall Trixter to me is a major accomplishment. We were listed as #29 on VH-1’s “Top 40 Hair Bands of All Time!” That certainly lends itself to an ‘80s reference. Who cares. Let’s ROCK!!!

HRH: What would you call the highlight and the downside of Trixter’s career?

MS: Highlights: 1991. Our dreams coming true. Touring with our idols. Sold out arenas. Three #1 hits. Gold Album. Playing our hometown Arena – The Meadowlands in NJ – Opening for the Scorpions. Selling Out the World Amphitheater in Chicago with Warrant and Firehouse. A live concert pay-per-view Special. Best New Band by Hit Parader Magazine. Best Concert Tour by Metal Edge Magazine. On the road in a real tour bus… Damn… The greatest dream come true… Downside: Losing our record deal, losing our booking agent, endorsements, respect, getting cut from MTV and Trixter breaking up. We are on such an upswing right now.

HRH: What is your opinion about the modern day rock music and the music business in general?

MS: The music and the business are 2 different things. I’m glad there is a place for us in all this commotion. I think record companies in general have a lot to be concerned about. They truly failed to foresee how the internet can change the whole industry and to this day they have failed to make back the ground that they lost. Most have not even carved the inroads that is necessary to compete in today’s market.

HRH: Thank you for taking your time to do this interview! In the end, I would like to ask you for a word or two for Hardrock Haven readers; no doubt there are many Trixter fans among them!

MS: The best thing I can say is “Thank you.” “Thank YOU!” We would be nothing without YOU! The fan! The individual that waits in line, that buys the CD. When Mom and Dad tell you to keep it down, you turn it up! It’s YOU – that pays too much for parking at the show. That buys the tickets and waits for the show to start. And when the lights go down and the band takes the stage, it’s you that can be heard screaming your head off… because you love it. God Damn It… We love it too. We Love You …. More than anything we do… Thank you! We will be coming to see you soon!!! Keep you eye out for us on the road @ www.TrixterRocks.com.

Cam Pipes and Shane Clark of 3 Inches of Blood

by Steve Patrick
Staff Writer –

The Canadian horde known as 3 Inches of Blood have been flying the flag of heavy metal for over a decade. Immediately recognizable thanks to Cam Pipes ear-shattering high notes, the band has a hard-earned and well-deserved reputation of destroying audiences with their fusion of classic and modern metal elements. Shane Clark and Justin Hagberg’s infectious guitar hooks are the perfect complement to Pipes’ epic delivery. Tying the whole sound together is the relentless bass of the mighty Byron Stroud (ex-Fear Factory, Strapping Young Lad) and the percussive onslaught of drummer Ash Pearson (Sound of the Swarm, Just Cause).

3 Inches of Blood have just released their fifth album, Long Live Heavy Metal. On Sunday, March 26th the band blew the roof off the world famous Alrosa Villa in Columbus, OH. It was the first time that 3 Inches of Blood had ever played the venue and they definitely left an impression. Their dynamic set might have been brief, but it was most assuredly a tough act for tourmates Job for a Cowboy, Dying Fetus, and DevilDriver to follow.

Immediately after their set, Cam and Shane took some time to speak with Hardrock Haven about the new album, camping in British Columbia, playing the Alrosa and whatever else came to mind:

Long Live Heavy Metal is available wherever records are sold. 3 Inches of Blood can currently be seen live as part of the Metal Alliance Tour. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/threeinchesofblood or www.metalalliancetour.com

Photos appear courtesy of Chris A.

Paul Crook of Meat Loaf & ex-Anthrax Guitarist

by Steve Patrick
Staff Writer –

Guitarist/producer Paul Crook has a pretty impressive resume thus far. He toured and recorded with the mighty Anthrax on Stomp 442 and Volume 8: The Threat Is Real, the latter of which he also co-produced. Ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach then enlisted Crook to play in his touring band and Crook played guitar for Bach until 2004. After numerous other projects, another major break came in 2003 when Crook was asked to handle lead guitar duties in Meat Loaf’s Neverland Express, a position he still holds to this day. If all of that wasn’t enough, Crook also landed the coveted lead guitar position in the Las Vegas cast of the We Will Rock You Queen musical. As part of getting that gig, Crook received personal guitar training from Brian May to gain the highest level of authenticity.

Crook’s most recent endeavor was handling the role of producer and lead guitarist on Meat Loaf’s most recent album Hell in a Handbasket. In addition to that, Crook has also just wrapped up mixing the sound for an as-yet-untitled live Meat Loaf DVD. Crook was kind enough to take some time out of the recording process of Meat Loaf’s upcoming Christmas album to speak with Hardrock Haven about the making of Hell in a Handbasket, his thoughts on his time with Anthrax, his one-on-one lessons with Brian May, and whatever else came to mind.

Hell in a Handbasket is available wherever records are sold. For more information, please visit www.meatloaf.net and www.paul-crook.com

Jack Russell

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer –

Ex-Great White lead singer Jack Russell checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about his new band, Jack Russell’s Great White; their current tour High Seas and upcoming America Rocks 2012; his current status on being removed from the band and their announcement of a 30-year anniversary release Elation (with Terry Ilous on lead vocals); a “digging in the vault” query about pre-Shot in the Dark tracks like “Black Lace and Leather” and “Survival;” if a new album is on the way; and a whole lot more.

When you look at all of the vocalists to come out of the ’80s, there were few — if any — who could compete with Russell. From his “Jack evil” vocal days on songs like “Down on Your Knees” to his flawless crooning on “Save Your Love” to his sheer Rock greatness on “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” it’s no contest. Now that Jack is back, make sure you catch the band on the High Seas current tour or this summer on America Rocks 2012.

Online: jacksgreatwhite.com

Burnt Offerings Post Video Interview Online with Drummer Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath, Kill Devil Hill)

Montreal metal radio show Burnt Offerings hosted by Cecil D on CJLO 1690AM has posted a 2 part video interview online with iconic drummer Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath, Kill Devil Hill). Appice was in Canada’s metal capital on March 14th for a drum clinic at ItalMelodie and as an invited guest judge at the Heavy MTL 2012 BOTB hosted by concert promoters Dungeonworks and Evenko where local bands battle it out for two spots on Canada’s most epic metal fest. Read more

Jimi Bell & BJ Zampa of House of Lords

by Alex Barbieri
Staff Writer –

Mission Accomplished: House of Lords on their 2012 European Tour

When you get to know House of Lords—singer James Christian, guitarist Jimi Bell, drummer BJ Zampa and bassist Chris McCarvill—you become aware that loyalty is very important to them … loyalty to each other, loyalty to their melodic rock sound, loyalty to the quality of their live shows, and, of course, loyalty to their fans.

On the return of their 2012 “Big Money” European Tour (the band is barely unpacked as this interview takes place), guitarist Jimi Bell and drummer BJ Zampa debrief Hardrock Haven about their latest trip across the Atlantic: Why they enjoyed this tour so much, why you shouldn’t trust a GPS when driving through the Swiss Alps, and more.

HRH: Jimi and BJ, welcome home and thanks for talking to us about your latest European tour. What are some of your favorite memories and experiences of the tour?

JB: Thank you, Alex. Well the first scary experience was when our connecting flight from Portugal to Germany for our 1st gig stopped in the middle of the runway. They discovered our planes landing gear was not working. We all looked at each other and said, “HERE WE GO!!!” So we de-boarded and they put us on another plane.

By the grace of God, that was the only bad thing on this tour. Too many great memories to list, although on our 2nd gig in Austria, well let’s just say Chris had a great time with his good friend Jack Daniels!!! It was great not to be the one this time!! (Laughs out loud.)

BJZ: Just getting out and seeing all our friends over there and also making new ones, but the best thing was playing with the band again live—we haven’t done that since … my god, I think it was 2008 with Jimi.

HRH: Why does HOL make a commitment to tour Europe every year, or for every new album? Is it that your record company (Frontiers Records) is located in Italy? Or is it that Europe is still such a stronghold for melodic rock and HOL fans?

JB: They are the melodic rock market and that’s where we sell the most records. The HOL fans in Europe are just awesome. But the other reason is we love to tour and perform live. I can’t speak for the rest, but I could do this non-stop. It’s in my blood and has been since I was a kid. This is all I ever wanted to do.

BJZ: Well, I would have to say we have a better foothold over in Europe because of the Melodic Rock thing, but in all reality House of Lords is an arena rock/hair metal band from the ‘80s, and as of late we have a much heavier, darker vibe going on now.

HRH: Logistically, what goes into planning a European tour? Can you give us an idea of what has to happen to make the tour happen?

JB: That a question for James Christian because he’s the one putting all this together with promoters from all over Europe. He really did an unbelievable job planning this tour. With the exception of some long travel time, there wasn’t one thing to complain about and that’s a fact!!!

BJZ: There is a whole lot of stuff that has to happen, and it all has to happen at key times. Right off the bat, you need to get shows booked and try to make them make sense logistically. On top of all that, the shows have to be booked early enough to get your deposit money in. Generally, you need to have all the deposits in two months before the first show. The deposit money then is spent on travel—you know, plane tickets, buses, rooms on days off—I think you get the idea. Then just when you think you’re done, you need backline amps and drums. Now, you have to get all of your backline from point A to point B all before the first show. To plan a run of Europe takes about a good six months of your time and that is 24/7. If you drop the ball on one little detail, it can affect your whole tour and mess up your budget. That means nobody gets paid!

HRH: You played in 12 different countries in less than 30 days. What were your travel conditions like? Was it a lot of driving? Was it freezing cold and snowing? Take us back to the tour bus with HOL.

BJZ: A whole bunch of driving!!!

JB: Well like I just mentioned, some long drives, but not a lot of them. What really made this for us was how the promoters and James took care of us. We pretty much had four- and five-star hotels with our individual rooms each time. We ate like we never ate on tour before. Just amazing food, and the fans I can’t say enough about. Just great all the way around.

HRH: Why did your sound man, Marty Weiand, keep taking pictures of the Swiss Alps? (Just making a joke here.)

JB: Because our GPS kept taking us into the Swiss Alps. BJ kept saying, “DONT GET OFF THE HIGHWAY” but NOOOOO!! Did we listen? It’s a GPS … how can it be wrong??!! HMMMM. (Laughs out loud.)

BJZ: What else could you do driving 15, 16 hours a day? It’s either that or … ahh, never mind, we’ll keep that for another time. Ha ha.

HRH: On Facebook, some of you mentioned that this was a very enjoyable tour—maybe the most enjoyable. What was different this time compared to previous tours?

BJZ: It was all of the above. The rooms were great, the food was out of this world and the fans are always great, but even better this time out. Everything worked out perfect.

HRH: Jimi, you have mentioned, proudly, that you were clean and sober throughout the entire tour. How is playing and traveling different for you now, compared to years past?

JB: I loved being sober for this, and the band did too. And I didn’t have the desire to drink—not even once. I was just SOOOOO HAPPY to be on the road again and performing. That’s all I cared about. I do want to clarify that on past tours with HOL, I never drank and did a show. I would have never done that to the band. It was only after. And on this tour, if I was going down it would have been the 2nd gig in Austria. The whole venue was sponsored by Jack Daniels and that was my drink of choice.

HRH: What bands opened for you in Europe, and anyone we should know about and be listening to?

JB: For most of the tour we had the same band called Sandalinas from Spain. Great bunch of guys and great musicians. Then when we got to Spain, we were joined by Jorge Salan who was amazing on guitar and had a great band with him as well. They’re Jeff Scott Soto’s band when he tours there.

BJZ: Yeah, Sandalinas are a great bunch of guys and real troopers.

HRH: Regarding Europe, where are some of the most rabid HOL fans? Most beautiful women? Best food? Most impressive scenery and architecture?

JB: As far as women go, you can’t answer that. There are beautiful woman all over the world. As far as food goes, I don’t remember having a bad meal anywhere and we didn’t get to see much except out the windows as we were driving but Chris (McCarvill, bassist) and Marty (Weiand, sound man) took a lot of pictures. Chris is putting together a DVD of the whole tour. (You read it here first Hardrock Haven readers! – Ed.)

BJZ: As Jimi said, there are beautiful women all over the world, but when it comes to food you have to give it to Italy and then Spain, but that’s not saying the food wasn’t good in other places, but if I had to pick personally, I would go with Italy and Spain.

HRH: What are some of the “comfort items” you each bring on tour with you? Things you bring from home to make the tour go easier.

JB: NOTHING!!! I was lucky to get my guitars on the plane. The weight restriction for flying is just crazy. One bag, 50lbs or less. Try packing for a month or two month tour and keeping the weight to 50lbs. Don’t forget, besides clothes I had two guitars and my pedal board, 40 sets of strings, all that shit adds up. BJ had sticks, pedals mixers. It’s insane.

BJZ: Not much! Since they only let you bring 50lbs on the plane, you can’t bring too much. And you never know if you will be able to wash your clothes, so I think you get the picture.

HRH: Last question: Is there anything you’d like to say to your European fans?

JB: We love you and appreciate all the support you give us past and present and we can’t wait to come back and see you next year!!

BJZ: Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting HOL. For without you, we would not exist. We are here for all of you and we will continue to give you all we got every time we step onto a stage or go into the recording studio. Thank you, thank you, thank you, ‘til we meet again.

HRH: Guys, thank you again—this has been a lot of fun! Please keep us posted on what HOL is up to.

House of Lords is:
James Christian (v)
Jimi Bell (g)
Chris McCarvill (b)
BJ Zampa (d)

House of Lords 2012 “Big Money” European Tour
February 1, 2012, Munich, Germany
February 2, 2012, Innsbruck, Austria
February 3, 2012, Weert, Netherlands
February 4, 2012, Essen, Germany
February 5, 2012, Obermarchtal, Germany
February 6, 2012, Wuppertal, Germany
February 8, 2012, Trieste, Italy
February 9, 2012, Genk, Belgium
February 10, 2012, Lodi, Italy
February 11, 2012, Trofarello, Italy
February 12, 2012, Prateln, Switzerland
February 14, 2012, Budapest, Hungary
February 15, 2012, Prague, Czech Republic
February 16, 2012, Jonkoping, Sweden
February 17, 2012, Vaxjo, Sweden
February 18, 2012, Trolhatten, Sweden
February 19, 2012, Stockholm, Sweden
February 23, 2012, Madrid, Spain
February 24, 2012, Valladolid, Spain
February 25, 2012, Sevilla, Spain
February 27, 2012, Lisbon, Portugal

Like House of Lords on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/houseoflordsofficial

Watch the official video for “Someday When”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va6gk6GYgfs&ob=av2e

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