Johnnie Bolin took some time to answer some questions for the Hellion Rocks!
1. There was always music of some form in my house as I was growing up. Was there a lot of music around the Bolin household when you were a child?
#1. Music non stop, Elvis, Beatles, Wes Monk, Hendrix, and later Tommy!
2. When did you start playing music? How did you end up behind a drum kit?
#2. I was playin’ my parents chairs wearin’ them out, but 1st I got a bass,then a Danelectro long-horn, THEN Finally drums-Tommy taught me guitar.
3. Do you play any other instruments?
#3. Guitar as U know.
4. I know you started performing at a young age. What can you remember feeling during those first performances?
#4. Scared, not knowing all the responsibilities of a drummer, I could play by myself but a drummer has to carry a heavy load, in time.
5. Were you into many bands during your youth?
#5. Probably around 4 till graduation. Horn bands as a kid, then Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth, Free, The Who…
6. Did you have formal music lessons?
#6. No formal lessons, just would watch and listened to every good drummer I could.
7. How did you get involved with Black Oak Arkansas?
#7. BOA used to play in Mpls. where I lived and played for about 12 yrs. Our band backed up Black Oak and I got to know Jim Dandy pretty well and he knew Tommy, so when his drummer left I jumped aboard, 22 yrs ago!!
8. Tell me about being inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame.
#8. Tommy and I are in both Iowa and South Dakota Hall of Fame. It’s great being recognized for something you’ve done all your life.
9. What would you say to young artists trying to break out into the music world?
#9. This world is different then mine. One thing still applies, practice makes perfect!
10. What are you currently listening to new or classic?
#10. I listen to the same stuff I did when I was a kid, and some newer funk, soul, dance stuff!
11. The floor is open. Tell us what ever you wish:
#11. As Edgar Winter once said, “Keep playin’ that Rock n’Roll”, thank U James!
Bret Campbell – Vocals
Matt Molloy – Guitar/Vocals
Jordan Hankey – Bass/Vocals
Beau Bricher – Drums/Vocals
Little did I know that when I picked Strikes At One as a band to check out I would actually get a chance to see them live and interview them. I received a message from them on Facebook saying they would be playing a show near me on their way to Rocklahoma. We set up an interview and had a good time hanging out. We got to see an interesting set from them (including a rising police car, Beau drumming from behind a plexiglass screen, screams of “Santana”, and a micro stage). All in all an interesting evening from one kick ass band.
There are moments in Rock N’ Roll music that would be cool to have seen. The birth of the Beatles, the beginning of the punk rock movement,Led Zeppelin in their glory days, Aerosmith when they first hit the scene, Guns N’ Roses when they were still hungry and raw. These are but a few moments in Rock N’ Roll music that stand out. Well my friends, the powers of Rock N’ Roll music have struck again with Sunset Riot.
Hailing from Australia, these guys went to ground and did their homework. Seeking inspiration from their Rock N’ Roll heroes, Sunset Riot delivers a brand of Rock N” Roll that, while familiar, is uniquely their own.
Members JP – guitars/vocals, Dellacoma Rio – vocals, Ziggy Scott – guitars/vocals, Resh – drums, and Simo – bass, each bring their unique personalities to the band and give it life and magic. I say magic because I have seen people from all backgrounds simply fall in love with the band and their music after witnessing a Sunset Riot show. Yes Sunset Riot puts on a “show”, no getting onstage and staring at their shoes for these guys. They take us back to a time when Rock N’ Roll was fun and it was an event. Exploding onto stage with swagger and power they will make you smile.
Dellacoma Rio- vocals; Del brings everything you want in a front man. He does not limit himself to the stage, at one show I was at he actually left the venue and was singing to the people outside the club and encouraging them to come in, at another he jumped up and was swinging from the light rigging. Del draws you into the show by coming into the crowd and singing with you. Then, of course, there is the sex appeal for the ladies. He plays up to the women by singing to them and giving them that moment of unabashed enjoyment. Del has definitely brought back the iconic figure of the front men of old.
Del working the crowd
JP – guitars/vocals: JP brings that classic guitar hero right back around. Feeling every note that he plays, and showing it, he will make you feel them too. JP has taken all that is cool about guitar players and amplified to 11 and beyond. You will hear nods to some of your favorite guitarists of the past in JP’s style of playing. Jumping in periodically on vocals JP rounds out his all out rock star image.
JP – owning on guitar
Ziggy- guitars/vocals: Ziggy gives Sunset Riot that twin guitar sound we all know and love. Ziggy’s playing complements JP’s so well and yet stands out on its own. From rhythm to lead his toolbox of tricks is top-notch. Providing backup vocals and harmonies makes Ziggy invaluable to the Sunset Riot sound.
Ziggy an all out rockstar
Resh – drums: Although quiet and reserved in person, Resh is a beast onstage. An impeccable drummer with just enough flair to compliment his playing without hindering it. I was quite surprised to recently learn that he also plays guitar making him a musician of top-notch caliber. Smiles and positive mental attitude make Resh a joy to know.
Resh the master of the beat
Simo – bass: Young and full of enthusiasm Simo is quite the solid player. Simo flies about the stage as if he had wings, all smiles and hair. Simo’s style of playing is reminiscent of early Cliff Burton and Jason Newstead. Holding down the bottom end in perfect sync with Resh, Simo is a recent addition to Sunset Riot and an addition that was well-played by them.
Simo spreading the love
Sunset Riot is a band poised on greatness. They are ready to champion the cause of feel good Rock N’ Roll that we all remember and love. The band has fun on stage, smiles, high fives, playing off of each others moves.
Sunset Riot LIVE!!!
The music of Sunset Riot is infectious, you WILL find yourself humming or singing their songs after being exposed to them. In a recent conversation with Del’s father, Terry, he mentioned to me of a 90-year-old woman and her 40-year-old son who caught Sunset Riot at a show and were impressed enough with the band they went and introduced themselves.
My good friend and brother Charlie Owens is the one responsible for introducing me to this band and he has been their champion for quite a while now. I, in turn, have introduced others to this band. They are totally self funded and are currently on their third US tour entirely on their own. It will take all of us to help this band achieve their place in the music world that they deserve. So do Rock N’ Roll a favor and spread the word.
Now, crank up your speakers, fire up the big screen, and enjoy this bit of a live Sunset Riot performance I shot recently, you will understand what I mean.
CIVIL WAR (EX-SABATON), METALUNDERGROUND.COM PREMIERE NEW TRACK “FIRST TO FIGHT”
Debut full-length “The Killer Angels” out June 11 on Despotz Records
SWEDEN – Civil War, the new symphonic power metal band from ex-Sabaton members, Rikard Sundén, Oskar Montelius, Daniel Mullback and Daniel Myhr, along with frontman, Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors), and bass player, Stefan “Pizza” Eriksson (Volturyon), has teamed up with MetalUnderground.com to premiere a brand new song, “First to Fight,” from the band’s upcoming full-length debut, The Killer Angels. Check it out online here:http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=91900.
According to the band, “First to Fight” is about an elite force that, according to some, even surpasses the U.S. Navy SEALs when it comes to tough recruitment requirements. “GROM,”Grupa Reagowania Operacyjno-Manewrowego (Operational Maneuver Response Group), is a 350-man strong elite force that was formed on June 13, 1990 to protect Polish citizens from global threats.
King of the Sun
First to Fight
Saint Patrick’s Day
Rome is Falling
Sons of Avalon
I Will Rule the Universe
Lucifer’s Court
Brother Judas
My Own Worst Enemy
Gettysburg
March across the Belt
Borrowing its name from the novel by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg, The Killer Angels will release June 11 on Despotz Records.
The album was recorded by Jonas Kjellgren at Studio Myhrer (which is actually the bed and living room of keyboard player, Myhr), Black Lounge Studio and Peter Tägtgren’s, The Abyss, in Pärlby, Sweden.
Artwork comes courtesy of Polish artist, Lukasz Jaszak.
Following the release of The Killer Angels, Civil War will embark on a streak of festival shows in the band’s native Sweden.
Stay tuned for more information on Civil War and The Killer Angels.
Zeb Christensen-Vocals
Danny Irwin-Guitar/Vocals
Casey Newsom-Lead Guitar
Matt Tatroe-Drums
I have been hearing a buzz about Screaming For Silence for a bit now. Lots of good comments and people raving about this band. Well, we caught up with vocalist Zeb Christensen and found out all about Screaming For Silence. I have to say this band has made quite the impression on me. Really hoping to hear more from these guys as they fight the fight of Rock N’ Roll. Here’s something from their press kit and then we’ll get to the interview.
Since October 2012, Screaming For Silence has been hitting the road hard touring the country non-stop. Hooking up with bands while on tour such as 12 Stones, Prospect Hill, 3 Years Hollow, Landsdowne, SuperBob, Parabelle, Daybreak Embrace, and Eye Empire. In late November *S4S* linked up with Another Lost Year to support their headlining tour. After an amazing run, the band decided to hit the new year strong, together! The Brohemian Rhapsotour kicked off first thing 2013. At the end of February that co-headlining tour ended and right away Screaming For Silence hit the road again. March first started the Screaming For A Memory Tour w/ A Memory Down, and is hitting cities across the south/southeast as well as the great lakes area and northeast now.
Screaming For Silence (*S4S*) was officially formed in the fall of 2005 in Omaha, NE, and has been hitting the midwest music scene hard ever since. *S4S*’s “sound” has allowed them to play with a wide variety of national acts including Smile Empty Soul, Saliva, Drowning Pool, Trapt, Adema, 10 Years, Taproot, Powerman 5000, Hed PE, Hurt, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel and many more. In October of 2008, Screaming For Silence played the main stage at the Rock The Ink Festival in Providence, Rhode Island, which included bands Godsmack, Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Sevendust, Taproot, Saliva, Drowning Pool and more. In late 2009, *S4S* recorded a 5 song EP at Sound Farm Studios in Jamaica, IA with producer/professional engineer, Matt Sepanic (Slipknot, Dirty Little Rabbits, Murderdolls) while continuing to play shows around the midwest. In the spring of 2011, *S4S* entered Infinite Studios in Omaha with Justin McCain (Emphatic) to record their newest single “Separate”. The track was quickly picked up by local radio station 89.7 The River and began getting play in regular rotation. Soon after, fueled by the success of “Separate”, *S4S* performed on the mainstage for Rockfest in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Alongside bands My Darkest Days, Escape The Fate, 10 Years, Hollywood Undead, Seether and Stone Sour, *S4S* gained countless new fans in front of a SOLD OUT crowd. Screaming For Silence intends on finishing the recording of their new album by Fall 2013.
Screaming For Silence’s sound is influenced by a genre combination of Hard Rock and Metal in conjunction with Nu-Metal and Alternative tendencies, resulting in a very unique and distinctive sound related to *S4S* only. Each performance displays an intense and dynamic stage presence while the music itself exhibits intricate instrumentation and powerful lyrics and vocals. The boys of Screaming For Silence continue to evolve as a band, musicians and performers with every show and each opportunity that comes their way.
Screaming For Silence has always been successful behind the merchandise table as well, selling hundreds of their 9 different t-shirt designs and nearly 1000 demo CDs in a matter of months. *S4S* has become one of the most well-known acts in the area, consistently drawing 300-400 people to each and every live Omaha show. Screaming For Silence continues to develop close relationships with many successful bands and Production Companies and has been asked to perform with a number of national acts touring through the area. Screaming For Silence has also been nominated for “Best Hard Rock Act in Omaha” by the Omaha Entertainment Awards (OEA) in 2009 and 2012.
It’s been almost a year since I last saw Sunset Riot. I met this OZ-some band last year and it was love at first sight. Down to earth, personable, and hard working, Dellacoma, JP, Resh, Ziggy, and Simo welcomed me as family with hugs and much love. When we saw them before the show last night it was like seeing family that lives far away and you get to see sparingly. We caught up for a moment and then the madness began.
Ziggy, Simo, the Hellion, JP, Dellacoma, Resh
After an introduction by my brother Charlie Owens the band took the stage and never gave it back. Whirling about the stage like dynamos Sunset Riot delivered their brand of “OZ-some” Rock N’ Roll and then some. This combination of musicians has the right chemistry for success. JP owns the right side of the stage and delivers guitar playing like the guitar gods of old.
the ever amazing JP
Like a madman about the stage, Ziggys’ guitars provide the perfect balance to JP.
Ziggy rockin’ the mic
Simo, who joined the band on their tour last year, is the perfect fit for Sunset Riot. His bass playing style is aggressive and solid.
Simo, you know you love him!
Ahhh Resh, this guy knows his way around a drum kit. He keeps the band in perfect rhythm.
Resh keeping perfect time as usual
And then there’s Dellacoma, the epitome of a rockstar. Slithering around the stage like a wild animal, driving the women crazy with his sensuality. Making the crowd feel like they are part of the show, sharing his microphone with various crowd members at times, singing to various people, thoroughly bringing the crowd into his space.
Dellacoma – front man extraordinaire
What can I say about a Sunset Riot performance? Well here’s taste, and if you wanna know more you’re gonna have to see for yourself:
UPDATE:
After spending most of today with the guys just hanging out I was asked by Ziggy “Why do you like Sunset Riot?” Here is my answer:
Sunset Riot is a band that just plain makes you feel good. Sometimes when things just seem to piss me off, there is Sunset Riot playing inside my head. The songs get inside you and just fill you with good vibes. Catchy, hook laden, flowing lyrics, combined with down to earth band members, what else could a music lover ask for? A Sunset Riot show? An hour of leaving your cares at the door, hanging with family and friends, a smile from ear to ear, and that smile will stay with you for a while.
AVANTASIA “THE MYSTERY OF TIME” OUT NOW IN NORTH AMERICA
New masterpiece from Tobias Sammet available on Nuclear Blast
GERMANY – The Mystery of Time, the latest release from German composer and vocalist Tobias Sammet’s, Avantasia, is out now in North America on Nuclear Blast Records. Featuring a 60-piece-symphonic-orchestra, the German Filmorchestra Babelsberg (Rammstein, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams) and guest appearances by Biff Byford (Saxon), Michael Kiske (Unisonic, ex-Helloween), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow, ex-Deep Purple), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss, ex-Meat Loaf), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Bob Catley (Magnum), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) and more, The Mystery of Time can be purchased online through the Nuclear Blast web-store: http://smarturl.it/AvaMysTi and Amazon.com: http://smarturl.it/avmytiamz, or digitally via iTunes: http://bit.ly/avamotit.
While Sammet has sold more than 3 million discs worldwide, The Mystery of Time easily set Avantasia sales records when it released in Germany earlier this month; it sold more than twice as many copies as any previous Avantasia album in the first week of its release, while rocketing straight to #2 on the official German Mediacontrol album charts. The record also cracked the Top 10 in Finland, Sweden and England.
THE SWORD PREMIERE NEW “CLOAK OF FEATHERS” VIDEO EXCLUSIVELY ON VEVO
In conjunction with their forthcoming tour supporting Clutch (starting this Wednesday May 1stin Richmond, VA), The Sword today release their new video, “Cloak Of Feathers.” The video, directed by Rich Ragsdale, is the second clip from The Sword’s fourth album,Apocryphon (Razor & Tie). To view “Cloak Of Feathers”, click here VEVO(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyJR5sGEdaM).
The Sword Tour Dates With Clutch
5/1/13 Richmond, VA The National
5/2/13 New York, NY Terminal 5
5/3/13 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
5/4/13 Portland, ME State Theatre
5/5/13 Boston, MA House of Blues Boston
5/7/13 Charlotte, NC Amos’ Southend
5/9/13 St Petersburg State Theatre
5/10/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live
5/11/13 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
5/12/13 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Hall
5/14/13 New Orleans, LA House of Blues New Orleans
the Hellion Rocks 