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Featured Band archive G
Gilby Clarke
December 29, 2008 - January 4, 2009
We had spotlighted, this week, one of the most talented guitar players in rock 'n' roll today, Gilby Clarke. I had the good fortune of seeing him perform on December 20, 2008 at Club Red in Tempe, AZ. It's great to see such a fantastic performer in a small intimate night club versus a huge stadium.
Performing with Gilby were Muddy Stardust on bass (and vocals), and Dennis Morehouse on the drums. All were just phenomenal. Muddy has, of course, performed with Gilby in the past as part of Col. Parker, which was formed in 1999, along with ex-Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom, and keyboardist, Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis.
Along with Gilby's solo material, they performed a little MC5, and some Kill for Thrills. Muddy sang "30 Days in the Hole", and did a mighty fine job of it, too. It was also great fun to watch Dennis on the drums. He pounds the hell out of them and his head is a blur of his long dreadlocks thrashing about. At one point, they slowed it down a bit with Dylan's', "Knocking on Heaven's Door", and they finished up with "Cure Me or Kill Me", with it's strong guitar riffs, from Gilby's album, "Pawnshop Guitars", followed by "Tijuana Jail", where Dennis really beat the skins.
The crowd of 200-300 people were completely into the show, and wanted more. They were die hard fans.
After the band left the stage, well known, at least to those of us in the local rock 'n' roll circuit, former owner of The Mason Jar, a notorious club back in the day where so many of the great bands of the 80s played at one time or another, Franco Gagliano (whom Gilby also knows), hopped up on stage and asked the crowd if they wanted more. And, of course, the crowd responded quite loudly that, yes, they wanted more.
A little sidebar here. It was great to see Franco. I hadn't seen him in about 14 years, and we go way back. So, it was nice to catch up.
Anyway, back to the story. I'm not sure if Gilby and the others were planning to come back out again or not, but after Franco got the crowd riled up, they just about had to. So, they came out and did Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen", followed by a kick-ass adrenaline pumping version of one of my favorite songs, Guns N' Roses' "It's So Easy".
All in all, it was a great show. To be honest, I was so busy snapping pictures that I didn't take note of all the songs they did. So, I can't remember now every song they performed. That's why I've just pointed out some of the highlights here. But, suffice to say, they did not disappoint. I had a great time!
After the show was over, Gilby was mobbed by fans wanting autographs and pictures. I was quite impressed with his patience, and his ability to totally focus on the person he was talking to, giving them his undivided attention. It wasn't until he was finished with everyone that I was able to get my interview with him. But, it was worth the wait. So, make sure to read my interview with Gilby.
Also, you can check out some other photos from the show on my MySpace page, so be sure to take a look at those, too.
Now for a little bit about Gilby's background. Although, those of you who are big fans of his will already know most, if not all, of this.
Gilby was born August 17, 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he immersed himself into the music scene. He ended up in a band called Candy, where he replaced the original guitarist, Geoff "Rexx" Siegel. They released only one album, in 1984, entitled "What Ever Happened to Fun?" This rare, and in demand, album can be had for a hefty price, when you can find it.
When Candy didn't work out, he left and formed Kill for Thrills. This four piece metal band, featuring Gilby's big riffs (he wrote most of the songs), released an EP, "Commercial Suicide", and an LP, "Dynamite from Nightmareland", before disbanding.
During this time, he had become friends with the members of Guns N' Roses (he had been friends with Izzy Stradlin since first moving to L.A.). They had hit the big time, and when Izzy left the band soon after their tour supporting "Use Your Illusion" began, Gilby was chosen from among only a few guitarists that GN'R tried out to replace Izzy. He stayed with Guns N' Roses for the remainder of their extensive tour, which lasted until 1993. In addition, he appeared on their all-covers album, "The Spaghetti Incident?", and on "Live Era: '87-'93" and their "Greatest Hits" albums. Gilby also appeared in some Guns N' Roses videos, such as "November Rain" and the collection of videos, "Welcome to the Videos", among others. He even received the MTV Video Vanguard award while he was a member of GN'R. However, just before they recorded the Stones cover, "Sympathy for the Devil", for the "Interview with the Vampire" movie, Axl replaced Gilby with Paul Tobias. Axl wanted to go in a different direction musically and didn't feel Gilby's style fit with the direction he wanted to go. Of course, soon after that the rest of the members left as well.
Gilby then struck out on his own as a solo artist. He released his debut album, "Pawnshop Guitars", in 1994. This album, with the popular tracks "Cure Me or Kill Me" and "Tijuana Jail", included contributions from his friends from Guns N' Roses. He went on to release four other albums, "The Hangover" (1997), "Rubber" (1998), "99 Live" (2000), and "Swag" (2002).
He also contributed to friends' albums during those years, and collaborated with other friends on projects. Gilby contributed to Duff McKagan's solo record, "Believe in Me", in 1993. He was also featured on Slash's Snakepit's "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", where he supplied rhythm guitar, contributed the song "Monkey Chow", and toured with the band as well. He made a guest appearance on LA Guns 1999 album, "Shrinking Violet". As mentioned earlier, in 2001 he formed a rockin' garage-type band, that got back to the basics, with former Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom, called Col. Parker, which also included bassist Muddy Stardust and keyboardist Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis. They released their debut album, "Rock N Roll Music", that same year. Gilby collaborated with Nancy Sinatra in 2002 on her "California Girl" album. In 2003 he joined Heart on their national tour, and made TV appearances with them as well. Then, he joined the re-formed MC5 on their European tour in 2005.
The year 2006 was a very busy one for Gilby. He embarked on a solo tour across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe. Then, he joined Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee, and former Metallica bassist, Jason Newsted, on the CBS show, "Rock Star: Supernova". They used the show to find a lead vocalist for their band. Lukas Rossi was the winner, and the band recorded an album with Epic records, followed by a world tour the next year.
In 2007, Gilby released, "Gilby Clarke", a collection of 14 remixed solo tracks from previous albums, "Pawnshop Guitars", "The Hangover", "Rubber", "Swag", and Col. Parker. He also played on two tracks, "Royal Orleans" and the "Immigrant Song", on Frankie Banali's, "The Tribute to Led Zeppelin". This is in addition to solo dates he played here and there.
This year Gilby has been very busy as well. He perfomed at the G-Taranaki guitar festival in New Zealand, along with Joe Satriani, Uli Jon Roth, and others. In August he performed at the Rock the Bayou festival in Texas. He was also a part of the Rock Fantasy Camp Tour. And, he continues to do solo performances around the country.
As if all of that isn't enough, Gilby has participated in numerous charity events, especially those involving motorcycle rides. And, in addition to his various solo appearances, he regularly jams with his all-star band, Blues Mafia, at L.A. jazz club, the Baked Potato. He also plays gigs with the Starfuckers at the Cat Club on Sunset Boulevard, along with occasional dates at other venues around the country.
Gilby also stays very busy producing records for other bands and musicians in his Redrum recording studio. He's produced records for L.A. Guns, Vains of Jenna, The Bronx, Bullets and Octane, the Beat Angels, Girlsplayboys, The Alarm, Silent Rage, Crash Kelly, and Motochrist, among others.
For more information, including upcoming concert dates, visit his web site, www.gilbyclarke.com , or his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/gilbyclarke . You can also visit a great(unofficial) fan page on MySpace at www.myspace.com/motorcyclecowboys .
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December 29, 2008 - January 4, 2009
We had spotlighted, this week, one of the most talented guitar players in rock 'n' roll today, Gilby Clarke. I had the good fortune of seeing him perform on December 20, 2008 at Club Red in Tempe, AZ. It's great to see such a fantastic performer in a small intimate night club versus a huge stadium.
Performing with Gilby were Muddy Stardust on bass (and vocals), and Dennis Morehouse on the drums. All were just phenomenal. Muddy has, of course, performed with Gilby in the past as part of Col. Parker, which was formed in 1999, along with ex-Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom, and keyboardist, Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis. Along with Gilby's solo material, they performed a little MC5, and some Kill for Thrills. Muddy sang "30 Days in the Hole", and did a mighty fine job of it, too. It was also great fun to watch Dennis on the drums. He pounds the hell out of them and his head is a blur of his long dreadlocks thrashing about. At one point, they slowed it down a bit with Dylan's', "Knocking on Heaven's Door", and they finished up with "Cure Me or Kill Me", with it's strong guitar riffs, from Gilby's album, "Pawnshop Guitars", followed by "Tijuana Jail", where Dennis really beat the skins.
The crowd of 200-300 people were completely into the show, and wanted more. They were die hard fans.
After the band left the stage, well known, at least to those of us in the local rock 'n' roll circuit, former owner of The Mason Jar, a notorious club back in the day where so many of the great bands of the 80s played at one time or another, Franco Gagliano (whom Gilby also knows), hopped up on stage and asked the crowd if they wanted more. And, of course, the crowd responded quite loudly that, yes, they wanted more.
A little sidebar here. It was great to see Franco. I hadn't seen him in about 14 years, and we go way back. So, it was nice to catch up.
Anyway, back to the story. I'm not sure if Gilby and the others were planning to come back out again or not, but after Franco got the crowd riled up, they just about had to. So, they came out and did Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen", followed by a kick-ass adrenaline pumping version of one of my favorite songs, Guns N' Roses' "It's So Easy".
All in all, it was a great show. To be honest, I was so busy snapping pictures that I didn't take note of all the songs they did. So, I can't remember now every song they performed. That's why I've just pointed out some of the highlights here. But, suffice to say, they did not disappoint. I had a great time!After the show was over, Gilby was mobbed by fans wanting autographs and pictures. I was quite impressed with his patience, and his ability to totally focus on the person he was talking to, giving them his undivided attention. It wasn't until he was finished with everyone that I was able to get my interview with him. But, it was worth the wait. So, make sure to read my interview with Gilby.
Also, you can check out some other photos from the show on my MySpace page, so be sure to take a look at those, too.
Now for a little bit about Gilby's background. Although, those of you who are big fans of his will already know most, if not all, of this.
Gilby was born August 17, 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he immersed himself into the music scene. He ended up in a band called Candy, where he replaced the original guitarist, Geoff "Rexx" Siegel. They released only one album, in 1984, entitled "What Ever Happened to Fun?" This rare, and in demand, album can be had for a hefty price, when you can find it.
When Candy didn't work out, he left and formed Kill for Thrills. This four piece metal band, featuring Gilby's big riffs (he wrote most of the songs), released an EP, "Commercial Suicide", and an LP, "Dynamite from Nightmareland", before disbanding.
During this time, he had become friends with the members of Guns N' Roses (he had been friends with Izzy Stradlin since first moving to L.A.). They had hit the big time, and when Izzy left the band soon after their tour supporting "Use Your Illusion" began, Gilby was chosen from among only a few guitarists that GN'R tried out to replace Izzy. He stayed with Guns N' Roses for the remainder of their extensive tour, which lasted until 1993. In addition, he appeared on their all-covers album, "The Spaghetti Incident?", and on "Live Era: '87-'93" and their "Greatest Hits" albums. Gilby also appeared in some Guns N' Roses videos, such as "November Rain" and the collection of videos, "Welcome to the Videos", among others. He even received the MTV Video Vanguard award while he was a member of GN'R. However, just before they recorded the Stones cover, "Sympathy for the Devil", for the "Interview with the Vampire" movie, Axl replaced Gilby with Paul Tobias. Axl wanted to go in a different direction musically and didn't feel Gilby's style fit with the direction he wanted to go. Of course, soon after that the rest of the members left as well.
Gilby then struck out on his own as a solo artist. He released his debut album, "Pawnshop Guitars", in 1994. This album, with the popular tracks "Cure Me or Kill Me" and "Tijuana Jail", included contributions from his friends from Guns N' Roses. He went on to release four other albums, "The Hangover" (1997), "Rubber" (1998), "99 Live" (2000), and "Swag" (2002).He also contributed to friends' albums during those years, and collaborated with other friends on projects. Gilby contributed to Duff McKagan's solo record, "Believe in Me", in 1993. He was also featured on Slash's Snakepit's "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", where he supplied rhythm guitar, contributed the song "Monkey Chow", and toured with the band as well. He made a guest appearance on LA Guns 1999 album, "Shrinking Violet". As mentioned earlier, in 2001 he formed a rockin' garage-type band, that got back to the basics, with former Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom, called Col. Parker, which also included bassist Muddy Stardust and keyboardist Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis. They released their debut album, "Rock N Roll Music", that same year. Gilby collaborated with Nancy Sinatra in 2002 on her "California Girl" album. In 2003 he joined Heart on their national tour, and made TV appearances with them as well. Then, he joined the re-formed MC5 on their European tour in 2005.
The year 2006 was a very busy one for Gilby. He embarked on a solo tour across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe. Then, he joined Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee, and former Metallica bassist, Jason Newsted, on the CBS show, "Rock Star: Supernova". They used the show to find a lead vocalist for their band. Lukas Rossi was the winner, and the band recorded an album with Epic records, followed by a world tour the next year.
In 2007, Gilby released, "Gilby Clarke", a collection of 14 remixed solo tracks from previous albums, "Pawnshop Guitars", "The Hangover", "Rubber", "Swag", and Col. Parker. He also played on two tracks, "Royal Orleans" and the "Immigrant Song", on Frankie Banali's, "The Tribute to Led Zeppelin". This is in addition to solo dates he played here and there.
This year Gilby has been very busy as well. He perfomed at the G-Taranaki guitar festival in New Zealand, along with Joe Satriani, Uli Jon Roth, and others. In August he performed at the Rock the Bayou festival in Texas. He was also a part of the Rock Fantasy Camp Tour. And, he continues to do solo performances around the country.
As if all of that isn't enough, Gilby has participated in numerous charity events, especially those involving motorcycle rides. And, in addition to his various solo appearances, he regularly jams with his all-star band, Blues Mafia, at L.A. jazz club, the Baked Potato. He also plays gigs with the Starfuckers at the Cat Club on Sunset Boulevard, along with occasional dates at other venues around the country.Gilby also stays very busy producing records for other bands and musicians in his Redrum recording studio. He's produced records for L.A. Guns, Vains of Jenna, The Bronx, Bullets and Octane, the Beat Angels, Girlsplayboys, The Alarm, Silent Rage, Crash Kelly, and Motochrist, among others.
For more information, including upcoming concert dates, visit his web site, www.gilbyclarke.com , or his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/gilbyclarke . You can also visit a great(unofficial) fan page on MySpace at www.myspace.com/motorcyclecowboys .
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gypsy Pistoleros
December 8-14, 2008
This week we featured the Gypsy Pistoleros! The band includes members Lee J Pistolero as lead vocalist, Iggie Pistolero on lead guitar, Harri Pistolero on drums, and Nasty Pistolero on bass. I like the way the members all use Pistolero as their surname, a la The Ramones. The first time I listened to this band's very unique music, I was mesmerized. I mean, to hear Spanish style guitar riffs and Spanish style horns in rock music was a completely new experience, one I couldn't tear myself away from. And, the more I listen to them, the more I like them! So, I knew I had to spotlight this band here at Electric Pussycat. If you already know this band, then you'll already know that what I say here is true. If you don't know this band, then you absolutely need to read this and listen to their songs. I'm sure you'll be carried away on a sunny Spanish summer vacation within your mind, complete with sinister hombres and gun battles, Tarantino style!
Be sure to check out my review of "Para Siempre", too.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypys Pistoleros and Evilboy Records.
The Gypsy Pistoleros, the self-proclaimed "greatest renegade gypsy flamenco sleaze glam rock n roll group ever", began with an idea dreamed up by vocalist Lee J Pistolero while he was living in Zaragoza, Spain. While there, they shared the stage with such notables as Motorhead, Dio, The Ramones, and The Cramps. But, their real break came during a Spanish tour in January of 2006 when they were supporting Adler's Appetite. Not only was their fan base growing, but they had attracted the attention of the rock media in Spain. They returned to Spain in June of the same year as the supporting band for the Dogs D'Amour, and were greeted with open arms by their new and loyal fan base.
They then went on to tour the U.K., and Europe, with such great bands as Crystal Pistol, Bang Tango, Faster Pussycat, LA Guns, Bulletboys, Love/Hate, Kristy Majors, and Enuff Z'Nuff.
The year 2007 saw the release of their debut album, "Wild, Beautiful, Damned" on Evilboy Records. It was produced by Joe Gibb, the legendary producer for many other famous artists such as Madonna, Jane's Addiction, The Cure, The Kinks, and many more. Also in 2007, the Pistoleros made their first trip to the U.S. to open the "Rocklahoma" festival on July 12th. Other glam greats who performed there were Poison, Slaughter, Faster Pussycat, Vince Neil, Twisted Sister, LA Guns, Skid Row, Bang Tango, and Dokken, among others. Used by permission.
Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
The Gypsy Pistoleros re-mastered their debut album, added a couple more songs, and released the repackaged CD with a new name, "Para Siempre", on January 24th, 2008 through Bad Reputation Records. It was released throughout the U.K., Europe, and Scandinavia. All the while their fan base continued to grow.
They made another trip to the U.S. in 2008 to once again perform at "Rocklahoma". This time they were the headlining act on the second stage on Friday July 11th. The Pistoleros played for one of the largest crowds of the entire festival. The following day, they performed at the "South Texas Rock Festival". Their U.S. trip also included a midwestern tour with Dirty Penny, and a successful stint at the world famous Whiskey-a-Go-Go in Hollywood. Finally, they performed at the "Rock the Bayou" festival in Houston, Texas, where they played the second stage on Monday September 1st, sandwiched between Twisted Sister and Bret Michaels.
The U.S. fan reaction has been so strong that there are now numerous street teams all across the country spreading the word about this fantastic band. The great response from crowds at the previous shows and festivals in the U.S. has also earned the Pistoleros a return invitation to the 2009 "Rock the Bayou" festival where they will play the main stage. They have also been invited to perform at the multi-day festival, "Rock Gone Wild!", in Algona, Iowa on the main stage on August 24th, 2009.
Used by permission.
Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
However, before the Pistoleros return to the U.S., they will embark on an extensive U.K., European, and Scandinavian tour early in 2009. Also, the much anticipated second album, also produced by Joe Gibb, entitled, "The Good, the Bad, and the Gypsy Pistoleros", will be released in June 2009. So, the future is looking very bright indeed for this one-of-a-kind, sleazy, with a dash of flamenco, rock 'n' roll band. I, for one, can't wait for the new album and I'm looking forward to seeing them live at "Rock Gone Wild!"!
For more info, visit their website or their MySpace page.
Back to top of page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 8-14, 2008
This week we featured the Gypsy Pistoleros! The band includes members Lee J Pistolero as lead vocalist, Iggie Pistolero on lead guitar, Harri Pistolero on drums, and Nasty Pistolero on bass. I like the way the members all use Pistolero as their surname, a la The Ramones. The first time I listened to this band's very unique music, I was mesmerized. I mean, to hear Spanish style guitar riffs and Spanish style horns in rock music was a completely new experience, one I couldn't tear myself away from. And, the more I listen to them, the more I like them! So, I knew I had to spotlight this band here at Electric Pussycat. If you already know this band, then you'll already know that what I say here is true. If you don't know this band, then you absolutely need to read this and listen to their songs. I'm sure you'll be carried away on a sunny Spanish summer vacation within your mind, complete with sinister hombres and gun battles, Tarantino style!
Be sure to check out my review of "Para Siempre", too.
Used by permission. Courtesy: The Gypys Pistoleros and Evilboy Records.
The Gypsy Pistoleros, the self-proclaimed "greatest renegade gypsy flamenco sleaze glam rock n roll group ever", began with an idea dreamed up by vocalist Lee J Pistolero while he was living in Zaragoza, Spain. While there, they shared the stage with such notables as Motorhead, Dio, The Ramones, and The Cramps. But, their real break came during a Spanish tour in January of 2006 when they were supporting Adler's Appetite. Not only was their fan base growing, but they had attracted the attention of the rock media in Spain. They returned to Spain in June of the same year as the supporting band for the Dogs D'Amour, and were greeted with open arms by their new and loyal fan base.
They then went on to tour the U.K., and Europe, with such great bands as Crystal Pistol, Bang Tango, Faster Pussycat, LA Guns, Bulletboys, Love/Hate, Kristy Majors, and Enuff Z'Nuff.
The year 2007 saw the release of their debut album, "Wild, Beautiful, Damned" on Evilboy Records. It was produced by Joe Gibb, the legendary producer for many other famous artists such as Madonna, Jane's Addiction, The Cure, The Kinks, and many more. Also in 2007, the Pistoleros made their first trip to the U.S. to open the "Rocklahoma" festival on July 12th. Other glam greats who performed there were Poison, Slaughter, Faster Pussycat, Vince Neil, Twisted Sister, LA Guns, Skid Row, Bang Tango, and Dokken, among others. Used by permission.
Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
The Gypsy Pistoleros re-mastered their debut album, added a couple more songs, and released the repackaged CD with a new name, "Para Siempre", on January 24th, 2008 through Bad Reputation Records. It was released throughout the U.K., Europe, and Scandinavia. All the while their fan base continued to grow. They made another trip to the U.S. in 2008 to once again perform at "Rocklahoma". This time they were the headlining act on the second stage on Friday July 11th. The Pistoleros played for one of the largest crowds of the entire festival. The following day, they performed at the "South Texas Rock Festival". Their U.S. trip also included a midwestern tour with Dirty Penny, and a successful stint at the world famous Whiskey-a-Go-Go in Hollywood. Finally, they performed at the "Rock the Bayou" festival in Houston, Texas, where they played the second stage on Monday September 1st, sandwiched between Twisted Sister and Bret Michaels.
The U.S. fan reaction has been so strong that there are now numerous street teams all across the country spreading the word about this fantastic band. The great response from crowds at the previous shows and festivals in the U.S. has also earned the Pistoleros a return invitation to the 2009 "Rock the Bayou" festival where they will play the main stage. They have also been invited to perform at the multi-day festival, "Rock Gone Wild!", in Algona, Iowa on the main stage on August 24th, 2009.
Used by permission.
Courtesy: The Gypsy Pistoleros and Evilboy Records
However, before the Pistoleros return to the U.S., they will embark on an extensive U.K., European, and Scandinavian tour early in 2009. Also, the much anticipated second album, also produced by Joe Gibb, entitled, "The Good, the Bad, and the Gypsy Pistoleros", will be released in June 2009. So, the future is looking very bright indeed for this one-of-a-kind, sleazy, with a dash of flamenco, rock 'n' roll band. I, for one, can't wait for the new album and I'm looking forward to seeing them live at "Rock Gone Wild!"!For more info, visit their website or their MySpace page.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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