Kevin DuBrow: Revisited

Tweet

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

In 2004 Hardrock Haven had the oppurtunity to interview Kevin DuBrow. Quiet Riot had recently disbanded and DuBrow had just released his first studio solo album In For The Kill. Hardrock Haven’s first and only interview with DuBrow covered the late Randy Rhoads, the beginnings of Quiet Riot as well as the “Metal Health” era and DuBrow’s activities as of ’04.

John: Kevin thanks for taking the time talk with Hardrock Haven. What inspired you to be singer in a rock n’ roll band? Who are your main influences?

Kevin: “Steve Marriott, Paul Rodgers, Rodger Daltry, Rod Stewert, Michael Des Barres and of course Glenn Hughes.”

John: The beginnings for Quiet Riot involved the late Randy Rhoads. That period of time must have been magical for you and the band. What was the atmosphere like with bands such as Quiet Riot and Van Halen slowly on the rise?

Kevin: “I wouldn’t say it was magical, it was more frustrating! We had one of the best guitar players ever in our band and we couldn’t get arrested!”

John: You obviously had the chance to see Randy and Eddie Van Halen play live early on. Did Randy or Eddie steal ideas from each other?

Kevin: “Not that I saw. Later on Randy started doing some hammer-on things because his guitar students wanted him to teach it to them.”

John: What was your experience with Randy in the studio like?

Kevin: “He was great in the studio. He could double or triple track solos with ease. He wasn’t that fond of the way our records were recorded but he was always up for a practical joke.”

John: Did Randy leaving Quiet Riot and joining Ozzy derail the band for the short term? Did you take his leaving personally?

Kevin: “I was very unhappy about him leaving. At the time I felt that he deserted me. Of course in retrospect he did what he needed to do. It didn’t derail the band, it ended it. I started over at that point.”

John: With the reformation of QR after Randy left, did his tragic death affect you immediately or did it take several years for it to sink in?

Kevin: “It was immediate. It had nothing to do with the band, it was a personal loss as when anyone close to you dies.”

John: Are still in contact with Drew Forsyth and Kelly Garni?

Kevin: “Kelly Garni is a very successful photographer here in Las Vegas and is doing the pictures for my first solo album. Drew I haven’t heard from in years.”

John: How did drummer Frankie Banali and guitarist Carlos Cavazo enter the picture?

Kevin: “I wanted to try a different direction on the drums and the bass player I had at the time suggested Frankie Banali. Frankie was and is an amazing drummer and a wonderful human being. Getting Carlos was Frankie’s idea.”

John: In your opinion what are the major differences in Carlos and Randy’s playing?

Kevin: “Everything. Carlos is good at what he does but a Randy Rhoads comes along only once in a lifetime.”

John: Metal Health was big not only for QR but also in legitimizing the genre. Do you take a lot of pride in opening the door for other acts to get airplay in the 80s?

Kevin: “I never think about it.”

John: Had Randy stayed in QR would QR still have been that one step away from Metal Health?

Kevin: “Again it’s a what if. I just can’t say.”

John: Metal Health was your hottest selling CD, was there one CD done by the band you felt didn’t get the credit it deserved?

Kevin: “I really like the “Terrified” CD.”

John: With all that was good and all that was bad with QR what have you learned and taken away from those experiences personally?

Kevin: “Enjoy it while you can because nothing lasts forever.”

John: Is Quiet Riot done for good?

Kevin: “I hope not. I’d be ready to do it again tomorrow but only if there was one change made. I love the band and Frankie Banali is my best friend. Maybe someday. Who knows?”

John: Your upcoming CD release in 2004 features cover tunes from the 1970’s, what bands are represented?

Kevin: “Deep Purple, Humble Pie, The Faces, T Rex, Mott The Hopple just to name a few.”

John: The lineup on the CD features Kevin Curry (g), Gunter Nezhoda (b), Jeff Martin (d) and Micheal Lardie (engineer, co-producer). How did these guys get involved in the project?

Kevin: “Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records brought them aboard. They are all really talented, enthusiastic and ready to rock!”

John: Is Kevin Curry and Gunter Nexhoda from any known bands?

Kevin: “They have both played on a number of Shrapnel CD’s but I think that their work here is exceptional.”

John: Is there an expected release date set? How about CD title?

Kevin: “Early 2004 for a release. We’re still deciding on a title.”

John: If you could front an all-star band, who would be in it?

Kevin: “Frankie Banali Drums, John Entwisle Bass and Randy Rhoads Guitar.”

John: How does it feel for your songs to be played at major sporting events?

Kevin: “It’s funny! I don’t know anything about sports so I find it amusing.”

John: What is your opinion on the status of rock today?

Kevin: “I don’t care for it.”

John: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. We would love to hear more from you in the future. Keep in touch…

Kevin: “Thanks. For your support!”