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!