Drummer Johnny Kelly from Quiet Riot
Johnny Kelly of Quiet Riot is my latest Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown guest. If you’re in the Detroit area, the Quiet Riot guys are playing at Smugglers Run on June 9th.
We talk about his lighter tour schedule. He told me playing with QR is much different than he was used to playing with Type O Negative. He explained how they tour on a completely different circuit that is new to him. He recalled touring with Motley Crue in the mid-90s. “It was a tough tour for them” he said about the guys in Crue. He also shared some other tour horror stories.
As far as playing with a guy like Rudy Sarzo? “It’s surreal”. He went into what it’s like to play with such a rock legend. He admitted he was somewhat start struck, but now has become a friend. Johnny also tells me what Jizzy Pearl is like. I’ve never had the chance to meet him before, so I’m looking forward to it.
Of course we had to talk a little hockey. He’s a big hockey fan, so I had to ask him about his thoughts on the Stanley Cup playoffs. He also told me who he thinks the late Vinnie Paul would’ve been rooting for.
He’s in a new band called Eye Am. How did that start? What’s going on with that project? Johnny fills us in on all things about that band too.
Great to catch up with one of my favorite dudes!
-Meltdown-
L.A Guns and Great White Rock Smugglers Run in Wyandotte
L.A. Guns and Great White rocked Smugglers Run in Wyandotte Friday night. I missed the opening band, Lost Hearts because I had a late interview at the station. I heard they rocked, and I did meet them at the show. I got there about halfway through L.A. Guns’ set. What I saw was pretty solid.
Great White took to the stage around 9:35 and played a set chock full of hits. Mista Bone, Rock Me, Desert Moon, Once Bitten Twice Shy, Save Your Love and more. I interviewed guitarist Mark Kendall a week ago, so I swung backstage to say Hello to him and Michael Lardie beforehand. Nice guys! Oh, and new lead singer Brett Carlisle killed it. He really gave these songs new life.
A big Thank You to everyone who said Hi. It’s nice to see you guys out there rockin’!
-Meltdown-
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
