This past Thursday in Los Angeles, a press conference held by promoter Gabe Reed talked about a slew of major concerts that will be happening in South America in April and May 2012. They will be performed by a wide array of amazing artists called the Rock and Roll All Star Band (all listed below.) We were privileged to take in the entire press conference and bring it to you. The Rock ‘n’ Roll All Star Band consists of:
* Gene Simmons (KISS)
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N’ ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N’ ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N’ ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)
The Musicians that attended the conference in person were: Gene Simmons, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke, Glenn Hughes, Sebastian Bach.
We arrived a bit early for the press conference and were able to get a good table where me and my assistant Joey Vitale set up our equipment. During this process, I noticed that Gene Simmons was standing next to the wall right by our table. He came over and cracked a few jokes with us. What a cool guy! He seemed very relaxed and excited seeing his band members come in from this new project. Shannon Tweed was also there in support of her new husband and even more beautiful and stunning in person. She is such class act!
I made my way backstage before the show, and spent some time snapping photos while the musicians were buzzing with excitement. They were all very relaxed cracking many jokes with each other and also sharing in the same anticipation upon the soon to be announcement. I then made my way back to the main room where we grabbed a table earlier. I made sure I jockeyed myself for position to take some good photos and be able to ask some questions to the attending artists.
All of the artists looked truly happy to be taking part in this extraordinary event. One by one they filtered in and sat down at the long table with their name cards, as promoter Gabe Reed hosted. Out of the approximate 30 media attendees, I believe BackstageAxxess were one of the few or possibly the only North American outlet to report.
Each Band member took a bit of time to speak. A few times Sebastian started to sing and his voice sounded great! You can tell he is really ready to rock! Then Sebastian stated he was thrilled to be able to do this tour, and especially to be in a band with Gene Simmons and his first side project.
I got to ask an important question directed to Gene Simmons. I asked since he has always toured only with his band – KISS, How does he feel about touring with these amazing musicians? His said he was “VERY excited and that he loves the passionate people in South America. He also stated that most importantly, they want to have fun, play music and make people happy!” (see it all on the accompanying video for what the demon truly had to say!)
After the press conference was done. They all stood together and took pics. You could just feel the great vibe of how fun this tour will be. I again made my way backstage and enjoyed taking photos as others were conducting interviews. I got to snap some very impromptu photos. I was lucky enough to talk to Gilby Clarke and chat a bit. I asked him if they planned on writing anything new on the road or will sing any new songs? He said they plan on just singing all their many songs at this point. Once they get going on the tour, he said, we will see what happens. He obliged to me taking some photos and couldn’t be happier to oblige. Ladies, he still looks amazing as I got to capture those amazing blue eyes without his sunglasses on!
As I listened to another interview going on, I heard a question I had wanted to ask myself. It was directed at Matt Sorum. The question was: “Has he talked to Axl Rose and will there be a GNR reunion?” He answered: “That he had not talked to him in long while, and he is not sure what may happen regarding a reunion. He did seem to be open what may be.” Then Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum were heard saying this reunion would never have happened had they not been sober. They are so thankful, grateful and so happy to be sober and doing this project.
What a great morning. Gabe did an amazing job getting this together. It was a real success. Take a look at the photos and video to get the real scoop.
We would like to thank Gabe Reed for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to cover the press conference. For more information on tickets and show dates, please go to: ROCK AND ROLL ALL STARS .
