Retrospective and Interview with the Monster Man, Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein

By: Lucy Hall

Doyle  Promotional Photo

     In the iniquitous music business, where today’s hottest act is tomorrows' one-hit wonder, the name Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein has become something of a legend. While artists such as Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Kiss were wearing make-up earlier than he; Doyle’s stage persona continued the tradition of theatrics not often seen in rock, which had been reserved for a very elite club of legends. Thus, Doyle seemed most likely to be the heir to the shock rock throne. The Monster-Man gained an infamous reputation and set a new standard for shock rock when he took the Misfits’ concept and amped it up. He incorporated The Misfits’ makeup and Dracula/Elvis pompadour fusion hairstyle, known as the Devilock and varied the look to a degree which made it his own trademark.   

    Doyle has created a persona that is not only musically exciting but visually enticing as well; which captured the morbid imaginations of punk and metal fans alike. His conceptual look along with his intimidating height and muscular physique depicts a character who could have easily stepped forth from the pages of a comic or pulp paperback. There is perhaps no other guitarist in rock music, who garners such a reaction. As a result, Doyle is widely acknowledged as the face of horror rock.    

Doyle Promotional Photo

      Although his image alone would have been enough to have placed him in the spotlight, Doyle also incidentally happens to be a versatile talented songwriter, who has crafted memorable hooks, and riffs earning him more notoriety. It is a rare occasion that a guitarist becomes the prominent face of a rock act; however, Doyle has maintained this position throughout his career as a member of several groups. He started his professional music career in 1980 at age sixteen, when he went from being a roadie for his brother, Jerry Only’s band The Misfits; to sharing a stage with him and Glen Danzig. Both Jerry and Glen are credited for teaching Doyle to play guitar. Having had such renowned instructors should tell you that he definitely knows his way up and down a fretboard.    

     As a member of the horror punk act, The Misfits, Doyle and his bandmates pushed the boundaries and went beyond the hyped up, four chord, manic tempos of the punk scene. While most bands promoted the punk rebellion of youth, the Misfits emphasized the eerie horrific side of life. Combining dark lyrics, haunting melodies, and catchy choruses earned the band an underground following. For anyone who owns a Misfits record, you know that the artwork, ghoulish lyrics, overall image and heavy tuned down music combines to invoke an atmosphere of the stark and gloomy. All are identifiable elements of a horror rock band, which made the band grow from an underground following to a worldwide national fan base, which like the Kiss Army, earned Misfits fans the title of “Misfits Fiends”.  

     In 83' The Misfits disbanded, and Doyle went on to play in another band with his brother, Kryst – The Conqueror. The band’s sound had more of a metal edge rather than punk. They were together from 1987-1989.        

     In 95' The Misfits minus Glen reformed. The band released two albums of new material until early 2000. Doyle left The Misfits to pursue other projects, which included forming the band, Gorgeous Frankenstein. At this time he ended up touring the band with Danzig. Doyle has since accompanied Danzig on stage on numerous occasions for sold out shows. He has also had several blood-soaked punk reunions with The Misfits to perform select shows. In 2016, Glenn, Jerry, and Doyle performed for the first time as the original Misfits in thirty-three years. 

 Misfits Promotional Photo 

     Currently, Doyle continues to tour with his self-titled band. The Doyle band released their debut album, Abominator in 2013. The band’s sound is much heavier and more in the vein of metal than his previous works, consisting of both doom, and thrash metal elements. 

     Doyle’s signature guitar style is instantly recognizable due in part to his heavy downstrokes and aggressive power chords; and the unique sound of his Annihilator guitar. Doyle, who is a machinist knows his way around a metal shop and has used these skills throughout his musical career. He crafted his own custom-made "Annihilator" guitar. In addition, he has his own custom cabinets, pickups, signature strings, and specialized heads. In the 2000s, Doyle collaborated with Oktober Guitars to recreate the "Annihilator". He has also been endorsed by several high-quality instrument companies such as Dean Markley, Dunlop, Coffin Case and Ernie Ball.

Alex Wolfman Story and Doyle Promotional Photo

      Like Kiss, The Misfits’ have a vast line of merchandise. Which includes various action figures; including figures of their mascot, the Fiend. Only a few rock stars can say they have been immortalized in an action figure. In 1999, 21st Century Toys marketed the 12’’ action figure of Doyle. In 2014, he was featured in Alan Roberts' from Life of Agony, graphic novel series Killogy. Doyle has also starred in several films and television appearances; which includes appearances in horror films and professional wrestling.

Abominator, Album Cover

I recently caught up with Doyle who is currently on tour promoting his latest album for an interview:

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your musical inspiration? Do you write from personal experiences?

Doyle: My musical inspiration, which got me started in music, was my mom. She was a 50’s kid and had all the 45s from all the rock ‘n’ roll stars. My brother and I started listening to them as young children and just got into music that way. Then we started buying our own albums like David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Zeppelin…blah blah blah, the rest is history. So, basically, my mom did all this. I only write and arrange the music for Doyle...Alex Wolfgang Story (from Cancerslug) Doyle Vocalist, is the lyricist and vocal melody writer. 

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

Doyle: I prefer writing because you get to create something from nothing and when you and your co-writers really like it and think it’s great…It’s a fucking great feeling. Then, I like touring...I despise recording. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: The Misfits are totally hardcore punk rock. However, your self-titled band, Doyle appears more metal. Songs like, “Run for Your Life” for example sounds more like speed metal. How would you describe your own musical style? Do you think it properly fits into the spectrum of heavy metal or punk music?

Doyle: I don’t think DOYLE actually sounds like anyone…we have our own sound…we call it monster metal.  I’m more of a metal head than a punk. I just don’t have the skills of a metal guitar player…and that’s what makes me punk…but I prefer to listen to metal. 

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

Doyle: The last one every night…because then my workday is over…😊

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have been in two bands with your brother, The Misfits and Kryst The Conqueror. I can hardly tolerate being in the same room with my siblings for more than fifteen minutes. I have the motto, love them from afar. What was it like working musically with a family member? How did you manage to keep the sibling rivalry at bay for the sake of the bands?

Doyle: Well…we don’t actually write together. I like to write alone and then give the musical compositions to my singer to write the vocals and vocal melodies. I only play with him in the original MiSFiTS…songs that neither he nor I wrote…so basically it’s just another day at the office and we are both just performing…but I hear you…my brother is completely insane.

HEAVY MAKEUP: If you had to pick one band, song, album, video, or concert what would you be most proud of?

Doyle: I most proud of the fact that the first arena headlining gig that I was ever a part of was ever a part of was with Original Misfits…at the Los Angeles Forum sold out in under a minute…that’s pretty sick.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have been a rock hero to several generations of fans and fiends. Who is your musical hero and what is the attraction? Have you met that person? If so, what's the best advice this person has given you?

Doyle: Alissa White-Gluz…the attraction is her insane talent, her superhero stage presence and BEAST like performances…100,000% every second of the show… and her songwriting ability of course. Her best advice wasn’t advice at all…It was an example…getting to watch her from side stage every night on a tour…watching her prepare for the show… seeing her get her game face on and never taking it off… she really is the QUEEN BEAST OF METAL.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What are you listening to now? Are you influenced at all by what is going on in music today?

Doyle: Right this second Led Zeppelin just came on my shuffle...as I read the question. Influences today for me are Arch Enemy, Slipknot, and Lamb of God. There aren't many new bands that I've heard of that do anything for me. Of course, the old classics of Black Sabbath and Pantera Etc…are always influential. But I don’t listen to a song and say I’m going to write a song like that…I just pick up the guitar and let my left hand do whatever it’s going to do comfortably without thinking about it…that’s how I write riffs.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You started playing music at a very young age. Do your children get into music? Do they play any instruments? What advice would you give a young musician?

Doyle: My children do not play music, unfortunately...I did not push it on them. I wish I would've pushed drums on my oldest son because he could've been in my band now and that was a mistake. My advice to a young musician is...don't sit in your room learning G clefs and arpeggios and all that horseshit...study and learn how to write and arrange great songs, get a great singer...and learn how to be a great performer...and fucking work out...because this is a fucking seriously a physical job...it'snot about partying...my partying is a bowl of oatmeal after the show before I go to bed. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: A lot of guitarists have custom guitars. However, you literally physically built your own, "Annihilator" by hand using a design built upon as your dream guitar from a childhood drawing. Do you have to maintain those muscles in order to hold up that extremely heavy guitar? Do you credit the design for your unique sound?

Doyle: Yes, my guitars are pretty heavy in every sense of the word. I don't credit this design for my unique sound. The uniqueness of anyone's sound actually comes out of their fingers. If you gave me Eddie Van Halen's guitar with his rig...I would sound like me if I gave him my guitar with my rig he would sound like him. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your "Devilock" hairstyle is one of your iconic trademarks. Yours differs from your brother's Devilock because the top is formed into a sort of fohawk or pompadour. Was that intentional or did it just turn out that way initially and you decided to keep the style?

Doyle: I was trying to make my hair look like the werewolf of London...and that's what I came up with...

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your fans span many generations and you have a loyal cult following, how do you feel about that? How do you think your fan base has evolved or changed throughout the years, do you feel that their energy and enthusiasm remains the same at shows?

Doyle: Our demographics for The Misfits are pretty much age five to sixty-five. Our fans are pretty diehard and are very enthusiastic about collecting merch...whatever you put out, they have to have it...they are very enthusiastic at the shows. The ORIGINAL MISFITS shows we do, you can see how happy these people are, the look on their faces...they're just not at a show going off...they're so fucking happy and they can't believe what they are looking at...it's a feeling...and I thank each and every one of them.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are a very imitating 6’ 3” with bulging hulk muscles, and you are full of badass attitude. Yet in an interview, you publicly admitted that you cried when your rock goddess girlfriend became the lead singer of Arch Enemy. Are you secretly a sensitive guy behind that horror rock persona, or was this an isolated incident?

Doyle: Well, that was taken out of context of course…because we’ve been keeping that secret for over a year without telling anyone…and when it was finally announced, she did all her social media and then she came and on my lap, put her arms around me and we just cried of relief and happiness…very proud of her…she’s one of the best musicians ever…hands-down…!!

HEAVY MAKEUP: You appeared on a cooking show, do you enjoy cooking? Do you ever cook for your girlfriend? What is your signature vegan dish?

Doyle: I enjoy cooking with Alissa. I’ve cooked a couple things for her, not much, maybe one thing…I don’t know…but she’s the better cook. I'm more of the prep guy and the cleanup guy hahahahaha...

HEAVY MAKEUP: Concerning your talent and looks, we are all aware that you have a large female fan base. What has been the craziest thing a female fan has done to get your attention? Other, then at the Scarefest convention when I peeped through a vendor's rack of horror t-shirts next to your booth to admire your derriere and told you through the shirts you had buns of steel.

Doyle: 😮WHAAAAT?!!! The only female I remember getting my attention was Alissa WG... she stalked me like a panther when her band opened for a Danzig/Doyle tour 2013...she got me…Thank SATAN!!! 💀💀💀

HEAVY MAKEUP: I was hoping you'd say something campy and outrageous such as you got some onstage marriage proposals, had a fan that hung on a window ledge twenty feet high just to get to meet you or that you had received a fan letter written in menstruation blood. Yet, hearing that you were the prey of a badass female rock star and that she has tamed you is actually more satisfying and makes for a sweeter story.

You appear to have a lot of respect and love for animals. Do you have any pets?

Doyle: Personally no...but I share a cat with Alissa that is just so beautiful. All my family has animals...so they're all over the place.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Concerning your workout routine, how often do you work out? Do you have to do a lot of butt clenches and squats in order to maintain those buns of steel?

Doyle: I work out every day a different body part… I’m sponsored by POWER BLOCK dumbbells, we bring those on the road with us, the last thing loaded on the bus and the first thing unloaded. They supply the bench, the weights, and the stand. I do it every day…consistency… I do zero butt exercise.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You named your daughter Boriss Von Frankenstein in honor of Boris Karloff. You have referred to your sons as the sons of Frankenstein. You are obviously a Frankenstein fan. Does this mean you are a Universal Monsters fan? I am a big fan of the hyper-stylized Hammer House of Horror. What is your favorite horror studio? What is your favorite horror movie? What aspects of these attract you?

Doyle: Yes, I like Universal monster movies…I like “monster” movies…I don’t like slasher films…that’s not scary to me…I like to use the imagination while I’m watching a movie.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Did you enjoy appearing on WCW with Vampiro? Any Highlights to share? Do you still watch wrestling? Do you still follow it? What do you think about Vampiro commentating on Lucha Underground?

Doyle: Not a wrestling fan…

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any funny mishaps or Spinal Tap type moments?

Doyle: Every day…

HEAVY MAKEUP: What can fans expect from the new album and current tour?

Doyle: To be brutalized…

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are an iconic rock star that has been immortalized through your music, image, comics and even an action figure. You have your own label, and you have even created your own brand of hot sauce. So what’s next? Any upcoming projects?

Doyle: Of course...TOP SECRET! Other than some upcoming releases on Monsterman Records/EMP Label Group. First, we have Dead Girls Corp. from Los Angeles coming out this fall and Element a440 is still working on their recording and are looking for a spring 2019 release.

Author, Lucy Hall with Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein

    Doyle is a multi-dimensional performer who continues to keep busy working on various projects of his own. He has established his own record label, Monsterman Records. He is celebrated for promoting healthy living. He is anti-drug, alcohol and tobacco. He is a vegan and maintains a regular exercise routine. He continues to perform around the world in his band, Doyle and consistently churn out strong material that has earned him a loyal fan legion and the respect of many peers internationally. Doyle is currently out on the road promoting his latest album, As We Die. The album consists of a perfect pairing of metal and punk with catchy choruses, melodic horror-themed songs, and ominous riffs.

As We Die, Album Cover

The Current Doyle Lineup:

Alex Story: Vocals
Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein: Guitar
Brandon “The Crusher” Pertzborn: Drums
Izzy Strate: Bass

Discography:

Misfits:

• Walk Among Us (1982)
• Evilive (1982) – Live album
• Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983)
• American Psycho (1997)
• Evillive II (1998) – Live album
• Famous Monsters (1999)

Kryst The Conqueror:

• Deliver Us From Evil (1989)

Gorgeous Frankenstein:

Gorgeous Frankenstein (2007)

Doyle:

• Abominator (July 2013) – Album 
• Doyle II: As We Die (June 2017)

AS WE DIE World Abomination Tour 2018

UK/European Tour Dates:

08/07 Ruhtpott Rodeo Festival/Hunxe (D)
07/03 Brighton, UK
07/04 Bournemouth, UK
07/06 Ruhrpott Rodeo 2018 Festival Bottrop, Germany
07/08 Amplified Open Air Festival 2018 Eastington UK
07/09 Leeds, Uk
07/10 Worcester UK
07/11 Edinburgh UK
07/12 Liverpool UK
07/13 Belfast, UK
07/14 Dublin, Ireland
07/15 Cardiff, UK
07/16 Stoke, UK
07/17 Truro, UK
07/18 Gravesend, UK
07/19 Karlsruhe, Germany
07/20 Osnabrück, Germany
07/21 Free & Easy Festival 2018 @Werkw/ TURBOBIER Munich, Germany
07/22 Rome, Italy
07/23 Milano, Italy
07/24 Torino, Italy
07/26 Barcelona, Spain
07/27 Hameenlinna, Finland
07/31 Dusseldorf, Germany
08/01 Dresden, Germany
08/02 Wien, Austria
08/04 Budapest, Hungary
08/05 Rockstadt Extreme Festival w/ In Flames, Wasp,...Bran, Romania
08/08 Berlin, Germany
08/09 Cham, Germany
08/10 Ieper Hardcore Fest Ieper, Belgium
08/11 Coesfeld, German

USA DATES:

10/09 Hartford, CT
10/10 Reading, PA
10/12 Poughkeepsie, NY
10/13 Rochester, NY
10/16 Lexington, KY with Sinful Lilly
10/18 Winter Park, FL
10/19 West Palm Beach, FL
10/20 Tampa, FL
10/21 Jacksonville, FL
10/22 Jefferson, LA
10/23 San Antonio, TX
10/24 Austin, TX
10/25 Houston, TX
10/26 Dallas, TX
10/27 Oklahoma City, OK
10/29 Minneapolis, MN
10/30 Milwaukee, WI
10/31 Joliet, IL
11/01 Ashwaubenon, WI
11/02 Lisle, IL
11/03 Westland, MI
11/04 Kent, OH
11/06 Morgantown, WV
11/07 Atlanta, GA
11/09 Spartanburg, SC
11/10 Fayetteville, NC
11/11 Richmond, VA
11/12 Baltimore, MD
11/13 Harrisonburg, VA
11/14 Covington, KY
11/15 Huntington, WV
11/16 Raleigh, NC
11/17 Charlotte, NC
11/18 Wilmington, NC
11/20 Worcester, MA
11/21 Queens, NY
11/23 Pittsburgh, PA
11/24 Madison, WI
11/25 St Cloud, MN
11/27 Chippewa Falls, WI
11/28 Des Moines, IA
11/29 Omaha, NE
11/30 Springfield, MO
12/01 Merriam, KS
12/02 Denver, CO
12/04 Seattle, WA
12/05 Portland, OR
12/06 Sacramento, CA
12/07 San Francisco, CA
12/08 Temecula, CA
12/09 Mesa, AZ
12/10 San Diego, CA
12/11 Flagstaff, AZ
12/12 Santa Ana, CA
12/13 West Hollywood, CA
12/14 West Hollywood, CA
12/15 Las Vegas, NV
12/16 Salt Lake City, UT
12/18 Lawton, OK
12/19 Tulsa, OK
12/20 Louisville, KY
12/21 Buffalo, NY
12/22 Teaneck, NJ
12/23 Clifton Park, NY
12/26 Amityville, NY
12/27 Philadelphia, PA

Filmography:

Films:

Animal Room (1995) - The Misfits
Bruiser (2000) - The Misfits
Campfire Stories (2001) - The Misfits
Death Ward 13 (pre-production)

Television Appearances:

WCW Monday Nitro (1995)
WCW Monday Nitro (1999)
Big Money Hustlas (2000)
The X Show (2000)
Card Subject to Change (Documentary 2010)
Living the American Nightmare (Documentary 2011)
5 Scariest Monsters (2014)
TV's Celebration of Badassery Interview Series (2015)
Who the Fuck is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago (Documentary 2017)

Check out Doyle's Official Website:

http://officialdoyle.com/

Official Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIALDOYLE/

Official Twitter:

https://twitter.com/DoyleAbominator

Lucy

SECRET SOCIETY Album, The Induction Review:

By: Lucy Hall

SECRET SOCIETY Album, The Induction Cover Art

     Not your typical rock band by any stretch of the imagination, Swedish based SECRET SOCIETY has released their debut album, The Induction this spring which is polished and consistent in musical style in spite of having several different vocalists. Each track warrants its place on the album. The band is composed of three stealthy and talented musicians. The album is a worldwide collaboration which features guest vocalists and co-writers. Secret Society is creating monumental music from some of metal’s most influential masters. The EP is mixed by King Diamond’s guitarist, Andy La Roque. The album features Ronny Munroe of Metal Church, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Munroe’s Thunder as a guest vocalist and co-writer for the track, “Broken Crutch”. Rick Altzi of Masterplan and Herman Frank is on vocals and co-writes the single, “Monsters”. Paul Sabu is the guest vocalist and co-writer on the tracks, "Metal Mayhem" and "Broken by Design". In addition, he provides backing vocals on each track of the album. Joe Basketts from UK AOR legends SHY and Tony Mills plays keyboards on “Broken by Design”, and “Monsters”. Troy Norr vocalist of Them and Coldsteel is guest vocalist and co-writer on the track, “Waysted”. 

Ronnie Munroe

    The Induction is a full-on AOR rock experience with intricate time signatures, complex arrangements and brilliant musicianship that define the progressively heavy metal style that is Secret Society. “Broken by Design” is a seven-minute beautiful melancholy sort of ballad. The emotional song transports the listener to a moody, other-worldly realm somewhere in another time and space. “Broken by Design” is followed by the bursting, rebellious “Broken Crutch”. It encompasses riotous riffs and frenzied rhythms while urging one to live life without wearing blinders. Next is “Mental Mayhem”, this segment is a no holds barred hard rock/metal attack that’s accurately captured in a dramatic and fierce performance. One of several tracks that showcase Secret Society’s fluidity as well as their ferocity.  “Monsters”, the first single from the album could definitely be considered an effervescent mix of classic AOR rock meets thrash metal, combining soaring harmonies with bursts of fast tempos and percussive beats. The spell-binding grandiose finale, “Waysted” is a catchy ultrafast AOR track with grinding, somber, melodic grooves.   

            

Troy Norr

   One of Secret Society’s strengths has been the ability to produce a delicate melodic side that nicely offsets their heaviness. If you are ready for the most intriguing album of the year; an album packed with memorable, quotable lyrics; beautiful, lush renditions; superb production and musicianship check out The Induction, a rousing showcase of metal, hard rock, and AOR masters. 

Paul Sabu

Check out the single release of "Monsters" on May 4th and EP launch on May 11, 2018.

Joe Basketts

Rick Altzi 

SECRET SOCIETY Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/secretsocietyofficialband/

SECRET SOCIETY Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/secretsocietyofficialband/

SECRET SOCIETY Twitter
https://twitter.com/SECRETSOCIETY99

SECRET SOCIETY trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o6_mTjBFBQ&feature=share

SECRET SOCIETY Official YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4E95mjpectREJaurcqDlng

Contact:
secretsocietyofficialband@gmail.com

SECRET SOCIETY Single, “Monsters” Cover Art

Lucy

Retrospective and Interview with AOR Visionary, Paul Sabu:

By: Lucy Hall

Paul Sabu Promotional Photo

     Paul Sabu is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist. He has contributed a tremendous service to the hard rock community. He has provided the genre with not only his own brand of straightforward, unadorned style of rock which has never gone out of fashion; but in addition, he has contributed his writing, production skills and music to a variety of hard rock headliners such as Alice Cooper and Gene Simmons. 

     Sabu, the original “AOR Rocker” has been making and producing flawless hits for over thirty years. Sabu’s anthem infused rock riffs, along with his melodic vocals quickly became his trademark, which created a polished FM radio style sound and has made him a well-known figure in the field of hard rock-AOR music.            

     During his early beginnings on the L.A. rock scene, Sabu recorded both disco and rock, often mixing both genres. He released his first self-titled album in 1979, which was a heavy guitar driven disco record. It produced two hits, “Rockin’ Rollin’” and “We’re Gonna Rock”. During this stage of his career, Sabu also produced and wrote several songs for other well-known disco artists. Although, his first record was disco, Sabu’s hardcore guitar hooks, and solos along with his vocal range attributed to his sound becoming more akin to that of Billy Squier or Sammy Hagar rather than Harry Wayne Casey or Barry Gibb. Sabu’s album releases afterward became more rock driven, with big arrangements, blistering guitars, and catchy choruses.      

Sabu Album Cover

   In 1980 it was the beginning of a new decade which rushed in new musical concepts. At this time Sabu released his sophomore album, Sabu with MCA Records and began his progression back to his hard rock roots. When he auditioned for Motown Records rock search for which he was chosen, he took on a updated persona and sound releasing the self-titled album Kidd Glove in 84'.

Kidd Glove Album Cover

     In 85' he reformed the original Sabu and released his second emotion filled solo album, Heartbreak which produced the hit single, "Angeline". Nearing the late 80's, Sabu formed his four-piece band, Only Child and in 88' the self-titled Only Child Album was released.  He evolved from bands such as Kidd Glove and Only Child in the 80's to going back to self-titled names such as Sabu and Paul Sabu well into the 90's.

Only Child Band Promotional Photo

     Whenever an artist enlists Paul Sabu to work on their album the bar is always raised. Sabu’s production is unrivaled, and every musical work he has been involved with has been lucrative. Sabu’s body of work is powerful, authentic, and definitive. He makes hits, not just any regular pop hits but music which over time has developed cult followings.

     He has been credited with production/mixing on fourteen platinum and eleven gold records. The Emmy winning, music guru has collaborated with a long list of artists such as David Bowie, Little Caesar, Lee Aaron, Madonna, The Nelsons, John Waite, Elvira, Prince, Alice Cooper, Nelsons, Sheena Easton, Dennis Churchill Dries, Shania Twain, WASP, and the list goes on.

Paul Sabu Performance Photo

     Apart from bands like Goblin or Tangerine Dream, no other artist has made so many film soundtracks that have captivated cult movie fans. Sabu has had a lengthy career in film and television music.

     Early in his career, Sabu performed on The Mike Douglas Show. He went on to write and produce music for a variety of television shows, including popular programs such as Baywatch, Sex and the City, Beverly Hills 90210, and Kids in the Hall.

     Although, he worked on “A” list films with “A” list stars such as The Accused and To Die For. He has become an icon with cult movie lovers for his work on the films, Vice Squad, Twin Sitters (featuring the Barbarian Brothers), Meatballs IV, American Drive-In, Assault Of The Killer Bimbos, Ghost Town, The Kindred, and Ghoulies II. In addition, he worked on the Bill and Ted soundtrack with the Nelsons. However, most notably, he has risen to cult status due to his work on the soundtrack for Hard Rock Zombies and he also had a song in Trick or Treat, the two Holy Grails of horror rock films.

     Sabu has had several connections to other fellow rock horror icons. Not only did he have a song in Trick or Treat, which would be the movie theme song, Gene Simmons whom he would go on to work with starred in the film as a D.J. who played Sabu’s “Scream Until You Like It” on the turntable in a scene. In 89’ Sabu went on to work with Gene to produce Silent Rage’s, “Don’t Touch Me There”. Bassist for Silent Rage, E.J. Curse was additionally linked to Sabu when he played Jessie in Hard Rock Zombies. Lastly, Sabu produced Dennis Churchill Dries’ (the singer of White Sister) solo album, “I”. White Sister appeared in the horror film, Killer Party.

     In recent years Sabu teamed up with Franki Benali to write and produce the song, "Rock in Peace" for the documentary, Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back, which honored frontman, Kevin DuBrow's legacy.

Paul Sabu Promotional Photo

    Sabu's lucid AOR legacy has been accredited by many melodic rock magazines and AOR lists. Classic Rock Magazine awarded Paul Sabu for having the highest rated album of all time and the fans of Kerrang Magazine voted Paul Sabu their second favorite vocalist of all time.

I caught up with the AOR guitar hero for an interview:

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

Paul Sabu: Probably ninety percent of everyone is likely to go with performing which puts me in that group as well, however, the other categories follow suit and are equally if not more important. One of the worse things you can do is be onstage playing a song that no one likes...I learned this the hard way. Therefore you need to make sure your songwriting skills are up to speed. Now that you have written a song you love, your next problem is hoping the recording sounds right, so the recording aspect goes hand in hand. Then there's the problem of the song coming out like you hear it in your head; so you best have some way to express your opinion to the producer or be ready to jump in and grab the wheel. Bottom line there's a close synergy with all these elements, but again, I love to play.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When writing songs where do you get your inspiration? Do you write from personal experiences?

Paul Sabu: Oh Hell NO! That would be a disaster…I can’t imagine anyone having enough backlog of experiences that would be interesting without the redundancies’ in a prolific songwriting career. That would be like saying Marvels Avengers is based on a true story…it’s way too confining. You need to be able to use  your imagination and come up with the story that's best for the artist and the song.

HEAVY MAKEUP: If you could go back in time to the beginning of your career, what advice would you offer yourself?

Paul Sabu: Well, a couple things come to mind…probably write myself a note to put a contract out on whoever indoctrinated streaming and remove the horrific idea before it ever started! And secondly not to sign with two managers that shall remain nameless.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have had collaborations with an impressive list of artists from Alice Cooper to Shania Twain. In your career thus far, who have you enjoyed working with the most?

Paul Sabu: WOW! Can those words be used in a sentence together? The artists/friends that I’ve had the good fortune to work with are completely unique and really can’t be compared. But, off the record, I thought David Bowie was the coolest and a most eloquent human being and Elvira for being the funniest. Shania also ranking top five having some of the craziest escapades during my time working with her in Canada one could imagine. My favorite moment being where she rescues me from a moose. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You started out in 79’ playing disco. Later, playing rock you released solo albums and band albums under Paul Sabu, Sabu, and Only Child. Looking back on your musical career how do you think your musical styles have evolved?

Paul Sabu: I'm not sure evolved is the right word. I was playing bars by eighteen and a record deal is really the only thing I ever thought about. The place I was playing was a pretty heavy rock vibe club…Marc Kreiner was a patron who would stop by the club a lot but never let on he was a big promo guy in the music biz. He just came up to me one night and asked if I wanted to work for him at his label. I had no idea what I’d be doing but of course, I said yes. I didn’t even know it was dance label until the next day when we met. That being said, I would have said yes if he wanted me to do Chinese folk songs. The next couple months he introduced me to some major heavyweights and I watched and soaked in as much as I could and then started re-vamping and writing songs in that genre. A couple of years later when disco/dance was labeled taboo, I just went back to what I had always done.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your music has appeared in some of my favorite cult horror movies. Hard Rock Zombies, Trick or Treat, Ghost Town, and Ghoulies II.  Are you a horror film fan? If so, what is your favorite horror film and why?

Paul Sabu: That’s very kind of you to say but cult horror films happen by chance most of the time. Hard Rock Zombies is a perfect example of that. It was first released as a serious drama horror film that lasted ten minutes. Cannon Films comes along and repackages the film and releases it as a comedy horror film and people loved it and still do. But I did seem to get labeled as a "get this guy if you're doing a B grade horror film."

HEAVY MAKEUP: You produced three albums for Elvira. Did you enjoy working with the Mistress of the Dark? Do you have a favorite memory of that work you could share?

Paul Sabu: Hands down the funniest person I ever worked with.  The key with her was to have the tape rolling as soon as she walked in the room because you never knew when she was going to spurt out a one-liner that would lay you out.  But her whole campy tongue in cheek persona is not something that just happened…she originally came out here with a comedy team from New York. A three-man outfit that consisted of John Paragon, a guy everyone knows as Pee Wee Herman and Elvira. Paragon was the main writer and continued to write for both of them after the team was dissolved. It was through John that I actually met her. He was directing a film I scored called Twin Sitters featuring the Barbarian Brothers in 94’. Elvira had some problems with past producers but wanted to get back in the studio again so John asked me to meet with her. We hit it off great and made three stellar albums together.

HEAVY MAKEUP: How did the project of Hard Rock Zombies come to you and how did it affect your career?

Paul Sabu: It was totally my mom's fault!

It started out as an invitation to dinner from the producer who happened to be friends with my mom. It wasn’t any big conspiracy. He just wanted to ask me if I’d be interested in starring in the movie. My dad was an actor so I guess he thought acting was passed on genetically. I bowed out of it before he got the question out of his mouth but then later he says I understand you do music...

I don’t think this could be classified as a career builder but it seems to have a lasting effect on people who come in contact with it.

HEAVY MAKEUP: One of my favorite songs from the Hard Rock Zombies soundtrack is “Street Angel”. Did the character, Street Angel in the lyrics have a real-life model? Did you actually know a girl that had the mark of the devil?

Paul Sabu: I think this is a trick question because I don’t know anyone that hasn’t had some femme fatale in their life that they don’t refer to as Satan. Even biblically, every great King had a falling out with God because of a woman.  I’ve had many friends screwed by this type of feline not to mention they’ve caused a great many bands to break up!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your favorite memory of working on the Hard Rock Zombies film?

Paul Sabu: The wrap party…Hard Rock Zombies was originally background noise on a drive-in screen while they filmed the real movie, American Drive-In…So everything from the start was upside down but somehow the focus shifted completely to a 20-minute background film that was then turned into a full-length movie and won a die-hard following.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any mishaps or Spinal Tap type moments?

Paul Sabu: Yea, every day! Nothing in music is constant, stable or lasting! I think the music business actually coined the expression “SHIT HAPPENS!” But if you love music, you deal with the weirdness.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What else do you do outside of music? Anything that would surprise your fans? Also, do you have any upcoming projects?

Paul Sabu: Not really...I do music 24/7.

You might just check my website for current and upcoming projects. I am always working or playing somewhere...and always looking for the next! I have just recently ended a horrific contract that tied me up nicely for the past couple years so I'm looking forward to getting started on a new CD as well!

Thanks Lucy for your time!

Regards,

Peace Out!

Paul Sabu Promotional Photo

     Due to possessing a wide range of talent, no other artist than Sabu could be so versatile to have gone from uptempo disco to rock and metal; then back to tender ballads and pop songs. Whether you are a fan of melodic hard rock, AOR, or you are building an AOR, Hard Rock, or film soundtrack collection set out to include Paul Sabu’s essential work in your collection. 

Discography:

• Sabu (1980)
• Kidd Glove (1984)
• Heartbreak (1985)
• Only Child (1988)
• Paul Sabu (1994)
• Sabu (1996)
• Between the Light (1998)
• Strange Messiah (2007)
• High & Mighty (2009)
• Call of the Wild (2011)
• Bangkok Rules (2012)

Album Song Producer/Contributor Credits:

• Ann-Margret - Ann Margret (1980)
• The Vapors - Turning Japanese (1980)
• John Waite -Ignition (1982)
• David Bowie - Dance (1985)
• Heart - Heart (1985)
• Glass Tiger - Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) (1986)
• Robbie Nevil - Wot's It To Ya (1986), Wot's It To Ya: The Best of Robbie Nevil (1999)
• Silent Rage - Shattered Hearts (1987), Don't Touch Me There (1989)
• W.A.S.P. -  Live...In the Raw (1987)
• Shania Twain - Beginnings (1988), Final Beginnings (1991)
• Alexa - Alexa (1989)
• Little America - Little America (1987), Fairgrounds (1989)
• Lee Aaron - Bodyrock (1989), Some Girls Do (1991), The Best Of (1997)
• Malice - Crazy In The Night (1989)
• Kim Carnes - Crazy In The Night (1990)
• Little Caesar - Little Caesar (1990)
• The Motels - Vacancy: Best Of (1990)
• Alice Cooper - Hey Stoopid (1991), Spark In The Dark: The Best of (2009)
• Tattoo Rodeo - Rode Hard Put Away Wet (1991)
• Elvira Presents Monster Hits (1994), Elvira Presents Revenge of the Monster Hits (1995)
• Jesse Damon - The Hand That Rocks (2003), Rebel Within (2006)
• Hard Rock Zombies Soundtrack (2008)
• Fatal Smile - World Domination (2008)
• Throne of Vengeance - Flesh Engine (2011), Live Evil (2013)
• AOR - L.A. Temptation (2012), L.A. Connection (2014), Return To L.A. (2015), L.A. Darkness (2016)
• Quiet Riot - Quiet Riot 10 (2014)
• Teri Tims -Teri Tims (2014)
• Dennis Churchill Dries - "I" (2015)

Music in Film and Television Credits:

Films:

• Vice Squad (1982)
• American Drive In (1985)
• Hard Rock Zombies (1986)
• Trick or Treat (1986)
• Ghoulies II (1987)
• Million Dollar Mystery (1987)
• Real Men (1987)
• The Accused (1988)
• To Die For (1988)
• Vice Versa (1988)
• Ghost Town (1988)
• Diving In (1990)
• Reason for Living: The Jill Ireland Story (1991)
• Meatballs 4 (1992)
• To Die For (1995)
• Twin Sisters (1995)
• Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us (1996)
• Kindred: The Embraced (1996)
• A Child's Wish (1997)

Television:

• George Burn's Early, Early, Early Christmas Special (TV Special)
• Beverly Hills 90210
• The Kids In The Hall
• The New Mickey Mouse Club
• The New WKRP in Cincinnati
• Baywatch
• Sex and the City

Check Out Paul Sabu's Official Site:

http://paulsabu.com/

Lucy