“Smiling Is Not Metal” – John Tempesta
Drummer and all-around nice guy John Tempesta (Exodus, Testament, White Zombie, Helmet, The Cult etc.) is celebrating his 47th Birthday today! I’ve interviewed John a few times and he is always a great interview and completely hilarious to talk to. Happy Birthday, Johnny!
(Left) Ian Doing His Best “Jim Morrison,” and (Right) CC Making a “Guitar Face.”
Today, May 14th, is the shared birthday of both Ian Astbury – former sex god and singer for The Cult – and Poison guitarist CC Deville. Both gentlemen claim to have been born in 1962, which would make them the exact same age today! Your mileage may vary. I interviewed Ian back in 2000 and that was a good time. Not only did he confess to being completely and totally obsessed with Cuban guerrilla leader Che Guevara, but I do recall that it was also nearly impossible get him off the phone. I’ve never interviewed CC, but I have met him in person and I can say that up close he is quiet scary looking. For a taste of CC at his best, musically, feel free to ditch Poison’s entire catalog and try to find a copy of the long-out-of-print first CD by CC’s side project, Samantha Seven, which is excellent. Happy Birthday, Boys!
“Smiling is not Metal”
Hey Kids, check out the rad new bio I just wrote for Heavy Metal Drumming Legend, John Tempesta! Scroll to the bottom of the page!
I have to say my interview with Gail for Modern Drummer was by far my favorite ever! Our interview was so comfortable that I felt I could talk to her about anything. We had so many laughs…She’s like the sister I never had. It’s so refreshing to have a Rock Critic like Gail who has so much knowledge and love of music. All hail Gail Worley!