We interviewed ex-SKID ROW drummer Charlie Mills yesterday. He told us the reasons why he left the band. Now we also contacted the new SKID ROW drummer Phil Varone to get his point of view. We also wanted to know what happened to the SAIGON KICK reunion. The future for this fantastic band doesn't seem to be so bright:
You recently joined Skid Row as replacement for Charlie Mills. When and how did they contact you?
As you know, Rachel Bolan and I have had a band in the past called "Prunella Scales", so we have been friends for about 8 years. They just called me and asked if I would be interested, and I said yes. The next day I was on a plane.
|
|
Did they just ask you or did
you have to audition?
They just asked me. They all know how I play, so it was cool. Have you known the other Skid Row guys before from your years on Atlantic Records? I first met them when they were looking for studios
in Florida to record "Slave To The Grind". Micheal Wagener introduced us,
and we remained friends for all |
Do you know why Charlie Mills left? On the Skid Row site they say it was lack of income. Can you imagine that? Doesn’t the band pay enough?
To be honest, I don't really know the whole story, and it is none of my business. I don't get involved in the politics.
Aren’t you afraid of being treated like an employee?
| Not at all, they are the greatest
guys, and we are good friends, it is all good.
Did you talk to Charlie? Yes, I came down to see his last show with them, and he showed me around and was great. He is a great guy, and we are friends also. Everything seemed to be mellow and upbeat as possible considering the situation. Did you already perform on stage with the Skids? Yes, to date I have done 6 shows. |
|
For how long will you be part of the band? Only the Kiss tour? Perhaps for a studio album?
As long as they will have me.
|
Prunella Scales (Phil Varone second from left) |
What is your opinion of all
the fuss between Skid Row and Sebastian Bach?
Like I said, I don't get into the politics. That has nothing to do with me. What happened to Saigon Kick after the reunion shows? Our first interview with you was at the beginning of May. What happened since then? Not too much, we just did it to have a little fun, that's all. Everyone thought we were trying to start over again, and that's not what we wanted, we just wanted to have a little fun, and play the old tunes. And thats what we did... |
What were the reactions of Matt Kramer and Tom DeFile when they heard about the Skid Row news? What are they doing at the moment?
I haven't talked to them actually. I know Matt is doing a project with George Lynch, and I'm sure Tom is whining about something.
| Is Jeff Blando still a member
of Saigon Kick?
There really isn't a band to be a member of. If something ever happened down the line wich is highly unlikely, Jeff would be asked to play again for sure. He is a fuckin' great person and giutar player. You said you have some other projects running. Will you still have enough time for them as Skid Row member? I hope so, trying to sort all of that out now. |
|
You said there is a full Saigon Kick album ready for release. When will it see the light of day?
|
|
We have enough material for a new
record, but nothing recorded in an album form.
What do you expect from your time with Skid Row? Alot of fun, meeting new people, Saigon Kick never had the opportunity to tour this large, so it is a real cool experience. Thanks alot, Phil. We wish you all the best with Skid Row. You've read it. It seems like we can bury our hopes to get another Saigon Kick album. Sad but true. |