Author Archives : Dana

DRUMMER DAVE LOMBARDO DISCUSSES AMERICA’S NEW IMPENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH CUBA

Greg Prato of Bravewords Cuban born drummer Dave Lomabardo (Philm, Slayer) about America’s new relationship with country. Highlights from the interview appear below.

BraveWords: What are your thoughts on the recent developments between Cuba and the US, and did it come as a surprise?

Dave Lombardo: It did come as a surprise. I’m very happy that at least some steps have been taken, to somewhat normalize relationships between Cuba and the States. It’s horrible, because I left Cuba when I was two years old, and I haven’t seen much change. So hearing this news and the way it came about, it was definitely exciting for me.

BraveWords: What made your parents decide to relocate to the US at the time?

Dave Lombardo: It was obviously communism. You see, the way things happened, in the sixties, through the Catholic Church, you were able to sign up and send your children to the United States. Now, this is during 1960, when the whole revolution went down. I have two older brothers and one older sister. My parents sent my brothers that were ten and thirteen years old to the United States, and they were supposed to see my brothers in five or six months. And what happened was the Cuban missile crisis hit its peak, and all flights and all communication with the United States stopped. So my brothers were basically stranded in the US, without knowing if they were ever going to see my mom and dad again. Four and a half years went by, and during that period is when my mom got pregnant with me. It took four and a half years until they got their visa to leave the country…or permission to leave the country. So that’s how we ended up in the States. My dad had three meat markets in Havana, and when the government found out that he had applied for a visa to come to the States and for my brothers to go to the States, they immediately took those markets away. So he had to work for the government – he no longer worked for himself. They were anxious, and that put a lot of strain on the family. It was pretty intense from what I hear. Those four and a half years were rough. But then my mom got pregnant, and here I am. It’s an interesting story. And then when we arrived here in the States, of course, we reunited with my two older brothers, and I got to meet their foster parents, who were living in Long Beach, California. That’s how I ended up California. I could have ended up in New York; I could have ended up in Detroit. From what I hear, a lot of these children…’Pedro Pan,’ they call them ‘the Peter Pan flights’ – a lot of children ended up in different states in the US It’s really interesting, because I recently found out that my brothers – within the past two or three years – were part of this historic migration to the United States. They sent the kids over first, and then the parents would follow. But it didn’t turn out like that for my mom and dad. The Cuban missile crisis really screwed things up. No complaints, because we’re all together and all is good now.

BraveWords: Are you now interested in returning to Cuba, to visit?

Dave Lombardo: I’ve been interested to return to Cuba forever. I’ve always wanted to return and see this island I was born on, and the beaches and the culture and everything. But I had a good taste of Cuban culture here in America, because my dad, as soon as he got in this country, he didn’t speak a word of English, and worked and retired. He bought his house and lived the American dream. He’s no longer with us, but he did pretty well, and my mom as well. Every weekend – and even during the week – there was always Cuban music, there was always Cuban food. So the culture, we had many friends that were Cuban, too, and we would all hang out together and do what Cubans do, which is listen to music, play music, dance, eat, drink, and enjoy life.

BraveWords: I wonder if more metal and rock bands will now play in Cuba.

Dave Lombardo: Yeah, I would hope. I would love to play Cuba. There are a lot of bands coming out of there. Actually, there’s a documentary that I’ve been a little bit of help on, and it’s called Hard Rock Havana. That movie documents the life of a metal band in Cuba during the late ’80s and the ’90s, when tension was still high. And they couldn’t perform, they couldn’t play western music. The singer was put in jail – for performing music that was other than Cuban music, which is all the government wanted to see come out of Cuba. So, it should be an interesting documentary – especially at this time, that this is going down.

BraveWords: I read on the internet a while back that someone asked you if you were interested in trying out for Megadeth. Are you interested in possibly trying out?

Dave Lombardo: You know what…I’m very busy at the moment. That question – whoever it was that came up to me at a drum clinic and he asked me very direct, really quick questions, that caught me off guard. I was signing autographs. ‘Hey, I heard Shawn Drover left Megadeth. Would you consider joining or trying out?’ or whatever he asked me. I just said, ‘Dude, (Dave) Mustaine has my number. If he wants to contact me, he can contact me.’ It’s like, geez, this is in passing – it’s not verbatim. I’m just talking off the top of my head, I’m not deciding. Obviously, there has to be some major issues that need to be discussed – schedule, there’s all kinds of things. But I don’t know. Right now, I’m not even thinking about that. Mustaine, his mother in law was found dead. Right now, you need to give him space, give him his time, for him and his wife to heal, with what’s going on. The last thing he’s probably thinking about right now is drummers. We have to give him his time and space, so he can resolve these other issues.

BraveWords: As far as the upcoming Slayer album, how much did you have a hand in co-writing or creating the music?

Dave Lombardo: No comment.

Read the entire interview at Bravewords.

source: bravewords.com

PRODUCER BOB ROCK SAYS HE BELIEVES METALLICA HAS “A LANDMARK RECORD IN THEM”

Producer Bob Rock has predicted that Metallica’s tenth album will be a “landmark” – but he doesn’t believe he’ll work with the band again.

He first worked with James Hetfield and co on their Black Album in 1991, and continued through the decade on Load, ReLoad, Garage Inc. and S&M. His final collaboration was 2003’s St. Anger, documented in controversial movie Some Kind Of Monster.

But he wasn’t on board for 2008’s Death Magnetic, and he thinks it’s unlikely he’ll return.

Rock tells the our Eddie Trunk on his podcast, “I don’t see it happening. I think they’ve got to keep moving forward. With Death Magnetic they went back to their roots, which was great. I get where they went and they had to go there. I think they’ve got a landmark record in them – and it’s probably brewing right now.”

Rock’s most recent collaborations include Black Veil Brides, The Offspring, The Cult and pop stars Michael Buble and Nelly Furtado. He reflects, “I didn’t do a lot of bands like Metallica after I did them. Why? This is as good as it gets; I’m with this. I’m not going to mention names, but when I don’t believe a guy, when I know it’s bulls–t, I have a tough time. I’ve done records like that and they don’t work for me.”

But he’ll always regard Metallica as close friends, “I see the guys and it’s like the day after,” he says. “When you spend 15 years with somebody and we’ve gone through the things they’ve gone though and I’ve gone through, they’re a big part of my life.”

Metallica, who headline the Reading and Leeds festivals in 2015, are continuing work on their next album although no completion date has been confirmed.

Download Eddie’s podcast with Bob Rock here.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

GUITARIST ZAKK WYLDE RECOUNTS OZZY OSBOURNE SAYING TO HIM “MY SCHLONG DOESN’T WORK”

Guitarist and Black Label Society frontman Zakk Wylde was recently a guest on the Loveline radio show with hosts Dr. Drew Pinsky and Mike Catherwood. He discussed some of his favorite memories as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Watch the interview highlights below.

Blabbermouth.net has transcribed a few gems from the conversation below.

Recounting a backstage incident from an Osbourne tour, Wylde said, “I remember the steam showers were going on. I’m just sitting there… Me and Ozzy were just sitting in there. That was the best, ’cause all the steam was going and everything. And these two chicks came in there. They were backstage, right?! And they just came in and they [saw] me and Ozzy sitting there. And the chicks go, ‘Oh my God! We’re sorry.’ And they just, like, ran away. And I was just cracking up, going, ‘They probably didn’t wanna interrupt our intimate time.’ And then Ozz just goes, ‘Zakk, look at me. Look at my willy. Look at the state of this.’ And I just go, ‘What?’ and he just goes, ‘Look at it! It’s a sad state of affairs.’ And Ozz goes like this, ‘You know what those girls were thinking right now.’ And I was, like, ‘What’s that, boss?’ And he just goes, ‘They took one look at this thing, and they just said, ‘Huh. I guess I’ll put it behind my ear and smoke it later.'”

Zakk also relates another conversation with Osbourne in which the singer lamented the state of his sex life. Zakk said, “Mom [Sharon Osbourne] and Barbaranne [Zakk’s wife] go out, so it’s me and the Boss [Ozzy]. And he just goes, ‘Zakk, you know, I don’t drink anymore, I don’t do drugs anymore. I don’t even smoke; I never thought I’d give that up.’ Then he goes, ‘I don’t even drink coffee anymore; I’m drinking tea. My schlong doesn’t work.’ And I go, ‘Man, that’s messed up.’ And he goes, ‘Zakk, why am I alive?'”

Wylde became Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist in 1987 and performed with the band right up until 2009, when he was replaced by Firewind guitarist Gus G.

[Dana’s note: On that hysterical note, Happy Holidays all!]

GUITARIST JOE HOLMES’ FARMIKOS RELEASES VIDEO FOR “FACING EAST”

Farmikos, the new L.A. band featuring former Ozzy Osbourne and David Lee Roth guitarist Joe Holmes and vocalist Robbie Locke (ex-Laidlaw), have announced a tentative January 15th 2015 release for their eponymous digital debut EP.

They have released a video for the song, Facing East. Watch it below.

To learn more about Farmikos and their forthcoming release, please click here.

STAR-STUDDED “RANDY RHOADS REMEMBERED VOL. I” ALBUM PRE-ORDER ANNOUNCED

Drummer Brian Tichy has posted the following message on his Facebook page:

We here at Tish Tone Records are proud to announce the release of this powerful, heartfelt celebration CD. Blessed by the Rhoads family and including a track by Randy’s brother Kelle Rhoads, the final tracks are being laid as we speak and then it gets mixed and mastered and ready for the mass consumption by all the “Rhoadies” around the globe as well as fans of all the amazing players that have put their time, passion and talent into these recordings!

The story behind the CD:

When Brian Tichy and Joe Sutton moved forward with the idea of a putting on a show celebrating the life of their idol, guitar legend Randy Rhoads, they knew it could be something special. Well, it was that and more! The first Randy Rhoads Remembered (RRR) show debuted at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA on January 25th, 2014. The sold out show received rave reviews and took on a life of its own. It formed a brotherhood of musicians all coming together in the purest form possible to celebrate the life and music of a guitarist/songwriter who, on March 19th, 1982, at 25 years old, was sadly taken from us far too young. Randy Rhoads’ influence was nothing short of massive and worldwide. It was not hard to find musicians that were beyond thrilled to get involved in a unique show such as this!

While rehearsing for RRR, Tichy noticed not only how much fun everyone was having, but how passionate and excited they all were to be part of this. After all was said and done, Tichy wanted to say thanks to those who put their time into the show and skillfully performing their chosen song! Tichy decided to get as many players as possible to record versions of Randy’s songs and put them all together on one CD. This was another great way for all involved to thank Randy Rhoads for his inspiration.

This was not an easy feat, what with 22 players all involved in their own bands, tours and projects, living in various parts of the globe. With much tenacity, coupled with a general excitement in seeing this idea come to fruition, Randy Rhoads Remembered Vol. I is here!

Brian Tichy said, “RRR Vol. I is a great representation of the spirit of the RRR shows. The first show was so successful that 5 more were held in June, 2014 on the East Coast with another amazing cast of players! RRR Vol. I is also a true representation of the spirit of the musicians who gave their time. There are no rules when recording these songs other than…”make it sound great!” The songs are recorded as organically as possible. The drum sounds are real. There are no click tracks. There is no copy/pasting. It’s just real players playing their instruments! Guitars are plugged into amps and cranked up with a microphone in front of them! Singers are NOT auto-tuned! In the spirit of how Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman were recorded, Randy Rhoads Remembered Vol. I’ was approached the same!”

Due to the sad state of the music business, as well as a strong desire NOT to conform to what a major record label’s idea of what this type of album should be (all because they have put funds into the project), Tish Tone Records was created to bypass said labels and get the music straight to the fans, straight from the source! The fans of Randy Rhoads. The fans of the music Randy Rhoads created with Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake and Don Airey. The fans of all the amazing players on this record.

With that said, there is the cost issue of making this record, from the recording of the first track all the way to the final mastered CDs. Tish Tone Records’ concept is “strength in numbers.” RRR Vol. I will be promoted and gain attention via the millions of fans worldwide. RRR VOL. I will be released at the next RRR show at the Observatory in Santa Ana, CA on Friday, January 23rd, 2015. That night will be another historic event as many of the past artists along with new players all come together and give it up for Randy Rhoads/ (Tickets to RRR are at californiamusicfest.com.)

The exciting news for hardcore “Rhoadies” is that TTR is making this CD available right now as a pre-order. If shipped to the US, customers will receive RRR Vol. I days before its release at the Jan. 23rd RRR show.

Check out these awesome specials offered with this pre-order:

+ The first 100 CDs include a rare, true collector’s item; an historic RRR guitar pick from the very first RRR show.
+ In addition, show creator and RRR VOL. I producer Brian Tichy will sign the first 100 CDs.
+ One lucky winner of the first 200 pre-orders will receive a one hour drum lesson, guitar lesson, or general Q&A via Skype.
+ All pre-orders received by 11:59 pm PST on December 26th, will be eligible to win a vintage RRR dog tag necklace from the first show on 1.25.14 which includes all performers names on one side and Randy’s iconic image on the front! (value: $50).

Pre-Order:

Pre-ordering is simple! This 13 song CD is $14.99.
*Add $5.00 for shipping and handling in the US. And add $15.00 for shipping outside of the U.S. (per every 2 CD’s).
To purchase go to californiamusicfest.com.
*Once costs are covered, a portion of all sales goes directly to the Rhoads family.
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The Songs:

S.A.T.O.:

Gtr: Brent Woods (Sebastian Bach/ Vince Neil)
Vox: Sebastian Bach
Bass: James LoMenzo (John Fogerty, BLS, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, White Lion)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)

Flying High Again :

Gtr: Kiko Loureiro (Angra)
Vox: Robert Mason (Warrant)
Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)

Mr. Crowley:

Gtr: Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
Vox: Michael Devin (Whitesnake)
Bass: Michael Devin (Whitesnake)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Keys: Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham Led Zep Exp.)

No Bone Movies:

Gtr: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Vox: Chas West (Bonham/ Lynch Mob)
Bass: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Drums: Ray Luzier (Korn, David Lee Roth)

Suicide Solution (Live ’82 version w/ Ode To Tommy drum solo):

Gtr: Rowan Robertson (Dio/ DC4)
Vox: Michael Devin (Whitesnake)
Bass: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Keys: Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham Led Zep Exp.)

Goodbye to Romance:

Gtr: Alex Skolnick (Alex Skolnick Trio/ Testament)
Vox: Dewey Bragg (Kill Devil Hill)
Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Drums: Brian TIchy (RRR creator)

Steal Away the Night:

Gtr: Phil X (Bon Jovi/ The Drills)
Vox: Whit Crane (Ugly Kid Joe)
Bass: Dave Ellefson (Megadeth)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)

Iron Children (Randy’s version of Iron Man and Children of the Grave):

Gtr: Tracii Guns (Devil City Angels/ LA Guns)
Vox: Michael Devin (Whitesnake)
Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)

I Don’t Know:

Gtr: Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
Vox: Jeff Scott Soto (Jeff Scott Soto Band/ Journey)
Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR Creator)

Diary of a Madman:

Gtr: Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob)
Vox: Sebastian Bach
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Keys: Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham Led Zep Exp.)

Dee (all guitarists together)

*Winding Rhoads (an original song with words and music written by Brian Tichy featuring Phil Soussan on bass and all RRR Vol. I guitar gods sharing the spotlight for a guitar blitz finale unlike any other you’ve ever heard since Freebird.)

*Kelle Rhoads Track (an emotional instrumental piano piece written and performed by Kelle Rhoads):

Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil)
Vox: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Rhythm Gtrs: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)
Gtr Solos: All guitarists
Drums: Brian Tichy (RRR creator)

Kelle Rhoads Piano Bonus Track:

Produced by Brian Tichy *except where noted on CD
Mixed by Brian Tichy and Alex Todorov *except where noted on CD
Mastered by Alex Todorov

What are you waiting for!!?? Nothing! Go To californiamusicfest.com to Pre-order today.

But you can watch some of the making of RRR Vol. I in these goofy clips as we do like to have fun whilst recording.

Phil X and Tichy:

Ray Luzier and Tichy:

Chas West and Tichy:

Rowan Robertson:

BASSIST PETE WAY DISCUSSES HIS FORTHCOMING SOLO ALBUM, TOURING, AND OF COURSE, UFO

Greg Prato of Bravewords spoke with UFO bassist Pete Way. Highlights from interview appear below.

BraveWords: Let’s start by talking about your upcoming solo album. It’s going to be called Walking On The Edge, right?

Pete Way: That’s right. If you want to know about the style of music, it’s a little bit interesting to me, actually. Put it like this – it goes through all your moods. It goes through Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, to…Pete Way, I suppose!

BraveWords: And from what I understand, there are going to be some pretty cool special guests playing on the album.

Pete Way: I’m hoping, to be honest with you. A very well paid special guest is Mr. Mike Clink, who is producing. I’ve got to say it now, because I’ve said it in all my interviews – I had prostate cancer last year, and had to take pretty much a year off. Well, Mike was right in the middle of working on the album, so obviously, he works with Slash, and Nikki Sixx, who’s always been a friend, and he offered his services. I’m not quite sure what they’ve done, because they’re doing it in California, and I’ve been back and forth to the hospital. I’m pleased to say I’ve been cleared, and therefore, I’m ready to go out and be dangerous.

BraveWords: That was going to be my next question – how are you doing health-wise?

Pete Way: Well, put it like this, it’s a bit of a shock when you get told you’ve got the cancer. But it’s prostate cancer, so it could have been worse – Leukemia or that type of thing. As they told me, the specialist in the hospital, it could have been worse.

BraveWords: When should people start getting screened for prostate cancer?

Pete Way: When you get around 40’s or 50’s, then you do it. Without being perfectly private, which I will be, if you have a pee and there’s blood in it, then you go to your doctor. They also have ways of testing, and they know exactly how to deal with it, and of course, the quicker they deal with it, it makes it easier for them and also for yourself…or myself, in this case.

BraveWords: Any idea when the album will be coming out?

Pete Way: Optimistically, we’re talking about the end of January. Obviously, you don’t put it out around Christmas, because in England, you’ve got people like Slade doing their [sings a bit of Merry Xmas Everybody], or in the States, you’ve got…what’s her name? One of the divas doing one of their Christmas songs. No, you don’t compete with that – not with this type of rock n’ roll. I’ve never heard Guns do a Christmas single. Unless I’ve been proved wrong – if somebody’s got a demo somewhere.”

BraveWords: Once the album comes out, will you be supporting it with live dates?

Pete Way: Oh yeah, absolutely. It’s essential. Looking forward to it, actually. The hardest thing I had is juggling between singing and playing bass. I can be Phil Lynott, or I can be Pete Way struggling. But I was thinking I wanted it to be a band that was capable where if I’ve got two lead guitar players, one can take the bass and I’ll just sing as lead singer, and switch back. Because I can play six-string fantastically. I wrote them on six-string – acoustic, that being. For the moment, until I get the final mixes, I’ll know exactly how many machines we use, because they might have done a “Britney Spears” on me, because it’s being done in California with Mike. Mike came cover to England, and consequently, I did vocals here with Mike. And he started working with the drums. We had an unusual situation, where the drums I thought Mike had got, he hadn’t got. So, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ found the drums that I initially did with Herman Rarebell on them – another well-known drummer. We were asking Lars Ulrich do it, and he offered to do it. Fortunately, it looks like we haven’t got to go begging. I mean, Herman Rarebell obviously played with the Scorpions, and is pretty hot on the drums. It’s just one of those things where you go, “Thank God we’ve found [someone].”

BraveWords: Looking back, what was your favorite UFO album?

Pete Way: Probably Strangers In The Night, because the fact that it’s a double album, it does span quite a lot of what we were trying to achieve. And also, the fact that we’re playing in a great big auditorium. It was the end result of an awful lot of work, and an awful lot of enjoyment doing that.

BraveWords: Lastly, would you ever consider playing with UFO again?

Pete Way: Well, never write anything out of the question. UFO isn’t at the top of my priority, but I have no problems with the guys. But having gone through the cancer business, I want to prove myself with this album, and come through to prove to the people that said “Keep going Pete, this is great,” I’m going to prove them right, as well. When I was really down, that’s what I needed. And they came from all the right people.

Read more at Bravewords.

source: bravewords.com