Interview the person below you!

I try to play with people who are better than I am, but if there's less than 80% compatibility it doesn't work for me.

You've been given unlimited resources. You have to form a band. Who do you model your band after (even vaguely). Me? Jethro tull.

 

Buffalo Springfield, for me.
I'd like a fully functional guitar army of compatible players, writers and singers.
I'd want everyone to sing, and everyone to double on another instrument.
It could happen.
Would you "fight" to stay in a band that you loved, but had inter-personal turmoil?
I grow weary of conflict easily.

 

I used to fight to stay in bands or to save a band, but now I just walk away when the drama gets too much.

What's the most (active) bands you've been in at once?

Three for me, several years ago.

 

Currently. About 3 with a possible four.

Who'd you hire, living or dead, for your band. Can't have two or members from the same band.

For me. Brian May (guitar); junior Jones (great Australian drummer who I currently work with) drums. Rick danko, bass, Chris Cornell, Vox. Me. Guitar and mandolin.

 

Charlie Watts on drums
Tommy Shannon on bass
Gene Taylor on keyboards
Derek O'Brien on guitar
Me on vocals, second guitar and harmonica

What was your first car?

Mine was a 1964 Ford Falcon Futura 2DHT that I crammed a Mercury 302cid engine with 351W heads, Edelbrock intake and Carter AFB carburetor. I scared every Camaro in town.

 

My first car was a 1970 VW Square Back. I fixed it up pretty nice. It was a sweet ride.

Whats your favorite Chris Cornell Song?

 

Black hole sun. Brilliant. But I also heard a boot where he did 'immigrant song'. And absolutely nailed it.

Sound garden or audio Slave?

 

Soundgarden
How would you like to be remembered?

 

Soundgarden. Head Down would be my favourite song.

* edit - new question.

Primarily as a good husband and father. Someone who left the world in a better state than they found it in some way. But also, as a decent songwriter of course

While we're on the morbid questions, if you could resurrect one rock star who died before their time, who would it be and why?

 

John Lennon
He was 1/2 of the greatest songwriting team ever, IMO.
Which rock star would you like to see retire?
Ted Nugent, for me.

 

Bruce Springsteen..
What rock star would you like to come back out of retirement (not death)

 

Greg Sage if he qualifies, Meg White if he doesn't

Do you still have the first record you bought? If so, do you still listen to it?

 

Yes I have it, (if cd counts as a record). It was Metallica's ...And Justice For All. I don't listen to it any more but I still give Ride the Lightning and Puppets a spin now and then.

What's your favourite non-musical intro to a song (e.g. spoken word, etc. )

 

The sound of a beer can opening Jim Ed Brown's Pop A Top.
What is your favorite percussion instrument!
I like afuche/cabassa.

 

No, and I wouldnt listen to it if I still had it. I was probably 6 when I picked up a Paul Revere and The Raiders at a K Mart or something and asked my dad if I could buy it. My second was Are You Experienced. The oldest album I still own is my original copy of Tres Hombres.

What song would you like your band to do that you dont think they agree to?

 

Every one I suggest. id love to do some progressive bluegrass. But no one seems keen.

First song you played live, if you remember?

 

My first real performance was an open mic night things the (lamentedly) departed J&J's Blues Bar in Fort Worth, Texas in 1991.

I played harp, and sang two songs--Muddy Waters' "Streamline Woman" (I played the slide parts on harp, basing it on the Muddy Mississippi Waters Live album recording) and a self-penned song that I never got around to actually finishing or recording...Something about cold beer, hot summer, front porch and sexy girl...it was a blues tune, but thinking back,it could easily become a Bro-Country song...maybe I need to re-write it and take it to Nashville. I wouldn't mind writing a stupid song, if I get paid (artistic integrity be danged)...

How many bands have you been in?
(real, gigging or recording bands--not jam sessions or one-offs or "hired gun" gigs)

I have been in approximately 10 true performing/gigging/recording bands, if you count the duo my daughter and I perform as at the local coffee house. We call ourselves "Deformed Llamas."

 

8.Working on the ninth but we haven't recorded or gigged yet.

What are the keys to a successful band? (I mean a band that everyone enjoys and that produces quality music, not necessarily monetary or chart success).

 

Minimal members/personalities.
Find people you like (for whatever reason) and help/cooperate with them.
I do it all the time.
Avoid people you do not like, for whatever reason.
Take turns winning.
Vette carefully.
Have you "quit" many bands?

 

I don't think I've quit one. They just disappear for various reasons.

What is your all time favourite gig? (Either as performer or audience?)