Interview with drummer Izzy
Rock
Quick Facts:
Name: Izzy Rock
Birth date: March 27
Place of birth: Santiago, Chile
Favorite album of all time?
WICKED SENSATION by Lynch Mob
What is the first CD or LP you
ever bought? I remember my dad buying me Def Leppard’s Hysteria on Cassette
back in ’88. But the first I ever bought, if I remember correctly, was
Whitesnake SLIP OF THE TONGUE on cd. I remember saving up all my pennies then asking
my dad to take me to the record store.
A drum: Pork Pie Percussion.
I’m a hard hitter. For drumsticks, I
rely on Xcel Drumsticks for its durability and reliability on stage and in the
studio. Pork Pie Percussion and Xcel Drumsticks is the perfect combination for
me.
Favorite musician: Having met
a lot of famous musicians I grew up idolizing on the radio and MTV, three great
musicians come to mind. Mike Patton frontman and rhythm guitar for 3PartsDead, Jason
Cornwell bassist for 3PartsDead and the Eric Martin Band, and Nikki Sin lead
guitar for V. Aside from being great musicians, they also happen to be great
friends of mine.
Favorite band or group: ahhhh
so many to mention, but I have 3 all-time favorite bands. Lynch Mob, Rata
Blanca, Whitesnake.
As you describe yourself? Back
in 2011, when I played Rocklahoma, I was being called “the smiley drummer”
because I’m constantly smiling I guess. I’ve been called a very friendly and
humble individual, so I’m assuming I’m that.
When did you first start
playing, and which artists were your biggest influences?
I started with a toy drum kit
when I was 7 or 8 years old back in Chile. The kit consisted of a snare, bass
drum and a cymbal. All were attached to the bass drum. I remember driving my
parents crazy. My very first show was in front of all our neighbors and
neighborhood friends. My uncle and his friends put a makeshift stage together
so all the kids could perform whatever they wanted. So, me and 3 other friends
dressed as KISS (or we thought we dressed as KISS). We lip synched to Rock n
Roll All Nite. I still remember the awesome feeling of being onstage in front
of your friends. That was the moment I think, that started it all for me.
How would you describe your
playing style?
I’m a very visual drummer, I like
to put on a show to accompany the movements on stage of the Singer, guitar
player and bassist. In an interview, my friend described my playing as
“bombastic” and it’s because I'm a hard hitter.
Who is your favorite drummer
of all time?
Now this is a tough question
since I’ve been influenced by a ton great of drummers. I can give you the ones
that I'm constantly listening to though. Tommy Aldridge, Eric Singer, Brian Tichy,
Matt Sorum, Ian Aughland, Alex Gonzalez, Fernando Scarsella, Deen Castronovo,
John Bonham, Jason Bonham, Rod Morgenstein, Franki Banalli, BJ Zampa, Eric
Carr, Ken Koudelka…
Almost everyone has a song
that is special, you would like to reveal what is your song special and why?
This song is very dear to me.
When I first heard it, I loved it. Very melodic. But it took a different feel
and it became more personal. I always sing it outloud at home because it brings
back memories of my mother. TOMORROW by Europe, whenever I play it on my stereo
it gets me teary eyed. Europe was one of her favorite Rock bands.
What are your next projects?
At the moment I'm working with
my friend Jason Cornwell on some ideas for songs, and hopefully soon have the
ball rolling.
To end the interview, a phrase
you want to leave…
Rock n Roll is very much alive
and kicking!