Chaotic Riffs Magazine Is Owned, Created and Published By: Questions Or Comments: Vortexual Dreams Production, Inc

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Talk Back ...... 4

Featured Interview: The Rods ...... 5

Tim Gibson ...... 12

Jamie Delerict ...... 16

The Crossing ...... 20

Writings On The Wall ...... 23

Pretty Boy Floyd’s Troy Farrel ...... 34

Colby Veil’s Freakshow ...... 44

CD Reviews: The Rods ...... 46

Editor/Graphics/Layout: Leith Taylor

Illustrations: Oktobyr

Interviews: JRock Houston Advertise With Us: [email protected] Graphics: Oktobyr & Leith Taylor Ho w a r e w e d o i n g ? We w a n t t o h e a r f r o m y o u . Chaotic Riffs Magazine is owned, created and published by: Questions or Comments: Vortexual Dreams Production, Inc. [email protected] PO Box 32, Ocala, FL 34478 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Here at Chaotic Riff’s Magazine we really do hope that you all had a Rockin’ New Years Eve...... Well in 2010 we have big things planned for our readers....To start off with want to know what you think! We want to know how we are doing....We want your input on how we can make our magazine better than it already is.... We want to be sure you keep visiting our site which is why in 2010 we’re going to continue to cover the bands/ musicians that we really believe in and that we think you need to know about....This May will be our one year anniversary and in our May issue we’re planning to bring you up to date on several of the acts we’ve featured in our magazine over the last year. Now to start off the new year we want to welcome you to a new feature TALKBACK....Which is a monthly topic where we will talk about some music related topic and then ask for you to E-mail us back your thoughts/feedback which we in return will publish some of these letters at a later date.

This month’s topic is Tribute Bands! Now as anyone who has ever read a single issue knows we have featured some tribute bands in our magazine over the past year...I know some of you may have been scratching your heads wondering why we’d bother covering a tribute band in our magazine...... Well let me tell you there’s more to tribute bands than meets the eye....I am here to tell you the long believed myth that anyone who plays in a tribute band is just a failed musician who has no talent and can’t hack it in an original act. In my years interviewing bands I have interviewed many tribute bands and I, myself was amazed at what great stories some of these bands have....For example, I once interviewed the Drummer from a Kiss tribute band and was amazed to learn that in the film Detroit Rock City it was this tribute band that filmed the concert scenes and not the actual band Kiss. In issue 2 I interviewed Hollywood Roses Singer Colby Veil which is one decision that I have never regreted... Not only in that interview did I accomplish the goal I set out to which was to tell that band’s story but after that interview was published Singer Colby Veil contacted m to first thank me for the interview and then to tell me that he would like to write a monthly column for Chaotic Riff’s Magazine which is how Colby Veil’s Freak- show came to life....I contacted the magazine’s Owner/Editor Leith Taylor and ever since then Colby’s monthly column has been a welcome addition to Chaotic Riffs Magazine. Since the interview in issue 2 I have gotten to know Colby Veil and I can tell you he’s one of the most down to earth, friendly guys that you can ever hope to meet and the guy is loaded with talent! Colby is not only in Hollywood Roses, La’s Premiere Guns N Roses tribute band but he has his own original band DOPESNAKE who will be making some serious noise in 2010! Let’s not forget that Tim Owens was found in a Judas Priest tribute band and look at the success he’s gone on to have...... And then this New Years Eve I had further proof to just how great a tribute band really can be! I Experienced not just Hollywood Roses live at the Whiskey in Los Angeles but also another great tribute band...... Beggers And Hangers On....A Tribute to everything SLASH! Expect Beggers And Hangers On to also make some serious noise in 2010!

So now, what we’d like to know from you is...... What do you think of tribute bands? Do you have a favorite tribute band that you’d like to see featured in Chaotic Riffs Magazine?

Send Comments to: [email protected]

JROCK: If you don’t mind I’d like to go back in time JROCK: I was curious why you decided to be a trio and talk a little bit about back when you were in the band when forming The Rods? ELF w/Ronnie Dio. DF: - I don’t know if becoming a trio is something DF: - Well I joined the band when it was still named that we really decided on but like I said when I met Ronnie Dio and The Prophets which turned into Electric Carl I was just really impressed with what a phenom- Elvis, which eventually turned into ELF. enal Drummer he was and then Gary was a fantastic Bassist. Before The Rods I really wasn’t a Singer. I JROCK: Now I know that you and Ronnie James Dio was known more for my Guitar Player....I became a are Cousins....Did you guys grow up together, were you Singer almost out of necessity. We just didn’t have a close when you were growing up? Singer so I became the Singer/Guitarist. Even today I don’t think I’m that good of a Singer. DF: - Well Ronnie is a few years older than me so we treally didn’t grow up together but we lived next door JROCK: I understand that back in the day you had together and then in High School we were both in band Managers who would tell you guys that your albums and played the Trumpet so we had that in common and I weren’t selling and that The Rods sucked....Now can also play the drums but when Ronnie learned that I these guys are supposed to help push the band so why could play the Guitar that was when he asked me to join do you think they did such an awful job? his band. DF: - I really couldn’t tell you why...... We even once JROCK: So you actually played on some of the albums? had the opportunity to open for AC/DC in the U.K. and the management didn’t allow us to do the tour DF: - Yeah I played on the first two albums and then I left because they said that it would be too costly, cost too the band. much for us to tour over there and to this day I think that was a really, big mistake on the management’s JROCK: So what led to your decision to leave Elf? part because we got offered that tour because AC/ DC who was very big at the time wanted us on that DF: - Well there wasn’;t any animosity or anything be- tour! I think had we done that tour we would have tween me and the other members of the band or anything been headlining shows after that. This was during the like that. It was more about me wanting to do some non period after the first album was released on Arista Re- musical things for a while which I did back then. I took cords and after the Managerment wouldn’t allow us to several years off from music.....I didn’t even pick up the do the AC/DC tour we fired them but they held us to guitar for years. our contract which means our hands were tied and we were unable to do anything else for a year. JROCK: After leaving Elf and seeing Elf eventually break up and go their seperate ways what was it like for JROCK: Who were some of your influences? you to see all the success that came Ronnie’s way? DF: - Beck, Blackmoore, Hendrix, and Page. As a DF: - I thought it was just great....I felt that Ronnie really matter of fact I’ll tell you a funny story. Back in The desearved all the success that came his way because not Elf days we toured w/Deep Purple which I just loved only is he a great Singer but he’s always been a very, because I was such a fan of Rihie Blackmmore’s and hard worker and I have to say that Ronnie’s always been I’d watch their show every, single night and I was just a great guy to me. so impressed with the guy’s playing.

JROCK: So what year was The Rods formed? JROCK: Did you ever get a chance to meet Black- moore? I’ve heard stories that he’s always been very DF: - 1980, I didn’t touch the guitar for years after I left standoffish. Elf but when I met Carl and Gary I knew I had met the prefect Drummer and Bass Player and that’s when The DF: - I’ll tell you what, I had heard all kinds of horror Rods came together. stories about Ritchie Blackmoore before we did that

5 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com tour. I heard things like if Blackmoore doesn’t like that Ronnie James Dio appears on two tracks. the Guitar Player he’ll throw the opening band off the tour...... Anyways because I’m such a huge Ritchie DF: - Ronnie did sing on two tracks but it’s not for Blackmoore fan I wanted to meet the guy so one night sure those songs are going to make the album....It re- I go up to a Deep Purple crew member and I ask “Hey ally depends on what kind of deal we get worked out where’s Ritchie’s dressing room?” They said “Over for the new album. there, why though? You can’t bother him...Anyways I walked over to Ritchie’s dressing room, introduced JROCK: So once the new album gets released I myself and I then asked him who was his favorite Guitar imagine that the band will begin do a little more of an Player? he replied “Jeff Beck” I then said to him that’s extensive tour? great because Beck is my favorite guitarist too and then you’re my second favorite Guitarist...He laughed and DF: - That would be nice, that is the goal, but it really was very friendly with me so that was my experience depends on the success of the album. The new album meeting Ritchie Blackmoore. will sound like tradional Rods music from the 80’s. There are a few songs that sound a little different but if JROCK: Since the band has gotten back together are you’ve liked the albums we’ve done in the past you’ll you discovering that there is more of a demand for the like this new album we have coming out. band and that maybe you are discovering that you have fans half way around the world in places where the band JROCK: I was listening to the first Rods album just has never even performed before? last night and I was really impressed with the fact that you guys were a band from the 80’s and yet you DF: - I think it’s a little bit of both....I mean like I said sounded like this great, classic rock band out of the back in the day The Management wasn’t really telling us 70’s. What really impressed me about the band on how popular we were...It wasn’t until the band reformed that first album is the way both your vocals and guitar with the Internet that we started getting all these e-mails playing really stand out. from all around the world telling us how much they loved us, wanting us to come and play live in their City, DF: - I think that shows the band’s power as a trio...I and in some cases countries where we’ve never even mean when there’s just Bass, drums, and one guitar played. every, single note really stands out...I mean as a Guitar Player I’m playing both the rhythm and the lead parts JROCK: So I know that the band has been working on a and if I make mistake and play a bad note believe me new CD that you’re planning to release in the spring of it’ll be heard. 2010 ...... Have you guys signed with a label or what? JROCK: You guys also toured with both Iron Maiden DF: - Right now we’re not with a label and as a mat- and Juda Priest early on in your career....What memo- ter of fact since the band has been back together we’ve ries do you have from touring with both those bands? been booking all our own shows and managing the band ourselves. DF: - Yes we toured with both those bands...We toured with Priest in the states which was just great...Rob JROCK: It’s just amazes me how the music industry Halford has always been one of my favorite Singers has changed...I mean today you have all these band on so I really enjoyed touring with them...And then in re- MYSPACE and the internet releasing their own music gards to Iron Maiden we toured with them in the U.K. and marketing themselves these days. and I just remember how welcoming they were to us.

DF: - Yeah it wasn’t like that when The Rods was start- JROCK: Back in 2004 you released a solo album.... ing out...I happen to think it’s just great the way bands What was the biggest difference for you between that have been able to cut out the middle man being the album and the other albums you’v recorded w/The record labels and pretty much do things on their own. Rods?

JROCK: In regards to the new Rods CD I understand DF: - Well on my solo album I concentrated on my

6 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com guitar playing and brought in another singer to do the vocals...... He was a really, fantastic singer who had done a lot of other stuff before. I’m planning to release another solo album and I think on the next solo album I’ll release it as David “Rock” Feinstein and make it more of a solo album in terms of me playing all the guitar/bass parts and doing all the vocals and then bringing in a Drummer that I’ve worked a lot with in the past.

JROCK: So besides the number of strings is there much of a difference for you between playing Guitar and Bass?

DF: - I can’t really play Bass lines, the next solo album won’t be Rush style music where you need a huge, precise bass sound. it’ll be more basic Rock N Roll where not a lot of technique is needed which is good because the strings are bigger and fatter than they are on the guitar.

JROCK: Is there anything else that you’d like to let all The Rods fans all around the world know about?

DF: - As a matter of fact there is...... Before the new album hits in The spring we are planning to release a live CD/DVD combo pack and the DVD will have bonus stuff on it which will include interviews and things like that in addition to live footage. This is something that we are planning to release in early 2010 and it’s something that we’re releasing just for our fans and will probably be released in a limited edition....So be on the lookout for that.

Carl Cannedy JROCK: What year was your band The Rods formed?

CC: - 1980

JROCK: How did you guys first get together?

CC: - David was in Elf, and I was playing in a couple of other local bands so we would cross paths in these different bands with Elf playing the same club circuit so we knew each other. We had started a band called Thunder and we played a little bit before and then out of the ashes of that band we decided to start The Rods.

JROCK: I read on your webpage that when the band first started that it was your goal to kill Disco which was still real popular at the time...With that being said how successful do you feel the band was when you were first taking off?

CC: - You know that’s funny because we started to play, and we would just try to get gigs, and we started recording just about 3-4 months after we started....So we would play gigs for just a little money and most of the

7 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com times the club would just empty out, they just didn’t get it, JROCK: Have you given any thoughts to re-releasing there was just a big difference to what people were listen- the old albums? ing to. As time went on we started to get a following and little by little the fans started coming out and so we started CC: - I think right now that album has been re-re- to build an audience despite the fact that people weren’t leased on High-Voltage and distributed by Cherry Red used to initially then it grew from there and things started In the U.K. And The Wild Dogs album is being re- to go well for us. It was defintley an uphill battle. released which will be out in January and that is beautiful, they’ve done a great job. We’ve done some new JROCK: When the band was first formed was there any interviews with Malcom Dome for the liner notes. So specific reason you guys decided on being a trio? that album is coming out and they did a great job of remastering it with bonus tracks and so on. CC: - You know I don’t know why we did a trio thing. I think David is a strong Guitarist and I have always been JROCK: I was also reading that the first major label influenced by Drummers from trios even though like Keith you guys were with was Arista which is interesting Moon, The Who were a four piece band...The band was because you would expect to find a metal act signed Guitar, bass, and Drums. Blue Cheer, you know when to that label...How did that come about? I saw Blue Cheer’s Dickie Peterson just passing away it was very sad for me because he was a great guy and it was CC: - Mike Bone was our A&R guy, he was a great an honor for me to work with him and Paul. I saw Blue A&R guy and he was really into The Rods God Bless Cheer on American Bandstand when I was a kid and they him and we went to sign with Airiola but the Compa- were just blowing the speakers out of my T.V. and I just ny was taken over by Arista and Mike Bone was still stood there in awe these guys with these long hairs playing the A&R guy so he pushed to have us so they kept us. so loud, you could tell it was crazy loud and the speak- So all of a sudden we went from a label in America ers were vibrating. To see these guys play “Summertime that was German based that knew about Metal and Blues” and I don’t know who was on that show but it was now we were with Air Supply and Aretha Franklin so always the middle of the road kind of people on that show it wasn’t exactly the best thing. and then to see Blue Cheer come on and blow the doors off the place. Paul Whaley had this huge drum kit and I JROCK: So with that being said did you guys get any was like “Ok I get it, That’s what I want to do.” So Hen- kind of tour support from the label? drix, Cream, those were all the bands that I grew up on so for me being a trio was kind of a natural thing. It was the CC: - The people at Arista U.K. were phenomenal. kind of drumming that I came from. Mike Bone really pushed for us, he really busted his ass to make sure we got everything we could pos- JROCK: I read on your webpage that back when you sibly get but overall we didn’t get much from Arista released your debut album that initially you released it on in America and it was unfortunate but they did what your own label...How hard was that to do back in the day? they felt they could do. We were a heavy metal band and they didn’t get that. CC: - It was hard, you know today it’s pretty easy to do, just go any number of places to upload your songs or get JROCK: Of course David is the Cousin of Ronnie it manufactured but you know it was pretty weird setting James Dio...You must get asked about that a lot. Did it up but it was great, I think it was the best thing we could you ever find that a lot of people would check you have done for ourselves. We only pressed like a thousand guys out simply because of that connection? Do you copies but they were gone immediatley. ever get tired of answering questions about that?

JROCK: Did you sell the albums at your shows back CC: - You know I think David and Ronnie are fam- then? ily so David never gets tired of that because he loves Ronnie and Ronnie’s just the greatest guy. I was in CC: - Yeah it was mostly shows, and I think some local the band when we used to rehearse in the same house stores. I think we each had like one or two copies and and used to say hi to Ronnie....and then only recently now can’t even find them anywhere. when he came to guest on these

8 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com two new Rods songs that he sang on did I get to spend JROCK: Have you found since getting the band back more time with him at some of the Heaven & Hell shows together that there’s more of a demand for the band now so I never get tired of talking about that because he’s than there was for the band at the time of the band’s just the greatest guy. I wish him well because I know breakup? what he’s battling right now...I know he’ll come through it. We don’t get tired of that at all and to answer the CC: - You know I think for myself personally, we just first part of your question I think maybe initially maybe played a show Saturday night and it’s been a blast for people did come and look at us because Ronnie was me meeting all the fans and seeing it. I’ve been saying David’s cousin so there was a connection but ultimately, this when doing interviews but we didn’t know for a musically we stood on our own. We were a real raw, long time, our management not the most creative and balls to the wall kind of band and I think at some point supportive...They kept us from knowing that people we kind of just made our own name. really liked us. We were basically being told that we sucked and nobody cared about The Rods so as The JROCK: Have the two tracks with Ronnie already been internet started becoming more prominent in everyone’s recorded? lives we started getting E-mails from all around the world telling us that people really liked the band so The CC: - They are recorded already yes. Wild Dogs are still out there. Now when we’ve been doing shows the fans are unbelievable and it’s just great JROCK: And what is the status of the album? to meet them. So that’s been the biggest highlight for me is playing with David and Gary again and meeting CC: - We’re looking for that album to be release in the all the fans. Spring. JROCK: It must be great having the internet which JROCK: What led to the band’s breakup? wasn’t available back in the day as far as being able to market the band and communicate with fans? CC: - Well I had started producing a lot of bands and at the time things were winding down for us. It wasn’t that CC: - It is, you know we have fans, people who contact we didn’t want to play or perform but the opportunities us that are really into the band . We know have more weren’t there so for me I was involved with producing of an instant feedback. We didn’t know for years that and David started a Restraunt called The Hollywood people were out there and into us...So now we post that’s been very successfull and it’s a great place...It’s the things and things go up on YOUTUBE and comment official hangout for The Rods. Gary was playing with about it and we get immediate feedback so it’s great. Savoy Brown at the time and was on tour so it got to the point where we were just no longer doing anything. JROCK: So how do you feel about fans posting a live performance of yours on YOUTUBE? Do You have a JROCK: So is that restaurant in New York? problem with that?

CC: - Yes Upstate New York. CC: - I personally don’t...We’ve been doing a lot of recording of shows. As a matter of fact we’re right now JROCK: So how did the band’s getting back together in the process of discussing and I think it is going to come about? happen to put out just for the fans because everyone’s been asking us is a DVD/CD pack prior to the release of CC: - Well we decided it would fun to do a one off the new album so we’re hoping to get it out by Janu- show. David had done a solo album, he had done a few ary. It’ll be a live CD/DVD with some bonus features. dates and we talked about hey let’s do a live show, you I have no problem with fans putting stuff up, I think it’s know it’ll be fun. Once we got together to rehearse it great that they’re willing to take the time to film some- was like the old days, nothing had changed and everything and throw it up on the internet is just great. one was playing well, we were having fun, that’s how it got started and we decided that David and I had a lot of ROCK: Are you also finding out in your use of the material so let’s put an album out. internet that there are people who are just finding out

9 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com about the band for the first time, or that people are chosen. They were fantastic...I mean the first night of the finding out about the band for the first time in places tour they came in with Champaign and introduced them- that the band has never even performed before? selves. They could not have been nicer. They gave us all the time we wanted onstage, they were no ego trips by CC: - Absolutely....I find here even in the States that the band, they were just really great guys so it was just a we get E-mails, there was some kids at the shows that really wonderful tour for us. It was our first major tour, are only 18, 19 years old that weren’t even around they were just great to us, I can’t say enough about them. when we first started and they’re like “We really love Judas Priest I still have great memories of standing at you guys and we just discovered the band recently.” the side of the stage watching Dave Holland play a huge so yeah we’re seeing those people come to the show set for Screaming Of Vengeance Tour and we had done which is really great. some shows with them before that. I think one of our first shows we did when we were looking for Management JROCK: So in regards to the new album that’ll be was at The Palace Theater in Albany, New York but The coming out in the Spring were all the wongs written Screaming For Vengeance Tour was phenomenal and just specifically for this album or was there any old mate- watching night after night Halford, and everyone in the rial that had been laying around for a while that made band was just wonderful. It was fun and a great tour to be it on to the new album? part of.

CC: - No, everything is brand new...David and I JROCK: I was curious why you decided to become a wrote all new material...We co-wrote the title track. Drummer? Why did you choose the drums as your instrument of choice? JROCK: When the new album comes out are there plans for the band to start to do some more heavy CC: - You know I play guitar and I play Piano as well. touring? Get out there and do a real massive tour That’s why people ask me when they hear a song I wrote behind the album? “You wrote this whole song?” They think someone else must have written the music but I play Guitar as well. I CC: - That’s what we are hoping for. We’re doing started playing Guitar shortly after I started playing the Rock Tower in April and we’re hoping to do more Drums. I started playing Drums because for some reason festivals. when I was a little kid I went to this wedding and he really showed off on this JROCK: You guys performed at The Texas Rock drum solo and was playing like with a Choir and I thought Fest last year didn’t you? “that’s cool!” I always wanted to play Drums even though I didn’t actually start until I was 13. CC: - We did and that was cool. Texas has always been great, even at the lowest point they never gave JROCK: You mentioned that you produced some other up the metal. bands a few years ago...Do you think being a musician yourself helped you in being able to produce those bands? JROCK: Is there a place in the world that you haven’t performed yet that you’d like to perform one CC: - I think so yeah because you know what it’s like day? when you’re trying to go for something and it doesn’t happen. I’ve always tried to help capture the energy of the CC: - Japan band and I’ve always tried to help them with their vision.

JROCK: I know early on in your career you opened JROCK: Have you ever thought about putting out an for both Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. What do you instructional DVD? remember about those tours? CC: - You know I’ve thought about it but I don’t re- CC: - I’ll start with the Iron Maiden guys were look- ally know what I’d have to offer. I’ve watched them. I ing for an American band to open for them on The certainly have a pile of them that I have purchased . You Number Of The Beast tour and we wound up being know every Drummer is different. I just watched Terry

10 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Bozzio the other day and I have one from Chad Smith and I’m like “They couldn’t be any different DVD’s”. and yet you learn something from each of them.

JROCK: So what do you do for fun when you’re not touring with the band?

CC: - I just write, I try and write as much music as I can, I practice, that’s a lot of what my fun is.

JROCK: So for now the plan is for The Rods to release new music and stay together for the immediate future?

CC: - That is correct.

Interviews by JROCK HOUSTON

11 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 12 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 13 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Interview by JROCK HOUSTON

14 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 15 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com ROCK: You are the Lead Singer/Guitarist for the U.K. JD: I’ve always said that I’m a jack of all trades, but master based band Teenage Casket Company....What year was the of none. I can play lots of instruments, just not very well! band formed? I’m totally from the Johnny Ramone school of guitar playing. I attack my guitar with basic chords and never play JD: We formed very late on in 2003, played our first gig solos. There are millions of amazing “technical” guitar- in May 2004 and released our debut album early 2005. ists out there that will probably never even get out of their We went full steam ahead until I decided to get sober in bedrooms. I’m self-taught, I only know the basics, but I’ve November 2006 and since then it’s been a bit of a sporadic done pretty well for myself and I beam with pride at the band really! things that I’ve accomplished so far. There is NO substitute for passion, self-belief and hard work. JROCK: What part of the U.K. are you from? Is there much of a music scene there? I think I’m an ok vocalist and I really enjoy singing. I was the lead singer and guitarist in pop-punk three piece PANIC JD: We’re pretty much based in Nottingham. It’s easy to for ten years, but it got to the point where I needed some- say that when we’re asked, but in reality, we’re all spread one else to share the load. That’s how TCC came about. I out around the country these days. The UK music scene wanted someone else to sing other than me and also some- has been very steadily on the decline for the best part of ten one to play solos better than my crappy efforts! years. It’s got to the point now where something has got to change. Venues are closing, promoters are losing money I also play bass for the Irish based rock n roll band the and bands are breaking up because there’s no money to be DANGERFIELDS. Bass was my first instrument and my made. It’s really tough out there to try and make a name for first love, so I think that I’m most at home with the old four- yourself. It’s harder than it’s ever been and I’ve been doing string. Sometimes it’s nice just to rock the fuck out with this a long time. We’re down to the die-hard music fans your weapon of choice and sing a few backing vocals here now. God bless them all! and there.

JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the great- JROCK: How old were you when you first started playing est influence on you? the guitar?

JD: I actually bought my first bass guitar just to play the JD: I bought my first bass in 1991. I was sixteen. I guess riff to “Unbelievable” by EMF. Before I knew it, I’d joined that’s pretty late on in life to start learning an instrument by a hardcore punk band and we were supporting some of today’s standards. In 1993, the band I was in had a sud- the underground greats like “Sick Of It All” and “Born den line-up change, so I taught myself how to play guitar Against”. I really didn’t know what the hell I was doing, in one week and in another week, I learned how to play but I knew enough to know that I’d found my calling in guitar AND sing at the same time. I can honestly say with life. I was introduced to bands like the Ramones, the Mis- my hand on my heart that I have not improved on those two fits, Descendents, Germs, Minor Threat, Black Flag, Green weeks in sixteen years. Day and Operation Ivy and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always had quite a diverse taste in music, but in my heart JROCK: Do you remember what was the very, first song I’ll always be a punk rocker. I like my music to have balls, you learned to play on the guitar? attitude and loud guitars! The bands and artists turning me on right now are The Loved Ones, Dead To Me, Danko JD: As I mentioned earlier, I learned how to play “Unbeliev- Jones, Jesse Malin, One Man Army and D Generation. able” by EMF on the bass. It was all wrong, but it was close enough for me at the time. On the guitar, it was an obscure JROCK: Like I said you are a Singer/Guitarist...Which of song titled “Tied Down” by an old US hardcore band called those roles are you most comfortable in? Negative Approach. It was three chords, my friend taught

me where to put my fingers and the pleasure that I got from route a few times, but it doesn’t tend to work out as well finally nailing it was incredible! for me as the lyrics that are written about me and about how I’m feeling. JROCK: What do you remember most about the very, first guitar you ever got? JROCK: How did you come to name the band Teenage Casket Company? JD: I swapped my bass for my very first guitar in 1993. It was by Aria and the model was called “The Cat”. Ha-ha! It was my JD: I actually had the band name in my head for quite first choice guitar until I got my Gordon Smith in 2002 which A while before meeting the other guys. I was in PANIC I still use to this day. I still also have “The Cat” although it’s at the time and the internet was really kicking off at the pretty trashed now after a TCC groupie/stalker got her filthy turn of the new millenium. I thought that my next band hands on it…. name should be much more than a simple generic word and certainly not be a name that other bands around JROCK: Can you briefly tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs the world might also choose. I also liked the idea of a Magazine how you first met the other members of Teenage business that exclusively made coffins for dead children. Casket Company and came to form the band? That dark concept, juxtaposed with the logo using bright colours and our good time, feel good music….. A unique JD: I used to run some rehearsal studios in Nottingham and result! Wylde’s old band used to practice there. They were a good band, but VERY dated in soft-rock kind of way. We shared a JROCK: Has anyone who has ever seen a Teenage Cas- mutual appreciation of Motley Crue, LA Guns and Poison, and ket Company ad ever really thought you guys were an also a lot of great pop bands like Go West and A-Ha. We had actual Casket Company? a jam and found that our styles meshed quite well. Both of our bands were rapidly reaching their natural ends, so we decided JD: We get emails all of the time from people wanting to go for it. He brought in Laney 74, who in turn brought quotes for building them caskets. Really. in Spike. It was fantastic chemistry right from our very first rehearsal. We recorded ten songs in a studio after only four JROCK: How many Cds has the band released to date? months together which is just crazy looking back. Different versions of those ten songs went on to become the “Dial It Up” JD: Two CDs. The “Dial It Up” album from 2005 and the album. “Eat Your Heart Out” EP from 2006. We haven’t been too prolific as of late, but we’ve all been ridiculously JROCK: Is everyone in the band involved w/the song writing busy with other projects and of course, our “normal” process? lives.

JD: Usually myself or Wylde will demo a song and give a copy JROCK: What has been the reaction to Teenage Casket to the other guys. By the time we rehearse it, everybody has a Company so far? different idea of where the song is headed. Most of the time, we end up with a cracking tune! Laney and Mike are such JD: We’ve just recently played our first four shows in great musicians, that the process wouldn’t work as well as it two years. They went down very well I think. Our friends has done to this point without their valuable input. and fans were certainly happy to see us back. But as in- dividuals, we have changed. On stage, when we’re “on”, JROCK: When writing songs do you tend to write more about there’s no band better. But things do change, people have things that you’ve actually lived through/experienced or what? moved on, the “scene” is so different now and the kids have got shorter attention spans now than they have ever JD: Nine times out of ten, yes. I’ve tried the “telling stories” done! It’s all kind of subjective these days anyway. The

internet means that in twenty years time, (when I’m a Gran- JD: Hmmm. We’re at a very strange point in our dad!) TCC will STILL be picking up new fans! lives and ca reers right now. The comeback gigs were good, but things are never straight forward in the land JROCK: Who designed the band’s cool looking logo? of TCC. Behind the scenes, we’ve overcome some serious personal problems between various band JD: I could be wrong, but I think that I brought the concept and members. Things that would make even the closest of Laney 74 executed it perfectly! friends the worst of enemies. But we’ve always managed to get through it. The chemistry is fantastic be- JROCK: What do you remember most about the band’s very, tween us musically and especially on stage, but drama first professional gig? always seems to haunt our every move. Unfortunately for the band, we lost a lot of momentum and started JD: I remember that we supported a Canadian band called encountering problems when I decided to get sober in The Mudmen and I had just returned that week from getting late 2006. It’s the second greatest accomplishment in married in the US. I remember that I wore a bandana on stage my life (after my daughter) but it seemed to somehow for the first time just to differentiate myself from the Jamie hurt the band in the long run. In particular, the rela- Delerict that played in PANIC. I remember that the venue in tionship between Wylde and myself has never been the Nottingham has since become our “home turf” and that we’ve same since he lost his “drinking buddy”. In all honesty had some memorable nights there. I remember that James from Jason, at this exact point in time, I’m not sure what the Riot Promotions saw us at that gig and we’ve worked very future holds for TCC. I know that there are many rock closely with him ever since that night. I also remember feeling n roll bands throughout history that have hated each “free” for the first time on stage as I wasn’t anchored down by other and yet still managed to co-exist, but without lead vocals on every single song. I remember that it was the the option of separate tour buses and lots of cash to start of a fantastic ride. keep us sweet, I’m not sure how much gas is left in the tank for TCC! I really don’t want to be cryptic. I’m an JROCK: What is the craziest thing that has ever happened at honest guy, who likes to give straight answers. But I one of your concerts? think that we’ll know for definite in the next couple of months or so. JD: I don’t remember much about it, but “The Boston Inci- dent” of 2005 is always brought up when questions like this are JROCK: Are you currently involved w/any other asked. On the second date of our first US tour, I either hit the bands/projects that you’d like to mention? booze way harder than I thought, or I was spiked with something, but I put in a shambolic three song performance before JD: Yes! I’ve been the bassist in the DANGERFIELDS crashing through the drum kit, abruptly ending our set. I then since January 2007. We’ve recently toured with the passed out inside a locked toilet, with Spike and Wylde ac- Supersuckers, the Dwarves, Stiff Little Fingers and cidently smashing up the sink and flooding the restroom in the many more. We’ll be recording our long awaited “dif- process of trying to rescue me. Whilst we tried to make a quick ficult” second album in November. We have a singing getaway from angry bouncers before the cops showed up, I drummer which isn’t something you see every day. AG proceeded to get it on with this girl in front of her livid boy- has also been sober for five years, so that’s a HUGE friend. I also “lost” my pedals and wireless system that night. help in keeping me sane when on long tours. There were many people angry with me after this show. Thank fuck I’m almost three years sober now. Before I joined, I was a huge fan of the band and it’s always fun times on the road with the DFs. JROCK: What is currently going on w/Teenage Casket Com- I also record with a Manchester based producer called pany? Tim Sawyer at least one day a week. It’s not exactly “solo” material, it’s more of a collaberative effort, but

18 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com A big part of my musical awakening in 1991 was getting involved in the local Durham City hardcore scene.

he has some great contacts and we have lots of exciting opportunities available to us. It’s the first ever time that I’ve recorded without a deadline and it’s all coming along very nicely. In between all that, I also run my own touring company, driving and tour managing other bands in my spare time.

JROCK: I read on your webpage that you are a Vegetar- ian...... Could you please briefly tell our readers the story of how and why you became a Vegetarian?

JD: A big part of my musical awakening in 1991 was getting involved in the local Durham City hardcore scene. At the time, Straight-Edge was a fairly new concept in the UK and vegetarianism has always traditionally gone hand in hand with that movement. As is evident by some of my stories earlier, I never really identified with the Straight-Edge lifestyle at THAT point in my life, but I wholeheartedly embraced the vegetarian way. I’ve always been an animal lover, so as soon as I realised that it was actually possible to live a healthy life without meat, I jumped right on it and never looked back. My Mother was very supportive of my choice and even cooked me a separate meal every night. I’ll never forget that as in those days, interesting ingredients were very hard to find!

JROCK: Anything else that you’d like to say to your fans Jamie? JD: Thanks for the interview Jason, I’ve had fun answering your questions. Here’s some links for you all. SUPPORT ROCK N ROLL! www.myspace.com/jamiedelerict www.myspace.com/teenagecasketcompany www.myspace.com/thedangerfields www.myspace.com/shuttleboytours

Interview by JROCK HOUSTON

19 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com An Interview With The Crossing Guitarist/Keyboardist: John Bullaro JROCK: You’re the Guitar Player and Keyboardist for The keyboardist as a temporary replacement for our previ- Crossing...... I was curious which instrument have you been ous bass player. With what Denny brought to the table in playing the longest and do you feel more comfortable play- chops and songwriting, we kind of knew right way that we ing the Guitar or the Keyboards? might have something permanent happening. The songs he’s brought to the table really transformed what the band JOHN: I am definitely more comfortable of guitar because I was all about. Pat Ring joined the party on drums about am really not a keyboard player at all. I play the easy chords eight months ago and we really hit it off with him person- and riffs on boards when it’s manageable, but for the real ally and musically. The four of us make up the band. keyboard parts I either program what we’re looking for or get someone good to play the sections! We work with a guy JROCK: What year was the band formed? named Erik Nelson of The Insomniaxs who is a world class keyboard player, so we use his talents whenever we can. JOHN: Steve and I have been working together since the 1990’s with different bands and lineups. Denny joined JROCK: Did you take Guitar lessons or would you consider about three or four years ago. But ever since Pat came on yourself to be self taught? board, we have really begun to move forward, so we kind of like to think of The Crossing as less than a year old. JOHN: No, I never took lessons, but that is something I kind of regret. I’ve developed a lot of bad habits on the JROCK: How did you come to name the band The Cross- guitar over the years and there a million techniques that ing? still elude me. At this point, I would hardly consider myself a complete player. It’s a work in progress. But I wouldn’t JOHN: Unfortunately, it may be a letdown, but there is no necessarily consider myself self taught, either. Pretty much big meaning behind the name. It’s kind of ambiguous and everyone I was growing up with was playing guitar, so I for- we dig that. When we were trying to come up with a band tunately just picked up stuff from a lot of different people. name, I think it was the first one that Steve and I agreed on, so we just went with it. John Lange, one of our graphic JROCK: Do you remember what was the very first song you designers, also came up with a pretty cool logo, so that learned to play on the guitar? helped, too.

JOHN: No, I really don’t. But if I had to guess, it would JROCK: The band is from Chicago...Is there much of a have been something like a Zeppelin, Priest, or Sabbath riff. rock scene there these days? To this day, I am still not very adept at learning and playing other band’s songs all the way through. I know a lot of JOHN: Chicago loves it’s rock, but it also can be tough, individual riffs, licks and chord progressions, but outside of because not a lot of rock acts break from here. It’s a great having to actually cover a whole song, I never really figured town if you’re somewhat established, but outside of out tunes completely. Disturbed, Chevelle, and The Smashing Pumpkins, I don’t know of many rock bands who break into the national and JROCK: Do you remember what was the very first song you international scene. We hope we’re next! learned to play on the piano? JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who were the JOHN: Probably the same answer as before. I know a lot of greatest influence on you? little parts and passages, but no songs all the way through. It’s something I would like to do in the future, though. JOHN: Easy answer. Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Rush were and continue to be huge influences on me. Those JROCK: How did you first meet the other members of The three bands really transformed the way I listen and think Crossing and come to form the band? about music. I love Zeppelin, Sabbath, Alice In Chains, JOHN: The Crossing was actually just Steve Lazzara (lead Slayer, The Cars, and most things rock and metal. As a vocals) and myself working on and off as a studio project guitarist, there are way too many players to name, but I’m for a long time. We played with a lot of talented musicians. a big fan of Satriani, Malmsteen, and Vai. Those dudes It wasn’t until Denny Jett came on board that The Crossing scare me. I am also a really big fan of 80’s pop and classic really took shape. Denny was brought in by our old rock. It may bear mentioning that I also just love ABBA!

20 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Go figure. JROCK: Were all the songs on the CD written in the same time period? JROCK: I understand that the band recently got a new Drummer....Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic JOHN: We had been working on some of the tunes for Riffs Magazine a little bit about the new Drummer and why a long time prior to hitting the studio. Once we com- the band parted ways with your original Drummer? mitted to doing all forty songs, the writing went into high gear while we were in the process of recording. A JOHN: We had been auditioning drummers for almost a year couple of tunes actually didn’t even make it on to the without a lot of success. Pat Ring had seen an ad we were disc. Personally, there are still a ton of tunes I have been running and came in to try out. Pat had previously been in a trying to put to bed for years! Rush tribute band and he had just left a national touring act. After one audition, we knew he had what we were looking JROCK: Is everyone in the band involved with the for on the drum kit, and we really made a connection on a songwriting process? personal level right away. Pat is a terrific guy and is already a key member of the band. The guy he replaced was actu- JOHN: Steve, Denny, and I all write, so there’s never a ally not our original drummer. We have worked with five lack of good ideas and variety. Pat has brought a lot to guys over the years, each who were tremendous players and the sound, too. We are a band that likes to write in a lot helped us get to where we are now. Some of the drummers of different styles. Most of our stuff falls in the rock and moved away, some got married, and some just went on to alternative range, but we don’t set out to write songs in other directions in their lives. A fairly common story. Luck- any particular style. We write and record whatever we ily, all those partings were pretty amicable and we maintain think can be a great song. It may be a bass line, a guitar friendly relationships with all of them. riff, a drum groove, a vocal melody, or a lyric that gets the process started, but it becomes pretty clear early on JROCK: The band’s debut Cd is titled Chemical Gods.... where the tune is going stylistically. It doesn’t stop us How did you come up with the CD title? How long did it from developing a song just because it isn’t going to be take from start to finish to record the CD? a heavy rock tune.

JOHN: “Chemical Gods” is actually our second release. We JROCK: As far as songwriting goes does the band tend put out a cd entitled “Daisies” in early 2008, which still does to write songs about real, true life experiences or what? pretty well for us. “Chemical Gods” has forty songs on two cd’s, so working between two studios, it took the better part JOHN: We spend a lot of time on trying to do differ- of a year to record, mix, and master. The title comes from ent things with the lyrics which hopefully keep the cuts one of the cuts on the recording. We just thought that title interesting. Steve and I write a ton of lyrics, but I would sounded cool and interesting. Plus, once the album art was consider Denny to be a premiere lyricist. He has a way chosen, it really clicked for us. of drawing on personal experience and making it really universal. There is a very clever way Denny uses lan- JROCK: What do you remember most from the recording guage and his stuff ranges between very poignant and sessions for Chemical Gods? really funny. In the end, we hope that our lyrics offer something a little more diverse to a listener. JOHN: With that many tunes being recorded, it’s hard to remember single moments. It was a whirlwind experience and JROCK: What has been the reaction to the band so far? a lot of ideas were just coming together. We had what we considered to be the songs and main styles we were looking JOHN: Well, based on our online platforms and how to record, but as the writing progressed, we found we had some of the shows have gone over, I like to think that over forty tunes that we really felt strongly about. Disc one the reaction has been great! We are trying to do some- became the rock disc we were originally shooting for, but thing a little different, and I think people are digging we were convinced the songs that became disc two had to be that. We like to think the band has something to offer recorded and released. The second disc is a lot of A/C, pop, everyone, and we have been deeply gratified by those and experimental stuff that is a world apart from the usual who have supported us. sound we do live. We probably wouldn’t try it again, but the way the tracks turned out made it totally worth it, and so far, JROCK: What is the craziest thing that has ever hap- it’s been pretty well received. pened at one of your concerts? 21 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com JOHN: We have had our share of unforeseen technical problems on stage. I had my amp burst into flames once. Needless to say, that doesn’t help your sound!

JROCK: Has the band toured outside of the Chicago area yet?

JOHN: We have basically been in Chicago and the local Mid- west until now, but there are plans in the works to take this show on the extended road.

JROCK: What plans does the band have to promote Chemical Gods?

JOHN: Well, I must say that interviews such as these are a really big help to us. We have had a good amount of radio support so far and the cd has received a lot of good press. We have plans to shoot a video for “Rebellion”, one of the cuts off “Chemical Gods”. And of course, playing live for new audiences is key.

JROCK: Are you happy with the response Chemical Gods has got so far?

JOHN: Very much so. The response from both the fans who have picked the cd up and the press reviews of “Chemical Gods” have been tremendous. With forty songs, we pretty much guarantee that everyone can find something they dig on this release.

JROCK: Anything left that you’d like to say John?

JOHN: I would invite everybody to visit us at any of our online platforms. We are constantly writing and recording, so we usually put new material up on these sites. And The Crossing is about to hit the road, so hopefully the band will be on a stage near you soon!

http://www.myspace.com/thecrossing1111 http://www.facebook.com/thecrossing1111 http://www.reverbnation.com/thecrossing1111 http://www.ilike.com/thecrossing1111 http://www.thecrossing.info

Interview by JROCK HOUSTON

23 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com An Interview with Brett Morris of Chinese Democracy JROCK: How long have you been a professional JROCK: What do you remember most about getting musician? your very first guitar?

BM: Well, professional implies you’ve been paid BM: I remember walking in the living room Christ- so not very long (laughs). I’ve been let’s say “in the mas morning and seeing a beautiful black guitar not market” here in LA for about 5 years or so. I’ve been unlike the guitar I play today, thinking “Holy shit I got capable and serious about guitar for over a decade a Les Paul!!” but then getting closer and seeing the though. I had my first live, full band experience when I name “Hohner” on the headstock (laughs). No, it was was 12 or something. actually a very decent first guitar to have. I put EMG 81s in it too, which gave it a boost. It definitely got the JROCK: How old were you when you first started job done for a number of years. The second guitar I got playing the guitar? was a Marty Friedman signature Jackson Kelly, and I still have that one. It’s actually a beautifully made BM: I was about 11 I think. I had been taking piano guitar, better quality than my real Les Paul I’d say. The lessons for a few years, but my older brother had taken shape is a little silly to me now though, it’s really made up guitar and was making it clear to me that piano for more metal environments. wasn’t as cool (laughs). My dad also played rhythm guitar in a classic rock/oldies band, and still does. So, JROCK: What was the very first song you learned to for my 5th grade talent show I decided to learn Metal- play on the guitar? lica’s “The Unforgiven” on guitar with all of about a month to learn the instrument (laughs). I pulled it off BM: I think the main riffs of Enter Sandman, or was though. it Walk This Way? Like I said before, The Unforgiven was one of the first, and the first full song I learned. JROCK: Did you take guitar lessons or would you And also... consider yourself to be self taught? JROCK: What was the very first GNR tune you BM: Self taught. Though I gotta give credit to my dad learned to play on the guitar? and brother for getting me started and sort of influ- encing me. Also, taking piano lessons had taught me BM: ...Don’t Cry. I distinctly remember learning that basically how music worked and trained my ear a bit. as one of my very first 3 or 4 riffs. But once I learned to cleanly pick a string, the bug bit me hard! I got totally obsessed. I’m glad I got started JROCK: Have you ever given guitar lessons to other younger, because I had some time. I used to just lock or have any interest in doing so? myself in a room with a Jimi Hendrix or Metallica or Megadeth or whatever CD for hours and hours just BM: Yeah I’ve given lessons to quite a few people working away. I took off pretty fast, especially because actually. I enjoy doing it. Since I’m self-taught and a lot of the music I liked (metal, hard rock) demanded don’t know tons and tons of theory, I have kind of an a pretty high level of technique. You could say that my unconventional way of teaching that I think can actu- guitar heros taught me how to play, because I literally be better and more fun for beginning to moderate ally learned just studying every detail of the guitarists guitarists than some of the stiffs you find in music that I loved. Guitar magazines and tab books helped stores. I grew up playing metal, but also Beatles and a lot too. I would just pick up everything I could get, finger-picking folk and all sorts of diverse stuff, so I and try to absorb everything I could. No lessons ever, usually teach the style and songs that the student really though. Actually, scratch that, there was one time after wants to play, and mix theory into it subtly. I’m avail- I had already been playing for a couple years I thought able for lessons now still. maybe lessons would be good so I went to this guy, who was some jazz geek. Nothing against jazz but he JROCK: Can you briefly tell me the story of how you wasn’t compatible at all. He literally taught me one first discovered the music of GNR and what was it jazz chord, and that’s it(laughs). One lesson, one chord, about the band and their music that you found to be so that was enough. Still remember the chord though! influential?

24 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com BM: I was young, born in ‘82. Appetite came out in after our first gig. So, after auditioning a few drum- ‘87 and I actually think I first took notice of them from mers that didn’t click eventually I asked Sean, the beginning. I heard Welcome To The Jungle from my who’s one of my best friends and a great drummer brother or sister and immediately loved them. They were I’ve jammed with for years, if he’d by any chance just so kick ass and dangerous sounding. I remember road want to join. I wasn’t sure he’d be interested, but trips just playing Appetite on repeat and I was just 5 or 6 he was down. The second he sat down with us there (laughs). Axl’s voice had so much almost maniacal energy was no question he was a perfect fit, and played the in it, and Slash’s solos were so melodic and soulful, they’ve songs better than anyone we’d played with before. always just hit the spot for me. They’ve been one of my favorite bands as long as I can remember. They definitely JROCK: What do you remember most about the were one of the bands that influenced me to really dive into band’s very first live performance? hard rock and metal, and music in general, a few years later when the early 90s scene came around. BM: Our first performance was at Paladino’s in Tarzana sometime at the beginning of summer JROCK: What do you feel is the best GNR album released this last year I think. It actually went pretty well to date? I think, no real problems. Paladino’s is actually a BM: They’re all perfect albums, in my opinion. You can’t pretty sweet place with a nice big stage, and people really say anything is better than Appetite, but I’ve always really coming to see our kind of bands so it was had a close connection with Use Your Illusion II. cool. We always get a strong response there, so it was a good place for a first gig. Our second gig, JROCK: How did you hook up w/the other members of at Martini Blues in Huntington Beach...that was a Chinese Democracy and come to form the band? little rockier (laughs).

Shawn, Chris and I had played together in a cover band JROCK: What do you remember most about the right before Chinese Democracy and that sort of disinte- Hollywood music scene when Chinese Democracy grated. Shawn had bounced the idea off of me to start an all was just starting out? GNR band. The previous cover band did a few GNR tunes, and those were always our favorite, and strongest ones any- BM: Well, it was just 2007 so it’s the same as it is way. I was a little bit reluctant to do it because I didn’t want now, that is to say, a lot of crap and a few awesome to spend all my energy playing covers, but the fact was I bands. knew all the songs anyway and Shawn could sing them perfectly so it really was low maintenance for us. It’s rare to JROCK: What do you believe sets Chinese De- find someone who can sing Axl’s style like Shawn, and he mocracy apart from all the other GNR tribute bands didn’t want another guitarist so it was actually something I out there? thought we could do really well. BM: Namely the fact that we DO Chinese Democ- We also had been sharing all the new GNR leaks from racy songs, before the album has even come out! If Chinese Democracy the album, and had been following Axl the album ever does come out, we’ll be ready. We closely for the 100 years it’s felt like since he started the need a keyboardist though! record. Shawn might be the only guy I know who’s a bigger fan than I am (laughs)! A lot of people have been totally The other thing I think that sets us apart is that oblivious to the new stuff, so it was cool to find someone we’re not really a gimmick kind of tribute band, else as into it as I was. We thought it would be a novel idea we show up as we are but we really try to nail the to pay tribute to the new GNR as well as the old, it’d be songs. I’ve had a lot of people come up to me and challenging but also would set us apart from the other GNR say that when they closed their eyes, they couldn’t tributes. tell us apart from the real Guns N Roses. I’ve even had some say that we sound better than the Like I said, we had Chris from the old band and he’s hard old GNR concert they went to (laughs). GNR was working and very easy to get along with (a rarity in this always kind of hit or miss live, either they were the business) so he was a founder as well. Shawn brought his best band ever or it was kind of a train wreck and Domination 101 (Pantera tribute) bassist over, but he left Axl stormed off. I wouldn’t say in a million years after just a few rehearsals. We got Aurick after auditioning that we’re even close to the real thing, but we try to some really weird dudes. Our original drummer, Matt left be more consistent (laughs). But Shawn sings Axl

25 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com like no one else I’ve seen personally, and I think that’s the He’s got a huge sense of humor in his playing and most important thing you look for in a GNR tribute. writing too, which I love. His style is from another planet. In a way, I don’t really see how he fits in the JROCK: Would you say when the band was just starting Guns N Roses mold, but I’m so happy he’s getting out that it took a while for the band to get a following or did the exposure he deserves and I guarantee he’ll play things happen for the band right away? things you’ve never heard before on the record.

BM: Well, we’re still trying to build a following. The I can’t recommend his solo albums enough to people that come out love us though. Everywhere we go, we people. I’d start with 9.11 and Hands, and move get a pretty crazy response. Even the smaller places where from there. people are just sitting down for all the bands not really car- ing, when we play they come up to the stage and sing along JROCK: What would you say is the hardest GNR and cheer all the solos which is great. 90% of the credit song to perform live? goes to the songs themselves being so classic, but I think we give them a good charge. We’re getting some good response BM: Locomotive. I’d say it’s definitely their most on Myspace, and people love the live clips we posted. technically demanding song to play. From a guitarists perspective, it’s got about 8000 solos but the JROCK: Why go the route of a tribute band rather than main verse riff actually gives your right hand a form a band that writes/records/performs original material? workout like no other GNR song. It’s got some interesting timing and changes too, getting it tight as BM: Well, for me it’s not either/or. I’ve always been set a band was a challenge. I absolutely love that song. on writing/recording/performing original material, so this band is just sort of a fun thing for me, I love the songs and JROCK: What are some of your favorite GNR it keeps my live chops up while I do my own stuff. I’ve also songs to play live? had several people come up to me after shows and want to collaborate. It hasn’t worked out yet, but playing onstage BM: I really like playing You Could Be Mine, and meeting people is definitely something that could lead it’s got a great solo and the song just rules for live to other opportunities. Playing originals is my real focus and performance. I like singing the chorus with Shawn passion, but this band is really low maintenance so I don’t too. Don’t Damn Me is another one of my favor- see it being too much of a conflict down the line. I’m cur- ites, namely because the solo just wails. For our rently looking to join or form an original band so if anyone longer shows, I usually get a solo spot which is fun. is reading this and interested, look me up. Sweet Child is fun for me because people really know and love that solo intimately, they can sing JROCK: Who is your favorite GNR guitarist Slash, Izzy, along with it almost. It really is a great solo, I play Gilby, or Bucket Head? it pretty much note for note, and every time I do I realize why people like it so much. It’s constructed BM: You missed Bumblefoot! He’s the current one, and he perfectly. Notice a pattern? I like playing solos. Oh, smokes all those guys in my opinion. No one can replace and Locomotive for the reasons above. Slash at what he does, he’s an icon and will always be one of my biggest influences, but apart from him, Bumblefoot JROCK: What is the craziest thing that has ever (his actual name is Ron Thal) absolutely blows my mind. happened during one of your live shows? Buckethead is crazy too, but I think Ron is better and much more underrated. I was actually a huge fan of him before he BM: Hmmmm, I guess one of our 14 Below shows joined GNR, he’s a fucking monster and I hope Axl fully would have to have been the craziest. There was utilizes his talents because he can sing disgustingly well, this weird drunk old bum without a shirt wearing and his songwriting is awesome. A lot of solo virtuoso gui- Ugg boots (??) going crazy right by the monitors, tarists suffer in the songwriting department and just jerk off, and then next thing I know he’s on stage right by but he actually writes and sings really good songs, but with me running around! Keep in mind, it’s a small just freakish guitar parts. He’s one of the only guitarists in stage that barely fits even all of us, so he was not the world who will play something so alien sounding with welcome and I had no idea what he was planning to just his fingers, it’ll leave me with absolutely no clue what do up there. Luckily he got down. During that same he just did. Most other virtuosos, I know in my mind what show, last call came up and we had to stop playing. they’re doing...it’s just really fast or technical. With him, But the crowd just kept chanting for more. We were he’s as fast as anybody but more than that, he’s just bizarre. halfway packed up, the lights were on but they

26 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com wouldn’t stop. The house was cool enough to actually let us play another, I’ve never seen a bar turn the lights back down and fire up the PA again just for an encore.

The craziest thing that happened AT a show, but not during was meeting God...er I mean Lemmy Kilmister at our show at the Cathouse opening for Dizzy Reed’s Starfuckers. What can you say about that guy? He’s the real deal, one of a kind. Eric Singer, from Alice in Cooper and the guy who sang on Slash’s Snakepit’s “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” (fantastic album) was also there. Super nice guy.

JROCK: What is the hardest thing about putting on the show you put on?

BM: Probably just not getting caught up in the energy so much that you’re not focused on what you’re playing. I’m a perfectionist, so I like to really be super tight and at the right tempo as a band. Sometimes it’s so fun that you get a little sloppy. Even if the crowd doesn’t notice, I’m still hard on myself. Another difficult thing is forming a set list! There are so many songs we want to play, but we don’t always have the time to do them.

JROCK: What is the most enjoyable part of putting on the show you put on?

BM: Just nailing a solo or a song and getting that response from the crowd. There’s nothing like it.

JROCK: Are you involved w/any other bands/projects that you’d like to plug?

BM: Not at the moment, but I’m always writing and I might post some original music fairly soon. My intent is to find an original band too. Not necessarily Guns n Roses style, but definitely in the vein of hard rock, metal, grunge, and all the classic bands. Again, if someone is reading this and is serious about music (and is good!), contact me. An Interview with Paul LaPlaca JROCK: Where are you originally from? everything from Blackfoot to Ted Nugent, the Cars, Gary Neuman, the B-52s, Earth Wind and PAUL: Jamestown NY, Home of the 10,000 Maniacs and Fire, Steely Dan- The list is pretty endless. Lucille Ball. JROCK: You appear on the new Vinnie Vincent JROCK: How long have you been a professional musician? tribute CD Kiss My Ankh...Can you briefly tell me how you got the opportunity to take part in this PAUL: Unfortunately, I don’t make a living as a musician so project? 7. You appear on C.C. Banana’s parody I’m only professional with regards to my work ethic. cover of the Kiss song “Unholy” ....Are you happy with the way the song came out? JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the greatest influence on you? PAUL: I met CC Banana at a KISS convention in Jersey, he’s this nut who dresses up in a banana PAUL: My greatest influences were from my friends and costume and adopts a bit of a CC Deville persona- local musicians. Randy Deppas and Tom Luce (two friends funny as hell. He contacted me with an idea to do from college) and my bandmates from one of my first bands, the Unholy Parody and told me the story behind it. Eric Gustavel and Jeff Cooke all helped to shape my founda- Reader’s Digest, condensed version is Ted Poley tions and were extremely important to my development as of Danger Danger was on tour with KISS and was a player and songwriter. Dave Constantino from Talas and about to meet Paul Stanley for the first time, alone Rob Buck from the Maniacs were also huge influences. As backstage in a long hallway. As they passed each far as bigger names go, I was a huge KISS fan as a kid and other Ted lost his nerve and didn’t say anything Ace certainly was an inspiration followed by Alex Lifeson, but as Paul Stanley continued on down the hall, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmore, George Lynch, Steve Vai, Ted heard him sing (to the chorus of “Unholy”) Jeff Beck, Billy Sheehan, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire and Neil Ted Po-le-ey. I thought this was one of the cool- Peart were all important to me. I had a really good FM radio est, funniest stories I’ve ever heard about someone station growing up so I was exposed to a lot of variety meeting one of their biggest idols. I had been on

27 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com the road with ZO2 opening for KISS in 2004 and I had when CC says in his best, Deville/ Jerry Lewis, “I similar, good experiences with Paul so I was thrilled to think I hurt myself!” That and him breaking into that participate. CC did a fantastic job on vocals considering creepy pedophile rap from “Christine Sixteen” is he’s never done anything more than drunk karaoke to my pretty damn funny. knowledge. Caffery burns a phenomenal solo and Den- nis Leeflang did an amazing job on the drums and helped JROCK: What instruments do you play? with the mix as well. I’m happy with the song but I would have loved to have had access to full blown studio to PAUL: I started at home on a console organ, then track and mix in. Considering it was mostly done in my started playing the furniture with a borrowed pair of apartment in Brooklyn on a Digi 003 we had some sonic drums sticks. I moved on to guitar, bass and saxo- limitations. phone as necessity dictated. Give me a month and I will be able to play something on any instrument, just I’ve heard some negative feedback about this track from takes dedication and a deadline! fans that think we somehow are showing disrespect to Vinnie or KISS but this couldn’t be further from the truth. JROCK: What do you remember most about your Not only are we showing our appreciation for a great, well very, first, professional gig? written song, we are also giving a nod and a thumbs up to Stanley for having a sense of humor and for giving Ted a PAUL: I guess the first national level gig I ever did story to remember for a lifetime. Nothing is more frustrat- was the KISS/ Poison tour in 2004. It is really inde- ing than working on something like this and having your scribable the feeling of pulling up to the guard behind intentions misread. the venue, showing your backstage pass and driving up to the 5 huge red semi-trucks in the loading dock. JROCK: When you were approached about doing this I remember walking onto that stage for the first time project did you know who Vinnie Vincent was or anything and seeing the crew working on the huge KISS sign about him? and knowing I would be playing on that stage that night is something I’ll never forget. Granted it was PAUL: The first time I saw/ heard Vinnie Vincent was the only one song but it was still pretty damn cool! debut of the video for “Lick it Up”. I was in High School at the time and hadn’t listened to KISS in years but was JROCK: What do you remember most about the still on the edge of my seat to see them without make-up. very, first, original song you ever wrote? My first thought was, “Holy cow, is that ACE? Put the make-up back on!!” PAUL: The first song I ever wrote was for a girl named Laura when I was in Jr. High School. I had ROCK: Would you consider yourself to be a Vinnie just gotten my first guitar and only knew a D chord Vincent fan? and a C chord so it was a pretty short song. I played it at our “Gong Show” and she threatened to sue me PAUL: A fan of the man responsible for giving the world for using her name in the title. Nope, didn’t get laid. Slaughter?!! ROCK: Can you tell me about some of the bands/ Seriously, I have a lot of respect for Vincent. He was projects you’ve been involved w/in the past? extremely important to keeping KISS alive (see what I did there?) and all KISS fans owe him a debt of gratitude for PAUL: I was in a few great bands in Buffalo, NY - some outstanding songs. I’m not that familiar with the In- The Sparks Flight, Wunderland and Stealin’ and even vasion era stuff, it wasn’t really my style but I know there did a stint with the self-proclaimed son of Elvis Pres- are fans out there that strongly support Vinnie as a solo ley in a ‘50s band. When I moved to NYC I joined artist and feel that he should be recognized for his work Von LMO an underground noise legend and was able outside of KISS. Hopefully this CD help in that regard. to play some incredible shows headlining CBGBs and the reopening of Max’s Kansas City. I went on JROCK: What do you remember most about the record- to October Thorns, Grey Skies Fallen, Zandelle and ing of the track? The Void and I’ve done some live work with ZO2. The bassist, David Z was with me in Thorns and was PAUL: The vocals were finished last and I had the mix picked up for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra when we pretty much done at that point. I was working on the last played the Savatage Convention in ‘99. Dave sug- bit of delay on the final scream and was about to hit stop gested me for Chris Caffery’s solo band and I have

28 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com been with him ever since, the only An Interview with player to not miss a single show with him! Chris is pretty much a one man Ex-Anthrax Singer: Dan Nelson band when it comes to recording so I haven’t had much of an opportunity to JROCK: Where are you originally from? contribute to his CDs but I was able to do an orchestration for “Winter in Dan: I’m originally from NY Hamburg” and I’m pretty happy with the way it came out. JROCK: I know that you’re a Lead Singer but I was curious if you play any instruments as well? JROCK: I understand that you toured Dan: I do, I play guitar, bass and drums. w/Doro last summer...How did you land the gig w/Doro? JROCK: What were some odd jobs you had early on in your career to help support your musical dream? PAUL: Caffery was subbing for her guitarist and was able to get on the bill Dan: I’ve worked construction, as a mover, store manager, guitar as the opener as well. I was tapped to teacher and personal trainer. mix Doro to help with the tour. JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the greatest influ- JROCK: What have you enjoyed most ence on you? about working w/Doro? Dan: Everything from Elvis to Metallica. I am a big classic rock guy PAUL: They are such an incredibly as well. I just love a good song. dynamic band. As an engineer you can really have an impact if you follow JROCK: What do you remember most about your very, first, profes- their lead. They usually close with sional gig? “Love Me In Black”, this amazing power ballad that goes literally from a Dan: My first gig was at 11 or 12 years old in front of 300-400 whisper to a scream. I’d start the mix people...I remember being a nervous wreck, haha... but afterwards off at a pin drop level but by the last being completely hooked. chorus you could see people getting their hair dried by the air we were JROCK: Most people know you of course Dan because you’re the moving. Extremely satisfying profes- Singer who replaced Joey Beladonna in Anthrax when the Anthrax sionally and we had a blast on the bus re-union w/Joey fell apart. Prior to joining Anthrax what were you as well. doing? Were you in any other bands at the time?

JROCK: Are you currently involved Dan: I was singing and playing guitar in the band Devilsize. w/any other bands/projects you’d like to mention? JROCK: What year was it when you got the Anthrax gig? How did you get the gig with Anthrax? I mean did you have to audition for the JROCK: What can fans expect from band and compete among a cattle call of other Singers who were also Paul LaPlaca in the year 2008 and trying out for the gig? beyond? Dan: I got the gig in Sept. of 2007, although it was announced I think PAUL: I’m working on my own in December. I had been in talks with members of the band since studio and will probably be doing a lot April/May 2007 though about auditioning after working on a different more mixing and producing this year. project with Rob Caggiano. Caffery has some shows in the works for next spring and summer and I have JROCK: What was the audition process like for you? my own projects that i hope to have on stage by the spring. Expect the unex- Dan: What do you remember most about your audition? I just remem- pected, lol!!! ber being ready. JROCK: How did you learn that you were the new Lead Singer of

29 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Anthrax? JROCK: Of course by now everyone knows that you are no longer with Anthrax....Most fans know that Dan: Through an Internet chat, same as the fans. initially the band made some press statement where JROCK: After you found out you were in the band....How they basically said you had to leave the band because long did it take for you to learn all the classic Anthrax of some mystery illness you had....Later in your own material? press statement you denied having any kind of illness. So I want to give you the opportunity now to Dan: I never learned all the classic material, just the songs tell your side of the story in regards to what do you that were in the set. Plus a few extra songs in case of en- believe is the reason for the band’s abrupt decision to cores, surprises, etc. split with you?

JROCK: Were you an Anthrax fan prior to joining the Dan: I’m not sure, and honestly don’t care any longer. band? I’ve moved onto to the next chapter in my life.

Dan: Yes I was. JROCK: Have you heard anything in regards what will happen with all the material you recorded w/ JROCK: What was your first impression of all the other the band? Any chance they may hire a new Singer guys in the band when you met them for the very, first to rerecord over your vocals....If they were to do that time? how would you feel about that?

Dan: Everything seemed to gel well between us. Dan: I haven’t heard anything about what plans there are for “Worship Music” it would be a shame for fans JROCK: Was there any one member of the band that you not to hear it as is though, because it is truly a great ever felt closest to? album.

Dan: No, I wouldn’t say so. JROCK: What have you been up to since leaving JROCK: What do you remember most about your first, Anthrax? show w/Anthrax? Dan: I’ve been working on starting a family with my Dan: The fans were amazing, the energy was awesome, wife Kim, playing hockey again as well. On the mu- great gig. sical side of things I have been singing and playing guitar in the rock band Inside Hollow as well as sing- JROCK: Once you started writing material with Anthrax ing for a yet untitled metal project with Paul Bostaph for what was intended to be your first album with the on drums and Jeremy Epp on guitar. Both bands are band....What were the writing sessions like.....Did you sounding amazing, and I can’t wait to get out there write all the lyrics or did you collaborate w/the other mem- and play with those guys. bers of the band on all the songs? JROCK: What should fans expect from Dan Nelson Dan: We all worked on music, melodies and lyrics to- in the year ahead? gether. There were about five songs written musically prior to me joining, three of which were ditched early on Dan: Lots more music and shows, hopefully some in the writing process. The other two that were kept went babies! Ha-ha through many changes before becoming the songs that JROCK: Anything left that you’d like to say to your were to be on “Worship Music”. fans Dan?

JROCK: Of all the recording you did with the band what Dan: I can’t thank you guys enough for the sup- do you remember most about those recording sessions? port that you’ve all shown me both in and out of Dan: Working very hard to make a great album for the Anthrax...You all rule and I look forward to hanging fans. with you all again real soon!!

JROCK: You played last year’s Rocklahoma festival w/ Anthrax...What memories do you have from that show?

Dan: The crowd was great and the show was great. Noth- ing but good memories from my time on stage there.

30 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 31 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 32 Issue 1 - May 07, 2009 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 33 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 34 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 35 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 36 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Interview by JROCK HOUSTON

37 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 38 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 39 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 40 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com By purchasing this album, up to 50% of the net profits will be use to help people and communities in need. Our goal each year is to provide a means to combine local music and talent to generate proceeds to be used to help the community at large by selecting bands who are willing to participate in the cause to help raise monies to assist in the funding of the United Song Alliance projects. These services are available for anybody in need of assistance with a variety of issues, such as, food, mortgage payments, car payments, home improvements and a list too long to list here. For full details for obtaining assistance from the United Song Alliance please visit the www.unitedsongalliance.com website.

War Remnants is available for purchase at Amazon for $8.99 via digital download.

Get yours today! 42 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Neal Moser grew up in a generation that came out of the military during the Vietnam War searching for meaning in their lives. He found his meaning in playing and singing in a band. However, he was not happy with the standard guitars available or the sounds they produced. He had learned to do basic guitar electronics at Warwick Electronics, Vox Guitar division, in 1966, just before he went into the military. On returning from service he started working at West Coast Organ and Amp in Hollywood, California as a guitar electronics tech. While working there Neal Moser worked on the guitars of many of the most famous players and bands of that era including, Jimi Hendrix,

Iron Butterfly, Vanilla Fudge etc. It was during this time that Neal Moser came up with electronic modifications to meet the needs these famous players had for innovation in guitar sounds. In 1971 Neal developed special electronic circuits for his own use and found that many of his customers were very interested in what he had developed. One of his customers took his guitar to Bernie Rico of BC Rich Guitars to get it painted and when Bernie saw the electronics he called Neal and the rest is history. A unique collaboration between Bernie Rico and Neal Moser was the beginning of the Metal Guitar market. It was during this time that Neal Moser designed guitars for BC Rich that were pointy and unique and earned him the title of “Father of Metal Guitars”.

When Neal Moser left BC Rich in 1985 he was introduced to Lee Garver by Wayne Charvel and at that time Neal and Lee produced instruments under the name “Neal Moser Guitars/GMW Guitar Works”. After retiring in 1995 and due to many requests from old customers and fans for highly customized handmade, neck through guitars he started thinking about building again. Moser Custom Shop was born in 2003 in the hills north of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley.

Now in his 60s Neal has decided that it is his turn to pass on the many skills he has acquired over his long and prolific career as a guitar designer and builder. He has decided to offer intensive seminars that are 2 weeks in duration to a maxi- mum of four students at a time. Neal realizes that many, who have the same love for guitar building that he has, need more direct and personal instruction on how to hand build quality neck through guitars. He is offering his tricks of the trade at a price he believes many can afford even in these tough times. For further information go to www.mosercustomshop.com and you can also learn more about Neal Moser’s career and life at www.nealmoser.com. For class dates call 818-834-6616 or visit our website at: www.mosercustomshop.com

43 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com Volume 8 It’s the end of an era…or at least a decade, as our Earth makes its final terrestrial lap around the Sun. Hope- fully that last few months have been filled with oodles of “Holiday Cheer” for all! But for those of us whose holiday spirit was a little less than merry, don’t be too discouraged. The cold weather can sometimes bring out the worst in some people. I’m talking about the spiteful, ignorant, small-minded folk that slip through the cracks I myself find it hard to keep my mouth shut, but depending on the circumstance, it is usually best just to bite your tongue. With that being said, 2010 is fast approaching, And I can’t think of a better time than right now to pitch in any last minute “Resolutions” for the “New Year”. Of course if you happen to have the gift of Clairvoyance, then you will already have full coverage issued well into the next decade. All joking aside, I am personally looking forward to another year/decade. So, before the ink is dry, we turn the page, and close out this chapter of our lives, I wanted to take a quick look back on the end of the first decade of the “New Millennium” with bullet point precision. Let us Begin….

- Tuesday, January 20th 2009 Barack Obama became the 44th “President of The United States Of America”. The inauguration set an attendance record for any event held in Washington D.C. Also, based on combined attendance numbers, television viewership, and internet traffic put this among the most observed events ever by the global audience.

- Thursday, June 25th 2009 The world was stunned when news broke that one the favorite sons of American music “The King of Pop” Michael Jackson, had passed away. On a global scale the world mourned the loss of a legendary, talented, and innovative icon. As a result, an unexpected fallout ensued… The life and death of Michael Jackson became the TOP INTERNET SEARCH OF 2009.

Meanwhile, somewhere amongst the haze of the before mentioned tragedy, Hollywood finally said farewell to Farrah Fawcett & Patrick Swayze. Both whom tragically lost their long winded battles with cancer.

- July, 17th 2009 Legendary television personality, journalist, and anchorman Walter Cronkite also passed away. Cronkite, best known for his historic coverage of the Vietnam War, Moon Landing, The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Watergate, and covering the historic first American television broadcast of “The Beatles”…. All of these were carried across the wire via radio and television from the “Golden Age of Tele- vision” to the “Digital Age” of the present. About now, I am sure that you are feeling as though that you’re smack dab in the middle of a fill-in-the-blank community college….So, now is the point where I feel that I should draw a fine line in the sand to assure everyone that the “obituary section” of this 2009 retrospective is drawing to a close. But before I can do that, I wouldn’t be who I am without saying farewell to to Rock N’ Roll’s indisputable King of Innovation – Les Paul. Les Paul was an American jazz and country guitarist, songwriter, and inventor. He was a pioneer in the development of the solid body electric guitar which “made the sound of Rock n’ Roll possible”. He has been credited with many recording innovations including overdubbing (also known as sound on sound), delay effects such as tape delay, phasing effects, and multi track recording. Among his many honors, Paul is one of a handful of artists with a permanent, stand-alone exhibit in the “Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame”. This legacy is not only a testament to his ingenuity and love of music, but will forever continue to not only be heard by legendary guitar players such as Slash, Jimmy Page, Zakk Wylde, Joe Perry, Ted Nugent….But by every kid that knows what it feels like to pick up, strap on, and plug in a “Gibson Les Paul” for the very first time.

44 Issue 9 - January 07, 2010 Copyright 2009. Chaotic Riffs Magazine - www.chaoticriffsmagazine.com 2010 is already shaping up to be a busy year for me and my bands “HOLLYWOOD ROSES” & “DOPE- SNAKE”. We’re kicking off the New Year by having both bands on the same bill at “Whisky-A-Go-Go“ on December 31st “New Years Eve!” “DOPESNAKE” is currently working on NEW material for our second record entitled “What Would Iggy Do?” Followed by a Tour this Spring with N. Carolina Misfits “CRANK COUNTY DAREDEVILS”. Be sure to check them out at myspace.com/crankcountydaredevils

Also the “DOPESNAKE” song “HELL YEAH!” is currently featured in the Trailer for the upcoming Cin- ematic release “EASY RIDER – THE RIDE BACK”. *Type in the title above into YOUTUBE.COM to see the trailer now! Otherwise it will be coming to a television near you in 2010!

- “HOLLYWOOD ROSES” will be playing HONDURAS on JANUARY 23RD 2010

Hollywood Roses Sites: www.hollywoodroses.net www.hollywoodroses.org www.myspace.com/hollywoodroses www.facebook.com/hollywoodroses www.twitter.com/hollywoodrosesx

OR FIND ME HERE…. [email protected] www.myspace.com/veilfreak www.facebook.com/veilfreak www.twitter.com/veilfreak

Also, Check out “DOPESNAKE” on “Reverb Nation” www.myspace.com/dopesnake666

With a glance I can see an ominous glow coming in sharp and swift over the horizon…. ….My Heart feels broken already from the candy sweet bruises that are rotten from the inside out. See you all in February…. That’s it for now! One more HUGE “THANK YOU” to all of my family, friends, & fans for making 2009 so AMAZING! Also, a special “THANK YOU” to my wonderful beautiful best friend and wife, Erica. Thank you for not only your brilliance & patience, but how always see the “REAL” me, even when I can’t or to stubborn to try. You Put Up With Me – And I know that’s sometimes a fulltime job in itself … Lost Without You…All my love and life shines within our union…. Rock n’ Roll Til’ Death!

Colby Veil

Track Listing 1. Power Lover 2. Crank It Up 3. Hungry For Some Love 4. Music Man 5. Woman 6. Nothing Going On 7. Get Ready To Rock N Roll 8. Ace In The Hole 9. Rock Hard 10.Roll With The Night 11.Getting Higher 12.Wings Of Fire Artist: The Rods Album Title: Wild Dogs Release Year: 1982

The Rods is a great classic Rock band that chances are you After listening to the first to albums by The Rods I am just it just might not have heard of...... The band is from New York utter amazement that this band never became bigger than they and was formed on the ashes of Elf, that would be Ronnie James did...This is one band that should have became a major Dio’s pre-Rainbow/Black Sabbath band...and oddly enough the act on the hard rock/metal scene back in the 80’s. What’s a real Dio connection doesn’t end there....Rods Guitarist/Vocalist David shame is that The Rods is one band that is not lacking when it “Rock” Feinstein is the cousin of Ronnie James Dio and was also comes to talent and yet what most people seem to know this in Elf w/Ronnie. band mostly for is the fact that Lead Singer/Guitarist: David Feinstein is the Cousin of legendary Black Sabbath/Rainbow Don’t let the fact that David “Rock” Feinstein is related to Singer: Ronnie James Dio...While that may be an interesting Ronnie James Dio be your only reason for checking this band out side note like I said it’s time that people really started to pay because I can tell you that The Rods is one band that really is a attention with their ears and take notice that The Rods is one class act all on their own.....While at first glance it may seem like band that not only oozes talent but at this point and time in the this New York trio is a pretty, simple act with just Bass, Drums, year 2009 should already be a band considered to be true Metal and Guitar but let me tell you that The Rod is a real Power trio Legends! that needs no flash or tricks because their music is just that good all on it’s own...... Feinstein would give any Guitar Player a run Now after listening to the first two albums by The Rods I for their money and his masterful guitar playing is all over this have to tell you that both albums really Rock and while both album.....The musicianship is flawless and the band as a whole albums were recorded by the same band, very same lineup that just really plays together as a both albums sound very different...... The band’s first album had tight unit. more of a classic Rock feel to it and is a great way to introduce andyone to this Rockin band from New York if you’ve never The Rods are a band that is all about delivering great classic heard the band’s music before...... On the Wild Dogs, The Rock. With The Rod’s Rods returned with an album that had more of a metal/hard rock what you get here is an album loaded with 12 rockin tunes that sound and that’s good because with Feinstein’s fiery Guitar play- will Rock you for years to come...... While I love all 12 ing this band is best when they play it lous, hard and fast...Now tracks on the album I have to tell you that the 3 that really stand when I say that This album has a real metal/hard rock sound out to me are...... ”Hungry For Some Love” which has a bit of a don’t think for a minute that these guys sound anything at all Led Zep vibe to it...... Then there’s “Music Man” which sounds like SLAYER.....Just great, pure hard rock driven metal that any a bit like Deep Purple to me, kind of sounds a bit like “Highway headbanger could ROCK to! Wild Dogs is a must have for any Star” to my ears...... and then “Nothing Going On” just might be true Metal Head so show your love for The Rods and all things my favorite song on the album because it’s the fastest song on the Metal and find the Wild Dog in you when you listen to the clas- album and David Fienstein’s Guitar Playing is on fire! If you’ve sic 1982 album Wild Dogs by The Rods! never heard of The Rods before let this be the album to introduce them to you because this is an album that will no doubt Rock Your World!

Track Listing

1. Let Them Eat Metal 2. White Lightning 3. Nuclear Skies Artist: The Rods Title: In The Raw Release Year: 1983 4. Rock Warriors 5. Bad Blood After listening to the first Three albums by Legendary New York Rock 6. She’s So Tight bands I’m more convinced than ever that the music Industry screwed 7. Got The Fire Burnin itself over in a big way and is to blame for many talented bands such as 8. I’m A Rocker The Rods falling by the wayside and not becoming the huge stars that 9. She’s Such A Bitch they could have....Let me start off by saying that The Rods may have 10. You’d Better Run not ever reached the legendary statous of bands such as Deep 11. Life On The Edge Purple, Black Sabbath, or even the mighty Led Zepelin but this is one band that was never lacking when it came to talent...This is a band that Now on the first three albums by The Rods the band was should have been a lot huger than they ever were but like so many, great trying to find their idenity, that is to say that they were trying bands before them just didn’t have the right group of people working to find a sound that was really all their own.....Now let me behind the scenes to really help push this band to the next level that make one thing very clear here....On the first three albums the after hearing their first three albums I don’t doubt for a minute that they band did a mighty find job of delivering the goods...That is could have reached if they would have had the propper people working to say that they delivered some mighty, fine music that to my behind the scenes. ears should have been heard by even more people back when these albums were first released. I want to make it known that Let’s now get to taking a look at the band’s 1983 album In The Raw...... I while I had heard of The Rods prior to my interviewing the must say that the title itself is a fitting discription of the music that is band for this issue of Chaotic Riff’s Magazine that I was not featured throughout the entire album...That is to say that there’s nothing fammiliar at all with the band’s music...... But in listening less than 100% metal on this album...... This is an album that any true to these albums and now reviewing them I can honestly say hard rock/metal fan could really sink their teeth into and never get tired that The Rods is one band that really knows how to Rock and of....Now I have to make it really clear when I say Metal here we’re not if you have never heard of the Rods before I highly recomend talking about full, throttle speed metal like say Slayer or Exodous but you do yourself a favor and give the band and their back cata- more in line with say The Scorpions.....Throughout this entire albums log a real, good listen! You might find out for yourself that as well as with the band’s previous release Wild Dogs I heard a very this is one band that desearves to be ignored no more! strong Scorpions influence running through this album...That’s not to say that they’re trying to sound like The Scorpions but rather to say Now as I said on the band’s fourth album Let Them Eat that there is a real strong Scorpions influence/vibe that runs through the Metal I think the band’s most, crowning accheivement is entire album. On In The Raw the band has really progressed in all areas that the band on this album has finally found a sound that is which is already saying something because this is a band that has never truthfully all their own. Let’s take a deeper look at this album lacked when it came to talent...... All I can say is that on In The though...... The album kicks off with the Heavy and Hard Raw the band really come alive and I think the most noticible thing on Rockin title track “Let Them Eat Metal” to let fans know the entire album is the way the band plays as a real tight unit...... what they’re in store for is an album full of nothing but pure As far as the songs go there’s no filler material on the entire album.... rock, hard Rockin Metal! You won’t find any wimpy bal- The hardest thing for me was finding one track I liked the best and yet at lads here...... The closest thing the band has to anything that the same time I think my favorite track on the album would be “Whole sounds like it could be a radio oriented track is the final track Lotta Led” which is quite interesting when you consider it’s the longest on the album which is “Life On The Edge” I really also liked track on the album coming in at 12 minutes...... WOW That is a the song “She’s So Tight” and there’s also a cool cover of the long song! The interesting thing is this is The Rods paying tribute to song “You’d Better Run” which was originally made famous the mighty Led Zep...... While the music is unquestionably very Led by The Rascals....Most Rock fans are probably more fammil- Zep influenced to my ears it came across as The Rods trying to pay trib- iar with the version that Pat Benatar released. Original Kiss ute to one of their favorite bands of all times...Best way I can describe Drummer: Peter Criss also featured a cover version of the this song is it’s a Medley of many great Led Zep songs and yet it also song on his 1980 Solo album Out Of Control. I also must say features some original lyrices by The Rods...... With out a doubt a that Drummer Carl Canedy really came alive on this album very, long track and yet I enjoyed it very much because I can honestly and that is to say that there’s a real, heavy, huge drum sound say that I’ve never heard a song done quite like this before, and yet it throughout the entire album. accomplishes what I think the band set out to do which is to simply pay tribute to one of their favorite bands of all time. This song alone is reason enough to check out In The Raw by The Rods!