Welcome to the show. If you are watching this on YouTube, do me a favor and hit that like button and also that subscribe button if you haven't done that already. You can also subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening in Spotify, Apple wherever. My guest today is a big one Rob DeLuca. He has played with George Lynch, Joan Jett, Sebastian Bach, UFO, and of course, his own band spread eagle. They he's toured with
Guns and Roses. And he's got a lot of great stories seems like a really great guy and very positive says nice things about all the people he's worked with. And I think if you're a regular listener to the show, you're really gonna like this one. I really enjoyed it. I think you will, too. Here you go. Okay, please welcome Rob DeLuca to my podcast. How you doing, Rob?
I'm doing great. Glad to be here. Yeah.
Yeah, it's gonna be fun. I think we got a lot to talk about, because you've done so much over your career. But it all starts with spread eagle. That was the first band or the first big band that that I know that you were in. Right. Yeah. Yes. So tell me the story, though. So you guys were signed to MCA. And you had never played a gig. I've never heard of anything like this. You only had five songs and they they signed you tell me how this happened?
What's the true story? How's my volume shot? It's great. Okay. It's a true, sir. We've been in a lot of bands trying to get signed. Before that. We were up in Boston for a while. I come from Delaware originally. So we were from all over the place. Paul dibartolo was from Jersey. Ray was born in Brooklyn. And and he also lived in Florida. So we had been in a bunch of bands. And we had never, we were always trying to get a record deal. Because especially back then a signing
to a label was everything. Yeah. So we moved to New York. And we How do you want the real the real long story, the medium story or the short story?
Whichever one you prefer? I got all the time in the world. So whatever you want to tell?
Well, we were in Boston, and we had a band and they broke up. And Paul moved to New York and joined Ray's band, which was called Fox on. And Paul joined as the second guitar player, Paul dibartolo. Okay. And Paul, you know, you can imagine he's would have a problem playing second fiddle to someone else, just just because he's so talented. And it wasn't Pitt, there was some other guitar players band. So that
didn't work out. And so Tommy Gallo and I moved down to New York City and, you know, formed spread to formed a band. Ray wasn't in the band, even though Paul knew him because he Paul had just played with him in the band in his band box. So we plan to look for a singer and we were doing demos, we were rehearsing underground in a basement space on Lafayette Street. Yeah, Lafayette street called lol. And I was actually trying to sing on the demos, believe it or not, and it wasn't, you know, wasn't
right yet. So we had, we had Ray come in and sing some demo stuff that just he still wasn't joining the band. It was just helping us out. And once he's sung on it, you know, I think I'm not totally sure this but I think we had the songs like switchblade, serenade spread eagle. We had a song called gun shy and probably scratched like a cat. And so race someone and it was just so amazing that you know, the writing's on the wall
at that point. So Ray left his band Fox joined us, we booked some shows to get ready to gig you know, outside, like outside of New York City, like up north, you know, a half an hour or maybe in Jersey and stuff like that. And our manager, we're two managers, one of our managers, Charlie gambetta, invited some of his friends down to see us rehearse, to give opinions because we wanted to get signed as soon as possible your feet.
And all the people who the first day people were like, We are really interested in this fan, we think we want to sign up. And we were like, We didn't expect that we weren't fishing for that we were looking for like a quick, not easy, necessarily, but a quick, efficient route to getting where we want it to making records, but we didn't know how to get there. We're just getting trying to get opinions on how you know what we can do to be better and people will saying you can't. You guys
are good. So the first day we we had some opinions like we think, you know, we would be interested in this ban. And then second day, MCA came down and said, We want to sign the ban tomorrow at noon. So we canceled the gigs. We thought about it for maybe a day or maybe a couple days, like, are we jumping into this with MCA? Should we because we had, at this point, it we've had we had had about it was a few days, I think, people were starting to call the studio like a&m and Sony came down.
word got out. That is quite a buzz for a band that has never played a gig. Yeah,
yeah. So I mean, I think some people were probably just thinking. We don't know how good it is. But we're hearing this hype and near big, but it's also small.
Yeah. And also, this is the 89. Right? When everybody Guns and Roses and Motley Crue are huge, and they're more and everyone's looking for the next Guns and Roses.
Yeah, this was leading on. So this was probably I'm gonna guess, April vague enough. So roughly. So the guy named Mike bone came down, but he was at Island, I think, and I had my bass because the room was just this little tiny room down in the basement. And I had him pinned up against the wall at my face playing scratch like a cat, if it's up against his chest, and he was like, I never saw him since. But he went on to become, you know, like, he was a
successful a&r guy. And he did a bunch of stuff in the industry. But I remember he was telling people that he was a little afraid. So the end of the story is that Sony really, really, really wanted us and, but they were on their company, convention, you know how those labels used to have conventions. And they would be back in, you know, like, four days, and then he had the guy who was pretty high up, I think he was head of a&r. He had to get everyone on
board. So he thought, like, maybe 10 days to two weeks, we could showcase for that. And for Sony, and we were like, We were new to this, you know, even though we had two managers were smart guys. They weren't. They weren't like they didn't have all the bands, you know. So we were worried that something could happen where MCA could say, No, we don't, we don't want you to go through this process. Right now. We don't want you. So we signed with them. And we cancelled the gates and went
right into the studio. Yeah, quickly, shortly thereafter,
it's a tough decision. Because on the one hand, if you waited out, you could have maybe gotten a better deal or a better record company. But if you don't wait, if you if you say no to MCA, then maybe those other record labels lose interest. And it's like you're taking a gamble either way.
Okay, Sony was gonna set up a showcase for the whole label. That's what that was the plan. They're like, we will, the guy was like, we want to sign the guy was Mike Corbitt versus now, it's like, we want to I want to sign the man and I have the power to sign the bam, but I have to just at least show the band, you know, so we need to showcase so no one. Absolutely. You know, gives it you know, gives him a negative. So, um, but what if you have a bad showcase or something?
Right. So we just did it and you know, and say it wasn't, it was a big label they had, you know, in the 70s they had Elton and they had Skinner and they had the who and you know, but they had gotten away from rock for quite a while. And they all
those people were long gone. And it was just it was a soul Urban r&b label and they decided to get in the rock because of what you mentioned Guns and Roses and Bon Jovi and all that but they were a little late to the game and they didn't really you know, have it sussed out yet and have it down to an art yet and we it's that that hurt us.
Yeah, cuz I mean, you had those songs that like you said the scratch like a cat, switchblade serenade which I think is one of the got to be the greatest song title of all time. One of my favorites back on the bitch I love that song. I was like that sounds like a Guns and Roses type of song. These singles are on the radio and on
Headbangers ball. But you know, it's interesting because usually with a young band, you get on some sort of big tour like you would have opened for scorpions or, or Guns and Roses or something like that. But then they had you guys doing this club tour with vane.
Which wasn't that Um, yeah, at the time we hate a band but not become friends with them. And I liked them a lot now. Yeah.
Yeah. So tell me the story what happened with there because there was some bad blood at the time. But like you said, your friends now but what was this thing like it ended the tour ended because you guys crash there set we shot a buck naked on the stage.
I I'm not a big drug guy. So I remember a lot of this. Remember that? That much, but I do I think Tommy was naked. And they were at the time. You know, you got guys in their early 20s. You know, like it's, it's, you know, you can take things the wrong way. Everyone's kind of protective and you know, domineering and
whatever. So, we all thought we were in the best band, you know, everyone, everyone I knew thought they were in the best band in the world at the time, and they acted like so that can be grading and I'm not just saying for coming from us, you know, they they weren't the same way. But they, I have to say if it's fine, they weren't good at taking jokes. We wanted to we wanted to have you know, a good time and play some jokes and
they weren't into it. So and they were headlining because their album was out and our album was an audio. We had a we had a we had the scratch like a cat video on MTV, Headbangers ball. Yeah, but our album was not out. It was not available. So it was kind of like, you know, they were headlining, but it was draw wise, we were drawing as many people as that and easily. And so I think Tommy jumped on stage naked. Yeah, I think it looks something like
that. And they they sent a letter to us, we shared a booking agent. That's why it was pretty simple to put that together. They were called famous artists, two bands that were not famous. So they sent them a letter saying why they were throwing us off tour and all the reasons very formal, and we carried knives. They were they were concerned for their safety, things like that. Wow. We didn't respect them. Enough. I know those were three things on it. So
but somehow you you were able to you're friends with him now. And you guys can laugh about all this or?
Yeah, yeah. I mean, well, I don't talk about it that much.
You don't bring up dredge up the past. Remember it
but but I don't need to bring that up. Especially. You know, in hindsight, it's it's a little thing.
Yeah. So you also feel like MCA pulled you off the road to quickly it to make the second album open to the public. And then but then they didn't they owed you a music video for this album. And they didn't do it. So that was kind of you're out to get out of the contract, right?
Um, yes. And no, I'm not to clarify. They pulled us off the road on the first album, and we were blindsided. Because the minute they put in that call or meeting or whatever it was, we were still convinced we were going to be the biggest fan in the world, or one of the biggest fans in the world. And we felt we're doing great. We we were touring, we decided to, we did like a loop of the USA and when we started in the Pacific Northwest, and when we got back
to the west coast. We decided the ball for the last few days going back to the Pacific Northwest and stay in Hollywood for like a month gigging. So we stayed there for a month, which was cool. And we were getting a lot of press in Hollywood that we hadn't gotten because you know, when you're there, that was the thick of it. You remember that? And things were looking really good. And we're meeting a lot of people and then we got this call that we had to pack it up, come home and then
record a new album. And we were like, well, we like you said we haven't gone to Europe yet. We haven't gone to Japan yet. We haven't gone out supporting write a band yet. You know, because vain like I said it technically it was it was we were support. But we were drawing as many people as them so you know, and they knew that. Yeah. Because we both had pretty much one video on on it on TV.
That's more like a co headlining you'd think that they'd have you open up for some big giant, like I said, My Guns and Roses.
And that's what we expect. So we were we were absolutely blindsided. And so then we came home and then that's when that's when things you know, started to fall apart a little bit because we were getting we had a lot of momentum and we really believed in ourselves and our music, our musical statement. And then we were told by the label, it didn't this album, didn't say See to their expectations. So then everyone started questioning, you know, what we're doing and, and people
started taking more drugs. And you know, it was just a lot of
things started happening. You know, we were, we didn't have any we didn't make any money, obviously off the first album and that was, you know, all of a sudden, you know, you don't think about things like that because you're going to be the biggest fan in the world, but then when they pull you at home for your home, and they say your album didn't succeed, you're like, Well, you know, you start thinking about things like, you know, money and stuff, you know, just just enough to pay rent.
And so, um, so that's, that was about that. That was in late 990. I'd say, okay, Monday.
Yeah. So then the second album comes out, and then and then you guys break up.
Right, so then to answer your question, yeah, they didn't give us they. We had a video in the wolf. Just to backtrack for a second. Our album was an out woman when we went out with so we didn't have a video budget yet. We made strikes with a cat with our favors and our own money. Our manager, one of our managers, Scott Calvert was one of the biggest TV directors at the time he did. DJ Jazzy Jeff, parents just don't understand. I think it's called something like that.
Yeah. Roses live at the Ritz. He drowned. In big, big, huge stuff. I mean, he won the MTV award for that Jazzy Jeff, The Fresh Prince video. That was a big one. You know, he was doing Cyndi Lauper. And, you know, everyone, he was one of the biggest bear. So. So he got us paid. He got us scratch off the cat without any money from MCA, and then they gave us money. We did switch. So on to your question for the second album. So now, you know, we're worried
about MCA. And they obviously didn't do the right thing on the first album, very word about them. And, and they wouldn't give us a video. And we're like, Well, we know we're not going to break. Now. We're talking to the second out. We know we can't break this album without a video, especially back then. Yeah. You know, back then that was MTV was was the biggest radio station in the world, you
know, right. So if you didn't even have any possibility to get on that biggest radio station in the world, you know, you're not gonna succeed. So after they refused to give us a video, we saw an out and we got we got out. And we planned on continuing on with the four of us. Actually, Tommy had left at that point, I think. I'm not sure Tommy was leaving and coming back. So I'm not sure the exact timeline, but and we plan to continue and get a new deal. We had Sony still waiting,
actually. And staying in touch with us. And but Ray quit first, and then Paul quit. And so does that answer your question, and
I was at you for a while. So then yeah, you you take jobs that you're doing working as a bartender and as a carpenter, but you're still playing in other bands? So tell me about those years. He kind of had this hiatus? Did you ever think about giving up on music?
No, I never gave up on music for sure enough for a minute. I was just playing around New York City and in bands, I wanted to distance myself from neck, hair, metal, whatever you want to call it thing. It's questionable if spreading or was hair metal. But we got lumped into that. And so I was playing in like, you know, heavy alternative bands, crazy bands like that punky bands in the East Village in Manhattan. And and No, I never gave up music at all. I never stopped.
So Is that why you were kind of hesitant? Because I think was like 2004 you got this offer to do base kind of a base for hire for George Lynch. Was it because you were reluctant? Because he didn't want to get lumped into the hair metal thing?
Yeah, yeah, I still hadn't come to terms with with spread eagle. I was never at a point where I hated spread eagle. But I was at a point where I was careful about what style musician to label myself because of the industry. You know, the backlash backlash against anyone who was fair model, you know, was during the grunge era was extreme. So I'm still very careful. And because of that I didn't listen to somebody Well, for me, we broke up probably about 10 years I hadn't, I didn't listen to it at
all. And the true story of Ray Ray and I were in touch Ray was doing the same thing. He was playing in bands in Manhattan and still trying to succeed and In oh four. Okay, well, I'll answer your question first. And oh, for a friend named Ray Freeman Jr, who was someone who booked spreadeagled a lot. Back in the day, up in the Middletown, New York area. He wanted me to play for lunch. And he was producer tour manager for lunch. And he's putting a band
together. And I was like, Ah, no, I'm not doing that kind of move. And I fought him. He was a dear friend. So I could be you know, I could bust his bosses ask. And I was fought him tooth and nail. And I ended up doing it. And I had so much fun. It was I apologize to him, because I was like, this was it was it was nothing but good vibes, George's I'm still good friends with churches, a very nice guy,
and treated me great. And so it was just such a great experience, just at least for me personally, that I apologize, right. And then all of a sudden, I was looking at the world differently, like, well, maybe I could be a basis for heart, you know. And that was both for and but around that time I I played with john Jeff for a little bit, but also around that time. We got spread back together in 2006. And the way that happened was I hadn't listened to spreading going so long. We had
a friend, I was bartending. And I had a friend named Dave Harrington, who was the studio manager at Queen Street studios, where we mixed our first out. And he would always come into the bar and drink and want he was like, he got to conspire to go back together. And like no way leaving him alone. You know, one night, he snuck up into the DJ booth and cracked, Broken City, super, super, super ear, leading loud. And I was like, Whoa, what's this? It's, this is
awesome. It took me a good 1015 seconds to realize what it was, but I was loving it. And when I realized it was spreading, or it's the first time I listened to it, and so long, I was like, wow, this is really, you know, this is really great music. And maybe I should talk to read because people have been asking us and we had a couple of conversations. And I know personally, I was saying it's not the time for me. And Ray probably was saying the same
thing. It wasn't like Ray was calling me saying, you know, we need to do this. We were both like, you know, just very ambivalent about it, you know, but when I heard that I called her I said, I really think this it's time to do this again. And that was oh six then we booked some some little tours, you know, and so it started coming back.
Yeah. And then you did the subway to the stars album, which is some of the best reviews you guys have gotten and you worked really hard on that. And you can tell I mean it's co produced and mixed by these Grammy winners and, and the sound of speed. Such a great song and a funny video. I don't want to spoil it. People need to check it out. But it's a great video too. And so yeah, you guys going to be doing another album was spread eagle coming up?
Yeah, yeah, we just touch on that video. The bait remember the band law and order? No, their own MCA. Same time we were okay. So they're about as popular as we were. The guitar player directed that video. Phil aloka. Okay, he's gone on to become a director of movies. He directed a movie called The the truth about lies, which is really great. And he does a lot of TV commercials. So he directed the video. We're still really good friends since back
then. But yes, we are. We've written pretty much a new album. And I'm going out with Bach now. So we're going to start recording it around Christmas.
Okay. Yeah. So you're you know, you're you're in Sebastian Bach's band, and then you became friends with bumblefoot on the Guns and Roses tour. And that's how you got the job and UFO. So tell me about that one. Because Was there anyone else considered or was it just that? That bumblefoot put in a word for you? So you just got the job, or did you have to audition or anything or
I didn't have to audition. I went right into two rehearsals and then a tour. So So yeah, Ron. We bought to about 100 shows with with with GNR and I did about 80 of them. So very fortunate to do that because it's quite a school of learning when you're when your direct support for Jnr Hmm. So um, and I became friends with Ron who's a great guy, just incredible musician.
Yeah, I had him on the show. I love him.
Yeah, he's awesome. He's so talented, this funny. So, he's friends with Vinny and you know without me knowing Vinnie was putting word out that they needed someone close. peewee couldn't get into the country USA. And this is probably the second time he could he was unable to get out. And so it was like, you know, it was becoming a problem. So I don't know if they were if they were considering anyone else because I wasn't privy to any of
that. But, yes, so, I have a brother in law that knew Vinnie, because Vinny and I are both from Delaware, even though I'd never met Vinny. So I had a brother in law that knew Vinnie, and so that helped also, and someone got me his email address. And he was, he was they were considering me and they they just had
and you're in. That's awesome. And then tell me about this. Because I know the original bass player Pete way, rest in peace. But you, you said that you mentioned you'd actually talked to him online a few times, like he was supportive of you being in the band, explained to me that exchange because that seems to be pretty rare for somebody to reach out to their replacement and be supportive of that. Usually, there's like a bitterness or you know, you reject or resent the person that
takes over for you. But it sounds like he was a class act.
He was a class I from what I hear. But I didn't reach out to him until like, maybe 10 years after I was in the band. And I'm not sure if it was him or his web. Master. They were acting like him. Okay, so I heard once someone said he, he has a webmaster who actually does that stuff. So I'm not sure. Well, they were very friendly. And yeah, but I he was a class act. Everyone told me that. Yeah, they loved him. They loved him all along, you know, they just wanted to keep
functioning. It's as simple as that.
Right. And the fans accepted you and Eddie trunk, he's like one of the biggest UFO fans, he got his blessing as well, right? Because he's such a big fan of that band.
But I'm friends with him.
That's cool. And then So tell me about this you because you get to not only play with UFO, but you actually get to bring your ideas to the band and contribute in the songwriting process. So is it more exciting to actually play and UFO it actually helped contribute to the songwriting
probably contribute to the songwriting is I mean, it's hard to say there. Yeah. I mean, the song this recording is a very small chunk of time that, that I've been with the most. Most of it was we did two albums, but most of it has been tours. And in the time, I was your father was actually busy, busier than box. So they were they were, you know, functioning band overhead. Even though you know, they're older than Bach. They were they were their tour dogs, you know? Yeah. In that their whole life.
Yes. So what happened was, that's the farewell tour, but now it's rescheduled for 2022. So, is it still the last round? Or is the door open for future dates?
I mean, I'm not, you know, I'm not I can't make those decisions. And you can, and it's nice to say, never say never. But I'm here and the last show is in Athens, Greece, in October of 22.
Okay. And would Michael Schenker would he come back for a lag of dates or onstage for a couple songs at all or anything? Or
Again, I'm not the person to ask about that. They don't dislike Michael, either. The problem- the vibe I get when I'm there is that they just don't think these shows will happen with other people. They're not confident other people will show up. Because Michael quit the band three times. And at times left them in a lurch where they're mid-tour. They could explain it better than me. But if anyone thinks these people hate each other,
they absolutely do not. It's just when you sign contracts to do a tour, and someone doesn't show up, it puts the people who do show up in a really bad position. And I think all these years, they just haven't thought that certain people would show up and be able to do the job.
Right? Well, that's why I suggest maybe if he just came up, if it was like his hometown, or somebody just comes up for like, a couple songs or something, you know, I don't know. I mean, the cool
They might be but Vinnie been there for all those years holding the torch and making it... the band lost a lot of confidence for years because of those people quitting those people. Not being able to play to their standards. So, it took a lot of years with Vinnie to to build that confidence again, and you have to respect that.
Oh absolutely. he's a he's a phenomenal guitar player. Yeah, so you mentioned Guns and Roses now you were playing with Sebastian Bach but once you also playing with helmet so you did double duty you played helmet and then Sebastian Bach now I mean it's gonna be nice to have the double paycheck but is that how hard is that doing the double duty?
Well I didn't take any money from was I just know I just wanted to do it because I just wanted to do it as a favor so I didn't take any money on a T shirt
that's so nice
well I was already getting paid I was already there and I didn't want to be opportunistic about it like they were in a bad place um it's it's a long story but but i'll i'll do a condensed version GNR is always a big deal and a fantastic tour. But they The reason helmet came on is because Queens of the Stone Age no knuckling systems equals a definite we're on the tour for one show, and the crowd didn't like, and they made it clear that they didn't. So he goes to death metal or on and off the
tour in 20 minutes. So having said that, and that's not any diamond on their talent or anything. It's just you know, different styles, very particular and it is different stocks. But then the the Eagles of Death Metal started saying some nasty things in the press. And I didn't think that was very nice. And so all of a sudden, there was some weird vibes
around the tour. And, you know, everyone was feeling I know, I was and it was, you know, you I was feeling very protective of the tour because it was a big deal. You know, so he was still and you know, it's your work. It's your, it's your, you know, it's a big level bigger level than you've ever been on so. So, you know, I thought it was horrible, but they were saying some petty things, but you know, so anyway, I'm going somewhere with this. Then helmet cable. And this is we're talking
probably two days later. From Queen from. He has a deathmatch. Sorry if I get Yeah, I love the song.
I love both those bands actually. Yeah, they're
great. So, um, so it was like two days later on helmet calm. Come on. And we are starting the Canadian leg of the tour. Which is probably I don't know, but he chose not chose, I'm guessing somewhere in there. So, helmets basis can't get in the country because he had a prior marijuana charge. So we get, so they call ahead from the board from the border control saying now, we just had this situation with the band being thrown off tour, and then the negative all the negative
gossip. And now helmet can't get into the country. So again, it's you know, it's gnrs they're gonna there's a lot of tickets sold, and people still gonna be happy. But so I wanted I just, you know, I wanted, I wanted things to go right. I didn't want this. I wanted this drama to end. And I didn't want the drama to to compound with now Helmut Cantor. So they asked me to do it. And they radioed ahead. And, and they I got word through the roadies, because we didn't have self service, you
know, in Canada. And I learned the songs and I had a show that night, you know, and went great. And then I did the old tour. But yeah, I just wanted to explain my feelings at the time because all of a sudden, there was like this black cloud, you know, and so I, I didn't want to be opportunistic about it. And, you know, squeeze them for money or anything like that. I just wanted it to go. Well, I was already on the tour. I don't even know if I'm aware on the entire tour. I guess there were
at that point. But I just wanted it to be successful. And I feel like maybe I did my helped a little bit.
Yeah, he's a stand up guy. Wow. So you tell me about that tour, though. You said that you partied with Guns and Roses like every night until 6am or 8am? a
lot. Yeah, the party always went till till sunup definitely. The only thing that yeah, I mean, Baz and Axl can can sleep all day, but we have to be up and loaded in our stuff. Okay. The band, but But yeah, we we went pretty hard on those tours, you know, but it was a lot of tours. It wasn't just one tour. We did South America. We did Europe we did a couple us wrongs we did Australia. So it was pieces. And sometimes we there'll be long pieces without, you know without
touring with them. And you're actually was more than one European tour. It was. So we started in Europe and like oh five, and then we went back to Europe. So yeah, so it was a lot of tours.
Oh, that sounds that sounds so fun to party with Axl and bazley
a great guy and the people that talk shit about him. probably have never met him. He's a really really, really generous nice person. Oh, I'm sure. Martin very intense.
Yeah, I'm a huge fan for sure. I'm a fan of both those guys. So yeah, so Sebastian, so join that band. I guess I didn't realize he found you. Because he was he was a fan of spread eagle. I think that's really cool. He said some really nice things about you in the press.
Yeah, yeah. So we kind of he came up in some broken city with us in 1990 or 1991 on stage, which was awesome. And again, like you said, he said some nice things, which, you know, he was on the top of the heap at that point. So someone like him is saying those things that really helps. So yeah, so we got in touch in after I guess, after I yeah, after I did the lens thing. And he, he said he was needing a basis because Steve Georgiou who was in the band at the time was
leaving. And so I started with some rehearsals just helping them out for sources that Steve could make for some shows that Steve was doing, and I did some rehearsals and then then Steve left and
yeah, so I mean, I'm a big fan of his solo work and his stuff with Skid Row but there's a lot of material to pull from what is your favorite song to play live? I mean, is it I would think piece of me is fun because of the baseline or is there another one that you really like?
It's fun Um, well, we don't do at the moment we're not we were doing a lot of his solo stuff over the years because I started with as in 2005. But in the last few years, it's it's gravitated to being mostly Skid Row stuff. We do the song American metal head that that as well. What that metal microbe for basses album Angel down. But other than that, we grew up with gravitated most of us get raw material and But to answer your question, I like
playing in a dark room a lot. I like Kung monkey business a lot. The threat is fun to play. I mean, I like playing the mall, but those are with fun. In a couple years ago, we did the debut album 30th anniversary. Yeah, so I learned those songs. So midnight tornado i think is the name of it the hands on so yeah, there's a lot that Yeah, so learning different ones.
Yeah, cuz this tour is the 30th anniversary of Slade with the grind. So can you give away I mean, obviously it's gonna be the whole album. But is it the the setlist? Like is it gonna do beggars day and get the fuck out? Or is it just one or the other? And like, are they doing any of those? Okay, yeah. Are they gonna do like, what is it holiday in the sun? Or? or any of the besides or any of that stuff?
I haven't learned those. So okay.
But beggars they and get the fuck out. That's kind of cool. Because now it's like,
I've learned both of them. Okay. Yeah.
What about? I just had the singer from kaleido on Have you listened to them at all? Cuz they're gonna be the opening band? Not yet, but we'll be hearing them every night. That'll be fun. Yeah, I think I'm excited to see both you guys because like, I just became a fan of them recently. I was like, Oh, these guys are really good. So did he. I'm told that Sebastian picked them personally. I think I'm sure he
did. Yeah, okay. Cuz he could have he could have his pick of a lot of bands that would he might
have been he might have been recommended, but then by someone else, but he he definitely listened to them and Okay,
yeah. Okay. What is your take on the Sebastian Bach Chris Jericho feud. Is that Is that real? is are they because I know Wrestling's fake. And Chris Jericho is at rest. Is this like a fake thing that they're just like putting us all on? Are they really in a feud?
It's real. But it seems very silly. You know, like, I don't I don't think they I don't think they should be fighting. You know, um, I've never met Chris Jericho. I'm sure he's a nice guy. But if the issue is about lip synching, I am totally on Subash inside because I'm so anti lip track
tracks. Yeah, I've heard you talk about that many times.
I'm very anti running tracks. I've never done it. I've never been in a band that that does it. And I think it's, it's a cop out. I think it's, it stunts your growth as a musician, as a performer and musician. I Think it's unnecessary. And even if I mean, it's a fact, it's not this big, if you don't, you know, if you do not run tracks, it's gonna be
as big and perfect. But the art form isn't about being perfect, it's about taking your, all these tracks that you layered on your album and figuring out a
live arrangement of that. And rising to the rising to the occasion of performing them in a nice way that your fans appreciate, you know, and that you're doing a good job, you know, so people lose, that they think it's about being perfect, or being bigger being the biggest and, you know, making everything louder than everything else, you know, it's, that's not what a lot of band is good being about, if you got four guys, you can only do so much, you know, right? That's
the beauty of you. You being able to see it not being blinded by all these layers of of sound. So you can see how that musician plays, and they're like level of talent, but also their level of style. And they're there, you know, and that gets bombarded. And when you're bombarded with all this information, you lose that. And that's not what being in a live band is to me
right now. And I loved your take on this because you said you had a quote something about your saying how a lot of the younger bands are, it's almost like they're scared of like failing or making a mistake. And that's almost like an interesting kind of like a metaphor for life. Like, if you don't take risks, you're not going to be successful, in my opinion. Like, I think you can't play it too safe like that. And
using the backing tracks. I mean, that's like the ultimate way to play it way too safe, especially for a rock band, like you said, you want it to be dangerous, it should be live. And you never know what can happen. And
yeah, yeah. And and that's what those on expected should happen. That's all eggs, you know. And I mean, I guess a ban could give the argument that the industry has forced us to try to make everything so perfect, because there's no margin for error, you know, which is somewhat true for if you're in a new band, it's tough, you know, but you should still, you should still just go for it, you know, and do your best. Yeah, well,
I love when you see a live band, like especially when I've seen Skid Row or Sebastian play solo. It's like they're playing the songs heavier and faster than the studio versions. That's the whole point of me going to a concert, like when you hear the songs faster and heavier, more aggressive, with like, more energy that you can't really, if you're using backing tracks, I feel like it's just not going to be there.
Yeah, I mean, that's I agree with that. And we do play things faster. And
yeah, I can't wait. Yeah, I can't wait to see you guys live. So I mean, I don't know if you saw the recent thing with Subash on the press and him talking about his ex bandmates, but he had kind of a good point I've had Rachel on I love Rachel. I've met Sebastian twice. He was so nice to me. So they both seem like great people. But he did have a good point how he said like that. They say he's difficult to work
with. But you know, he's worked with the Gilmore Girls, and he's Guns and Roses doesn't think he's difficult to work with you work with him since 2005. Is he definitely must not be difficult to work with
on my 17th year with him. Yeah, in November.
So is it difficult to work with him or I mean, you wouldn't stick around that long.
He's just the way he is. He's intense. He, he's, he's, he wears everything on his sleeve. He's, he's really into something he's very, very passionate about it. And, and if he's not, he's not, you know, he's very clear about that. But
he also has a lot of energy. So you have to understand that when he is really into something or really against something, he's going to come at you with a lot of energy about that issue with that thing, you know, and that's once you understand that about them, you, you, you, you appreciate it, you know, and he's, he's one of the best I've ever seen it just turning it on being able to turn it on, you know what, no matter how bad a day's had, or if he hasn't slept, he gets up there and you
would never know, you would never know it was just so instantaneous about you know, turning into that, you know, and I was a lot about him I respect and, and so I I would you know, I want to I want to be out there playing. I want to work because music is employment. It's like I said it's bar it's it's fun, it's social, you know, but having said that, I would love to see him be back in school. Row, because I know the feeling I got when I put spreadeagled back together, maybe not want to
put it back together. But when I started putting out themselves, and we put out somewhere to the stars, it's, it's like full circle. And that band that you came up with is the band that's probably most special to, you know, in a lot of ways, you know, your follower. Amazing, you know, but they're their glory years or before I joined, you know, 13 years ago, you know, even though it's amazing, and I love it, I appreciate it.
I'm so lucky to be there. You know, I'm not I'm not on this class, but you know, so everyone has a band. Most people have one band, that was their, their thing when you're so innocent, and, you know, just so 100% do er, Doc. And I know, that was, you know, for bass, that was
Skid Row. And I would love to see him back with them, you know, because if they if they don't don't like that about him that he started intense, you know, like, when we told him poison, they all had their own boss, and they were together on stage. And I heard rumors, actually, after the fact that they didn't after the tour started long after tour started, that they don't get along, but I never saw like they're so professional. If that's true, yeah. I never witnessed it on
but I did hear that. And it's kind of like common knowledge, whether it's true or not. It's It's common. It's commonly out there, that people say that. But they were so professional that they never argued in front of anyone. They showed up. And they did the show and their fans were happy about it. We did look forward shows one summer of 2008. So I'd like to see skate roll just get together and do it for the fans. Yeah.
Well, so it's gonna be a little bit different though. Because you're, you're it's the bash and box ban. Right? So it's like he is like, if you guys have a disagreement, like he wins because it's Sebastian Bach, but if it's Skid Row, they kind of have to like there's given take, like, what happens if you if you disagree with Sebastian on something, or you let you feel comfortable expressing your opinions, or
often, often, you know, if he's, if he's really upset about something or, you know, really into something, I might say it's his ban, and he's going to, you know, and that's what he really wants. So, you know, what's the point but, but as far as Skid Row, I don't know how they work their things out. I've only met rob a few. So it's very nice. Yeah. Oh, God.
Yeah, I met Rachel on the show. He was great. And like I said, I've met I haven't met Subash on the show, but I've met him twice. And he's just I would love to have him on the show. Because he's just I think it'd be a really fun interview. Because he's like you said, He's so high energy. I think it'd be an easy interview. Yeah, really, really, really funny. Yeah, the two times I met him in person, it was it was a blast. I mean, yeah,
I mean, that's, even though I said he can turn it on, you know, but that is it. Right? I just mean, like, the energy level and the entertainment level that, you know, he could be having the worst day and then still, I mean, I know those days where he barely slept, or some of the best shows he's ever had. I don't know how, but they were any song great, you know, and he just,
yeah, cuz that's his thing. I mean, he's beyond just a good singer. He's just such a good front man and personality. And that's, that's a huge piece of it, I think. Yeah, absolutely. Well, so besides being in these other bands are now are you still doing of Earth? Because this is like your own kind of project where you play bass and sing in it?
Yeah, at the moment, I'm not I mean, it's not a dead band. But then, Rick Toluca also played drums on that from spreadeagled. But it's not a dead band. But when you have I feel that you can have one labor of love at a time. And that's spreading, you know, because we have momentum with with the newest album, and, you know, we got great reviews on that. Yeah. So, I'm going to, I'm going to get that band back out there, you know, and back into the
industry machine. Before I think about a verb again, because I, I feel would hurt spread eagle. Sure. Take away the momentum that we have going on at this moment. Yeah.
So you mentioned during the pandemic that you spent a lot of time writing music now when you're writing Are you writing specifically for UFO and then this one's for spread ego and maybe even some for Sebastian or he just write a bunch of songs and then put it sorted out later.
I just write the way I write. Most of the time I just write kind of in two styles of our style and everything else would be anything else I would write would work with all the other bands up. Like live in, but I'm focused on spreading setting them right over here for spreading go for our next album.
Very cool. Well, you will spread eagle will they do like any tours in the in the US?
Definitely we're going to probably start in the new year. We had a shutdown because COVID like everyone sure has shut down and so we're going to reschedule probably for early 2022
Okay, perfect. So yeah, he's got you got a lot of shows coming up. Then we got recording because we're gonna start recording in December. Okay, yeah, cuz then you'll have Sebastian tour and then their shows with UFO and so you're gonna be very busy.
Yeah, I'm going to try to put spread eagle in between, because I know Sebastian's gone until Christmas. I'm not sure what he's doing next year yet. And UFOs has some stuff in the summer and has that October tool where they
add? Yeah. Okay, great. Well, this has been a lot of fun. I like to end each episode with a charity. Is there one that you want to give a quick shout out to here?
Um, I don't have one off the top of my head. So how about instruments for for high school kids? There's got to be a charity for that.
Yeah, I'll find so I think I've Yeah, I've had people mentioned that stuff. Yeah. Or Google sent I'll put it in the notes along with a you have a website that's just for you. Or should I could put the spread eagle and Sebastian and UFO websites.
I mean, Rob deluca.com, spread eagle NYC on. I think it's NYC or spread or spread eagle band on, you know, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Oh, I have a website called vintage based world calm for for gear geeks. Okay. Check that out. 1000s of pages, a website? That's 1000s of pages. Wow. Okay, I build it over a decade while on tour. All right, yeah. And 10s of 1000s pictures and details of like bases and apps.
Okay, I'll put that in the notes as well. And I'll definitely check it out on the Sebastian Bach tour. And hopefully you'll come with spread eagle and maybe even UFO if we add dates on that one. I'm in Phoenix, by the way. So yeah, I'll see. I'll see. I think Sebastian is playing the marquee in December. So
yeah, I'll make sure that you're on the list. Oh, okay. Well,
I don't know what that means, but
so well, after the interview. Okay, cool.
Well, then we'll end the interview right now at all sake, we'll say goodbye to the audience.
Thank you. Thank you, Chuck. Chuck, shoot podcast and what what is the official name of the podcast?
Just the chuck shoe podcast? Yeah, make it easy. So that's my name. It's just I don't know. made it easy. Yeah, I just thought that's what I that's what i like i like Joe Rogan. Howard Stern. I was like, Oh, just do what they do. Even they have a lot bigger names than me. But yeah, so
thank you for having me. It's really appreciated. And thank you for to everyone for the support. And keep an eye out for for the new spread eagle album next year and perfect clothes, and
costs. Okay, well, thank you audience and I'll say goodbyes, Rob DeLuca. I really enjoyed the stories in this one. I didn't know a lot about that stuff would spread eagle. I like his take on Sebastian, and how he even wants him to get back together with Skid Row even though he would lose that job. just seems like a really good dude. So make sure to check out his band websites for two of eights UFOs Sebastian Bach, and of course spread eagle is a very
busy man. And I will definitely be seeing him on the Sebastian Bach tour with kaleido. And if you don't know who kaleido is, make sure to check out my interview with Christina press and check out their music. They're another great band as well. And make sure to follow Rob and all his bands on social media. And follow me to your likes, comments and shares can help us both out quite a bit. And again, I'm just gonna remind you to make sure to subscribe to
my YouTube channel. And also subscribe to the spread eagle YouTube channel if you can. We both appreciate that. I appreciate all your support. Have a great rest of your day and remember to shoot for the moon.