BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Guitarist, Bassist To Attend NAMM 2007; Reflect On 2006 In New Interview

December 27, 2006, 17 years ago

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BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitarist Nick Catanese and bassist John JD Deservio will be attending NAMM 2007, which will take place January 18th - 21st in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Nick Catanese will be doing signings at the Dean Markley Booth, EMG, Tone Pros, Coffin Cases, and Washburn Guitars. John JD Deservio will be signing at EMG, Schecter, Samson, and Coffin Cases. JD will also be playing for Zoom Pedals on January 20. Times will be announced soon.

In related news, the pair recently recapped the 2006 Black Label Society Year with Boston writer Deb Rao.

Q: What was your favorite Black Label Society gig this year? Black Label Society had so many great shows this past year, what show in particular stood out among them all?

Catanese: "Well each one stood out in its own way, New York really ripped it up."

Deservio: "Kansas City on. OZZZFest. We played the main stage at night! It ruled!"

Q: The Metal Scene seems to be revitalized in 2006. OZZFest featured a wide selection of up and coming bands. Black Label Society ruled the second stage at OZZFest this year. Guitar solos are back in fashion. Fans are listening to lyrics, once again. What is your "Rock and Roll Predication" for Metal in 2007? Do you see the trend for metal to stay focused on the lyrics and guitar solos in 2007?

Catanese: "I think it's all coming full circle, guitarists knowing there are 6 strings and how to play them all, not just crunch chords. It should be a great year."

Deservio: "I think it'll last a while again. The kids are reaching back, which is everything for the future. I think the kids today are starting to go back and check the masters that came before them. There were so many great guitar heroes years ago. I always kid Zakk, he's the last one left! He wins by default!'

Q: What was your favorite OZZFest moment in 2006? Any bands that you enjoyed listening to?

Catanese: We really didn't have time to stick around, but DRAGONFORCE played awesome, DISTURBED as always, we were just pretty much in and out to get to the next show.

Deservio: "The KC show."

Q: What were some of your favorite albums in 2006?

Catanese: "REBEL MEETS REBEL, Shot To Hell, GODSMACK's new one, and the new DEFTONES."

Deservio: "GNARLES BARKLEY"

Q: The recent Black Label Society tour featured four new songs off of Shot To Hell. Do you feel the material is Black Label Society best work yet?

Catanese: "Totally, with JD and Craig jamming it added so much of a groove and drive that really shows in this CD. 'Give Yourself To Me' is very groove oriented and my favorite 'New Religion'."

Q: How do you think Black Label Society has grown musically as a band during the past year?

Catanese: "I think we have grown in music as well as people. This was the most relaxing fun tour ever. We have a blast jamming together."

Deservio: "The more time you spend together musically you grow tremendously, by the end of the tour, tunes have taken a whole new life of their own."

Q: JD, how has your work with some of the top 80's artists help you develop as a musician? What 80's artists had a big influence on your musical style?

Deservio: "I played with LITA FORD in '90 or '91. We toured with MÖTLEY CRÜE on Dr. Feelgood. I was a kid then and it was awesome! I played with RICHIE KOTZEN the year before I got back with BLS. We toured South America, Korea and Spain. It was a lot of fun. Richie sings his ass off and our band was kicking! Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN) was one of my first biggest influences. I learned the first 4 records note for note! I met Steve when I was 15 at the Palladium in New York, On "Beast On The Road" tour, I was wearing a 3/4 sleeve concert shirt and I drew the Killers cover on it! Steve signed it and I thanked him for making we switch to using my fingers instead of a pick! It would been great to show him it and have him sign it again! Geezer Butler, James Jamerson, Jaco Patorius all changed my life, as well as Randy Rhoads."

Q: Nick, What was your favorite "Metal Moment" of 2006?

Catanese: "Metal moment, I really don't know since I don't know if we are Metal."

Deservio: "Zakk had pneumonia in San Francisco. We pulled up a bunch of fans to sing 'Fire it Up'."

Q: Nick, do you have a new guitar in the works?

Catanese: "Always, I got a kick ass camo coming that's way different than Zakk's, and a few other toys."

Q: As 2006 come to a close, do you have any New Year Resolutions?

Catanese: "Not really, just still keep working hard and kicking ass."

Deservio: "No, I'm no quitter."

Q: Is their anything that you would like to say to all of the many Chapters of Black Label Society fans across the country?

Catanese: "Thank you for a great run in '06, and hope to build more by '07. Stay strong and see you soon!"

Deservio: "Keep bleedin' Black Label!"



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