Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Nita Strauss Talks Touring with Alice Cooper, Gear and Three-Guitar Attacks

Following the April premiere of Alice Cooper’s film, Super Duper Alice Cooper, at the Tribeca Film Festival and its subsequent on DVD, rock’s greatest showman is hitting the road as a “very special guest” during Mötley Crüe’s final “All Bad Things Must Come To An End” North American tour, which starts in July.

NitaStrauss

But the tour also will mark the debut of Cooper’s new guitarist, Nita Strauss, who recently was listed as one of GuitarWorld.com’s “10 Female Guitar Players You Should Know.” Strauss takes the place of Orianthi, who had toured with Cooper for the past several years.

Strauss — whose influences include Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert and Shawn Lane — has already made her mark with the Iron Maidens and Femme Fatale. She’ll now join Cooper’s three-guitar attack, joining fellow six-stringers Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen.

I recently spoke to Strauss about the upcoming tour, her gear and how she got her start.

GUITAR WORLD: Tell me how you got involved with this project.

Kip Winger was the one who actually connected the dots. We met each other on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, where he saw me play. He later heard through the grapevine that Alice was looking for someone, so he sent them a few links and videos of me performing. I was then introduced to Shep Gordon [manager] and Bob Ezrin [producer] who sent me over a few tracks to learn and from there. Everything just seemed to fall into place. I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this project. It’s hard to put into words.

What was it like when you first met Alice?

I first met Alice in LA when he was recording some material for his new album. Ezrin called and asked me if I’d like to come down to the studio and meet him. So I went down and got to sit in the studio for Alice’s recording session. He’s such a cool guy. The whole experience was pretty incredible.

You can read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Nita Strauss by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

The Long Run: Don Felder Talks Soundtrack of Summer Tour, Eagles Highlights and More

Felder

Former Eagles guitarist/songwriter — not to mention multi-Grammy winner — Don Felder isn’t one to simply rest on his laurels.

In addition to penning his best-selling memoir in 2008, Felder’s most recent album, 2012’s Road to Forever, has done incredibly well on the classic rock charts and recently was re-released as an extended-edition package with four additional songs.

Felder is out on the road now with Styx and Foreigner in what’s being billed the Soundtrack of Summer tour. The jaunt coincides with the release of a new album of the same name. It features a collection of hits from the bands, and finishes off with a brand-new interpretation of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

I recently spoke to Felder about the Soundtrack of Summer tour, his early years with the Eagles and much more. Check out the interview below.

How did the Soundtrack of Summer project come about?

I’ve known the Styx guys for many years. We’ve done many benefits together in the past and started doing some shows together. Tommy [Shaw] and I became good friends, and he even volunteered some of his time to writing lyrics and singing on my last CD, Road to Forever. So when the idea for doing a Styx and Foreigner tour came up and my name was mentioned, I said “Absolutely!” The catalog of these three bands is just magnificent. I’m excited to be a part of it.

What can fans expect from your set?

I do some of the Eagles songs I recorded and played live with the band for 27 years. Songs like “Hotel California,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Those Shoes” and a version of “Seven Bridges Road” that we used to do with the Eagles years ago. We even do a version of my song “Heavy Metal,” which was something the audience used to yell out for us to do during the Hell Freezes Over tour [laughs].

Read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Don Felder by Clicking Here!

1980's, Music

REO Speedwagon Rocks Penn’s Peak In SOLD OUT Performance

REOSpeedwagonIt didn’t take long for REO Speedwagon front man Kevin Cronin to make the announcement. After completing the band’s third song of the evening – the monster hit “Take It On The Run” from their ten-million selling “Hi Infidelity” album – Cronin took to the mic to announce that the band had recently been self-anointed the Kings Of Classic Rock.

Although obviously made in jest it’s hard to argue the fact, based upon the evidence that was presented at last night’s SOLD OUT show at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA.

REO Speedwagon has always been notorious for bringing one of the most magical, high-energy shows around, but the band’s performance last night seemed more like a musical revival than a typical rock concert – and REO preached the gospel as fans were treated to music spanning the length of the band’s 40+ year career.

Kevin Cronin surveys the kingdom. (Photo by REO Speedwagon).
Kevin Cronin surveys the kingdom (Photo by REO Speedwagon).

Front man Kevin Cronin’s vocals never seemed to waver – singing the same songs he’s been performing since the mid 1970’s with both gusto and perfection. For a man who has written an arsenal of classic rock favorites over the years, he’s still at the top of his game.

Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall and Dave Amato deliver the goods!
Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall and Dave Amato deliver the goods!

Guitarist Dave Amato, who just celebrated 25 years with REO is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does he make fellow guitarists (like me) drop their jaws at his playing and collection of Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters, but he’s also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

A dapper Neal Doughty performing 'Roll With The Changes'
A dapper Neal Doughty performing ‘Roll With The Changes’

Keyboardist Neal Doughty remains the sole member of the band’s original line-up since its formation in 1967, and one of the most magical moments of the evening came when Cronin introduced him before Doughty began playing the opening intro to their smash-hit “Can’t Fight This Feeling”.

Drummer Bryan Hitt doesn’t miss a beat – literally. Whether he’s playing the intro to “Don’t Let Him Go” or wailing away on the gong while surveying the landscape, there’s no one who can deliver the back beat for REO better than Hitt.

REO is also well-known for unleashing its classic rock heavy artillery towards the end of the set and last night was no exception. Following an audience participation request by Cronin, bassist Bruce Hall took to the mic for the anthemic “Back On The Road Again”.

Bryan Hitt shows 'em how it's done.
Bryan Hitt shows ’em how it’s done (Photo: Lisa Cuvo)

Following another staple of 70’s radio – “Roll With The Changes”, the band came back for an encore of their first #1 hit (“Keep On Loving You”) followed by Cronin’s infamous “Last song people” announcement before launching into a rousing finale of “Ridin’ The Storm Out” – complete with sirens!

I’ve seen REO Speedwagon more than a dozen times since the mid-80’s. From small-town college gymnasiums and theaters to large outdoor theme parks and music festivals. Each time, they just seem to get better and better. But last night’s show at Penns Peak was more than just another sold out, high energy performance by classic rock royalty. It was a kinship of music lovers celebrating the career of a band they love – and one whose songs have helped them through both good times and bad.

As one of the 1,800 loyal subjects who surveyed the REO Speedwagon kingdom last night, I am pleased to report that our future is in good hands.

Long live the kings.

REO Speedwagon Set List (Jim Thorpe, PA)

Don’t Let Him Go
Music Man
Take It On The Run
Keep Pushin’
Golden Country
Can’t Fight This Feeling
That Ain’t Love
Tough Guys
Like You Do
Keep The Fire Burnin’ (Acoustic)
Time For Me To Fly
Back On The Road Again
Roll With Changes

Encore:

Keep on Loving You
Ridin’ The Storm Out

Childhood Memories, Life

The Ribbon

photo 2Last night I found myself fumbling through a collection of “stuff” that had been accumulating for years down in nether regions of my basement.

I’m sure it’s something we all do from time to time — rummage through weathered cardboard boxes of old photographs, love letters and school yearbooks cluttering our basements and attic crawl spaces. Some of these memories I had told myself to dispose of years ago and yet, here they still were.

I suppose it’s just as well. It’s always nice to remember the curious, artistic, naive child I once was am. To my surprise and delight, buried deep beneath the mounds of torn comic books, VHS tapes and musty notebooks filled with teenaged poetry, I found a ribbon. And not just any regular old run-of-the-mill ribbon mind you. This was a single, purplish-colored ribbon with the words “Porter School 1978-1979 – 1st” emblazoned upon it.

I tried to remember what huge endeavor I must have overcome 44 years ago to achieve such great glory. Fortunately, a tag affixed to the ribbon gave me the answer.

photo 1It was near the last day of fourth grade at Porter Elementary School – June 5th, 1979 to be exact. My elementary school had a fun-filled day planned at a nearby park to celebrate the end of another year of school and the pending arrival of summer. Kids competed with each other in many games of skill, like the egg toss and three-legged race – and to each victor there went a win, place or show ribbon!

This particular award I won by besting more than a thousand students in the Sack Race. Ok, that’s a bit embellished, but to a nine-year old boy who had never won anything in his entire life, it felt like I had just won a marathon.

This ribbon is also significant because it was the final year of school before they tore down Porter Elementary. A school that had stood for nearly 88 years in Easton’s south side but by this point had become obsolete and, truth be told, a bit of an eye sore. By fall of that year, I’d find myself being bussed across town to Palmer Elementary School and away from my typical routine of walking three blocks to school every day and making daily after school stops at Lucey’s for some penny candy. It was the first time in my life I’d experienced such a drastic change from my normal, comfortable schedule.

Porter School (Circa 1979)
Porter School (circa 1979)

What’s ironic is that in my discovery of the 1st place ribbon, I also stumbled upon another award I had won. This one exactly one year to the day of my victory on the sack race grid-iron. It was a second place finish in the 5th Grade Silent Spelling competition of 1980. Yet through all of the other triumphs that would follow for me, nothing compared to that final end of school victory at Porter Elementary.

Second Place exactly one year later.
Second Place – exactly one year later.

Busing to school quickly became the new norm, and I’d be introduced to school lockers, late bells, final exams, adolescence, girls, graduation…. you get the picture. Every year more and more responsibility and every year the Sack Race Award (much like its blue color becoming a dull purple) fading further and further into my memory.

Looking back all these years later, winning that ribbon was a wonderful achievement, and the award now sits prominently in my curio cabinet, which is on display to tell my life story. But I don’t think I kept it around after all these years simply because I won the Sack Race in fourth grade.

No, the real reason this ribbon still exists forty-four years later is because it will always remind me of an innocence I once had.

1980's, Life, Music

A Father’s Day Thank You
Sorry Bones. I got the last laugh!
Sorry Bones. I got the last laugh!

It was a warm June day in 1984 when I again asked him the question..

“Dad? Can I PLEASE go with Bones to the concert?”

Bones was my brother –  two-years my senior and someone who was already becoming well versed in the concert ‘experience’. I mean, here was a dude who had already seen The J Geils Band and The Doobie Brothers perform at the Allentown Fairgrounds and The Kinks at Stabler Arena. To say that I was a little jealous for having been relegated to just listening to vinyl records is a bit of an understatement and to be honest, I half expected Dad to tell me “No” — just like he did the last time.

The previous summer, I asked begged my father to let me go with Bones to see The Kinks. After contemplating it for several minutes (along with listening to my brother’s very vocal protest against me going) Dad made it very clear — “No.” Now was not the time to let his 14-year-old son attend his first concert.

But this was now 1984. NINETEEN-EIGHTY-FREAKING-FOUR MAN!!!! I was going to start high school in the fall — and quickly becoming a man of my own. Heck, I had even started showing interest in playing guitar, and what better way to learn than by seeing how its done first hand, right Dad???

“So Dad? Can I go to the concert with Bones?”

Much to my brother’s chagrin, he had to accept the fact that on June 16, 1984 he was going to have to chauffeur me to the Allentown Fairgrounds to see The Scorpions and some up and coming band calling themselves Bon Jovi.

As luck would have it I was familiar with Bon Jovi; having already bought their debut album with my saved up lawn mowing money. At the time, they were mostly known for their song “Runaway” which was getting quite a bit of airplay on Casey Kasem’s American Top 40.  But that wasn’t the song that really appealed to me. As a soon to be 15 year-old boy there was only one song on that record that I could immediately relate to. It was the third song on the album: “She Don’t Know Me”.

I can’t even begin to tell you the countless times those lyrics came into my head during my adolescence. Especially in certain situations where the female persuasion was involved — I’d always find myself thinking: “If only she would look my way…. but She Don’t Know Me.”

It’s kind of ironic (well, actually no surprise) that the first two songs I learned on guitar were “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions and “She Don’t Know Me” by Bon Jovi. The other thing that’s kind of cool is that Richie Sambora is playing the same guitar I had in this video…. 🙂

Over the subsequent thirty years I’ve seen a plethora of concerts. Some of the best include: REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Night Ranger, RATT and Mötley Crüe — all of which had huge albums and were at the TOP of their game. I saw Bon Jovi several more times along with shows by Bryan Adams, Whitesnake, Firehouse and Vixen. Then there’s the classic rock giants Boston, Foreigner, Styx and Journey. I saw AC/DC perform at Stabler Arena (a rinky dink college gymnasium) and Def Leppard twice on the Hysteria Tour. So many GREAT shows.

Although I could ramble on dozens of more examples I like to think that first show was the one that laid the foundation for my life as a music lover and metal head.

So, on this Father’s Day I would like to say a special thank you to my late father for the “Yes” answer he gave me thirty years ago.

A day I will never forget.

Movies and TV

Halloween: The Complete Collection Box Sets Coming to Blu-Ray!

Halloween Box SetBefore there was Jason, Freddy and Jigsaw there was…Michael Myers.

Last year, the horror film classic “Halloween” celebrated its 35th anniversary. Who could have ever had imagined that what writer/director John Carpenter had envisioned and what Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence helped bring to life in 1978 would go on to become one of the most iconic horror film franchises of all time.

Over the years, audiences have relived the terror of Michael Myers through ten feature films (including various re-edits and alternate versions). Until now, the complete saga of Michael Myers could only be told in pieces — on individual DVD and Blu-ray releases. Through an unprecedented collaboration of rival home entertainment companies, Anchor Bay Entertainment and Scream Factory have announced that “Halloween The Complete Collection” Blu-ray box sets will arrive September 23rd.

For the legions of die-hard Halloween fans, the Deluxe Edition boasts 15 discs containing ALL of the Halloween feature films – Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Halloween H20, Halloween: Resurrection, Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween II.

The set also contains hours of new bonus features, including interviews with cast and crew from the entire franchise! The collectible packaging will include a newly commissioned illustration on the outer case and each film will be in its own black Blu-ray™ case with the original theatrical one sheet as the key art.

There is also a separate 10-disc Edition which includes the original theatrical versions of the Halloween films as well as select bonus features.

For fans of the franchise, these packages are the ultimate must haves for your horror collection.

Art, Interview

Brandon Victor Dixon Talks Motown, Production and Scottsboro Boys

BrandonDixon2Actor Brandon Victor Dixon is no stranger to the musical spotlight. Raised with an artistic passion in a educational environment filled with music and theater, it was inevitable that Dixon would find success. Success that would eventually lead him to productions of ‘The Lion King’, ‘The Color Purple’, ‘Rent’ and most recently, ‘Motown: The Musical’ – where he not only takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy, but also got to chance to collaborate with the legend himself.

After nearly 575 performances as Gordy in Motown, Dixon is moving on. This fall, he’ll be reprising his role as Haywood Patterson in “The Scottsboro Boys” when the musical arrives in the West End at London’s Garrick Theatre.

“The Scottsboro Boys” tells the true story of nine young black men (aged between 12 and 19) traveling on a train in search of a new life when they become falsely accused of rape by two white women. Although their court treatment was a tragic miscarriage of justice, all nine were eventually convicted and their subsequent trials deeply divided the nation.

Dixon’s talents don’t just lie with the acting stage. Last November, Dixon (along with longtime friend Warren Adams) formed Walk Run Fly Productions and quickly found success by co-producing two of the most highly anticipated shows of the theater season: Hedwig & the Angry Inch (Neil Patrick Harris) and Of Mice & Men (James Franco and Chris O’Dowd).

I spoke with Dixon about Motown, Scottsboro Boys and what he loves most about theater!

At what point did you realize that music and the theater were going to be your calling?

I’ve known for as far back as I can remember that entertainment, the arts and acting was what I wanted to do. Growing up, I was fortunate to have attended schools that really understood the importance of arts in education. My school also did three musicals every year as well a Shakespeare play. I was in an educational environment that established a focus in the arts and that really helped develop my love for it as well as my skills.

What attracted you to Motown: The Musical?

I’ve always liked creating original work and taking on real life characters. Whenever I see a meaningful, lasting story that gives me the opportunity to create something that will last, then it’s something that I want to be a part of. Just the history and legacy of the artists and music of Motown — it was an extraordinary opportunity. Then to be able to work with Berry Gordy? It’s something that you just don’t turn down.

What was it like not only getting to portray Berry Gordy, but also getting the chance to work with him on this project?

It’s been a very singular experience. We became friends very quickly. Berry loves the creative process and was so welcoming. He was always open to ideas and the collaborative experience.

What did you enjoy the most about the production of Motown?

I loved the entire process – building it, rehearsing and experimenting with different scenes and songs. I also enjoyed learning from my fellow performers. It really is all about the performance and we have the most talented and extraordinary cast on Broadway. Our show is such an interactive one. We also know that everyone in the audience comes in with a knowledge of the music. Music that has changed their lives and directly ties to different portions of their own personal history. They bring that into the show and it really heightens the whole experience.

BrandonDixonWhat do you do to prepare for a role in a project?

One of my favorite parts about building a role is doing the research. I’ll read books, and not just ones about my character but also ones about the characters around me. I do everything I can to gather that information. I really enjoy the immersion and personal education I can get about the character I’m playing.

What made you decide to branch out and start your own company – Walk Run Fly Productions?

I think that as you develop your skills in one area, it becomes a natural progression. As an actor, I started thinking about how things like music, sound and the sets all affected my performance. For me and my partner Warren, we wanted to start developing projects that we really want to do. We want to build something that will grow and move on long after we leave. It’s not only about being able to manifest your own projects, but also about maintaining ownership of the things that you create. I’ve worked on projects about James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Berry Gordy and ownership was one of the main tenets that each of them preached. It would be really foolish of me to miss that big lesson.

How would you describe the story of The Scottsboro Boys?

It’s based on the Scottsboro Boys Trials of the 1930’s. Nine black boys who were falsely accused of raping two white women on a train in Scottsboro, Alabama. It’s really about their trials and experience and how the world forgot them. I really love that the project highlights this unique story and really put names to these individuals who were a part of our historical evolution.

Overall, what do you enjoy most about the theater and being part of an ensemble?

I like that every project creates a family. I have my “Motown” family, my “Rent” family, my “Color Purple” family and my “Lion King” family. Theater is such a community, in the moment experience where you get to share real emotions. Not just with your cast members but also with audiences. I love how that moment in time is there for all of us.  The relationships that you build throughout the process get to last and continue to enrich your life.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Joe Perry Talks Aerosmith, Touring with Slash and His Upcoming Autobiography

Since their start in the early Seventies — when they were fixtures of Boston’s vibrant music scene — Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million albums, garnered countless awards (including four Grammys) and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aerosmith

They’ve crossed musical genres with their signature song “Walk This Way,” while their most recent album, 2012’s Music From Another Dimension, debuted at Number 5 on the Billboard 200.

There have been ups and downs along the way, but perhaps no band defines success better than Aerosmith. So it only makes sense that Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (lead guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) would team up with another musical giant — Slash (along with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) — for a summer tour like no other.

The new Aerosmith/Slash North American tour, Let Rock Rule, will start July 10 in Wantaugh, New York, and end September 12 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

I recently spoke with Perry about the Let Rock Rule Tour. He also gave me an update on his next solo album and a first look at his new autobiography, Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith, which will hit shelves October 7.

GUITAR WORLD: Did you ever think that more than 40 years after the band’s formation we’d be talking about yet another killer Aerosmith tour?

No, I really didn’t [laughs]. But in the bigger picture, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that the business would have carried on as long as it did. We’ve seen a lot of changes in this business of rock and roll. We’ve seen it go from an underground meeting for a new generation of people to becoming a social revolution where the music became the theme (and sometimes even helped drive it). Then we watched the whole thing collapse and change with the way people receive their music. It’s tough to say where things are going to go from here, but the good thing is that fans still want rock and new music. When we see the fans out there, they’re as excited as ever to see rock and roll in the flesh. It’s the end of an era and a whole different world.

You Can Read The Rest Of My
gw_logoInterview with Joe Perry By Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Jeff Rains Discusses His New Album, ‘From The Ashes’
Jeff Rains (Photo: Jeff Sciortino)
Jeff Rains (Photo: Jeff Sciortino)

Ever since Jeff Rains first caught the music bug at age 15, he’s been doing things his own way. Even though the Indiana-based guitarist/vocalist wasn’t signed to a label, Rains regularly wrote, recorded and produced his own original music.

Having spent three solid years touring with the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed and Black Stone Cherry, Rains recently took some time off to be with his family and to finish his sophomore release, From The Ashes.

The new album, which will be released June 17, features more of the melodic hard rock sound Rains has become known for. Tracks like “Radio Song,” “Better Man” and “Believe” delve deep into Rains’ psyche while “Hero” crosses over into a more mainstream arena. From The Ashes even includes a dynamic cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless.”

I recently spoke with Rains about From The Ashes and more.

GUITAR WORLD: It’s been a few years since your debut album, Stories, was released. Why such a long wait?

I don’t really have a band, so I do everything on my own. I record all of the instruments, write all of the songs and produce everything. That makes the process of making a record take a little bit longer than most. We also went through a few management changes during that time, and the singles were really lasting a long time on the radio. Ideally, I wanted to get the record out faster but there were circumstances that kept happening and I didn’t want to rush it.

You can read the rest of my
gw_logoWith Jeff Rains by Clicking Here!

Interview, Music

Life, Guitars and Music: Tom Keifer Discusses “The Way Life Goes”
Tom Keifer (Photo: Thomas Petillo)
Tom Keifer (Photo: Thomas Petillo)

More than a year after its release, Cinderella guitarist and front man Tom Keifer’s debut solo album “The Way Life Goes” continues to ride a wave of critical success. The 14-song album takes an honest and often times introspective look at the man who’s written some of the most memorable hard rock songs of the ’80s.

For Keifer, the album’s title is a bit apropos. Especially when you consider the many personal and emotional struggles he’s had to endure over the years — including being diagnosed with a partially paralyzed vocal cord and being told he’d most likely never sing again. But through hard work, perseverance and an undying love of music, Keifer has regained his form. Delivering an album that stylistically may not be far from his work with Cinderella but still reminds us of his exceptional prowess as vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.

I spoke with Keifer about “The Way Life Goes” and more in this exclusive interview.

Keifer- TheWayLifeGoesHow has reaction been to the new album and tour?

It’s been really good. The reviews and fan response have been great and I’m thrilled. The record company is continuing to push “The Flower Song” in Top-40 and “It’s Not Enough” will be the next single for the Rock format. Last year, we started out playing in some smaller rooms and this year we’re approaching more festivals and bigger shows. The plan is to route into more of a full tour as the new singles start to click towards the end of the summer and into the fall.

How would you describe “The Way Life Goes”?

I’ve always had open artistic freedom in Cinderella, so it wasn’t like I needed to do a solo album to do something that I never got to do before. With this record, it’s kind of picking up where I was with Cinderella in terms of it being stylistic. A few of the songs push the envelope a little bit but for the most part it’s still hard-driving, high energy rock and roll with a blues influence.

What’s your songwriting process like?

My writing process has always been letting the song come to me. Sometimes I may even go years without writing a song, but I don’t consider it writer’s block. It’s only writer’s block when you’re trying to write.

Sometimes I could just be driving down the road or be in the Home Depot when a melody or lyric will come into my head. Whenever I get those ideas, I never rush to write them down or record them into a voice memo. The way I see it, if I can’t remember the idea a week or a month later then maybe it wasn’t all that memorable. It’s a natural process I use to sift through ideas.

Then there are times where I’ll have the seed of an idea for a song that will sit for months. “The Flower Song” is a good example of that. That was an idea that took a while to write. I had the chorus and concept stuck in my head for years before eventually sitting down to write it. I remember having a co-write setup with Jim Peterik when I finally pulled that idea out. Jim loved it and the two of us sat down and finished it that same day.

With all of the problems you’ve been through with your voice over the years, was there ever a time when you considered a career change?

I remember after they first told me I’d probably never be able to sing again they told me my only prayer was to work with speech pathologists and vocal coaches to try to train the vocal cord back. That’s not an exact science, so it’s taken me years of experimenting and working with many different people. Along that journey, I’d often think of whether I should be doing something else but just couldn’t picture myself doing anything other than playing guitar and singing songs. That goes back to when I first started learning how to play guitar. My teacher not only taught me guitar but he also made me sing the songs too. Being a singer/songwriter is what makes me feel whole as an artist and musician. I think that was what kept me on course to try to figure out how to sing around a paralyzed vocal cord.

How are your vocal cords now?

They’re really strong. It takes a lot of maintenance but I’ve met an amazing coach in Ron Anderson who’s really taught me a lot of things. Ever since I started working his technique it’s gotten stronger every year. I still have to do hours of exercises to maintain it, but it’s something that I’m happy to do.

Can you tell me the origin of the Cinderella song, “Coming Home”?

I had been on the road for a long time when I wrote that song — hence the title [laughs]. We were towards the end of a very long tour when Gibson had given me this very beautiful 12-string acoustic guitar. I remember I was sitting in my hotel room when the guitar arrived through Fed-Ex. I tore the box open and immediately started working on that song.

Is there one particular moment of your career that stands out as a highlight?

Looking back, it’s all been a highlight. But if anything were to stand out, The Moscow Music Peace Festival was a pretty cool gig to be a part of. That one was pretty special. Scorpions, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe. It’s kind of been picked up by a whole new generation online. It’s become a really remembered show and was a blast to be a part of.

In your opinion, what gives hard rock bands and music from the 80’s such longevity?

There are a lot of great songs from that era and I remember even when it kind of fell out of vogue in the industry; the touring end of it was always very strong. The fans would always come out and sing the songs – and they still do. That aspect of it never really went away. It might not have been at the fore front of the industry but for the fans it was always there.  But it all really comes down to the songs. They’re the soundtrack of people’s lives.

For more on Tom Keifer, Check out his Official Website: www.tomkeifer.com