Guitarist Alex Grossi checks in with BraveWords.com to discuss upcoming Dizzy Reed solo album, and HOOKERS & BLOW South American Tour.

Q: Hookers & Blow are getting are getting ready to embark on their first ever South American Tour which kicks off on November 13th Lima, Peru. Tell us what the fans can expect to see on the upcoming tour?

Grossi: "Yes, we are packing for our first visit to South America as Hookers & Blow. We have all been there numerous times with all of our other bands, but never as H&B; and we are very excited to be able to play for our fans down there and we plan to give them an extra special show. In terms of surprises, we have added some deeper GN'R cuts, as well as some of Dizzy's solo stuff."

Q: Who will be performing in the H&B; line-up for the South American Tour?

Grossi: "This time around the line-up is myself, Dizzy Reed, Mike Duda on bass (W.A.S.P) and Hollywood newcomer 22-year old Kevin Kapler on drums. He is a really great kid and is a lot of fun to play with."

Q: Recently you announced that you were recording guitars for Dizzy Reed's solo debut, what can you tell us about this project?

Grossi: "The record is being produced by longtime GN'R associate, DEL JAMES. The lineup of players on this project is amazing and I can't wait for its release. I was fortunate to work alongside of Mike Duda and Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P.); Adrian Young (NO DOUBT); Richard Fortus, Tommy Stinson and Frank Ferrer (GUNS N' ROSES); Bobby Hambel (BIOHAZARD); Todd Youth (DANZIG, MURPHY'S LAW and D-GENERATION); Ricky Warwick (THE ALMIGHTY); and my former QUIET RIOT band mates, Frankie Banali and Chuck Wright...just to name a few! The songs are really good and because of the diverse selection of musicians and musical styles, it is going to be a very special record."

Q: As a guitarist, in what musical direction do you want to take the record?

Grossi: "Each song is so unique that I approach them individually. Dizzy and Del are very good at expressing what they want out of me performance-wise and their visions of what each song should ultimately be."

Q: What is it like working with Del James? Del has worked a lot with Guns N' Roses and also wrote the short story, Without You, which inspired the GN'R 'November Rain' video.

Grossi: "Working with Del has been great! He has an amazing ear and some of the best musical instincts I have ever seen in a non-musician. He really seems to bring out the best in people, as he is very good at zoning in on what their strengths and weaknesses are, which ultimately yields the best performances. I can say without reservation that I have laid down some of the coolest stuff I have ever tracked during this project."

Q: 2008 has been turned out be to a very busy year for you. Earlier this summer you’re toured with the Dizzy/Jizzy Project. What were some of that highlights of that tour?

Grossi: "All I can say about that tour is, 'WOW!' We did 26 shows in 31 days. It was a blast. It got a little crazy at times, but I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I always enjoy playing with Jizzy on the LOVE/HATE stuff. The music is very demanding and it was nice to get it out there as L/H hadn't played outside of L. A. in over 15 years (with the exception of Europe). Having Dizzy and Jizzy onstage together was a real treat. It was also cool having our friends in various parts of the country come out and party with us. Current GN'R guitarist Bumblefoot came and jammed at our New York show, our friend Mike from Firehouse joined us onstage in Virginia, Bubba Sparxx came out in Philly, my buddies in SKID ROW hung out in Atlanta, etc. We also ended the tour with a deep-sea fishing trip in Florida. It was a Fucking Blast!"

Q: In October, the popular new show "Sons Of Anarchy" on FX featured the Beautiful Creatures song, 'Anyone', off of BC's sophomore album, Deuce. How did this transpire?

Grossi: "Honestly, they came to us with an offer to license the song. I had just started watching the show and it seemed like a perfect fit. Plus, who wouldn't want the extra cash? I don't care how cool you are, there is nothing like hearing a song you wrote on a hit TV show."

Q: Do you have any new endorsements that you would like to share with us?

Grossi: "Yes, I am proud to announce that I have signed on with a really cool new product called Snap-Jack. They are high-end guitar cables with magnetic ends that allow you to switch amps or guitars with no noise. I will be hanging at their NAMM booth this year. Stop by and say hi!"

Q: Will Hookers & Blow be touring the US again this year?

Grossi: "Other than maybe some weekend fly-outs, I think our main focus will be on getting Dizzy's record done, but look for us in 2009! We have something very special in the works for our 5-year anniversary next year. Can you believe we've outlasted many "real" bands? "

Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming release of GN'R's Chinese Democracy on November 23rd?

Grossi: "I am really looking forward to it. It's nice to see real rock back on the charts lately. The fact that AC/DC, METALLICA and MÖTLEY CRÜE have all put out very successful records this year is a refreshing change from the charts and airwaves being cluttered with American Idol rejects and generic emo-rock bands that will be gone and forgotten before Dr. Drew can even consider them for "Celebrity Rehab." But most importantly, I am really happy for Dizzy, knowing how much time and energy he put into this record. GN'R has always been my favourite band and no matter who is or isn't in it, there is no denying that the release of this record will be a true Rock and Roll milestone."

Hookers & Blow tour dates:

November

13 - Voce -- Lima, Peru
14 - Discoteca Mecano - Trujillo, Peru
15 - Fundo Stewart - Piura, Peru
16 - Kartodromo - Santa Cruz, Bolivia
18 - Ibex Rock Bar - Monterrey, Mexico