Bobby Rondinelli

It’s a great honor for us to present a full interview with one of the best drummers around the world, Bobby Rondinelli. In collaboration with his brother Ted and Tony Martin, Neil Murray he released one of the best heavy metal albums not of the last  year, but of the last decade as well. Classic, powerful and to the point heavy metal awesomely produced and with a sound that will bring a lot of pleasant memories from his legendary past, that’s what Rondinelli’s band has to offer. “Our Cross, Our Sins” is a dynamite ready to blow. We all wish that he goes on like that. Supported by MTM but mostly by all the friends of heavy metal music it is certain that these musicians will launch even better albums in the future.

Q: “Our Cross, Our Sins”. Is it a band or a project? Could you tell us how did you come up with the idea to gather all those great musicians and record the specific album?

Bobby Rondinelli: At this time it’s more a project than a band, as every one that participated in “Our Cross, Our Sins” is also involved in other projects. When Teddy and I were discussing who would be playing I suggested Tony (Martin) and Neil (Murray). Teddy agreed with the idea, I invited them and they did show up.

Q: In “Our Cross, Our Sins” there are three members of Black Sabbath that shows that this period had influenced a lot your work, since it sounds like “Headless Cross” and “Cross Purposes”. Do you agree with that?

Bobby Rondinelli: Well, I wanted to create a real heavy metal album and if anyone recruited 3 ex Sabbath members then surely the ghost of the band would hover over it, but I believe that we produced a more fresh sound, progressive and bluesy.

Q: It’s obvious that the sound is definite 80’s metal with crystal clear and powerful production. Was it your intention that your sound would be so warm an 80’s style or did it came along the way? I mean wouldn’t you prefer a more modern production?

Bobby Rondinelli: It was my desire that this record sounded like the old school, exactly as those I was listening to and liked when I was young, without a lot of interventions from the producer and with great performance from the band.

Q: I would like to ask you about your opinion and the people’s reaction until now. Did you get good or bad things about the album? Speaking of which, do you pay attention to opinions and reviews? Do they affect you as a musician and artist?

Bobby Rondinelli: Most people I talked to they seem to like it and I am happy about that. I can’t say that I take reviews into account except if they are good. I am happy with the album and so are the people I listen to, respect and trust. You can’t make everybody happy, you know, but personally I feel proud for “Our Cross, Our Sins”.

Q: You’ve played in great rock bands (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Doro, Blue Oyster Cult). Which was the period in your life had you felt more creative and why?

Bobby Rondinelli: I have always considered myself creative, but now creating my own record it’s something more than satisfying. I also compose more and I like that.

Q: What would you recall from your work with Ray Gillen in your previous album “Wardance” and from this time in general?

Bobby Rondinelli: That was a great band and I wish we had recorded an equal to our capability. Ray was a great singer and I miss him very much.

Q: Would you like to describe us the feeling of working with such experienced and talented musicians? Does it make you feel safe or sure? Satisfaction? Admiration? Anxiety for the result?

Bobby Rondinelli: It’s a wonderful feeling working with top class musicians. I am so lucky that I worked with some of the best and this album is one of my best jobs ever.

Q: Earlier in this year (2002) you played in Riot’s album “Through The Storm”. Would you like to make a comment about the record and also the band?

Bobby Rondinelli: I think that this record was great, Mark (Reale) and the other guys did really a very good job and I am happy with the result.

Q: In Riot you replaced Bobby Jarzombeck, who was the drummer of the band for many years. It’s clear that you have different styles. Did you try to stick to your style and play the tracks your way or were you concerned even a little how Riot fans would like it and thought that you should update your drumming?

Bobby Rondinelli: The truth is that I never heard of Riot’s stuff with Jarzombeck enough. I always play my way. Since they want me in a record I’ll do what I know best.

Q: Which drummers were your influence mostly. Should I assume, taking your style into account, Cozy Powell, Ian Paice, John Bonham and Bill Ward?

Bobby Rondinelli: Yes, I  like those specific drummers along with Buddy Rich, Ginger Baker and Carmine Appice.

Q: How do you feel when you see most of new drummers focusing on speed and double bass drums neglecting the basics (feeling, musicianship, passion)?

Bobby Rondinelli: I love double bass drumming! I have also written a book “The Encyclopedia Of Double Bass Drumming” that was released through Modern Drummer Magazine and it is distributed by Hal Leonard. I teach often when I am at home and I can tell you that anybody wants to play double bass drums, but there is no chance for me teaching a student unless he can play perfectly with a single bass drum. They have to know that even the hi-hat is an important part of the kit and not just a space to rest your foot. The basics are everything!

Q: Progressive metal/rock seems to gain great respect nowadays. What’s your opinion on the specific genre? Would it be fun and interesting to play long duration songs with lots of changes in style and rhythm, different riffs and difficult meter? Do you think that those bands lose the point of music in the end?

Bobby Rondinelli: I like some bands that are called progressive and it's a fact that my album contains some lengthy tracks with a lot of changes. Also, I believe that some bands forget the point which is the song. You should start with a good song.

Q: Are there plans for a European tour, and if that’s the case, is the lineup of the band the same with that of “Our Cross, Our Sins”?

Bobby Rondinelli: At this time there is no such plans, although this would be awesome. If this ever happens it will be the same lineup, be sure about that.

Q: What’s your opinion about modern rock scene? Do you think that a powerful comeback of hard rock is possible?

Bobby Rondinelli: Some of the new bands are great, but most of them suck. They have bad singers, they lack lead guitarists. I hate them.

Q: Send a message to your fans in Greece.

Bobby Rondinelli: I hope I’ll come to Greece soon, I hope that you liked my cd. God bless you and keep on rocking. Thanks for the interview. I hope I'll see you sometime in the near future in your country.

Miltos Libitsounis

We would like to thank SNAKEBITE magazine for letting us use this interview. In SNAKEBITE you can find interviews, reviews of new records and features with a focus in AOR, melodic and classic rock. The magazine is distributed free of charge in record shops and rock bars. To get a copy contact: snakezine@yahoo.gr