Sorcery Retrospective and Interview with the Remarkable Perry Morris:

By: Lucy Hall

     Drummer, Perry Morris is a talented and resourceful musician and business man. Perry had been an established drummer and was playing with many artists in the 1970’s. He was initially a studio session musician for Universal when he was approached to join the theatrical rock group Sorcery. Perry also has many impressive credentials which include an AFTRA, S.A.G, AFM/AFofM and Local 47 Musicians Union memberships as a result of his extensive work with films, television, and studio projects. He has composed music for several movie soundtracks, television bumpers and commercial jingles.

     Perry's business savvy was a major credit to Sorcery. He handled most of their business and continues to do so today. He has had many industry contacts which he utilized to book gigs at legendary venues on the Hollywood strip. He helped secure management, and promotions for the band which lead to being offered starring roles in the film Stunt Rock and also scoring a record deal.        
      Perry got the band booked for television gigs with the radio and television cultural icon, Dick Clark for his music television Halloween specials during the years of 82’ and 83’.  Perry also helped them land the movie deal for "Rocktober Blood".      

     Perry is credited as a musician for not only Stunt Rock and Rocktober Blood but also for 2015’s Knock Knock (in which Sorcery’s song “Talking to the Devil” appears). He has acting credits for both the Sorcery films and 1974’s The Zoo Gang, television series.

     The Sorcery band formed in 1976 and later disbanded in 1987. However, projects and promotions continued thanks in large part to Perry Morris’ commitment to the band’s work.      
     Sorcery is known for their music, and elaborate stage shows consisting of band performances and two master magicians incorporating the use of magic illusions in the on-stage battle of good vs. evil. Billing for their live theatrical act was “The King of the Wizards against the Prince of Darkness"  

The Members of Sorcery consisted of:

•        Drummer, Perry Morris
•          Guitar, Keyboards, Richard Huff
•          Bassist, Richie King
•          Vocalist, Greg MaGie (from 76’-79’, then 84’-87’)
•          Vocalist: David Glen Eisley (from 80’ to 83’)  

There were also numerous Guest Musicians for Sorcery:

• Percussion, Joe Porcaro: (for Stunt Rock LP)
• Keyboardist, Doug Loch
• Keyboardist, Steve Hendren

• Guitarist, Lon Cohen

I was recently lucky enough to be able to interview the amazing Perry Morris:

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you get into playing drums and why?     
Perry Morris: I started at  12 yrs. old. The Beatles were certainly a contributing factor, but I started playing before I  (And so many others) saw them on Ed Sullivan's show).

HEAVY MAKEUP: How long have you been playing?                                                                         
Perry Morris: About 52 years now.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  What was the first drum kit you owned?  
Perry Morris: Ludwig                

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember your first ever gig? What was that like?
Perry Morris: My first "Gig" I was in Jr. High, and played a school concert in the school’s auditorium for the student body...with the music teacher (who played bass, and another student who played guitar. The song we played was "Gloria" by the British band, "Them".                                                                         

(See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Them_(band)

HEAVY MAKEUP:  Is there a facet of the music business that you prefer? Recording, touring, or writing?
Perry Morris: I have participated in the writing, producing, and many facets of the business. I prefer playing and producing I think most.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  Who are your favorite drummers?                                                                
Perry Morris: That would be a long list. So I'll cut it down a little. Jazz; Buddy Rich, Joe  Morello, Louie Belson, Rock; John Bonham, My best friend in high school, Jeff Pocaro, Jimmy  Gordon (Derek & the Domino's), Bill Ward (Black Sabbath), Bernard Purdie, Alan White and  Bill Bruford (from Yes).

HEAVY MAKEUP:  What is your favorite song to perform live?                                                  
Perry Morris: That's a tough one...hmmm "Wizards Council" from the Sorcery stage show.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What advice would you give to a young drummer?                                               
Perry Morris: You'll play with lots of people over time..., not every band you play with will be the one you like. Bands come and go.. JUST keep playing.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember your first “professional” gig? What was that like?                           
Perry Morris: Played a night club in L.A. when I was 16. I wasn't old enough to get in, so I  stayed in the dressing room before we went on.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What artists or bands do you listen to?                                                          
Perry Morris: Dave Brubeck 5, (Joe Morello) Miles Davis, Steely Dan (Jeff Pocaro, Bernard  Purdie and Jimmy Gordon played with them). The Beatles, and so many more...

HEAVY MAKEUP: You handled the business side of Sorcery’s career and a lot of the networking,  and arranging gigs at such legendary clubs as the Whiskey and Roxy, but did you have any input  concerning writing the songs?  
Perry Morris: All the time. They were good song writers, but needed a cohesive element that  brings the music together. A good drummer can make ALL the difference. What I did is make  the "arrangements" better. Suggesting many times to simplify the music. Make the songs have  dynamics and space. A good drummer knows when "NOT to play" and leave the space to  enhance the overall music score or tune, which is very important in the final mix.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  When I watch the concert footage in Stunt Rock, I feel like I am there in the  arena. The live raw power of sonic Sorcery songs alongside a duel between the King of Wizards and  the Prince of Darkness is infectious. The appreciation and excitement of the audience is obvious.  However, you were up on that stage with all that elaborate pyrotechnics, the fire, smoke, and  dangerous stunts. At any point did you fear you could be experiencing a Michael Jackson incident  like the Pepsi commercial fire?           
Perry Morris: GREAT question... I must say...The turn-outs for Sorcery shows were simply  amazing. You really had to be there. In 1977 we had, Hands down... the most unique show in  music. Everyone in Hollywood would come to our shows when we announced then, and tickets  went on sale.  From music people, to other bands. Celebrities of all kinds (Music, TV, Movies)  all came. IT was "SRO" (Standing room only) met a bunch of them backstage after our shows  also. From Keith Richards to the "Tubes" and so many more. It was the place to be! We  appeared on a local L.A. news channel, KTTV (Channel 11) in L.A.  On "Metro News" from  that time on..., it was go time.  Our shows were sold-out in a matter of hours. I mean  EVERYONE who was anyone in L.A. showed up the see us. We were the most visual act in  music. Way ahead of Alice Cooper and Kiss. One night at a Whisky GIG, the tech running the  fires and explosions, spilled a drink on the switch panel, and nearly blew up the place. We  could have been the band who blew up the Whisky Ago-go on sunset. Our crew took care of it.  We had a licensed PYRO-TECH at all our shows.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your fans span many generations and you have a loyal cult following, how do you feel about that?
Perry Morris: Because of the internet...That's been fantastic. We first broke out in 1978/  Europe, then Australia, then the rest of the world. USA was not first. England, Belgium,  Germany France was first for us. Not many people know that...I put together our First band  website in 1997.

"In 1997...I was the one...who first promoted the Stunt Rock movie and Sorcery on the internet...; everywhere I could... all over in '97, when really no-one was interested."

HEAVY MAKEUP: There was a period in hard rock music when there was a lack of support due to music television and radio not playing much of the music. However, in recent years thanks to the  internet, bands having a core fan following, and touring the support has shifted and is now much  better. What do you think about the changes in music today? Are you inspired at all by what’s going  on in music today? Will there ever be a chance of a Sorcery reunion?  
Perry Morris: No real problem with support... I did most of it myself. The internet changed  everything. Before you needed a "Label" to really break-out a new band. Now just record  some songs anywhere from a garage to a small home studio, post them and you're in the music  business. But that's not really true. The "business" is very complicated and requires real  promotion. You can get lost in the "net" with all the music now out there. No future tours for  us now. We have had talks about it, and to be honest, and we see friends still playing all the  time.... but we've decided to keep our image as is.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  I am basically a fanatic when it comes to my collection of rock horror movies of the 80’s. My collection ranges from the best, Trick or Treat, Rocktober Blood, and Phantom of the Paradise; to the worse Hard Rock Zombies, Hard Rock Nightmare, and Scream Dream. You are a pioneer of rock films. Can you tell me about your initial thoughts on starring in a rock horror film?  Were you excited? Did you have any concerns on how you or the band would be portrayed? Any highlights that stand out? Were you bothered by the idea of Sorcery having a fake band name in the film, the Headmistress band?                                                  
Perry Morris: Boy... you ask great questions...When I got the call from a friend at Warner Bros. in Burbank about the "Rocktober Blood"  project, it was initially just another "GIG" for the band.  I met with the producers, Fred and  Beverly Sabastian, and made the deal for us. We started in just a couple weeks after our first  meeting. Not all Sorcery members, just the three primary musicians from Sorcery. IE: Myself,  guitarist Richard Taylor and our Bass player, Richie King.

HEAVY MAKEUP: The King of Wizards vs. the Prince of Darkness is an ingenious title and concept. It reminds me of Robert E. Howard’s sword and sorcery writings. The mash up of horror (Satan) vs. fantasy (Wizard). Sorcery’s entire stage show was a rock opera concept. Who initially had the idea for this concept? Who came up that ingenious title? What was it like to work with two master magicians? 
Perry Morris: The group had just formed and play two shows before I joined them. My brother, Richie King, was their bass player. When I returned home from a tour, they wanted a new drummer. Rick told them about me. When I got back off the road, I went to the musicians union in Hollywood (Local 47) to pick up some checks and see what was available for me to do. That's how I got the job at Universal studios. (Union Gig) I was working as a studio musician at Universal Studio's daytime (10: AM to 4: PM), doing background movie and TV music for the Universal Music Library. Almost all "Chart" work.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Sorcery has played sold out shows as the headlining act with some unbelievable  opening acts such as Van Halen. Who in the business have you seen come and go that stands and left  an impression on you?     
Perry Morris: Here's a little fact very few know about Sorcery.  SORCERY headlined every show we played. We never opened for anyone...ever.                              
As far as who influenced me...Lots of great bands. Beatles, Zep, Jethro Tull, Dave Brubeck,  Yes, TOTO (one of my closest friend back then, Jeff Pocaro.) Missing Persons, friend Terry  Bozio) and many more...

HEAVY MAKEUP:  Much like the Italian progressive rock band, Goblin, Sorcery has composed  music for quite a few films other than the two films in which the band stars. Is there any stories  behind those or highlights you could share?                                                                                           
Perry Morris: Because of the movie "Stunt Rock" and its director, Brian Trenchard-Smith, we  were led to relationships and provided music to Quentin Tarantino, and Eli Roth. I also used  the movie to secure relationships with Peter Shields at the William Morris Agency in Beverly  Hills CA. and book the Dick Clark shows.

HEAVY MAKEUP: I consider the band to be progressive hard rock/metal in the same vein as for example the band Rush. How would you describe Sorcery’s sound?  
Perry Morris: I really tried to make Sorcery not sound like everyone else in Hollywood at that time. They all really sounded the same to me. From (My friends in "Quiet Riot...Frankey Benelli, to Motley Crue" and the rest at that time... I thought, they could change singers, and basically still sound the same. Sorcery HAD to sound different to make its place in the crowd.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  Stunt Rock continues to play today as a midnight movie, how do you feel about that?    
Perry Morris: I've been working with two main guys who place movies in theaters. They are always looking out for theaters to place the film/movie. Had a pretty good year in 2016.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any mishaps or Spinal Tap type experiences?          
Perry Morris: Funny you mention "Spinal Tap". Stunt Rock had the same film editor as Spinal Tap.          

Robert Leighton. (See: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078335/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv).

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have had an extensive background in music and film. What else do you do outside of music? Is there anything that would surprise fans? Do you have any upcoming projects?      
Perry Morris: I'm a car guy growing up in the San Fernado Valley CA.  Grant High Sherman Oaks CA. and USC after. I've had some great cars over the years from 911 Porsches, to Range Rovers. I surf, love riding my Dirt Bikes, and I have a National Gold medal in Short Track speed skating from 1965.  I like to attend F-1 racing in Austin TX.  Only upcoming projects currently... is our music in the new re-make of Death Wish out this year. Nov. 22 2017 release date. Always networking to place our music in other films.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What else can I tell people about the amazing Perry Morris? 
Perry Morris: I have a degree in Economics from USC.  In 1984...I left the music business for some time, and became a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. Was also the registered Sr. Futures trader. (Series 3 Licensed required). I started the company, Sorcery Music Intl / Publishing in 1982. I do all the SORCERY music licensing, synchronization agreements, "Use Authorizations" and placement/agreements for the band.

Perry Morris: Thanks for your interest in me/us. You are great to work with.        

HEAVY MAKEUP: No, thank you Perry for keeping magic, music, and dreams alive for us all!



Drummer, Perry Morris

Drummer, Perry Morris

Drummer, Perry Morris with Sorcery

     It is easy to see why Sorcery and both their starring films have a cult following. Sorcery was not only good musicians who provided unforgettable stage shows but they were also way ahead of their time. They were arena rock headliners who held sold-out shows. They were and also continue to be today well respected by their peers, and their fans. They are a true one of a kind group.    
     Their stage show was and remained the best presentation of music and magic ever seen. Long before Criss Angel incorporated heavy metal music into his live illusion magic act. In addition, Stunt rock was the one and only musical action film.        
     I discovered the horror movie Rocktober Blood because I was probing the aisles of a local video rental store in hopes to discover more rock horror films like Trick or Treat. After screening the film, I became an instant Sorcery fan. Afterwards, I went on a hunt for anything Sorcery related and that’s when I discovered Stunt Rock. I thought to myself this band rocks! I then persisted to watch the film over and over. I have also persuaded many friends and family members over the years to watch it. Who later went on to also become fans.  
     Concerning Rocktober Blood, I think it is so underrated. Unlike most of the camp rock movies I collect and love. With Rocktober Blood I don’t have to necessarily become intoxicated to be able to tolerate getting through to the end. I don’t feel the need to have my friends over for movie night and cocktails so that I will have someone to do hilarious commentary over the film in order to make it fun. That’s because Rocktober Blood is entertaining without all of that.    I have had the opportunities to actually see other theatrical shock rockers in concert such as Kiss and Alice Cooper. However, I missed the chance to see Sorcery. Regardless, by watching Stunt Rock over and over again, I can feel like I am at the show and live vicariously through the on-screen audience. Top of Form   
     The producers of Stunt Rock were smart to use Sorcery in the film. Their performance is what sets the mood of the film. If the producers had of went with some other band, it just would not have produced the same result. The musicianship Sorcery demonstrated in concert was second to none!

Noteworthy Dates: 

• In 2000, a Sorcery Live album was released.
• In 2009, Code Red release's New DVD of the film Stunt Rock. A two disk set complete with interviews which includes band members, Perry Morris and Richard Taylor.
• September 2016 Rocktober Blood movie and soundtrack are re-released on Lunaris Records.
• January 2017 Stunt Rock Movie DVD release.
• The new re-make of Death Wish set for Nov. 22 2017 release date will feature Sorcery music.

     Although, Sorcery may be disbanded, Perry Morris continues to keep Sorcery on the map. They have an active maintained website, where fans are able to purchase band merchandise. 
     Due to the band and their films gaining considerable attention in cult film circles; Stunt Rock and Rocktober Blood continue to be played as midnight movies in theaters today around the world.  
     Sorcery's  music continues to be used in films from Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film, Grindhouse, to Eli Roth's film, "Knock Knock" starring Keanu Reeves. In addition, Tarantino who is a cult movie fanatic like myself, also highly recommends Sorcery’s films. He is quoted on the back cover for the Stunt Rock film as saying, “If you don't like (this), go f&^% yourself!" I must say, well said!

Get your Sorcery Merchandise here:

http://sorcerymusic.com/



Stunt Rock Movie Theatre Bookings

Coming Soon: Cult Movie Review: Stunt Rock

Lucy