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Interview with Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper, Slash´s Snakepit...)


First of all, I would like to know what are you doing this moment in music world?

We are getting ready for the 2017 Alice Cooper world tour which will kick off in April. There are a lot of cool countries and continents that we are scheduled to play.

There is a question I like to do the musicians and this is: Which was the exact moment you realize you want to be a rock musician?

Luckily for me I realized what made me happy (playing guitar) at a very young age...I probably 'decided' that I wanted to be a rock n roller at the age of 5, but really started taking it seriously at 11. To be honest, it doesn't matter what age you are when you decide that music is 'bigger' then a hobby for you...when you find something that you like to do and makes you and the world happy...commit.

Two issues before of my fanzine I had the pleasure to interview Keri Kelli. You have joined with him in Dad´s Porno Mag and Slash´s Snakepit. How do you think about Keri like musician?

Yes...the drummer of DPM (now currently in Tiger Army), Mike Fasano and I like to say we 'invented' Keri Kelli ;)....Once he joined DPM, he started getting a bunch of offers to play in a lot of great bands. Keri, like myself, is a rock n roll 'survivor' , which means that we do what we have to do to continue to play music for a living...we've both been very fortunate in our careers.

You have a very personal band called Roxie 77 with several influences. Which is your first idea at respect of main influences for this band?

I really think that you NEED to have influences. How else can you know where you are going if you don't know where you came from ? The biggest influences for Roxie 77 have always been the Beatles and Cheap Trick....with a touch of indie-rock thrown in.

You last work with Roxie 77 was " The Ameriswede EP". Can we expect a new album of the band soon?

I'm actually working on a 'Ryan Roxie' album now that I will begin to release in 2017. Being that the 'process' for releasing an actual album has changed, one doesn't need to release all 10-11 songs at once these days...it's my intent to release 1 song every couple of months to build up the momentum. I will hopefully be able to schedule in some shows this year in between the Alice Cooper dates....As you know, Alice is ALWAYS priority #1 ;) ...but I'm really excited about people hearing a 'Ryan Roxie' album, as it will be a little different then a 'Roxie 77' album.

You recorded "Ain´t life grand" with Slash´s Snakepit, for me the best album ever recorded for Slash out of Guns n´ Roses. How was to work with a legend like Slash and how was this time with the band?

Thank you for saying that about 'Ain't Life Grand'....I feel the same way...I really thought the band line-up that Slash put together on that album was strong. I can't say enough about the musicianship and talent of Johnny 'Blackout' G, Rod Jackson, Matt Laug, Teddy Zigzag (on keys) and of course...Slash. I've always said that Slash was great to play with because we played off each other quite well...his guitar parts and my guitar parts seemed to 'fit' well together in the songs.

You also worked in one of my main albums of Gilby Clarke (you had already worked with him in Candy), "Pawnshop guitars". How was to work with Gilby?

Gilby is and has been a great friend for many many years. I always respect Gilby's work ethic and his ability to ALWAYS have a show booked ;) He is one of the busiest guys in show biz and whenever we get to play together these days, it's a great time.

Speaking of Slash and Gilby, I would like to know you opinion abount the Guns n´ Roses reunion? Do you think is something real without Izzy and Steven?

For those that didn't grow up with that original 5 member line up (Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, Steven), then I guess it's ok that they put together whatever line-up that allows them to tour...but you have to remember, I saw the original GnR in front of about 200 people at the Roxy in Los Angeles in the 1980's...there was definitely something special about that band then, something that made you really believe you were part of something bigger then just a rock show.

I know it´is a very difficult question, but, which are your 5 main albums in history?

Cheap Trick - Cheap Trick

Beatles - Abby Road

Oasis - Definitely Maybe

Divinyls - Desperate

Motley Crue - Too Fast for Love

I think you have facility to compose good melodies. What is you composition method?

Sometimes I come up with a Guitar Riff first, sometimes a lyric...whatever comes first it has to stick in my head more then just a moment.

Another great project in your career is Casablanca. The last band album was in 2014. In what moment is the band? Is there any project for the band?

I'm REALLY happy to have been a part of Casablanca. I made the first two records with them (Apocalyptic Youth and Riding a Black Swan). I really enjoyed playing on those albums and I think fans of straight ahead rock music would appreciate them. The past few years, I've been very blessed with a busy tour schedule, so I haven't hade the time to play with Casablanca....perhaps someday in the future we could record more, but for now as you know, playing with Alice Cooper band is I've been lucky enough to be doing.

It used to identificate you with hard rock, but in your music I can see many signs of 60´s and 70´s music, which is your main favourite decade in rock music?

Definitely the 70's....maybe even more exact - 1977 ;)

You worked with othe legend like Alice Cooper. All people knows how is Alice like musician, but how is Mr. Fournier like person and boss?

Amazing guy to hang around with. Makes you feel like YOU are the rockstar even though we all know HE is the legend. And in my opinion, there is not a better frontman you could ask for then Alice....his energy is 100% on stage all the time and he brings out the best in you as a musician. What else could you ask for? ;)

Imagine you could choose your four main musicians (alive or dead) for an imaginary new band with you like leader. Who were this musicians?

Dave Grohl on Drums, Phil Lynott on bass, Bon Scott on Lead Vocals, and Eric Dover to play guitar with me....WOW, what a line up that would be...ha!

With Electric Angels you opened for Dogs D´Amour and Temple of The Dog. What do you think about the grunge style?

Love grunge and to be honest, I feel that Grunge was the last important music movement to happen in so many years. I'm glad I was a part of the 1980's Los Angeles rock scene, but I think when Grunge took over, it really had an impact on me as well.

You have worked with many great musicians, but Is there any musician who has impressed you?

I'm very lucky to have played with as many talented musicians as I have over the years. Every musician I have played with has impressed me in one way or another....every person brings something special to the table when they are good at their craft.....and again, not to kiss his ass, but I really don't think there is anyone that can entertain a crowd with such charisma as Alice Cooper...so hopefully you'll be able to come out and see the band live sometime this year.....I'm really proud of this line up.

Do you want to comment anything more?

Drop on by my world at www.ryanroxie.com There you can check out ALL the music and different things I have going on. Long live rock, and Enjoy the Ride!.....

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