Richie Scarlet

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by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

Richie Scarlet has a Rock and Roll resume that would make any guitarist proud. Richie AKA (The Emperor Of Rock and Roll) has toured the world with Sebastian Bach, Mountain, and Ace Frehley. Richie has a classic guitar style that combines blues, rock, metal, in a unique way.

These days, Richie has a flourishing solo career that is garnering rock and roll fans across the country. Hot off the Heels of performing to a packed house at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Richie is gearing up for a very special Valentines show at P.J.’s in Baldwin, NY and on February 21 at The Stone Pony in Asbury, Park, N.J. Richie unveils his special guest stars for The Stone Pony show right here on Hardrock Haven. Tune into Hardrock Haven to see what The Emperor has planned for his fans in 2009.

www.myspace.com/richiescarletonline

HRH: Richie, Happy New Year. It is great to see that you are performing quite a few shows this month. First of all tell us about your special Valentines show in NY.

RICHIE: It has been a long time since I played in that county of New York State. It will be a Valentine MASSACRE of Rock n Roll. Looking forward to it!

HRH: Also, you will be performing at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. on Feb. 21. You have special guest stars appearing on that show including Dennis Dunaway? How did you meet Dennis Dunaway?

RICHIE: This is a one-night show featuring Albert Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, Dennis Dunaway of Alice Cooper Group and myself that are called the Blue, Scarlet, and Coupe. We will be performing BOC songs, Alice Cooper songs and Scarlet songs. I have known Dennis for many years. He played bass on my Insanity of Life CD along with Neal Smith original drummer from Alice Cooper. We have been working a lot lately on some projects together. And let me say this, there is no one cooler in the RnR world then Dennis Dunaway.

HRH: One of the great aspects of Alice Cooper is that he is the master showman and actually started the whole theatrical concept for concerts. How important is showmanship and theatrics in Rock and Roll? During the ’80s, it was an event to see a concert. Do you find that all returning in 2009?

RICHIE: The original Alice Cooper Group from the ’70s were the forerunners of the theatrical movement. They influenced everyone from Kiss to Marilyn Manson and beyond. As far as 2009 everything comes back around eventually.

HRH: What can the fans expect to hear from you at your upcoming shows?

RICHIE: Music from my CD catalog including a good amount from my latest Revelation Supreme.

HRH: You have such a Rock and Roll resume. You also toured with Sebastian Bach. What was the highlight of touring with Sebastian Bach?

RICHIE: 2-1/2 years of total madness. That lineup being his very first solo tour after Skid Row. It became like a fine oiled machine after playing 5 nights a week for 2-1/2 years all over the world including Japan and Korea.

HRH: For many years, you worked with Leslie West and Mountain. Actually, you played bass with Mountain. Was it hard making the transition from bass to guitar?

RICHIE: First of all I went from guitar to bass. Not really because I was a fan of Mountain as young kid.

HRH: As a guitar player, what was it like working with icon Leslie West?

RICHIE: It was an experience. I got to travel all over the world with Mountain.

HRH: You also worked with rock icon Ace Frehley. Any special highlights that you would like to share with us about touring with Ace?

RICHIE: There were so many highlights, that it would take a whole book to answer. As far as touring the Bad Boys Tour with Ace and the Peter Criss’s band ranks among my favorites.

HRH: Are you a huge Kiss fan?

RICHIE: I always loved their shows, but I was never what you call a die-hard Kiss fan.

HRH: Who inspired you to become a musician? Are there any other instruments you play?

RICHIE: The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Yes, God gave a gift of playing 9 other instruments and I’ve been running with the gift all my life.

HRH: How many guitars do you take on the road with you?

RICHIE: 2 or 3 Gibson Les Pauls and 2 0r 3 Fender Strats.

HRH: How would you describe your style?

RICHIE: I am a mutt of every style that has come down the pike, from early rockabilly, fusion, funk, punk, and hard rock. If you put them all in a pot and add an ounce of blues and stir it up, it becomes Richie Scarlet.

HRH: You have performed with so many great people. Is there anybody that you would like to work with if given the opportunity?

RICHIE: Yes…. David Bowie!

HRH: Are you currently in the studio? Any special products that you would like to share with us?

RICHIE: Yes, I am currently recording my new cd entitled My Own Worst Enemy as well as a project with Joe T, Dennis Dunawy, Russ Wilson and Peter Galinari. I am also producing Scottish Guitar sensation Steve Lyall among many other projects. I have just released a DVD entitled Richie Scarlet Live in Tokyo which is available at www.richiescarlet.com . So order it now or I WILL COME AFTER YOU WITH MY GINGHSU KNIFE.

HRH: Thank you for checking in with Hardrock Haven. It has been awhile since I have seen you perform. I want to say the last time was with Leslie West. Great to see you back on the road. Is there anything else that you would like to say to the Hardrock Haven readers?

RICHIE: Thank all the people for supporting my music. Please check my Web site and my space often for updates. Thank you Debbie for your support.