What made you take up the guitar?
Seeing Kiss and also, one of my older brothers had bought a cheap acoustic guitar and an album called “The Quick Pickin’, Fun Strummin’ Home Guitar Course”. He attempted to learn for about a month then got frustrated and gave up. I saw this as an opportunity to do something that my brother couldn’t do. Thirty-six years later and I’m still working on it.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you’d have written
The first song that comes to mind is One by U2. But I’m such a fan of so many bands and artists that the answer could change by the minute.
And one – by yourself – which holds special significance
I’m so proud of everything we’ve written throughout the entire history of the band. Youth Gone Wild stands out because it still signifies the spirit and soul of this band. Quicksand Jesus because it was such a labor of love.
Monkey Business because it started off a different direction for us that would lead to the Slave To The Grind album.
And currently anything off of our new EP, Rise of the Damnation Army-United World Rebellion Chapter 2 because I had the most fun making this record than I ever had in the history of Skid Row.
If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Randy Rhoads. I would’ve stayed on the bus on March 19th, 1982.
Are there any current musical influences that you might look to
I really like what Muse is doing. As far as influences from a guitar playing perspective I love Zakk Wylde’s playing. He’s incredible and a really funny guy as well. But I always seem to reach back to what influenced me in the formative stages of playing and writing. And that list is far too long.
And any genre of music that you simply can’t stand?
Many years ago I probably would’ve had a bunch but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more open minded with newer forms of music that have emerged. I have respect for anyone who makes a living writing and playing music.
SKID ROW PLAY LONDON UNDERWORLD ON OCTOBER 28.
For full tour dates visit www.skidrow.com
ON TRACK: SNAKE FROM SKID ROW ANSWER'S TOTAL MK'S QUESTIONS
Twenty-five years ago, Skid Row exploded onto the stage at their debut UK appearance, here in Milton Keynes.
The band arrived – loudly – with an amazing performance on stage at the National Bowl, as support to Bon Jovi.
They were a formidable proposition, and their single Youth Gone Wild remains a real anthem for a generation.
Plenty has happened in the past quarter century, but if you can’t keep a good band down, you sure as hell can’t keep a great band down!
Now fronted by Johnny Solinger, Skid Row still features a core of original members – bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarists Snake Sabo and Scotti Hill are joined by drummer Rob Hammersmith, and they are still worth making a fuss over.
The band are back on British soil next month, touring in support of their recently released seven-track EP Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion: Chapter Two.
Guitarist Snake tackled Total MKs On Track puzzlers…
The song that first awakened your musical senses
Probably ABC or I Want You Back by the Jackson 5. The songwriting was so incredible and the musicianship was amazing! Those songs and virtually everything that came out of Motown in the late 60’s and early 70’s had a profound effect upon me. It still does to this day.
Physical or digital – how do you take your music?
Both. You can’t ignore digital just for the sheer immediacy of it. The sound isn’t great but I love being able to download albums at the push of a button.
The first time you thought ‘Music – this is the job for me’
Dec. 16th, 1977 at about 11:01 pm. I saw Kiss at Madison Square Garden in NYC and 1 minute after the show was over I knew I had to do something that involved music. I didn’t pick up the guitar until a year later but I knew i would be doing something with music. But I never thought it would be a “job” and, thank God, it still isn’t!
Your best on stage memory…
Honestly, there are so many! Too many to list here. We’ve been so fortunate to be able to do this for a living and to still be doing this is the most amazing gift that a bunch of idiots could receive!
And the worst gig you’ve ever done
Refer to the first 2 sentences above! Ha ha.
What made you take up the guitar?
Seeing Kiss and also, one of my older brothers had bought a cheap acoustic guitar and an album called “The Quick Pickin’, Fun Strummin’ Home Guitar Course”. He attempted to learn for about a month then got frustrated and gave up. I saw this as an opportunity to do something that my brother couldn’t do. Thirty-six years later and I’m still working on it.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you’d have written
The first song that comes to mind is One by U2. But I’m such a fan of so many bands and artists that the answer could change by the minute.
And one – by yourself – which holds special significance
I’m so proud of everything we’ve written throughout the entire history of the band. Youth Gone Wild stands out because it still signifies the spirit and soul of this band. Quicksand Jesus because it was such a labor of love.
Monkey Business because it started off a different direction for us that would lead to the Slave To The Grind album.
And currently anything off of our new EP, Rise of the Damnation Army-United World Rebellion Chapter 2 because I had the most fun making this record than I ever had in the history of Skid Row.
If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Randy Rhoads. I would’ve stayed on the bus on March 19th, 1982.
Are there any current musical influences that you might look to
I really like what Muse is doing. As far as influences from a guitar playing perspective I love Zakk Wylde’s playing. He’s incredible and a really funny guy as well. But I always seem to reach back to what influenced me in the formative stages of playing and writing. And that list is far too long.
And any genre of music that you simply can’t stand?
Many years ago I probably would’ve had a bunch but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more open minded with newer forms of music that have emerged. I have respect for anyone who makes a living writing and playing music.
SKID ROW PLAY LONDON UNDERWORLD ON OCTOBER 28.
For full tour dates visit www.skidrow.com
What made you take up the guitar?
Seeing Kiss and also, one of my older brothers had bought a cheap acoustic guitar and an album called “The Quick Pickin’, Fun Strummin’ Home Guitar Course”. He attempted to learn for about a month then got frustrated and gave up. I saw this as an opportunity to do something that my brother couldn’t do. Thirty-six years later and I’m still working on it.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you’d have written
The first song that comes to mind is One by U2. But I’m such a fan of so many bands and artists that the answer could change by the minute.
And one – by yourself – which holds special significance
I’m so proud of everything we’ve written throughout the entire history of the band. Youth Gone Wild stands out because it still signifies the spirit and soul of this band. Quicksand Jesus because it was such a labor of love.
Monkey Business because it started off a different direction for us that would lead to the Slave To The Grind album.
And currently anything off of our new EP, Rise of the Damnation Army-United World Rebellion Chapter 2 because I had the most fun making this record than I ever had in the history of Skid Row.
If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Randy Rhoads. I would’ve stayed on the bus on March 19th, 1982.
Are there any current musical influences that you might look to
I really like what Muse is doing. As far as influences from a guitar playing perspective I love Zakk Wylde’s playing. He’s incredible and a really funny guy as well. But I always seem to reach back to what influenced me in the formative stages of playing and writing. And that list is far too long.
And any genre of music that you simply can’t stand?
Many years ago I probably would’ve had a bunch but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more open minded with newer forms of music that have emerged. I have respect for anyone who makes a living writing and playing music.
SKID ROW PLAY LONDON UNDERWORLD ON OCTOBER 28.
For full tour dates visit www.skidrow.com
