This week’s episode of Mars Attacks features an interview with Greg Prato author of The Eric Carr Story and When MTV Ruled the World (among others). The interview is split between both of these books, as both where released around the same time. During the interview he details what it was like to put both books together, what hard rock and metal musicians where interviewed for both (including members of Kiss, Judas Priest, Carmine Appice, Twisted Sister, Anthrax, etc.) and how difficult it was to get them involved in his projects. Some of the other items discussed with Greg are which testimonials (if any) surprised him, why he decided to release both books, and his two upcoming releases, an autobiography of Carmine Appice which he is currently writing alongside the legendary drummer, and Sack Exchange his first non-music related book which is centered around the New York Jets of the 1980s.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of talking to Frankie Banali from Quiet Riot. This band has always been one of my favorites and instantly caught my eye the second I saw their videos on MTV. What wasn’t there to love the mask, the straight jacket, the larger than life camera angles, and the black and white stripes which seemed to be everywhere! I have to confess that I immediately took two roles of electrical tape from my father, one black, the other white and proceeded to tape up my drum sticks to emulate the patterns they had everywhere in their videos. The cool thing about the band is no matter what fads were taking place, whether they were being cheered or jeered in the media, they always managed put out great music. Most will know them from obvious hit albums like Metal Health and Condition Critical. Some may also remember QRIII and the video for The Wild and The Young, but the band has always been so much more than that. Great albums like Terrified, Down To The Bone, and Guilty Pleasures for some reason have always fallen under the radar. All of their albums ranged from good to great in my opinion.
I had the pleasure of seeing the band live back in 2001 with Enuff Z Nuff, Warrant & Poison. No doubt in my mind what group I was going to see. They easily stole the show, hands down the best band to hit the stage, it wasn’t even close.
In any event, I had great fun doing the interview with Frankie; hope you guys enjoy it as well. The reason Frankie came on was to promote the new Quiet Riot documentary he’s trying to put together. During the interview you’ll hear him discuss all of the work he’s already put into the film, and why he’s pared up with Kickstarter.com to attempt to raise money and make the documentary come to life. But he isn’t just asking for you to fork over some cash, he’s offering plenty of cool items in return for your backing of the project. You can gohere to find out about all of the items you will receive in return for becoming a backer of the documentary. Items include gold album awards (the real ones with the RIAA certificate of authenticity), dinner with Frankie or a two hour drum lesson with him. Check the link out for more details.
If you’ve listened to my podcast enough you’ve heard me say support the bands you love, buy their music, etc. Quiet Riot is a band I love, help me support Frankie and get this documentary made! Go to the Kickstarter.com link I have posted above, or go to their site and search for Quiet Riot or Frankie Banali. Let’s make the Quiet Riot documentary happen!
Tracks heard during the episode are as follows:
The Ritual
Down To The Bone
Shadow Of Love
Run For Cover
Terrified
During the episode we discuss the following:
Quite Riot, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Randy Rhoads, Kevin Dubrow, Paul Shortino, Rudy Sarzo, Carlos Cavazo, Frankie Banali, Marilyn Manson, Metal Health, Condition Critical, Rainbow Bar and Grill, Bob Turner, Tony Cavazo, Chuck Wright, QRIII, Sean McNabb, Kenny Hillery, Down To The Bown, Alive & Well, Guilty Pleasures, Alex Grossi, Rehab, Tony Franklin, Neil Citron, Bobby Rondinelli, Terrified, Marilyn Manson, Santa Monica Civic Center, Footloose, New York Yankees, A-Rod, Ratt, Motley Crue, The Dirt, Chipster PR
During this episode I’m joined by former Vinnie Vincent Invasion drummer Bobby Rock. Items discussed during this interview are why the Invasion broke up, various Vinnie Vincent rumors, why Robert Fleischman left the band, and if he would ever play with Vinnie again. Other items discussed include recording with Nitro, Nelson and all things fitness as well as authoring several books.
Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent, Robert Fleischman, Vinnie Vincent’s Invasion, Sweet Savage, Dana Strum, Joey Jones, Rare Earth, Def Leppard, Mutt Lange, Myron Grambacher, Pat Benatar, Chet Akins, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Godsmack, W.A.S.P., Stet Howland, Gary Hoey, Fred Coury, Cinderella, Warrant, Whitesnake, Rock Never Stops, Slaughter, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, John Corabi, Tony Montana, Dee Snider, Mark Slaughter, Blas Elias, Slaughter, All Systems Go, Nitro, Michael Angelo Batio, Nelson, Monster Circus, Carnival Of Souls, Zentoria, Chrysilis Records, Enigma Records, Hypothetical Erotica, Zentoria, Poison, Aerosmith, Great White, Twisted Sister
The following Vinnie Vincent Invasion tracks are played during the episode:
