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

L.A. Guns, Budderside and Sinful Lilly: Interview and Concert Review at The Forum Part 3:

By: Lucy Hall
 

L.A. Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs

      There are quite a few things that have remained constant throughout the musical career of L.A. Guns; live raw power infused with passionate, high, gritty yet melodic vocals, catchy choruses, an awe-inspiring gnarly guitar crunch, a thunderous rhythm section and lots of bad ass attitude.                       

      Tracii Guns formed L.A. Guns in 1983. The albums, L.A. Guns (1988) and Cocked & Loaded (1989) is what initially turned me onto the group. The very catchy power ballad, “The Ballad of Jayne”, stirred up major MTV and radio interest. In addition, harder rocking, yet radio friendly hits from these two albums honed their honest rock approach into something radio could program. It was the high energy hard rock hits that made me a long-time fan. Who can forget the gigantic crunch and heavy guitar tone in such time honored gems as “Electric Gypsy” and “Sex Action”.

      For over a decade, L.A. Guns fans have eagerly longed for a reunion of original members, Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns. This year that hope of a reunion was validated when Guns announced a tour and new album with both Phil and Tracii together. L.A. Guns performed at The Forum in Hazard Kentucky on June 30th with opening acts Budderside and Sinful Lilly. Considering I had seen the band a few years prior at Summit City in Whitesburg, Kentucky where their performance was top notch, this show had a lot to live up to in my opinion and indeed, it captured and expanded upon my expectations. The current line-up in addition to Phil and Tracii includes Michael Grant on guitar, Johnny Martin on Bass and Shane Fitzgibbon on the drums. Although, the band has had numerous lineup changes, their sound continues to still be crisp. The twin guitars rocked, the vocals and drums were perfect. The tunes ranged from lyrically and musically tender ballads to fast paced toe tapping, speedy, in your face, straight ahead rock and roll.  I was very pleased that the group performed some of my personal favorites which included, “Never Enough”, “Bitch Is Back”, and “Electric Gypsy”.


Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs 

     Some highlights that stood out at the Hazard performance consist of Johnny Martin’s Ramone inspired stance and his overall presence during the show. Tracii’s fast fingers were in fine form as always and he even broke out the violin bow, Jimmy Page style. Which brought back memories of when I was sixteen and attempted to use a violin bow on a flat fretboard. Later I learned that without certain conditions including the key element of a lifted bridge I would not be bowing like Page. Unlike me, Tracii produced some cool harmonies and epic sounds with his Les Paul and bow.


Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs

     The decadent years of 1984 to 1994 may have been one of the most adventurous years in hard rock/metal with some very interesting bands entering the arenas and clubs. However, the fun energy and excitement of that decade in rock continues down the same path well into 2017. Props to L.A. Guns for keeping it going for thirty years, and living up to their promise to fans that they will continue to inspire, and entertain us all.    

L.A. Guns' last album was in 2012. They have a new album, The Missing Peace, for 2017. Heavy Makeup will be revisiting L.A. Guns' Frontman, Phil Lewis for a review and interview for their upcoming album.


Johnny Martin & Shane Fitzgibbon Photo by Taylor Burgess

Michael Grant Photo by Taylor Burgess

Phil Lewis Photo by Taylor Burgess

Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Taylor Burgess
 

Lucy 

 

L.A. Guns, Budderside and Sinful Lilly: Interview and Concert Review at The Forum Part 2:

By: Lucy Hall


Budderside Photography by Thomas R. Biggs



     Early 2000 emo alt meets the crudeness of Motley Crue, when L.A.’s Budderside delivered a high octane performance of pure authentic rock and roll at Hazard’s The Forum on July 30th. Never a subtle band, Budderside mixed up hard rock, alternative, and modern rock, with everything from Mother Love Bone to a pinch of Weatus. A steady ration between hard style music and alternative without going overboard on either side. Their style does not appear to cater to any one specific trend.
     Budderside consists of band members, lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone, bassist, Michael Stone, guitarist, Colin Reid, and drummer Rich Sacco. My initial observation of Budderside was that they are party rockers who possess a poet’s passion. They seem to have some well-aimed songs that challenge intellect, yet they also have some fun party vibe songs. This was demonstrated by the songs they performed from their album which included the hard and melodic “Open Relationship,” alt rock “Ska Bra,” and the dance party favorite “Pain.”
     Budderside made Hazard concert attendees feel special by embracing not only Appalachian culture but also the name Hazard in itself. They paid tribute to Hazard performing a cover of the Johnny Cash song, “Folsom Prison Blues” by switching up the lyrics and changing Reno to Hazard. Patrick asked the audience if Daisy Duke was amongst them. In addition one of Budderside’s flyers features a Daisy Duke look alike and the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazard series. The audience response to their salute to our southern culture was ecstatic. BTW, another thing that caught my attention was Patrick having the audience chant, “Mother-F&$%er” which just happens to be one of my favorite words to use. 

     Budderside has some heavy credentials. Front man, Patrick Stone has performed in the group Adler’s Appetite. They have a lengthy involvement with the legendary Motorhead which includes manager, Todd Singerman of Singerman Entertainment (Motörhead’s management), producer Paul Inder Kilmister (son of Motörhead’s cultural icon, Lemmy), Phil Campbell as a guest on a track and their first studio album, released via Motörhead Music/UDR.
     Budderside's self-titled debut album features cyberpunk pin-up art on the cover, which I found interesting due to being a science fiction fanatic. The initial video launched of their first single, “Pain” features an assembly of ass-kicking hot chicks in the boxing ring. I haven’t seen this type of female glam-filled fun video since Motley Crue’s “Girls, Girls, Girls”.         

I had the honor of interviewing Budderside's  lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone who is clearly passionate about his music and uses lots of heartfelt emotion in both song writing, and engaging his fans.       

HEAVY MAKEUP: Early on in your career in music, did you always do vocals or were pushed into the role, due to not being able to find an appropriate singer?

Patrick Stone: Singing has always been my weapon of choice. I knew by the time I was five years old that I wanted to be the frontman of my own band. Like Prince, Michael Jackson or Bon Scott. My sister, Devon, gave me my first guitar when I was eight and I began to learn how to play and write. I really enjoy fronting, free of the guitar, but BUDDERSIDE sounds best when I'm holding down the rhythms. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you warm up your voice pre-show or any pre-show rituals?

Patrick Stone: Extensive Pre, and Post, warm-ups and warm-downs. Discipline is the key. I learned from the universes best vocal instructor, Ron Anderson. Having taught Pavarotti, Elvis, Axl and Cornell (to name a few), I second guess him not! The rules are crystal clear and the results are undeniable. Some days are harder to warm up than others, but I've learned to gauge how long my routine will be before I'll be ready. As soon as I wake up I know. Sometimes it takes over an hour of exercises before I'm no longer horse and able to climb into the full warm up. It's a lot of work, but the show is the payoff.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you get into guitar and why?

Patrick Stone: Probably when I first saw the cover, then listened to Highway To Hell. That "crunch"! Thumbing through my sister’s record collection while listening shaped me. I remember it like yesterday. The feelings and visions guitar players fed the heart and mind with notes and chords was intoxicating. Then there was the acoustic. John Denver, Peter Paul and Mary. She had a Kansas record, too. Once I heard "Dust In The Wind".... I just had to.

HEAVY MAKEUP: how many different guitars are you currently using on stage?

Patrick Stone: Two, myself. Both are ESP EC-1000T/CTM's. I have very personal names for each. One in black, for standard tuning and one white, for drop D. ESP has been supporting my arsenal for years and I am so grateful to rep such an incredible company. Colin plays a Gibson Les Paul and Stoneman endorses Marvin. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's your advice to a young player?


Patrick Stone: Anything is possible. Don't hesitate. If you want this life, go after it. Keep your mind clear and focus on one goal at a time. First and foremost, be great. If you're better than the next guy, the job will be yours. At the same time, play with others that are better than you are. Don't settle for amateurs. An amateur that plays with pros will soon be a pro. Love the music you are playing. If you don't believe it, no one else will. Take lessons. Have great gear. Don't bitch. Be a team player. Kill your ego. Play in front of people all the time, as often as you can. Feedback, good and bad, is the key to the better you. Have fun!

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

Patrick Stone: No, not really. That's a very good question, though. I love every step of the process. Cool thing is, when one phase comes to an end, the next one begins. Every album is like a child that grows up. So much to learn and experience with each one. Each one is unique. I could really go on about this forever. So much to love. We love music so much.

HEAVY MAKEUP: While in the writing progress, where do you channel your lyrical inspiration? Do you write from your own experiences, or do the songs have certain story lines or themes?

Patrick Stone: Definitely a strong, deep spiritual and emotional connection to every song. Experience drives the feeling and story. I believe they all have themes, storylines and ties to personal experiences. The feeling of the music can dictate it's lyrical content and where to grab that inspiration from, or lyrical content and what I want to say can plant a seed deep that grows into sounds describing the lyrics around it. It really all comes in from different directions. The wave just rushes over me all of a sudden and I start to write. Words, melodies and chords are like colors. You let your heart guide you, one color at a time, add shading and detail, until the image is vibrant and clear.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What bands are you currently listening to either old or new? Who has inspired you the most?

Patrick Stone: Pink Floyd, Dead Sara, Foo Fighters, Muse, Guns N Roses, Ektomorf, Johnny Cash, Motörhead, Metallica, Lana Del Rey, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons, STP, everything- Chris Cornell, Taylor Swift, NIN, John Denver, Barb Wire Dolls, LA Guns.... Ha Ha! I'm all over the place, man. I love all genres. If the music has heart, I love it. Colin loves a wide variety, too. Guitar gods mainly. Stone is into Rage Against The Machine and shredder groups like Racer X, Rich is all about the musicianship of a bands drummer. If it's too easy, he doesn't like it. 

Lemmy inspired me the most because of who he was. His integrity. He led by example. His lessons guide me everyday. His encouragement is the fuel to our merciless fire.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's your favorite song to perform live?

Patrick Stone: Songs are also like children. You can't love one more than the other. Recently, I enjoy performing "WIDE AWAKE", a song we'll record for our next album. I just can't wait until it starts. The crowd can't deny it. My feet don't touch the ground and the music flies out effortlessly. Fans just nod and smile, make that "fuck yeah" face or move and shake, acknowledging their possessed by this monster. "Clear Blue Sky", as well. It's just so pure and you can feel the message resonating with your audience. That chorus kicks in... and we're 10,000 feet above sea level.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have had the opportunity to work with the legendary Motorhead, can you tell me anything about that? What stands out?

Patrick Stone: Controlled chaos! What stands out? Their love. The most admirable group of human beings you could ever want to know. Deserving in every way of recognition and respect. More talent than most of the musical community combined, ego-less to the core. So much fun, absolutely no rules. Above all "The Beast"! Phil's tone, Lemmy's words, Mikkey's punishing groove, together louder than all hell is what stands out! Anything they touch turns to gold. Their support, Phil is on this album and the next. Even from the grave, Lemmy is pushing us into your lives. This also, I could go on about for hours... 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What are some tour or show highlights that stand out so far?

Patrick Stone: St. Petersburg, FL. A huge audience like "Budder" in our hands. They gave us that "roar" and the chance to let it all out, it was just electrifying, for everyone there. It all started at the very beginning of the tour, but by Saint Petersburg, any kinks were kicked to the curb. We just keep getting better. 

"Poopy's" in Savanna, Il. The Guns watched from backstage and their smiles and applause just kicked on the nitrous! It's one thing to get the opportunity to open for your heroes, but for them to love you, encourage you and except you is entirely something else. Priceless!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had mishaps or Spinal Tap type experiences, other than when I poured out an entire bottle of Budweiser on your merchandise table?

Patrick Stone: Ha Ha! Countless! Are you kidding? Lol. The reason those movies were so popular with musicians is because they reflect the truth of how it really is. If you don't have a good sense of humor, you'll never survive in this business. I've blown up in ear systems minutes before curtain, we've discovered passports left at home in route, late to the airport, all but fist fights backstage, constant arguing over what to wear, how to cut your hair... ALL OF THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! Lol. It really is constant comedy. That's what makes it so fun. Our love for each other just grows and grows, regardless.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's next for Budderside, I noticed on your official site some artwork for a comic series?

Patrick Stone: Yes, amongst many other things I am working hard to get the comic book off the ground. We're really excited about it. There's just so much we can do with the character. So much! Video games, movies, videos, live action, toys!!! We still have another month on the road with LA Guns in the United States. Lots of new Budderside merchandise coming out. You name it. I think we still have one or two more videos to highlight singles from the current album. Our manager is excited to put us in with a hot shot producer. We've been writing a lot, so there will definitely be some recording sessions coming up. You know, WORLD DOMINATION and all that.....stuff!

Thanks for the interview!

Cheers!

See you on the road!

Are you ready for a heart pounding, hard rocking, and adrenaline filled ride? It’s exactly where Budderside is going to take you. Be ready, they are coming to your town next.

HEAVY MAKEUP: By the way Patrick, did you find Daisy Duke in the Hazard audience?

Upcoming Tour Dates with L.A. Guns:

• Sun 07/23/2017 @ Black Sheep Colorado Springs, CO
• Thu 07/27/2017 @ Webster Theater Hartford, CT
• Thu 07/27/2017Fri 07/28/2017 @ The Palladium Worcester, MA
• Sat 07/29/2017 @ Crossroads Garwood, NJ
• Sun 07/30/2017 @ Reverb Reading, PA
• Tue 08/01/2017 @ Buffalo Iron Works Buffalo, NY
• Wed 08/02/2017 @ The Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
• Wed 08/02/2017 @ The Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
• Sat 08/05/2017 @ Jergels Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA
• Sun 08/06/2017 @ The Music Factory Battle Creek, MI

Budderside at The Forum Photography by Thomas R. Biggs:

Lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone 

Guitarist, Colin Reid

Drummer, Rich Sacco



Bassist, Michael Stone

Lucy

·Colorado Springs, CO

·tix

·Hartford, CT

·tix

·Fri 07/28/2017

·Worcester, MA

·tix