"It's quite surreal for me...playing in Phoenix 23.....with 3 of the band being my cousins! When they originally got the band together they asked me if I'd like to come in to play lead, but I had to refuse.
I was heavily involved with my own band Thrones of Roll at the time - more of a Guns N' Roses/Queens of the Stone Age type thing so very different. That band imploded just before christmas '09 & Gav called me & said "You know something dude, life's too short. Why dont you come play with us? We're going to be playing lots of gigs, go to the States, & we need a lead guitarist. No pressure...but have a think about it, it'll be such a blast!" I'd always liked the songs, I love playing so I graciously accepted.
Then it occurred to me...Carl Verheyen is 1 of the greatest guitar players in the world, & you've to play his solos!! I listened to the songs & track by track decided that I was going to play to my own strengths, play these leads as if I was coming totally fresh to it. I kept some of Carls hooks in there, & added a few of my own - and just tried to compliment the songs. Thats what leads all about.
Its been a great challenge, but it turned out to be a very organic process -I think we're sounding great!
It's also brilliant being in a band with my cousins, there's honestly never a dull moment...Gav's a comedian at heart, he just can't take any situation seriously at all, & musically we're on the same page so I'm looking forward to the 2 of us finally getting to write together. Glenn is probably best described by the word 'random'...I'm never sure what he's going to do next...I don't think he knows either! Neil plays bass.
Anyway Adios for now, & to have a listen to other projects I've been involved with just click on the link below,
Cheers,
Andy
http://www.andycochranemusician.com
