Strap in! The pulse of rock ‘n’ roll just got a major jolt. Modern rock supergroup THE FELL, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, multi-platinum producer Mike (K.) Krompass, and Australian vocal powerhouse Toby Rand, return with their electrifying new single “Killswitch,” a crushing, high-voltage anthem that melds the golden age of rock with a modern-day edge via streaming as of July 18, 2025.
Watch for the video premier of “Killswitch” on July 30.
“Killswitch” will be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple/Amazon/Tidal on August 15.
“Killswitch” is about reclaiming control, cutting off the noise, shutting down manipulation, and powering through chaos with conviction, says the band. It’s a rally cry for anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the edge. The track pulses with massive guitars, blistering bass, and bone-crushing drums, wrapped in a wall of sound that nods to the best of late ’80s and ’90s rock while punching hard with a polished modern edge. This is not nostalgia, this is evolution.
THE FELL’s powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Sons of Apollo), multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike (K.) Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nelly Furtado, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Dead Romantic), and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (Rockstar: Supernova, Juke Kartel, Ashen Moon), whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of “Killswitch”’s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves. Sheehan delivers his signature low-end firepower with acrobatic flair, while Krompass’s massive guitar tones and razor-sharp production elevate the track to arena-sized proportions. Rounding out the lineup is elite session drummer Nick Chiarore (Dead Romantic), whose explosive drumming brings relentless precision and raw intensity. Chiarore’s chops can be heard on recordings with Slash and Steve Vai.
“Killswitch” will be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple/Amazon/Tidal on August 15.
Additional singles, “Face Out” is being released on September 12th. Followed by “Trippin’” on October 24th, plus a new version of their past hit “Footprints” (with Toby on vocals) on November 28th.
October 24th “The Killswitch EP” will be released in special packaging containing both CD and laser-etched LP, will feature 4 streaming singles plus a new version of “Dancin’ On A Glass Floor” that will remain exclusive to this release. A limited number of band signed deluxe editions will be available through their webstore. Watch for the announcement of record release shows in late October.
The album is released by Crown X Recordings/ BCMG Recordings.
Holy Water was the 3rd studio album from the reformed BAD COMPANY, fronted by Brian Howe. The band had reformed in the mid ’80s, but with Paul Rodgers not involved, Howe was recommended by Mick Jones (Foreigner), who had his eye on Howe as a potential replacement to Lou Gramm.
Produced by Terry Thomas (ex CHARLIE), Holy Water featured 13 tracks, more than half co-written by Howe & Thomas, with the producer also co-writing a few others. Holy Water would become the most successful Bad Company album of this period, featuring 3 hit singles – “If You Needed Somebody”, “Walk Through Fire”, and the title track. Bad Company, during this era had adjusted to the times, with a more AOR, pop-rock approach, but still guitar driven (more so here), with blues feel at times on Holy Water (courtesy Mick Ralphs’ guitar); kinda like a heavier Foreigner (IMO), and a bit of that Def Leppard 80s glam-rock feel. Lyrically, not very original, nor much different to the types of things many other 80s acts were writing about (see above mentioned bands, Loverboy, etc..) This album included other favorites and potential singles, with songs like “With You In A Heartbeat”, “Stranger Stranger”, “Fearless” (that intro reminds me of that Damn Yankees hit….wonder which came first?), plus “I Don’t Care” and “Boys Fight Dirty”, The last song is the most different here, “100 Miles”, a tasteful acoustic ballad, sung by Simon Kirke.
I really liked this era of the band, never having been a huge Bad Co fan, I thought the albums with Brian Howe especially the latter 3, were good. A shame that Howe (and this era) doesn’t get more credit for keeping the band going, And very successfully. Songs from this period are not included on any Bad Company compilations, and barely mentioned at the band’s official website (and not positively). Recently Friday Music released a limited 35th anniversary turquoise colored vinyl of Holy Water. Friday Music also released a 2-CD Holy Water w/ Dangerous Age (the previous Bad Co album), with a few bonus tracks in 2013. (RIP Mick Ralphs and Brian Howe)
Holy Water PRODUCER: Terry Thomas Atco 91371 – Classic rockers follow up 1988’s certified -gold “Dangerous Age” with an invigorating set of hard -edged stompers, laced with blues and pop sensibilities. Title track /first single is a kicking, radio-ready anthem, as is “Boys Cry Tough,” both of which are highlighted by singer Brian Howe’s powerful pipes. Contrast comes from “If You Need Somebody” and “100 Miles” (sung by drummer Simon Kirke), a pair of well -sung, cliché -free ballads. (Billboard, 06/90)
BAD COMPANY If You Need Somebody (4:21) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe, Thomas PUBLISHERS: Warner Chappell /TJT Songs /Phantom /WB, ASCAP Atco 4 -98914 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Sensitive rock ballad is given depth and dimension by singer Brian Howe’s heartfelt performance. One of many fine tracks on the band’s current “Holy Water” set. (Billboard, 10/90)
BAD COMPANY Walk Through Fire (4 48) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe. Thomas PUBLISHERS: Chappell /TJT Songs, Phantom /WB. ASCAP REMIXER: Larry Dvoskin Atco 4053 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Third helping from band’s excellent “Holy Water” album is an acoustic – softened pop /rocker that is fueled with a sing -along chorus and well – produced performances. Equally strong choice for top-40 and album rock radio formats. (Billboard, 1991)
Released in the summer of 1983, Line Of Fire was the Headpins 2nd album on Solid Gold Records. Founded a few years prior with (then) Chilliwack members Ab Bryant (bass) and Brian MacLeod. The band went through a few changes, with drummers Matt Frenette (Loverboy) and Bernie Aubin essentially changing places, and singer Denise McCann being replaced by Darby Mills. The band’s debut Turn It Loud, gained a lot of attention and radio play with the hit single “Don’t It Make Ya Feel”, as well as the title track – “Turn It Loud” and “Breakin’ Down”. The Headpins sound centered around MacLeod’s guitar sound and Darby Mills powerful vocals (dubbed the “Queen of scream”). Line Of Fire took on a bit more of a radio friendly approach in the songs and a bit of keyboards on a few tracks. The album’s cover is a photo of the band on and around a motorcycle, with the back cover being another band photo, but geez, the small red lettering on the back, makes a good bit of this hard to read!
Anyway, I saw the Headpins open for Loverboy in August of that year. During their set Darby Mills announced that the new album would be in the shops the next day before the band played “Feel It (Feel My Body)”, which was the only new song included in their set!
Line Of Fire was a very good album, all around. It featured 2 classic dark, hard n heavy side openers in “Mine All Mine” and “Don’t Stand In The Line Of Fire”. Then there was the 3 singles, all melodic rockers – “Celebration”, “Just One More Time” (the band’s only single to crack Billboard in the US, @ #70). The more poppy “Feel It (Feel My Body”) featured a bit more keys and horns, and received a good bit of radio play. “Double Trouble” was another fine rocker. 8 tracks, all written by MacLeod (with Mills co-writing 2, and Ab Bryant another). Line Of Fire gave the band their 2nd platinum album in Canada.
The band’s label Solid Gold went under before the band’s 3rd (and final) album 2 years later. Head Over Heels was recorded for MCA records, a bit lighter, featuring the single “Stayin’ All Night”, as well as favorites “Never Come Down From The Danger Zone” and “Still The One”, but it didn’t fare as well as the previous 2 records. Still well worth checking out. Darby Mills left the band soon after, and released a solo album in 1991 (Never Look Back), while McLeod wrote & recorded with Mike Reno (Loverboy), and recorded an album with Chrissy Steele (Magnet To Steel) in ’91. MacLeod passed away in 1992. The Headpins would eventually reform with a few new players, and still play today (albeit with a different singer as well).
Canadian author TIM DURLING started collecting 8-tracks well after they went out of style And print. Tim’s latest book ‘Unspooled‘ chronicles his collecting of 8-tracks years after the fact, and with a focus on this record clubs (popular in the decades before the internet) who carried 8-tracks
Unspooled will be of interest not just for the history and information on the 8-track format, but also for the nostalgia and the stories. This is a beautiful looking coffee table kinda book that you can pick up anytime, for the reading and for the cool images of hundreds of 8-track cartridges.
Unspooled isn’t just about 8-tracks, as it lists the year to year record club releases throughout the 80s, but also in here are Tim’s personal stories of the whole adventure of collecting. As a collector (mainly LPs and CDs), many of us can relate. Besides his stories, there’s contributions and interviews from fellow collectors, not just in 8-tracks, from Canadian rock writer Martin Popoff’s Forward, to legendary broadcaster Donna Halper (she who began playing Rush in the US), to various other collector’s and experts (be it in 8-tracks or rock knowledge in general!)
Version 1.0.0
At over 190 pages, full of colored images, lists, tales, antidotes, etc… Unspooled should really be worth checking out for any music collector.
+ Recently spoke with Tim Durling, watch for that interview coming here, soon.
Latest batch of recommended new songs. These are not in any order, btw. But check them out, and check out the links added or in the song descriptions! A number of new releases to look forward to.
Erja Lyytinen – The Ring
The new single from Finland’s ‘Queen of the slide guitar’. “The Ring” is from her forthcoming album Smell The Roses (March 28), 3 years after her excellent, more blues-rock oriented Waiting For The Daylight record. https://erjalyytinen.com/
The Dead Daisies– Crossroads
The newest single from The Dead Daisies (with John Corabi, thankfully!) is a cover of the Robert Johnson classic “Crossroads”. Looking forward to the next album Lookin’ For Trouble. https://thedeaddaisies.com/crossroads/
The newest single from Sweden’s Alien, a band that’s been going since the late 80s. Their new album is titled When Yesterday Comes Around, out this week. https://www.aliensweden.com/
Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks– Roundabout (live)
A great version of the YES classic, from the new album Live – Perpetual Change. Out now. https://www.jonanderson.com/
Joe Holmes – The Deadfall
The new single from former Ozzy / Lizzy Borden / David Lee Roth guitarist. This track first appeared a few years ago, but here gets an official release. Reminds me of Robin Trower, but a bit darker. Features the vocals of Robert Locke. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083454667485
The 4th single from legendary British songwriter RUSS Ballard’s (Argent) new double album. This is one he wrote & recorded, but was soon covered by numerous acts, notable Head East , and then Rainbow (who had a huge hit with it).
Expanded edion of the 1975 album; the follow-up of the band’s international breakthrough album Moontan
Remastered from the first-generation IBC Studios master tapes
Featuring unreleased track from the Switch sessions
Featuring single edits, B-side and various previously unreleased outtakes and early versions/mixes
Including 16-page booklet with essay, memorabilia, photos
Founded in 1961 by George Kooymans and Rinus Gerritsen, Dutch rock band Golden Earring (or Golden Earrings, until 1969) started off as a beat band, experimented as a psychedelic quartet and finally became a heavy rock group. Their ninth album Moontan (1973) hit the international album charts and is the band’s most successful album in the United States, being the only Golden Earring album to be certified Gold by the RIAA. Switch is the tenth studio album by Golden Earring, released in 1975 as the follow-up of the band’s international breakthrough album Moontan. Switch actually marked a switch for Golden Earring, as it was more influenced by funk and prog than any of the band’s previous or subsequent releases. Lead single “Kill Me (Ce Soir)” perfectly demonstrates how Golden Earring experimented with a new sound.
Unreleased Golden Earring track sees the light of day
Apart from a variety of previously unreleased outtakes and rough mixes, this 50th anniversary reissue of Switch features an unreleased Golden Earring track “Action Alice & Bow-Tie Basil”. Recorded during the Switch sessions, this is the first time the band has approved a previously unreleased finished studio track for release. All tracks have been 24 bit/192 kHz remastered from the original master tapes. This expanded CD edition of Switch is the sixth instalment in a special series of remastered & expanded albums by Golden Earring, overseen by Red Bullet catalogue and band archivist Wouter Bessels.
TRACKLISTING
1. Intro Plus Minus Absurdio 2. Love Is A Rodeo 3. The Switch 4. Kill Me (Ce Soir) 5. Tons Of Time 6. Daddy’s Gonna Save My Soul 7. Troubles & Hassles 8. The Lonesome D.J.
BONUS TRACKS: 9. Lucky Number 10. Action Alice & Bow-Tie Basil 11. Kill Me (Ce Soir) (7-inch single version) 12. The Switch (7-inch single version) 13. Intro Plus Minus Absurdio (rough mix) 14. Love Is A Rodeo (rough mix) 15. The Switch (rough mix) 16. Tons Of Time (rough mix) 17. Troubles & Hassles (rough mix) 18. Love Is A Rodeo (instrumental rough mix)
Switch (remastered & expanded) is released by Red Bullet Productions on 25 April 2025 and available through all renowned worldwide music dealers and online shops, plus digital channels (Spotify, Apple Music, a.o.). A remastered vinyl edition of Switch (remastered & expanded) will be released by Music On Vinyl in late 2025.
When APRIL WINE split in 1984, following the Animal Grace album, and the One More For The Road tour across Canada, band members went off to do new things. First, there was the contractual obligation album Walking Through Fire in ’85, which was essentially a Myles Goodwyn solo project, which only featured Brian Greenway from the band’s last line-up. Soon after both Goodwyn and Greenway went off on solo ventures.
Brian Greenway’s solo album (released as GREENWAY) titled Serious Business came out in early 1988, produced by Marty Simon and Paul Northfield, and featured a number of guest players, including a few main players from Walking Through Fire (Daniel Barbe, Marty Simon). The single “In The Danger Zone” was the standout cut here, featuring Alex Lifeson performing a guitar solo, and was accompanied by a video – which wasn’t released until 6 months later!
For Serious Business, Greenway wrote (or co-wrote) every track; co-writers included Marty Simon (Mylon LeFevre, The Sharks) and Tracy Howe (Men Without Hats). There’s also a very 80s production/sound to this, with lots of keyboards played by Also Nova (this thing reminds me of Aldo’s Twitch album at times). Other favorite tracks here are “It’s Alright” and the upbeat “Right Track”, both of which would have made fine singles (if this album got more of a push). The title track is another gem here; the hardest rocker here.
Greenway went out and played live throughout Canada, In the summer of 1991 a show in Laval, Quebec was filmed and later was featured on TV in early 92 as Brian Greenway And Friends. His band, consisting of Jerry Mercer, Nanette Workman, Jeff Nystrom, Jimmy Tanaka, and Jeff Smallwood, performed songs from Serious Business, as well as a few he wrote for April Wine.
Serious Business was originally released on LP, cassette, and CD, but a remaster/reissue of it is long overdue! Could make a nice package with the original album and the live performance together (!?)
*Canadian band BEDROKK covered Greenway’s song “I Can’t Hold Back” on their 1996 album Undertow.
GREENWAY – In The Danger Zone (4:08) – Atlantic (7-89118) – Windfall Music-Roxamillion Music-Irrational Music-Sack Cymbal Music/BMI – B. Greenway-T. Howe – Producers: M. Simon-P. Northfield Former April Wine member Brian Greenway delivers a well designed and powerful cut from his Atlantic album Serious Business. Should do extremely well on AOR radio. (CashBox, 02-13-88)
A collection of favorite Canadian ‘live’ albums (ok, initially I meant to stop at 10…). I do realize there’s a lot more out there (and I have), so maybe a part 2 in the future (?). Feel free to drop omissions in the comments.
SAGA – In Transit
Released in August of 1982. My first and favorite SAGA album. I have a clear memory of buying this at the Eaton’s in the Rexdale Mall, not long after it came out. The mall was a few blocks from my grandmother’s house, so I’d go there when visiting. I bought it based on the 2 songs I’d heard on the radio – “On The Loose” and “Wind Him Up”. Loved this album – “Don’t Be Late”, “Humble Stance”, “Careful Where You Step”,… In Transit marked the end of the band’s best era (IMO). Still my favorite Canadian live album. Wish there was more from the shows tho’ to make an expanded reissue.
APRIL WINE – One For The Road
One of my first concerts was APRIL WINE at the Kingswood Music Theatre, at Canada’s Wonderland, just north of Toronto. What an amazing show! Too bad this was the band’s final tour, and more so a shame that this originally came out as a single LP. The 1985 release included 11 tracks, and really the band’s best-known songs, mainly from the 1978 onward era, though it only features 1 from the band’s final studio album Animal Grace (a shame they never played more from it). But “Anything You Want” was a killer opener, followed by classics like “I Like To Rock”, “All Over Town”, “Sign Of The Gypsy Queen”, and so on, plus a medley of ballads… But, there are a few glaring omissions with the original track listing, which was largely corrected years later with 4 songs added to CD and 2 LP reissues. All classic tunes and loads of energy capping off the band’s most successful era!
TEAZE – Live At Liege
In their day TEAZE only lasted about 5-6 years, 4 studio albums and their classic Live in Japan. But the band has reformed since 2019 to play a number of shows. This recent show (just released) captures the band, now pushing into their 70s, but you’d never know it from the energy and the lead vocals (Brian Danter). A dozen great rockers and anthems here, with favorites like “Back In Action”, “Touch The Wind”, “Heartless World” and “On The Loose” (which closes the set). If you don’t know anything about this band, this live disc is the place to start.
RUSH – Different Stages
There’s lots of RUSH live albums, but this is the one I play the most (from 1998)….and then maybe Rush In Rio (released 5 years later)…. But I like the sound of this one, and the set list, which features tracks from the band’s comeback pair of 90s albums – Counterparts and Test For Echo, as well as more from the band’s 80s (despite the glaring omission of “Subdivisions”). Love the inclusion of “Analog Kid” and “Big Money”, and newer favorites like “Driven” and “Animate”, plus the full 2112. Much prefer this to A Show Of Hands. it also came with a 3rd disc (bonus), of the band at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1978. Originally released on CD, but I see a 4-LP version was issued last year.
GODDO – Lighve: Best Seat In The House
Those first few GODDO albums were packed full of punchy, energetic rock tracks, and this 2 LP set was a bold move after just 3 albums, but it is a ‘must hear’, featuring all the band’s favorites (which, most of remained in the set forever). With what became their standard opening of “Anacana Panacana” (intro tape) and “So Walk On” and highlighted with best known favorites like “Sweet Thing”, “O Carole (Kiss My Whip)”, “Under My Hat”, and a 7+ minute performance of “Let That Lizard loose”. Years later the band repeated with 2nd Best Seat In The House, as well as an archived live release and a 35th Anniversary live set. I saw Goddo years ago in St Catharines, it was actually the first sit-down interview I ever did. Greg Godovitz recently put together a new version of the band to play shows to celebrate the band’s 50th Anniversary.
MOXY – Live In Toronto
Released in 2014 as Live In Toronto and also included as part of the band’s 40th Anniversary 2CD/DVD 40 Years And Still Riding High) release a year later (which I have). One of those ‘better late than never’ things, and with a new line up led by guitarist Earl Johnson and featuring lead vocals from Nick Walsh (Slik Toxic). 11 tracks (including the drum solo), taken from the band’s first 3 classic albums. Walsh was a great fit for the band as they went through favorites like “Out Of The Darkness”, “Nothing Comes Easy”, “Moon Rider”, “Sail On Sail Away”, and “Ridin’ High”. Johnson has a new version of the band currently playing shows, I believe.
LOVERBOY – Live In ’82
I was a fan, mainly of those first 3 LOVERBOY albums (and then someone brought In Mutt Lange (sigh). But Live In’82, (released last summer on CD & vinyl!) captures the band at their peak, playing songs from the first 2 albums (arguably their best). So you get high energy performances of their biggest hits like “Turn Me Loose”, “The Kid Is Hot Tonight”, and “Working For The Weekend”, as well as favorites from Get Lucky – “Jump”, “Lucky Ones” and “Take Me To The Top”.
FM- Retroactive: FM Archives Volume 1
Released in 1995, and I don’t ‘get’ the stupid title (as there was no further volumes), this was taken from the band’s 1994 short reunion tour to promote the CD release of their classic Black Noise album. I saw 2 of the 5 shows in small venues. The shows were awesome and captured well here. Don’t recall how many songs they played, but this includes 10 songs, notably their hit “Phasors On Stun”, and Black Noise favorite “Journey”, as well as best known songs like “This Lonely World” and “City Of Fear”, and their versions of “Shapes Of Things” and “Baba O’Riley”. A CD release only (included a retroactive CD-ROM track, don’t think I ever watched it), but would be nice if their was more from this little tour or the FM archives to hear some more.
CONEY HATCH – Live At The El Mocambo
The first of 2 live albums from CONEY HATCH, back-to-back. This one was recorded & video’d during CoVid, with a limited number of guests allowed in to see the show at Toronto’s legendary El Mocambo. A great mix, representing the band’s 4 studio albums, and long overdue. Not too long after came Postcard From Germany, which had been recorded in 2018. Hoping there’ll be more, as there’s a few good shows from the 80s (Cleveland 1982).
STREETHEART – Live After Dark
This 2 LP set was recorded following 6 albums from Winnipeg’s STREETHEART. Although I don’t think Streetheart’s albums were heavy, but more pop produced, Live After Dark showed the band rocked harder live. This features the band’s hits like “Action”, “What Kind Of Love Is This”, “Hollywood”, plus their excellent covers of “Tin Soldier”, and 12 & a half minute closing classic take of “Under My Thumb”! The band’s original line up would reunite and record 2014’s One Night One Take, but I’ve yet to hear that one. but Live After Dark is a pretty essential Canadian album.
THE GUESS WHO – Live At The Paramount
Another essential Canadian release, and better than simply picking up a ‘best of’ IMO. Live At the Paramount, from 1972, captured THE GUESS WHO in their prime; they had a ton of hits and some pretty cool album cuts, so this isn’t just a play through of the usual numbers. Only 7 tracks though on the original single LP (why!?), but there is favorites “Running Back To Saskatoon”, “Pain Train”, and the 16+ minute performance of “American Woman”! The CD version would thankfully add 6 more tracks and fix the running order.
Canadian Live Albums I’d Still Like to see…
A Foot In Coldwater – anything, be it from the early 70s or from one of the band’s reunion gigs over the years.
Santers – there is video of the band from Toronto, around 1982 or 83(?) Would be cool to master it for release.
Headpins – Saw the Headpins open for Loverboy in ’83, surely their must be a good live recording from that period(!?)
Harlequin – something from the band’s early 80s heyday, before they brought the guy from The Fixx in to produce!
Moxy – OK, something from the late 70s w/ Buzz Shearman.
American singer Mark Huff became known to hard-rock/metal fans in 2010 when he took on the frontman’s role in a reformed Quiet Riot, following the passing of Kevin Dubrow. A difficult task, no doubt. His tenure with the band ended in 2012 with health issues, and Huff would return once healthier and sing in various projects. Last year he joined DARK MILE, a new band put together by Paul Alfery (guitar/keyboards) and former Dio guitarist Tracy G., and along with bass player Randy Oviedo put out their excellent self-titled debut album. I recently spoke with Mark about his past, his various other bands, Quiet Riot, and the Dark Mile CD, as well as what else is on the go. If you haven’t checked out this album yet, I highly recommend it!
Who were some of your favorite singers you grew up on?
Don Henley, Phil Collins, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant, Steve Walsh.., and the list goes on.
Did you buy a lot of albums growing up? Do you still keep an album collection?
I keep a few albums, tapes etc. I still have – Eagles Hotel California, Steve Miller’s Book of Dreams, Nazareth Hair of the Dog, Kansas Point of No Return, Kiss Alive signed by Paul and Gene, and a bunch of well-worn Led Zepplin, Steppenwolf, Deep Purple Machine Head…
What other bands did you grew up on?
Beatles, Golden Earring, Bad Company, Eagles, Aerosmith, Kansas, Cheap Trick, Cars, Ted Nugent.
So when you landed in California, what were some of the first bands you got involved in?
That was OU812. That was a good friend of mine named Angel Llanos. He’s still there in San Diego. He does a tribute to Carlos Santana, and he stays real busy doing that.
0U812, 5150/ Atomic Punks, Lead Foot Overdrive,
What were some of your favorites from that Van Halen era of Sammy? Do you have any song preferences from that era?
5150, We played all the hits from the Van Hagar era and a few obscure deep cuts – “Right Now”, “Dreams”, “When It’s Love”, “Black n Blue”. With 0U812, we did ANYTHING SAMMY – Montrose, solo songs, Chicken Foot, The Wabo’s….
That’s good. I love all those albums. 5150 was a favorite of mine.
I think that my covering of the vocals of the Sammy era, live and on video, are what got me recognized and a call from Frankie Banali.
Cool, and the Deep Purple stuff you did as well?
‘Deeper Purple’, we covered songs from, I think, all three singers. That was fun to me and that was always a challenge too.
During this time prior to Quiet Riot, had you done any recording stuff or any kind of original stuff?
Prior to Quiet Riot, I did a project with a band called ‘Leadfoot Overdrive’ in San Diego and Jeff Poremba, Steve Bernstein, Greg rupp and Mikey Panone. No releases but a great project. I still have recordings.
So that stuff you did prior to Quiet Riot, some of that was original stuff?
Yes, all original songs.
And the Quiet Riot thing, you were there with Frankie and the guys had been there for a while!?
Yes. Frankie ,Chuck Wright, Alex Grossi (he’s still playing).
With Quiet Riot, I know you were there for a couple of years, did about 40 shows. I know it didn’t end well, but what were kind of the highlights while you were there?
All a learning experience through a time I wasn’t physically well. But biggest crowd was in Germany ‘Bang Your Head Festival’, maybe 30,000 + the travel and locations I will never forget. I was fortunate to be included in many shows alongside people I had to pinch myself to question the reality. It was all an honor and a privilege. Doing a show in the mountains, snowing outside, stage is outside and at that elevation, they offered oxygen tanks if you needed to take a pull on stage. Shout out to all the kind people along the way!
Was there any opportunity or talk of doing anything original while you were there?
The possibility was discussed, but I wasn’t there long enough to see it happen
Post-Quiet Riot, you’ve done some other things as well, at least one or two albums?
‘Steel Imagination’ doing covers, and ‘Endangered Species’ – all original; I have recordings of that as well
I did some music with Craig Goldy. After I was well enough and anybody locally thought that I was ready to start getting involved in music again, he was one of the people that approached me too; that was probably from seeing me play in a ‘Deeper Purple’ show at Brick by Brick.
Greg and I worked on some stuff, and he was the first initial one to kind of … ‘baptize me’ with trying to record from home. We did everything from my house, and he mastered everything at home. And that was a learning experience, and he was the one that kind of helped me feel like I could still do this. We aspired it to do other things with it, but… it was more about the politics of who I sang with…and maybe politics for him personally too, I don’t know. I did that with Craig and those things were called ’13th Floor” (live, this was Endangered Species).
And then I hadn’t done anything for a while and I went to Florida, did a show with a band called Trixie Lee Taylor (with Taylor Murphy). I was blessed that people cared about me, wanted to be involved with me and for anything that was positive that way. I got to bounce around a little bit. And then after that I got approached, by someone on the phone, from up your way there in New York. And (he) approached me about doing some music. He already had songs written. And again, he kept me active in music and stuff and that didn’t work out. So, we’re at where we are right now.
You did an album in 2017!?
It was called ‘Steel Mountain Crossing’.
What was that about?
I was contacted by someone who wanted to make some music with me. We made some recordings, originals and a few covers. None of my songs. We are on opposite coasts so it was too hard to do long distance at the time. Creative differences but we gave it a go.
You eventually met Paul Alfery and Tracy G, and they’ve started this Dark Mile project. What did you think about that when they approached you with it? I think they had a lot of the songs written before you joined, correct?
Paul Alfery contacted me via a musicians’ app called ‘Band Mix’. My profile only states that I am a professional singer looking to stay active. Paul said a project he is working on needs a vocalist to finish a song, possibly more. We get through the song as we come to know who is in this project…. Tracy G, Paul Alfery, Randy Oviedo. So out of respect to these gentlemen, I had to reluctantly let them know that I was that guy from QR. When anything on the internet about you is not very positive, the last thing you would want to do is brag about any of it. I wanted a job where I didnt have to act, look, or sound like any one or thing except me. You can always be compared to someone else, the look, the sound. I appreciate this opportunity. My vocal spot here is…,I sing.,I have not written any of these songs. I give input. We collaborate. And these guys make it super simple for me. We tweak the melody, words here and there. Come up with another verse, float it around to each member until it works.
You did all the vocals from home?
Yes I did.
And were all the lyrics done for you? Or did you have to tweak a few here and there?
Every song comes to me differently. We tackle each song differently depending on what Paul has planned. The process gets better all the time; practice makes perfect.
Do you have a favorite, any favorite tracks on there? Or are you just all, you’re happy?
I like “The Boy” and I like, “He Said, She Said”, “Maybe On A Sunday”,…”Can’t Help You” …We are proud of the efforts, it’s all my favorite!!
How far along are you guys with the second album?
Just a couple songs to finish, we just finished a ballad for #2.. We thought we should put one on there.
Will it still maintain that kind of that 80s hard rock vibe?
That’s hard for me to say without hearing mastering, but it sounds great!!
Has there been any discussion about doing any live shows at some point?
We are prepared to do live shows in support of our music if warranted. I’ve been doing my parts, I have them tattooed on my brain and I’m ready to do this live, no problem… We all are!
What else are you involved in right now?
I’m working on doing something local soon, some recording.
What’s the live scene like where you are?
My friends Jeff Mills, Lynn Sorenson are active in the scene here. It’s about time for an open mic drop. People are getting back to entertainment!
Lynn Sorenson, he was on a couple, he was on the Stuart Smith album with Heaven and Earth.
Yes, he was. Lynn lives north of me. He stays busy doing what he loves. He’s played with Bad Company for a while, Paul Rogers and stuff. He’s a string player, he plays anything with strings, but he’s a great singer as well.
Cool. Lastly, do you listen to, you’re familiar with any Canadian bands?
Kim Mitchell, Loverboy, Honeymoon Suite, BTO, Rush, April Wine, Triumph, Mahogany Rush, The Guess Who, Steppenwolf…
I used to play the club circuit from all of Washington and Oregon, and all the way to the Canadian border. And we were playing Port Angeles. We had a guy in the audience for the whole night, and it was an off night, (early in the week), but he was very appreciative, and we got talking to him and it was Randy Bachman! He was going to catch his ferry back over to Victoria. We used to cover a lot of Loverboy, “Working For The Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose”, a few songs… April Wine was one of my favorites too, as far as the 3-guitar piece band, and the vocals and everything; we did a few April Wine songs too,
Anything else you’re listening to these days?
The works of Tracy G. The Winery Dogs, Myles Kennedy and everything that still inspires me!
BLUE OYSTER CULT sets the bar for how legacy bands celebrate anniversaries, release archived material, and put on important shows.
Third Night Live features the band (in it’s current line-up – Donald Roeser, Eric Bloom, Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino) performing the best (arguably) BOC album – Secret Treaties – in full, along with 2 other LPs’ worth of BOC deep cuts & classics. Those first 3 BOC albums sound pretty primitively recorded, so these live recordings offer a modern contrast, with most of the same voices. Albert Bouchard (original drummer, who also wrote and sang) is a special guest here, as is former member Kasim Sulton (on a few tracks), and keyboard player Andy Ascolese (The Band Geeks). Would’ve been nice if they’d included Joe Bouchard (original bass player), and co-writer of the epic “Astronomy”, but we can’t expect everything, I guess.
I like having things in ‘sets’ (I have all 3 Nights on vinyl) and Third Night Live completes a historical set of albums. Each of these albums’ cover art, brilliantly created by Stan W Decker (who’s done a number of recent BOC covers, as well as the stunning cover for Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks) pays homage to the original covers and stick to a neat pattern – same band name lettering, artwork in frame, dark covers, so they visibly look perfect together. LPs are in a simple straight sleeve, no gatefolds, and no inserts.
The extra material, beyond the album being played in full, offers up a few gems, and a few repeats night to night (the ‘must play’ hits, and a couple from the band’s last new recording – The Symbol Remains. But there plenty of welcomed inclusions for big BOC fans, with Third Night Live including favorites – “Black Blade” (from Cultosaurus Erectus), “Shooting Shark” (from Revolution By Night), “I Love The Night” (Spectres), and “Joan Crawford” (Fire Of Unknown Origin). It also includes “The Alchemist”, from The Symbol Remains, actually performed the previous night, but held over to be included here. A couple of other Symbol Remains cuts might’ve been cool, with 2 more of the same here that featured on the First Night, but oh well. This whole set is damn near perfect, from the added song choices, performances, recordings, and packaging, making these 3 releases ‘must haves’ for BOC fans.
Not sure what else (if any) the band might be doing as far as album anniversary shows go, but to me Spectres – in full would be the next obvious one (their 5th studio album, with so many classics!), and maybe Fire Of Unknown Origin (their highest charting album in the US & Canada).
Outsider Rock 