Redd Barron

Redd Barron recorded the Redd Barron EP in 87 and the "The Barron's Here to Rock" demo in 1990. Both albums were compiled by "Heaven and Hell Records" in a cd edition in 2016. We talked with lead singer Brian Lee about this great Heavy Metal band from Illinois.

Q. - Hello Brian! When did Redd Barron start? Who were the first members? Tell us a bit about the beginning of the band.

Brian - Me and Pete formed the band. We’ve been friends since high school and decided to form our own band after a couple other bands we joined didn’t work out. Pete was introduced to Rod our drummer and then Greg joined shortly after we released the initial 4 song Redd Barron demo. (Burning Cities, Kill or be Killed, Shadows, Search for Love).

Q. - Who were your main influences back then?

Brian - Dio, Iron Maiden and Queensryche, Dokken, Judas Priest. In fact the first song Redd Barron ever played live as a band was Queensryche’s “Queen of the Ryche” since we only had about 6 or 7 original songs at that point.

Q. - How was the Chicago metal scene like back in the day? Was it a united scene? What were you relations with other local bands? Did you help each other?

Brian - The scene at the time was as you could imagine. With Metal popularity at its prime, there was no shortage of bands and venues to play. Thirsty Whale and a few others were certainly the immediate goal. If you headlined there, it meant you’ve definitely made a name for yourself in Chicago. As far as bands getting along and helping each other, I’m sure there was some aggressive competition amongst the bands, but Redd Barron has always gotten along with everyone really. Our mentality then and now is really about getting up on stage, giving our best and appreciating the opportunity to rock out and have fun.

Q. – After the edition of the demo tape "The Barron's Here to Rock", did you try to find a label to release it on LP too?

Brian - The Barrons Here to Rock was our second release and alot of things really started coming together. Prominent harmonies, two guitar players with Greg onboard, an evolving maturity in our song writing, etc. Like other bands, we tried as many avenues as there was to get signed. The melodic ballad Too Good To Be Forgotten made its way on a few compilation CD’s but a major label never picked us up at that juncture.

Q. - What do you feel when you look back to the 90's when the survival of heavy metal bands was very difficult?

Brian - Well it’s always unfortunate when the genre you grew up with begins to get pushed aside a bit as another genre emerges in popularity. But such is life, the only certainty is change. I actually look at the difficulty that bands have today trying to survive with the modern day streaming model, which is void of any opportunity for any real revenue.

Q. - Are you happy with the recent reissue of "The Barron's Here to Rock" that includes the demo tape from 1990 and the 1987 EP, by “Heaven and Hell Records”?

Brian - I think we’re all happy that the material was finally re-released. We had been talking about it for years and approached by several labels but for one reason or another, just didn’t get it done. We’re appreciative of our relationship with the guys at H&H. Even more important, was that the release and the gig to promote it was the catalyst for the band to finally get back together in earnest. We had talked about it. Got together for a few jam sessions over the years. And many of us were still in contact with each other so in theory it was indeed possible prior. But... life is busy and sometimes its all about purpose, commitment and momentum. (Greg deserves alot of credit for driving the initial momentum).

Q. - Wasn't it possible to include the dvd "Live and Redd" on that edition?

Brian - During some of my conversations with H&H I had actually suggested that we may want to add some bonus tracks such as some of the live songs from Live and Redd or a new studio track, etc. Can’t say for sure why that wasn’t explored further, perhaps timing. I think they took the approach to re-release the body of work as it was originally released, which is a nice classic approach.

Q. - What's the current line-up of the band?

Brian - The current lineup is essentially the same as it was after the release of The Barrons Here to Rock. Myself, Pete Alvarez and Greg Eichelberger on guitars, Rod Gardner drums, and Frank Masterson on Bass.

Q. - What about shows? You were the opening act for Vicious Rumors "Digital Dictators 30th Anniversary Tour" in Chicago, how did it go?

Brian - That show was actually only the second time we played Reggies. The show went well. As mentioned before, the guys in Redd Barron get along with everyone. Their new singer Nick Courtney is actually quite amazing. The band Acracy was really good as well.  As a fan of metal, I’d say the show had a really good lineup for the night.  Of course Vicious Rumors really did an exceptional job.

Q. - Are you happy with what you achieved so far in Redd Barron? What can we expect for the future? Are you working on a new album? Or will you be touring this year?

Brian - Interesting question. I’m pleased with what we’ve released thus far as well as the many original songs we bring to our live shows - some of which will be on our next CD which we are in the studio recording now. As to the immediate future, we’re certainly excited to finish up the CD. We’ll be starting on vocals and harmonies after the holidays. We’re recording the CD at Grevan Studios. Greg is the owner of the studio and is also heading up the whole project. I will say this, its going to be quintessential Redd Barron at its very finest.

As far as touring or playing venues in general, I’m sure we’ll do some shows in support of the upcoming CD. Lets see where the new release takes us.

Q. - Do you have any favourite song to play live?

Brian - One of my favorites is Blind Date. I love the guitar parts and the deep foreboding lyrics.

But of course everyone loves Kill or be Killed. That song has it all. Shredding guitars and bass along with pounding double bass drums!

Q. - Did you record any solo album?

Brian - I’ve recorded a couple of singles but not a full album. While away from Redd Barron I continued to write of course. I finally decided to get back in the studio once time began opening up. Funny short story. The recording for the single Bittersweet Journey was going well but in my mind it called for some monsterous drums in the style of Vinny Appice. I actually called my friend and guitar player Pete to ask if he knew of a really good drummer that might be interested in replacing the drum tracks. After I got off the phone I said to myself “What the fuck why not ask Vinny himself” - all he could say was no right? Long story short, he heard some of my material and agreed to do the drums on Bittersweet Journey. Nicest guy you can imagine and of course his drums brought the song to a whole new level.

Q. - How do you see the heavy metal scene nowadays? Do you keep an eye on what's going on?

Brian - Like everything in life, things are cyclical. Metal is actually more popular now than it has been in years.  Many of the major acts are still out there going as strong as ever (maiden, priest, etc.). It’s also important to note that the metal scene in many ways has never gone away but simply continues to evolve and spawn variations and sub-genres.

As fast as keeping an eye on whats going on, I just ask “Alexa” to serve me up new music on a daily basis. lol.

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Brian - First and foremost, thank you for reaching out. Whether your blog has 10, 1,000 or a million readers, I’m happy to answer your questions. We’re looking forward to everyone hearing the new CD. (Title pending). Everyone is really putting down some amazing performances and the songs are turning out great. Let me know if you need anything else.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Cloven Hoof

Formed in 1979 in the West Midlands, Cloven Hoof have been delivering heavy metal since then, with an hiatus during the 90's, we got in touch with bass player and mentor Lee Payne to talk about this great band.

Q. – Hello Lee! Cloven Hoof started around 1979, tell us a bit about the early days, how did you get together?

Lee - Wow, 1979 that’s a long time ago. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then, but I remember it still. It was a fantastic time for me growing up in England at a very exciting time in metal history. Metal kids really did rule the streets in those days and denim and leather armies were everywhere. Everyone would go anywhere to see a live metal band and with the British music media supporting it was an inspiring time.

Geoff Barton, who later formed Kerrang magazine, was the most important writer at the time. He worked for a music paper called Sounds and all the metal kids bought it. Even before we had a singer I sent a tape to him asking what he thought of the music. He loved the fledgling Cloven Hoof sound and when we eventually got a singer I went down to London and got interviewed by him. It was very prestigious and we got respect even from day one thanks to Geoff. He tipped us for success in his ‘Breaking through in 82' article along with Motley Crew and Venom. As for the original band members getting together, like a lot of bands in those days we were just local metal kids that answered ads in the music stores for musicians and sent tapes to each other to get auditions.

Q. - Cloven Hoof was a theatrical band in the early days with a very interesting concept, who came up with the idea?

Lee - I came up with a concept featuring the names Air, Earth, Fire and Water, which worked as there were four band members at that time. Outlandish stage costumes were donned and heavy Kiss-style makeup and masks. We wanted to be the band we always wanted to see and hear...total senses overkill. In a lot of ways, I think we were ahead of our time because our vision of combining image and music were perfectly suited to the multi-media sci-fi games market and remember we were doing the masks thing years before Slipknot and all the others who have adopted it since. I suppose we must have influenced many bands in presenting themselves in a hard rocking theatrical way. We dropped this concept when the image was getting too much attention. It's the songs that matter most!!!

Q. - Who would you cite as your main influences at the beginning of the band?

Lee - We are a West Midlands band from the heart of England and there is an inherent aggressive sound to our style Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin have all sprung up from the same area as Cloven Hoof and we all have a dark edge that is unmistakable. It is true to say this band could not have come from anywhere else. Maybe life is hard in the concrete and glass industrial heartland. Bands from this area seem to sing about the harsh and depressing things in life. However, I like fantasy worlds more than harsh reality as subject matter, maybe it's a form of escape. JRR Tolkien lived in Birmingham when he was a young man, so we are in good company. I was influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy and Rush. I used to spend every penny I had buying albums and watching live shows. Looking back, I suppose it was serving a musical apprenticeship because I was in the front row intensely studying the guitar and bass players. I was determined to study the chords and musical progressions of those metal gods. One day I vowed to try and make music that moved other people like the songs from my heroes had moved me. If I could do that, then I had touched the sun and my life would mean something.

Q. - Were you pissed off when David Potter leaved to join H-Bomb?

Lee - Not really, it’s just one of those things you have to get used to when you’re in a band, there is no point being pissed off if someone feels their path lies elsewhere.

Q. - After such masterpieces as "Dominator" and "A Sultan's Ransom", why did you decide to call it a day? What happened that lead to the break?

Lee - It was not a matter of deciding to call it a day it was down the contractual difficulties that we encountered. After the release of Dominator in 1988, there was a huge buzz around Cloven Hoof I was convinced that this was the momentum that would carry us through to a real breakthrough deal to put us alongside the metal juggernauts of that time. Ex Judas Priest manager David Hemmings approached us and wanted to manage us through this exciting period. Dave managed to set us up with a life changing record deal with CBS records but during negotiations he tragically died in the middle of a deal with CBS for Cloven Hoof. This caused a lot of legal trouble for us because many people with a sniff of money to be made came out of the woodwork and claimed they had a piece of the band based on David's negotiations. It was a nightmare, but we have thankfully long been free of those ties now, thank goodness.

Q. - What are your thoughts about the 90's? Did you feel it was bad times for heavy metal bands?

Lee - Heavy metal did take a hit during the 90s, the grunge bands were becoming fashionable and it was considered dated to playing guitar solos… I mean really! Hopefully those who thought the guitar solo dead are hangin’ their heads in shame! But for Cloven Hoof we missed the 90s anyway because of the aforementioned contractual difficulties so they sort of passed us by, but thankfully the world has been restored and heavy metal is back for good!

Q. - After some singer changes, do you feel that George Call is the right person for the job? How did you meet him? Were you familiar with Aska?

Lee - I first met George when we were both on the bill to play ‘Keep Lt True’ festival in Germany. George was there with Aska and they were on stage just before us. I had been doing interviews for most the morning so I thought there was just time to catch the group on just before us. Initially I wanted to hear what the sound out front was like but when I heard the vocalist, I was totally blown away! All my life I had a vision in my head what I wanted Cloven Hoof to sound like. Musically we had come close but I was never 100% happy with the vocalist. In the past sure we had some great singers the best probably being Matt Moreton on reflection, but still I was after a certain Dio/Halford delivery. Imagine the shock I got hearing George in full voice looking great … and he was playing a mean rhythm guitar too! It was like finding the missing piece to a jigsaw that I had been after all my career, but how could I entice him to play in my band? As coincidence would have it whilst getting changed for our set this guy came into our dressing room asking could he speak to Lee Payne? He said he was our biggest fan and he wanted some albums signed. It was none other than the killer singer I had just been watching! We hit it off right away! At the end of the festival we agreed one day we would work together when the time was right. Well, now that day has arrived at long last and we are going to make the most of it!

Q. - "Who Mourns for the Morning Star?" was edited last year and was very acclaimed on heavy metal magazines, what do you feel about it? Are you happy with its final result?

Lee - I am more than happy with the final result; I might be so bold as to say it’s the best album we have produced to date. Every song is different and yet somehow fits together. We try to show where we have come from musically and pave the way for a future direction. In my mind Cloven Hoof have always been some kind of atypical NWOBHM band. I think this theme continues on Who Mourns For The Morning Star, because the nine tracks show influences of epic metal, speed metal, melodic metal and even progressive metal, we have dug deep explored all facets of our musical identity on Who Mourns For The Morning Star. No one can ever say we keep on recycling the same three chord trick. Cloven Hoof is forever expanding its musical aspirations and no two songs will ever be the same, I promise. Hopefully there is something for everybody on our albums because stylistically we are a very broad church within a heavy metal framework.

Q. - By some form did you try to approach the sound that turned you well known back in the 80's, a return to the roots?

Lee - It definitely was not a conscious decision to try to recreate the 80s vibe, and I’m not certain I would agree that Morning Star does. We stand apart from many N.W.O.B.H.M bands because our sound is undiluted heavy metal fused with prog rock type multi time changes.

Q. - Hard n’ Heavy music does not pay bills to many people, is it difficult to make this kind of music today?

Lee - If we were in it for the money we would have given up long ago! But it’s probably easier to make music these days than it ever was given the huge advances in recording software and electronic formats, however it just as hard as it ever was to make money! What doesn’t change whether its today or 40 years ago is that you need to have the songs in your head in the first place to be able to make the music.

Q. - Why didn't things work out with Russ North, Andy Wood and Jon Brown when they returned some years ago?

Lee - There are always many factors at play when things don’t work out, too many to go into here.

Q. - Do you think the line-up instabilities prevented Cloven Hoof to reach a higher level?

Lee - That is the million dollar question! It has been troublesome to find the right people with both the talent and commitment to match and personnel change has not been good for the band and we have received much criticism for it over the years, but it’s often been out of our control.  Chris has been with us now since 2011 so he has provided some stability over the last 7 years. To be fair there aren’t many bands that have been in the game for 40 years that still have all the original members but I accept we’ve had more than our fair share of changes.

Q. - What's the biggest difficulties you have faced all over the years to keep Cloven Hoof alive?

Lee - After all the trials and tribulations you have to go through in a band with a 40-year history you have to really love what you are doing. It is true to say I enjoy being in Cloven Hoof more today than ever. I really appreciate the fans sticking with us all these years and our audiences are getting younger every day. We are bigger now than ever so Cloven Hoof must be doing something right!

The hardest part about being in a band is getting the right musicians because the chemistry must be perfect. Everyone has to be great musicians because the songs are challenging to play, but you need all the other qualities too. A band has to have dedicated team players who get on like a family. Sometimes it feels like you are gladiators going into the arena and it is your little band of people against the world. When you take the stage everyone is all on the same side united in metal brotherhood and the feeling can be a magical experience.

We have had terrible contractual problems in the past. We have had to deal with rip-off managers and agents too numerous to mention. In the end, it boils down to your belief in your music and the genre. You just have to have an iron will and the heart of a fighter. Your audience will find you in the end if you stick around long enough.

Q. - It's been hard to keep this line up together, since some of the band members are from the USA and the others are from the UK?

Lee - The biggest challenges in having members from UK and USA are financial. It is costly for European promotors to fly over two members of the band from the USA and obviously the same vice versa. So sadly some shows are just not viable, that said we will always try to make it happen if we can as we love nothing more than playing live shows whether huge festivals or underground venues and meeting the fans who’ve come out to see us.

Q. - "The BBC Sessions" are going to be released by HRR, are you satisfied with this new release?

Lee - Definitely, these have been in our archives for a long time and we are super happy that High Roller has released them, it’s a very important part our history and growth, so it’s great to have the opportunity to share this with everyone.

Q. - What do you think of this recent revival of the N.W.O.B.H.M., and all these bands reforming?

Lee - That is the test of good music, if it can stand the test of time then that is how you can judge its worth. Heavy Metal music in our genre is steeped in quality that leaves people coming back to it over and over again, NWOBHM is experiencing a revival that can be put down to many things, media coverage, fashion, maybe younger fans of heavy metal are discovering N.W.O.B.H.M, whatever the reason, long may it continue there is nothing better than playing to packed houses full of fanatical Heavy Metal fans! I love to listen to new music from old bands like ourselves (laughs), bands like Mythra have had great new releases like ourselves that’s getting a good reception, long may it continue. It is important however that the revival remains more than just a nostalgia trip in order for the revival and growth to be sustainable, this is how we like to approach it.

Q. - Anything more you want to say, to end up this interview?

Lee - Cloven Hoof is experiencing the best time of its history and this is all down to the fans. The way they have received the new album and the reception we get at the live shows has been fantastic. We can’t wait to see you on the road in 2019, make sure you get to the merch booth after the show and we guarantee we’ll be there to say hello and sign your albums or take photos. See you on tour!

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Badger (From Rossendale)

The band Badger is active since 1980, one of the elders bands of the NWOBHM still in action without a break, we had a chat with main man Gian Rothwell.

Q. - Hello Gian, tell us a bit about the origins of Badger, how and when did it all start? Who were the first members of the band?

Gian - The band came together between 1979 and 1980 – we were a loose collection of friends and fledgling musicians who been in and out of each other’s “embryo” bands but none of them had really amounted to anything – we were all still learning our instruments at that stage.

One band stood out more – Mad Dog with Paul Hannah on vocals, Paul Morton on lead guitar, Nigel Clawson rhythm guitar, John Baillie on drums and Roger Dawson on bass. (Roger was actually a big influence on me starting to play bass) They had done a few youth club gigs. I’m not sure why but Roger (bass) and Paul (singer) left the band and were replaced by Steven Killingbeck on vocals and Anthony Saunders on bass. They did a couple of pub gigs, but around Nov 1980 they asked me to join on bass and that’s when Badger started properly.

Q. - Who would you cite as your major influences at that time?

Gian - Punk was still very strong when we were getting going – it was a bit “them and us” but we were die hard rock fans We were listening to all the classic 70’s mega rock bands – Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Sabbath, AC/DC and even bands like Status Quo (since they were easy to cover!) but also some of the NWOBHM bands such as Saxon and Iron Maiden.

Q. - Did you start writing your own songs since the beginning or were you most concentrated on covers?

Gian - For the first 12 months or so we just concentrated on covers, but then we had another line up change – the two guitarists left and we went to a four piece with a new guitarist – Daryl Flagg. He was a huge Ritchie Blackmore fan, and had been playing for a few years longer than most of us, so was quite accomplished. Daryl had quite a few ideas for riffs and that’s when we started writing our own material.

Q. - In 1983 comes the compilation "Metal Plated", with the song "The Traveller", how did that happen?

Gian - We’d written The Traveller about 12 months earlier – Daryl started playing the riff one day and I added the bass line – it came together quite quickly I seem to recall. We’d built up quite a faithful local following by that time and it was a particular crowd favourite (along with Demon Rider).

Somebody saw an advert in one of the music papers that a one man record company – Daryl Johnstone (Ebony Records) based in Hull, UK was looking for unsigned bands to go on a compilation album. He picked 8 bands and we all paid a proportion of the recording and pressing costs, then he promoted the album, and if one band in particular stood out he’d give them a deal. We’d done a demo tape with The Traveller, Demon Rider and a couple of others and he liked The Traveller the best.

Q. - Did you try to find a record deal after the edition of the compilation?

Gian - We did send off to quite a few of the independent rock labels at the time, but were politely refused! I think I’ve still got some of the rejection letters in an old scrap book!

Q. - Did the song "The Traveller" have airplay on radio stations at that time?

Gian - Part of the deal with Ebony was as he was based in Hull he had quite a few contacts in Europe and he did a lot of promotion over there. We were reviewed in a French music mag and an Italian one – he sent us copies of the reviews (again in the old scrapbook) – my French and Italian isn’t great but it seemed to be well received. I never found out if we git airplay in the UK.

Q. - Did you keep in touch with the former members all over the years?

Gian - Yes I’m still in touch with most of the members. We have been through quite a few line up changes over the years – I’m the only one who has been in the band from 1980 and took over on vocals about 1986. Unfortunately Daryl Flagg died a few years ago, but John Baillie (the original drummer) lives close by and we do a monthly jam night. The original singer Steven Killingbeck lives in Ireland now, but we try to meet up every few years and do a reunion gig. One of our more recent guitarists (Warren Taylor) moved to Canada, so we replaced him with his nephew – Oliver Jones who’s been with us since 2007. And at the start of the year we got our 7th drummer – Alex Entwistle.

Q. - Do you still play the old Badger songs live? Like "Demon Rider" or "The Traveller"?

Gian - We only tend to play them at the reunion gigs.

Q. - And what other songs do you play live nowadays?

Gian - We still a bit rooted in the past – we’re still playing some songs we were playing at the beginning! But they tend to be the songs that people want to hear. We have people who used to come and see us in the 80’s are now bringing their kids with them. I often joke that we’re like one of those “Best Rock Album in the World Ever”. Any decent rock compilation will have a lot of our covers on it – Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway Star, Warpigs (always goes down great), Ace of Spades, The Trooper, Hallowed Be Thy Name. I think the most modern cover we do might be the Foo Fighter’s All My Life and that’s probably ten years old or more!

Q. - And do you play live on a regular basis, or it's hard for a heavy metal band to be booked nowadays?

Gian - Gigs are becoming harder to find – a lot of pub venues are closing down, so consequently there’s a lot of competition between bands. And I think unless you are playing a rock specific pub or club a lot of punters seem to want more mainstream “popular” tunes. And because we don’t really play our own material these days that means we can’t play the bigger rock clubs who are looking for originals bands.

Q. - How did the idea of recording "Live Mistakes An’ All!" came up?

Gian - The venue had it’s own in house PA – we used to play it quite regularly and the guy working the desk always got us a great sound. One time we played and at the end of the night he said he’d recorded us! We hadn’t planned it but the sound quality was so good we thought we burn a few CD’s for friends and family. And there was no editing or overdubs – it just came straight off the mixer. What you hear is what you get – including mistakes!

Q. - What gives you more strength to keep Badger alive after all these years? Have you ever thought about giving up?

Gian - As I’m getting a bit older I must admit gigs are getting physically harder. In our prime we were doing 70 or 80 gigs a year (and there’s only 52 weeks!!) but these days we’re probably only doing two a month so that’s fine. But it’s something I’ve always done – I retired from my job after 32 years, my first marriage only lasted 13 years so playing in the band is a huge part of my life – it’s the longest thing I’ve ever done. And fortunately whenever we’ve had to have a line up change we’ve been lucky that we’ve always found the right people to carry on. I did think about packing in when Warren left in 2007 – he was an amazing guitarist and a great friend and I didn’t think anyone could replace him, but his nephew Oliver stepped in and gave us a new lease of life. Also I’m a bit OCD so I’d like to try and reach 40 years and then I might think about stopping!

Q. - What do you think of this recent revival of the N.W.O.B.H.M., and all these bands reforming?

Gian - I think it’s great. And you can see how talented they were originally to still be able to play such great tunes (although perhaps a few of the singers are struggling a little!) It’s good as well that there are plenty of new bands coming through playing rock and metal, but I can’t really see any of them having a reputation like the megastars of yesterday. I don’t think we’ll be seeing another Deep Purple or Black Sabbath any time soon.

Q. - Are you still a heavy metal fan these days?

Gian - Yes I still listen to rock, but I do find myself concentrating on the old stuff mostly. But a good tune is a good tune whether it’s disco, or pop, or blues. One of my favourite radio stations is Planet Rock – I’ve discovered tunes from the older bands that have passed me by, but have also been introduced to some decent new music.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Gothic Slam

From the ashes of Stryker, comes Gothic Slam, based in Jersey City, New Jersey, they recorded two albums in the late 80's, Killer Instinct in 88 and Just a Face in the Crowd in 89. We had a chat with lead singer Daniel Gomez.

Q. - Hello Dan, tell us a little bit about your beginnings in the heavy metal world, what lead you to be a metal singer?

Dan - ...My sister... I was always going thru her records. Lotta good stuff. Floyd, Sabbath, Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder.

Q. - How did Stryker start? Were you a founding member? And who were the other members?

Dan - Dave and Claudio were cousins… They started in high school… No I was not a founding member… There were other vocalist before me. The other members would take too long. Google it...LOL.

Q. - Why did you change the name for Gothic Slam? Any legal problem?

Dan - Cause it sounded too close to Stryper and I think there were a few other bands called Stryker...Very common amongst the Metal world… No legal issue.

Q. - How about shows? Did you play regularly supporting "Killer Instinct" back then?

Dan - Locally yes and we built our following at that time. Foundation.

Q. - The second album "Just a Face in the Crowd" came through Epic/CBS, produced by Rob "Wacko" Hunter, how did that happen?

Dan - We are one of his first projects… It just happened. No big mystery… He worked a pyramid sound with Alex at the time.

Q. - How did the idea of covering "Thunder And Lightning" came up?

Dan - It was just a cool song to thrash up...We were giving some ideas from different people at the time.

Q. - One of the particularities that caught my attention in Gothic Slam, it was your voice, what influences did you have in the early days?

Dan - Alot of different people from David Coverdale to Ian Gillian to Joey Belladonna...I listen to alot of different vocalist..

Q. - With a stable line up and two notable LPs, why did you split up? What happened that lead to the break?

Dan - Oh the old story of many bands… No one looking out for us, We were very young… Ego… Anger...That ole spinal tap story...lol… Let's just leave it to youth...

Q. - Did you remain in touch all over the years?

Dan - Yes but not much anymore... Klaude Ryker passed away last year..R.I.P. Claude...

Q. - What are your thoughts about the 90's? Did you feel it was bad times for heavy metal bands?

Dan - No not really, Everything changes weather you like it or not... That's life... I understand Nirvana more now then when they first crushed the scene... Good came from that time... Korn, Deftones, POD... Limp Bizkit... Nu Metal scene...

Q. - If I’m not wrong, you were one of the founding members of Ill Niño, but as a guitar player, how did that happen?

Dan - I played Rythm guitar but was not great but have a good chunk sound and could rite riffs... It started with Dave and George from MERAUDER, Then I joined and got Cris Machado in on Bass Guitar.. Honestly I was not a good enough guitarist and they moved on... I just don't like the way it went down but that's life...

Q. - What other projects did you have in the latest years, tell us a bit about it too.

Dan - Oh man I never stopped but could not find the rite situation with the same minded people..I have done solo stuff called BEATDOWN, GHETTO, Then with some local people like MESSONIC, And as of this year was in a band called THUNDERBEAVER...2 years I can't get back...lol..I'm in a new project with some guys and it is all new, No name yet and we are working on songs for  spring 2019..Will see what happens...I'll never stop trying to be in some kinda project even for a short time...It's always a new venture...Some good and some not..

Q. - Do you still try to keep the eighties metal spirit alive?

Dan - Well my attitude and vocal is still from and era I grew up in so I put that stamp on everything I do most of the time and if it is heavier music. Our new project is like CLUTCH, Rage against the machine, Down and SOUND GARDEN...

Q. - In your opinion what are the main differences between the eighties and the reality of today?

Dan - I'm gonna sound old and say...Our thrash metal years were special and no one can really do it like it was only the ones still out there like TESTAMENT AND ANTHRAX and a few others...

Q. - Anything more you want to say, to end up this interview?

My page..

https://www.facebook.com/DG-Muzak-159257457488600/

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Bico D'obra

Os Bico D'Obra surgiram nos finais de 1978, no movimento que ficou conhecido como o "boom do rock nacional", estivemos à conversa com Armando Jorge Caetano, baixista e vocalista dos Bico D'Obra, que hoje em dia ainda continua no activo com a sua "Hard Cover Band".

P. – Olá Jorge! Quando formaste os Bico D'Obra? Foi por volta de 1980? Conta-nos como se deu o início da banda.

Jorge - Fundada nos finais de 1978.

P. - Quais era as vossas principais influências por estas alturas?

Jorge - Led Zeppelin e Deep Purple.

P. - Em que outras bandas participaste antes dos Bico D'Obra? Ainda chegaste a gravar um single com os Preâmbulo Que.

Jorge - Em 1975 realmente gravei o primeiro disco com Preâmbulo Quê, cujo produtor foi o José Cid. Além de ter participado em algumas musicas com ele e gravado o baixo com alguns artistas de então.

P. - Quais as principais dificuldades com que se deparavam naquela altura? Salas de ensaio? Disponibilidade para ensaiar? Falta de material? Ou outras?

Jorge - Quanto às dificuldades que se deparavam na altura, e no caso concreto de Bico D`Obra, não tínhamos qualquer problema nesses aspectos. Até porque era uma banda auto-suficiente, e que inclusivamente, aquando do aniversário de um conceituado periódico musical na altura " Misicalíssimo" que durou 3 dias e com 30 e tal bandas mas conhecidas na altura, foi todo o nosso cenário de som e luzes que esteve ao dispor, pois a maior parte das bandas de obrigava a aluguer, e nós tínhamos tudo.

P. - Em relação a concertos, tocavam regularmente ao vivo, ou era difícil encontrar sítios para tocar?

Jorge - Tocávamos ao vivo ligado a uma empresa de eventos, mas como é lógico nessa altura, havia muitos lobies e oportunistas.

P. - Com a edição do single "A Rasgar é que a Gente se Entende" em 81, conseguiram um maior número de fãs? O single passava com frequência na rádio?

Jorge - Não passou muito na rádio, mas tivemos na altura a sorte de haver um Senhor que nos adorava e nos levava á rádio e televisão: Júlio Isidro, que nos intitulava os Led Zeppelin portugueses. Até porque ao vivo reflectíamos o peso da nossa música que no disco não se declarava. E a gravadora nada fazia para nos vender, tanto pelos lobies, por sermos da província, e o hard não estar na moda nesse período.

P. - Para além das músicas dos singles, incluíam covers no vosso reportório? Quais essas covers?

Jorge - Nunca incluímos covers, tínhamos repertório próprio para todo o espectáculo.

P. - Em dezembro de 81 dá-se a grande maratona do rock, que memórias guardas desse dia? Ainda te lembras quais as bandas com quem tocaram?

Jorge - Houve realmente essa maratona mas me parece que era desse espectáculo que me referi há pouco, se a memória não me atraiçoa. Mas foram todas as bandas e artistas ligados ao rock de então.

P. - Em 1982 editaram o single "Portugal/ Os Fora Da Lei", tentaram por esta altura a edição de um LP também?

Jorge - Estaria previsto um LP brevemente, mas realmente havia dificuldade em todos os membros da banda mudarem para Lisboa onde tudo funcionava, já que todos tínhamos outras profissões.

P. - Achas que o chamado "Boom do Rock", significou uma lufada de ar fresco no panorama rock nacional?

Jorge - Foi uma lufada de ar fresco, mas conspurcada também, já que era uma loucura a procura das editoras quererem gravar bandas sem o mínimo de qualidade, tanto a nível técnico como da qualidade de muitas bandas.

P. - Quando terminaram os "Bico D'Obra"? O que achas que correu mal naquela altura para que os Bico D'Obra não tivessem tido continuidade?

Jorge - A razão da não continuidade tinha a haver, e como já referi, estarmos fora de Lisboa.

P. - Dos concertos que deram há algum que guardem alguma memória especial?

Jorge - Um memorável na Amadora.

P. - Manténs o contacto com os antigos elementos da banda hoje em dia?

Jorge - Algum contacto, até porque o baterista já faleceu há alguns anos.

Mesmo depois do 2º. single, houve mudanças na banda, saída do baterista e guitarrista. Inclusivamente a parte musical teve alguma alteração, se manteve o har mas mais sinfónico. E o guitarrista que entrou era o Chico Martins que ainda hoje é um dos grandes aqui no burgo, e acompanha agora o José Cid, e com uma carreira invejável. Ainda chegámos a apresentar a nova formula no extinto Rock Rend vous, e o Frodo se interessou em produzir o novo disco, mas...quería alterar o princípio das músicas e ...não !!!

P. - Hoje em dia tens a "Hard Cover Band", em que consiste este projecto?

Jorge - Criei os " Hard Cover Band" no intuito de uma homenagem ao hard rock das bandas míticas de 70 por gosto pessoal. E nesta altura se divide em 3 projectos, apenas a alteração de mais um músico, ou seja:

    - Hard Cover Band - Tributo ao hard rock 70

    - PurpleDeep - Tributo a Deep Purple (único no Pais)

    - Hard Zeppelin - Tributo a Led Zeppelin

P. - Depois de tantos anos, nunca desististe e ainda continuas no activo, poderemos dizer que o hard rock e o heavy metal ainda te corre nas veias?

Jorge - Sim , me corre nas veias. Apesar de ter parado totalmente como musico durante 19 anos desde 1994.

P. - Há alguma banda de hard rock ou heavy metal que ainda que ainda gostes ou sigas actualmente?

Jorge - Normalmente é o que ouço. O que não invalida que ouça outros tipos de musica e muito antagónicos.

P. - Passados todos estes anos, surpreende-te o facto dos Bico D'Obra ainda suscitarem interesse hoje em dia?

Jorge - Há sempre um interesse histórico, e até me mandaram há cerca de um mês, um álbum de rock português de 2ª linha que estava á venda em Inglaterra onde estavam incluídos 2 temas nossos.

P. - Há alguma história divertida que possas partilhar connosco?

Jorge - Sou muito mal de histórias, lembro de algumas, mas...?! Talvez o Mário Mata que fazia as nossas primeiras partes, quase se mijava todo antes de entrar em palco, eheheh.

P. - Algumas palavras que gostasses de acrescentar para terminar esta entrevista?

Jorge - As palavras só podem ser as minhas habituais: SIGA O ROCK ...

Votos de felicidades para o futuro e muito obrigado pelo tempo dispensado!