White Sister/Tattoo Rodeo Retrospective and Interview with the Multi-Talented Dennis Churchill-Dries:

By: Lucy Hall

Dennis Churchill-Dries Performs Live 

     Prior to a string of “White” rock bands such as White Lion, Whitesnake, and Great White, there was only one innovative act that stood out and broke new ground, they were White Sister. The arena AOR (album oriented) rockers arose to fame during the heyday of the Hollywood hard rock scene. Although, the band was labeled glam rock at this time, the melodic rockers appeared to be more akin to Journey or Loverboy rather than, Motley Crue or Twisted Sister.

White Sister Debut Album

     White  Sister was formed in 1980 by members, lead vocalist/bassist, Dennis Churchill-Dries, guitarist, Rick Chadock, lead vocalist/keyboardist, Gary Brandon and drummer, Gus Moratinos. Gus left White Sister to pursue other interests in 1981, and Rich Wright joined as the band's new drummer. The band then enlisted the support of ex-Angel keyboardist, Gregg Giuffria to produce demos and albums. The band produced pop ballads and hard rock songs consisting of multi-layered vocals, catchy choruses, hard riff driven guitar, and pulsing keyboards. 

     White Sister appeared to be a refreshing switch up of style among the sunset strip glam metal club scene. It was soon due to this originality and their epic stage performances that landed them a deal with a major label, EMI American. White Sister’s self titled album was then released in 1984, two years later their sophomore album, Fashion for Passion debuted. The album produced a hit single ballad, “April” which featured transcendent power guitar chords and keyboards.

     In 91' Churchill-Dries, Chadock, Wright and new keyboardist, Michael Lord went on to re-form White Sister into another group, Tattoo Rodeo, which was signed to Atlantic Records. They produced two albums, Rode Hard, Put Away Wet and four years later Skin. The band’s image and musical direction was additionally transformed. The updated sound consisted of funky, southern, bluesy, acoustic type rock anthem influences; yet still remaining within the hard rock spectrum.

Tattoo Rodeo Debut Album

     White Sister had an apparent flare for soundtracks, proven by their chain of singles lent to several films. Their song "Save Me Tonight" appeared on the soundtrack album for the 1985’s Columbia Pictures horror film, Fright Night,  "Touch the Sky" appeared in the 1986 film Thrashin' starring Josh Brolin, "Dancin' on Midnight" appeared on the 1989 Magnum Pictures film Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers,  and "Fashion by Passion" appeared on the soundtrack for Touchstone Pictures film, Stella starring Bette Midler.

     

White Sister in the Film, Killer Party

     The 1980’s was the decade for hard rock and teen sex horror films, which, in my opinion was the best decade for entertainment. White Sister personified these trends when they not only lent their song "April" to the 1986 Metro-Goldwyn Mayer film, Killer Party but in addition they appeared and performed in the film. The one of a kind musical, teen sorority, sex slasher, horror film, featured the group in a surreal scene. They perform as a backdrop to a triple threat of a horror film within a horror film, within a rock music video. A young couple views a horror flick at a drive-in which becomes overrun with zombies and soon the characters find themselves in a dance sequence with White Sister.                                                                                                                                                                          White Sister’s affiliation with soundtracks does not end with a film appearance, Tattoo Rodeo’s single, “Restless Heart” appeared on the closing credits of the movie The Kid. During his solo work Churchill-Dries produced a song for the Crystal Heart soundtrack that starred Tawny Kaitan. 

     Lead vocalist, Dennis Churchill-Dries is a music artist whose forte ranges wide to include singing, songwriting and being multi-instrumental. He has attained and has maintained a cult following throughout his career. 

I had the opportunity to interview the multi-talented musician.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you initially get into music and why?                                               

Dennis Churchill-Dries: When I was a kid my uncle Ron used to let me play his Fender bass to Beatles, Wings, Hendrix albums…remember vinyl?! I loved it. When I was 15 I got my first bass guitar and Fender Champ amp for Christmas…I STILL have the amp! Then I realized musicians seemed to have girls around all the time…That was it for me!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Which bands or individual musicians inspired you? What artists or bands do you currently listen to?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Seems like everything inspired me early on, mostly classic rock. Big influencers for me later in life would be Beatles, Bad Co, Zep, Journey, Stevie Wonder, John Waite, Toto…

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember your first professional gig? What was that like?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: White Sister at the Ice House in Pasadena CA. I was only 18, thought I was the shit! Ahh the good old days!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your favorite song to perform live?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I haven’t performed live since the Firefest show in the UK back in 2009. I did a live podcast last May on Izzy Presley’s show, that was a blast! That’s the closest to live. I did “Promises” acoustically from the first White Sister album, “Been Your Fool” from the first Tattoo Rodeo album, and “Home” from my solo album. I’ve always loved playing Promises and Save Me Tonight form the second WS album.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Where do you get your lyrical inspiration? Do you write from your own experiences, any personal songs?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Oh yeah! I always draw on life experiences. “So Good To See You” from my album is about seeing Rick Chadock in my dreams after he passed away. “Heard It On The Radio” is about laying on the bed with headphones on and waiting to hear your favorite songs…you’re too young to know that struggle! “Song For The Living” is about still standing when everything around you is falling down…that was for me, after losing two bandmates and not releasing music for 20 years…and then recording and releasing “I” like nothing happened.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Looking back on your music career would you change anything?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Great question. Two things came to mind right away, so I’ll go with them…When Gary left White Sister we rushed our second album “Fashion By Passion”. I would have spent more time on it and done a couple of songs differently, added some WS songs people loved live, but we never recorded. Secondly, Tattoo Rodeo had a chance to be on the Allen Thicke show back in 1991, and we turned it down because we didn’t think we were ready to play live in front of millions…we should have gone for it! Giuffria did the show, we should have…would have done a lot for our career.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Was image ever really important to you?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Totally! WS came up through the Hollywood scene with Motley, Ratt, etc. Back then it was a visual and audible show, the bigger the better!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you have a favorite moment from any particular performance?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Several, but a couple come to mind…when Tattoo Rodeo played in front of 10,000 people at a festival in Tampa, I had them all singing…it was really emotional. When WS played “Save Me Tonight” at Firefest, I felt like that was how it should always be…that high you get on stage with the band kicking ass and the crowd singing along, then totally quiet when the song came down in the verses…magic.

HEAVY MAKEUP: How do you feel about being compared to the glam bands? Where did you see yourself fitting into the music scene at that particular point in time?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: WS really didn’t fit in anywhere! We played with glam bands, metal, hard rock…we were all over the place! It didn’t matter, we just wanted to play, and as long as the people were into it, we didn’t care what night it was…or what it was supposed to be!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever consider yourself fitting anywhere into the heavy metal spectrum of music?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I think we had too many elements to be called metal. Keyboard melodies, big harmonies, chorus hooks. Some people heard metal, I never did.

HEAVY MAKEUP: If you had to pick just one song, album, video, or performance which would you be most proud of?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: That would be “Pieces” off of my solo album. It was just me and  piano with some cello parts added. I wrote it, played it, sang it. Quite proud of that.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there a facet to the music business that you prefer? Recording, touring, writing?   

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I really love recording lately. I write quickly, then get into putting all the parts down, then it’s done and I kinda wish it wasn’t! I don’t miss playing live at all…I put a shitload of pressure on myself and anyone playing with me…it’s a lot of stress.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Much like David Lee Roth, and Don Dokken, White Sister appeared to have all the right hard rock dance moves. These moves consisted of aerobatic jumps, high kicks, arm thrusting, and fists waving in rhythmic gestures. Did White Sister develop their own choreography?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: No, we just did our thing and tried to stay out of Gary’s way!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Having had upbeat rock songs and melodic power ballads, White Sister was definitely anthem arena rock. I would say that White Sister is in the same vein musically as hard rock acts such as Night Ranger, or House of Lords and in particular Van Halen due to elements that include synthesizers and keyboards. However, Tattoo Rodeo had a bluesy rock anthem based sound, which seems more akin to such acts as Black Crowes, or Tesla. In your own opinion, how would you describe the differing sounds and styles of White Sister vs. Tattoo Rodeo?                                                 

Dennis Churchill-Dries: You pretty much covered it! We used to call WS “orchestrated rock”…Tattoo Rodeo was a bluesy rock project by design, we just wanted a change and felt WS was behind us after about 9 years of trying to get it going.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Early on in the band’s career you were encouraged change the name White Sister due to another act sharing the “sister” aspect of the title. However, the band chose to keep their original title. Ironically, White Sister went on to be featured in the horror film, Killer Party which also had to go through a title change due to another horror film claiming the initial title, April Fool’s Day. The track used for the film was “April Your No Fool”. What were your feelings on these changes? How did you feel about your song title coinciding with the movie film title, to only be changed prior to the film’s release?                  

Dennis Churchill-Dries: We didn’t care really…we weren’t gonna get confused with Whitesnake or Twisted Sister, so we went with it! We were actually in the studio recording at the same place with TS, playing video games with Dee…good times! As far as April goes, we knew they were going with another name for the movie, but it didn’t bother us much. We were too jacked about going to Canada and filming the cheesy video!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Although, both White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo had only released two studio albums, you and the bands continue to have a loyal cult following and a fan base that spans generations, how do you feel about that?                                      

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I’m honored and surprised at the support really. It’s pretty cool to have been a part of it all, to have created something that will live beyond myself. When I get emails from people who tell me the music touched their lives…that’s incredible.

HEAVY MAKEUP: White Sister's second and, unfortunately, last album, featured several songs which were also contributed to some major motion picture soundtracks in addition to Killer Party, which the band appears. These films include Fright Night, Halloween 5 and Stella. How did White Sister become involved with these films? Is there any stories behind those or highlights you could share?

Dennis Churchill-Dries: Our manager was funding the recording sessions with movie song licensing as we went along, so we could keep working on the second WS album…he was brilliant!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What has been your motivation to go solo?                                                 

Dennis Churchill-Dries: After WS reunited for the Firefest shows in 2008 and 2009, Rick and I started working on new material. When he got sick, I had a bunch of songs started that I wasn’t sure what to do with. His widow, along with my wife Denise, convinced me to finish the songs…so my first solo album, first new music in 20 years, was born. I’m really proud of it, and proud that it received great reviews.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Were you ever concerned that after being away awhile from the music scene, that it may be hard to regain your recognition? 

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I wasn’t worried about that, my album was a therapy project for me, something I needed to do. As stated in the press release, I didn’t do it for money, recognition…I did it for me. It was part of moving on with life, and as an artist.

HEAVY MAKEUP: The musical elements I hear within your solo work are bluesy, and folksy, with a pinch of alternative rock. It also has a real feel of a return to 1970’s era blues rock. Is that the direction you intentionally went in?                                                                                

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I didn’t really have a direction, I just wrote what I liked and let it fly!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is the significance of your solo album title, “I”?                       

Dennis Churchill-Dries: It’s just me, myself, and “I”…

HEAVY MAKEUP: Are you working on any new material now? Any other upcoming projects? Any White Sister or Tattoo Rodeo reunions on the arise?                                             

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I’m working on a follow up to my solo effort “I”, but the business is so screwed up I might just release singles digitally. That album had a couple of WS elements in it, in fact “Heard It On The Radio” has a little snip of “Dancin’ On Midnight” in it! I think “Unbroken” has a little WS sound to it as well. The guitar solo section part is from “Dancin”…a little tribute to Rick. Without him, or Rich, there will never be another WS album. That being said, there is an unreleased song in the mix that might have Gary singing in the chorus with me. It won’t be called WS, but you’re really going to recognize the sound!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your secret to longevity in music? What advice would you give to a young musician?   

Dennis Churchill-Dries: There’s no secret, I was lucky enough to be part of two bands that were bigger than their parts…we were magic together. The music is holding up, and if I had a magic spell to share…I wouldn’t! New artists just need to be natural…tying to be someone of=r something else doesn’t work. People see right through it.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What else do you do outside of music?          

                                   

Dennis Churchill-Dries: I’ve been married to Denise for 30 (cough cough) 30 years! We have a beautiful family, and being a good dad has been job#1. I love camping, basketball, cars, art, and meeting interesting people like you!

Dennis Churchill-Dries Promotional Photo

     
     There have been a few White Sister reunions. In 2007, members Wright, Churchill, and Chadock reunited, they began to play shows, and shot a live concert video. Tattoo Rodeo did a reunion show in January of 2006, Rich Wright passed away a few months later. White Sister reunited in 2008 to do the Firefest Festival in Nottingham England with Jason Montgomery on drums, and was asked to return in 2009. Then that would be the last show as White Sister after Rick passed away in October of 2012 after a battle with cancer.
     Preceding the loss of close friends and band members, Richard Wright and Rick Chadock, Dennis went into retirement. In 2014, he once again embarked on a solo career and reunited with Paul Sabu, who produced, engineered, supplied guitar work and mixed his new album simply titled, “I” which was released in 2015. Dennis is currently working on new music that will be released as singles in early 2018.
     Dennis Churchill-Dries’ music may not be easily categorized due to his vast musical talents and his immense love of various musical genres but it is heartfelt and he is clearly passionate about what he does. 

Dennis Churchill-Dries is quoted as saying,

“This isn’t a conceited statement but I don’t care whether I sell 100 or 100,000 copies. I did this for me.” 

Only a true artist who is not a poser and is truly passionate about his work, who has always followed his own path to what inspires him could make such a statement. When his other hard rock peers followed the popular trends, Dennis refused to conform and he continues to be a trailblazer today.

White Sister 

White Sister/Tattoo Rodeo Members:

• Dennis Churchill-Dries - lead vocals/bass guitar (1980-1989)
• Rick Chadock - lead guitar (1980-1989)
• Gary Brandon - lead vocals/keyboards (1980-1985)
• Gus Moratinos - drums (1980-1981)
• Richard Wright - drums (1981-1989)
• Michael Lord

White Sister Discography:

White Sister 1984

Fashion by Passion 1986

Tattoo Rodeo Discography:

Rode Hard - Put Away Wet 1991

Skin 1995

Dennis Churchill-Dries Discography:

"I" 2015

White Sister Filmography: 

Killer Party 1986

Straight Through the Heart: Live at Firefest 2008

Tattoo Rodeo

Visit Dennis' Website at:

www.dennischurchilldries.com

Dennis Churchill-Dries Solo Album, "I"

Coming Soon: Cult Movie Review: Killer Party

Lucy

Thor Retrospective and Interview with the Mighty Rock Warrior:

By: Lucy Hall

The Standard, Commercial Definition of a Rock Star:

A type of performer who is famous for being widely known for performing popular music based around amplified instruments. A highly admired individual who continues to reinvent themselves to promote an image that will attribute to record sells. Part of the rock star’s repertoire includes inherent rebelliousness. The rock star will use means of mainstream music to influence social, political and economical elements of society.

HEAVY MAKEUP’S Definition of a Rock Star:

A chain and leather clad, sword wielding, steel bending, and every inch the muscular, battle scarred, brooding rock barbarian. While his sword in front of him thrust point down into the mound of human debris below, a naked woman clings to one leg, while behind him flames and vague threatening shadowy images haunt the sky. A rock warrior who looks as if he could have stepped forth from a Frank Frazetta painting or the classic pulps of high fantasy sword and sorcery from some alternate reality. In the tradition of heroic fantasy and from the covers of heavy metal albums, he is the Mighty Thor, Rock Warrior.

Thor, Rock Warrior

     Jon Mikl Thor is a rock star who needs little introduction, from his earliest days as a bodybuilding champion, to his music and acting, to his recent documentary release and tour; He is Canada’s greatest export and shows no signs of letting up. Thor does not have to continuously reinvent his image or make a political statement to remain relevant and sell albums. The God of Thunder is no run of the mill rocker. He has remained a potent force in metallic stunt rock for well over four decades. He has continued to unleash a steady stream of shock rock for those with an appreciation for the genre. As a business man and artist he has created his own logo, and formed his own record label. This legendary stunt rocker has survived by sticking with what he does best which is being a focused, passionate entertainer and business man.
     It is fascinating to observe the musical evolution of Jon Mikl Thor. His first band, The Ticks had the look and sound of other popular mod bands of the era such as The Who or The Beatles. He later went on to form the band, Body Rock which appeared to have a punk rock sound. This group consisted of two other male body builders and two female amazon dressed beauties. Ultimately, Thor found his calling when he formed his self titled power metal band, “Thor,” which had a much heavier sound. Throughout his body building career he achieved forty titles. By means of combining the strength and ability of body building with extraordinary feats, props, costumes, and music; Jon Mikl Thor created an ingenious and original rock act. His self-titled band concept begun in 1976 and although the band has gone through several incarnations, the stage performance, and quality of both stunts and the music has not changed.
     Thor’s stage presence has been powerful, sexual, and very visually stimulating. He exuded intense sex appeal going shirtless to bare his muscular chest and wearing leather studded underwear. Later, metal music fans would see this again when musicians such as Manowar, and Motley’s Crue’s Tommy Lee would duplicate the look by also sporting studded leather underwear and going shirtless, although, these rockers lacked Thor’s bulging physique. Thor has a knack for not only looking good himself on stage but looking even better by being surrounded by beautiful women, which included his stage partner Cherry Bomb. His music video for “Glimmer” featured female band members. Today he continues that appealing tradition by having provocative backup dancers known as Thor’s Valkyries.  
      Thor’s elaborate and extreme live shows brought danger to rock and roll. His stage feats has included bending solid steel bars in his teeth, bending microphone stands, breathing into hot water bottles until they burst and having solid concrete blocks smashed off his chest with a sledgehammer. He has always engaged his fans in many ways and made them feel like part of the show; such as entering the audience to have members inspect the authenticity of steel prior to bending it with his teeth.
     Thor has pioneered power metal hallmarks credited in part to his immense love of superheroes, mythology, fantasy, science fiction, and B Movies. His conceptual albums and storytelling lyrics stirs up science fiction and fantasy imaginary. In the 80’s catching Thor battling massive robots and monsters in concert was a treat.  Today both old and new fans are being either introduced to or revisiting his epic battles with the same enthusiasm, as he continues to incorporate these theatrics into his performance. 

Thor battles a Heavy Metal Robot

     Upon discovering the magnitude of Thor’s talent, I became an instant fan. When I initially set my eyes on the Mighty Thor, he was featured on a VHS titled Breakin’ Metal. The concert film featured Thor performing at London’s legendary Marquee Club in 1986. Thor bends steel with his teeth, while the band plays the dark and brooding, Death March. During my crusade for rock horror movies after viewing Trick or Treat, I found the rock horror gem, Rock and Roll Nightmare at a video rental store. Initially I didn’t realize Thor in the horror film was the same rock warrior that I had witnessed doing unbelievable stunts in Breakin Metal. My favorite scene in Rock and Roll Nightmare is of course, the shower scene, which I rewinded numerous times. Soon preceding numerous shower scene viewing, I had a revelation; the singer in the film resembled the singer in Breakin Metal.  Afterwards, I went on a quest to collect anything Thor related. Once for my birthday I had a dear friend who was thoughtful enough to slip away with a picture disc record of Thor and then girlfriend, Cherry Bomb without me noticing my album was missing. That friend had a cake decorator transfer the image from the picture disc to my birthday cake.     
    The savage Thor has battled against wizardry, wild women, powers of primeval dark sorcery, minions of evil gods, zombie curses, and multiple demons in both horror films, Rock and Roll Nightmare and Zombie Nightmare. Thor costarred alongside Adam West and Tia Carrere in Zombie Nightmare. This film featured a killer heavy metal soundtrack that included not only Thor, but also heavy hitters Motorhead and Girlschool. Thor drove his Tritonz band mates to a secluded farm house of horrors in Rock and Roll Nightmare. Not only did Thor star in the film but he also wrote and produced it.    
     In the comedy film Recruits; Thor plays the role of Thunderhead, a biker who is a civilian recruit for the police force. In the film Thor looks striking and tough riding on a motorcycle. He continues to look every bit as tough, dangerous and striking on the back of his bike today. Recruits was the third movie I purchased for my Thor collection. Thor has since starred in other films and has had several documentaries/concert footage films. Which includes 2005’s Thor An-Thor-Logy, Thor the Rock Opera, and most recently I Am Thor. He has not only starred in films but has also contributed songs to movie soundtracks which include, Murder at the Presidio (2005), Sharp as Marbles (2008), Fubar (2002), Graveyard and both Zombie and Rock and Roll Nightmare (1987).

Thor as Thunderhead in the film, Recruits

Thor continues to look Hot and Dangerous on his Motorbike

 

Thor Discography:

• Thor-Body Rock (1973)
• Keep the Dogs Away (1977, 30th anniversary re-release 2009)
• Gladiator (1979)
• Striking Viking (1980)
• Unchained (1983)
• Only the Strong (1985)
• Live in Detroit (1985, re-release 2009)
• Recruits – Wild in the Streets (1986)
• The Edge of Hell (1986) (credited as Tritonz)
• Thunderstruck: Tales from the Equinox (1998)
• Dogz II (2000)
• Triumphant (2002)
• Mutant (2003)
• Beastwomen from the Center of the Earth (2004)
• Thor Against the World (2005)
• Devastation of Musculation (2006)
• Into the Noise (2008)
• Steam Clock (2009)
• Sign of the V (2009)
• The Guardian (2010)
• Soundtrack from the movie THOR - The Rock Opera (2011)
• Thor's Teeth (2012, Special edition vinyl)
• Thor – Thunderstryke (2012)
• Thor – Thunderstryke II (2013)
• Metal Avenger (2015, compilation)
• Aristocrat of Victory (2013)
• Only the Strong Deluxe Edition (2014)
• Metal Avenger (2015)
• Unchained Deluxe Edition (2015)
• “I am Thor” Soundtrack (2016)
• Keep the Dogs Away Deluxe Edition (2016)
• Live in Detroit Deluxe Edition (2016)
• Beyond the Pain Barrier (2017)

Filmography:

• Recruits (1986, as Thunderhead)
• Breakin' Metal (1986)
• Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare (1987, as John Triton)
• Zombie Nightmare (1987, as Tony Washington)
• Graveyard (2003, short film, as Ray)
• Murder at the Presidio (2005, as Thor)
• Intercessor: Another Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare (2005, as The Intercessor)
• A Family Lost (2007, as Gary)
• Thor – The Rock Opera (2011)
• I Am Thor (2015, as himself)
• THOR AN-THOR-LOGY (DVD, 2005, himself)

Thor's Band Members:

Current:

 

Jon Mikl Thor

John Leibel

Ted Jedlicki

Will Maravelas

Frank Soda

Frank Meyer

Bruce Duff

Past Members:

 

Steve Price

Mike Favata

Pantera (Rusty Hamilton)

Keith Zazzi
Ani Kyd

 

Thor Promotional Photo

I was recently blessed to have the opportunity to interview the Mighty Rock Warrior, Thor:

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you initially get into music and why?
 

Thor: I started playing accordion at 7 years old. When I was 11 years old I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and that made me want to play the guitar.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You learned to play the guitar and then bass, what made you decide to put down the guitar and turn to only singing?
 

Thor: I was impressed with David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Jim Morrison and Robert Plant.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember your first professional gig? What was that like?

Thor: Awkward. There was no one doing the type of show that our band put on which was called “Muscle Rock”. So we would get mixed reviews. At first people in the audience would be scratching their heads back in 1973 but would come around after the 3^rd song as the crowds would go wild for the performance.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Which bands or individual musicians inspired you? What artists or bands do you currently listen to?

Thor: The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin. I listen to anything that intrigues me.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there a facet of the music business that you prefer? Recording, touring, or writing?

Thor: Everything from behind the scenes to performing.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your favorite song to perform live?

Thor: Thunderhawk

HEAVY MAKEUP: What advice would you give a young musician or shock rock performer?

Thor: Never give up. Believe in your concept.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have a long list of credentials which includes being a bodybuilding champion, actor, songwriter, screenwriter, vocalist and musician. In addition, you handle the business and management side of your career. That’s a lot to accomplish in one man’s lifetime. However, for a Superhero Rock God like you, it appears effortless. In your opinion what has been your grandest achievement?

Thor: After starting the Thor concept in 1973 to still perform live on stage in 2017 almost 45 years later and still drive the crowd into frenzy. We just performed some shows in Europe. The concert at the Porispere Festival in Pori, Finland in front of 12,000 fans was just insane. I’m still standing and Rockin.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your band has played many sold out shows. You have played alongside some impressive musicians. You once performed to an audience that included the legendary, Jimmy Page. Who in the business have you seen come and go that stand out and has left an impression on you?

Thor: Joey Ramone

HEAVY MAKEUP: With all that immortal strength defying feats, props, metal/stud/spiked costumes, and steel bending with your teeth, and brick/concrete smashing off your chest with a sledgehammer. You must have endeared some major Spinal Tap type moments, or at least injuries. Have you ever lost any teeth? Any mentionable mishaps?

Thor: Yes I have cracked my back molars while bending steel in between my teeth. I have been knocked unconscious while blowing up and exploding lifetime guaranteed hot water bottles with my lung power. I’ve had broken ribs from have concrete blocks smashed off my chest with a sledgehammer and jack hammer.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your fans span many generations and you have a loyal cult following, how do you feel about that?

Thor: It is a tremendous honor and hard to believe that there are such great Thor fans of all ages.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Being a masculine sex symbol obviously had many perks for you. There is a press photo that comes to mind which depicts you posing while a woman’s hands creep up your hairy muscular chest. I imagine this depiction was not merely made up for promotional reasons. I would imagine this is exactly the reaction you had from the ladies during every tour. I mean, heck, I know if it would have been a possibility, I would have totally been trying to brush your long locks, feel your hairy chest, feed you grapes, and wash and perfume you from head to toe. Wow, you get the feeling this is something I have clearly thought long and hard about. Considering you had lots of groupies, what is the most outrageous thing a female fan has done to get your attention?

Thor: There have been many outrageous moments. Some I still can’t believe. Some I felt were only reserved for gods and demi-gods the likes of Hercules when he met the Amazons. But I will have to leave that to your imagination.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  I am a heavy metal horror film fanatic so of course your films, Rock and Roll Nightmare and Zombie Nightmare are in my collection. You wrote and produced Rock and Roll Nightmare. Can you tell me about what inspired the story for the film? Any highlights that stand out concerning either film? What made you decide to use the name, The Tritonz for the rock band in the film instead of Thor? Looking back on the films, how do you feel about them?

Thor: I think they were fun films to make. I wish we had more of a budget. I wanted an alias for Thor. Sort of like how The Beatles became Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. So I came up with the Tritonz. But my inspiration was combing a Superhero, Sci-Fi and horror movie together.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You would have made a perfect Thor title character for a Marvel Comics Film, and a much better Thor in the television movie, The Incredible Hulk Returns instead of actor, Eric Allan Kramer. Why did studios not offer you these roles? Are they blind and dumb?                  

Thor: In 1977 Stan Lee and Marvel Productions did offer me the role of Thor in Thor-The Movie. The movie just never got made as the special effects weren’t up to par for what was needed to make this film at that time.

HEAVY MAKEUP:  Not only have you produced, written and starred in your own films, but you have also done movie soundtracks. Is there any stories behind those or highlights you could share? 

Thor: The most successful song of mine was “Glimmer”. The title song for “Murder at The Presideo”. Yet not too many Thor fans are familiar with that tune.

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? 

Thor: I have a wide range of interests from sports, painting, reading, and hiking. I just enjoy life.

Hot Creeping Flesh, Thor Promotional Photo

Photo by D. Stevens

The films Zombie Nightmare and Rock and Roll Nightmare may have went on to be spoofed in such commentary programs such as Mystery Science Theater; however, the Mighty Thor has had forty years of music, movies and mayhem that people are still talking about today and he continues to have cult following. Thor continues to produce, record, tour, release albums, and films. He has a hard core fan base and continues to be and always will be a cult icon. It is evident that he has exerted a profound influence on power metal, stunt, and shock rock bands of both yesterday and today. All Thor has ever wanted for himself and his audience has been to entertain and put on a good show. I think he has definitely achieved these goals. 

Thor, packing Thunder in the Front and Ready for Lightning to Strike in the Back

 

Thor, Unchained

Thor, the Striking Viking holds his Mighty Hammer High

Thor Concert Action Shot

Thor is still Packing the Big Guns

I Am Thor Film Poster

Coming Soon: Cult Movie Review: Rock and Roll Nightmare    

Lucy