Another BT5 member interview! I managed to catch up with Randall X. Rawlings, guitarist of BT5 in an e-mail interview. Randy was one of the members that Jo and I didn't get to talk with too much at the shows we attended, so I was thrilled to be able to catch up with him!
Sit back, relax and enjoy what Randy has to say about Sebastian Bach, BT5, touring and of course some general information on himself!
How old were you when you first picked up a guitar? What was the feeling like? When did you decide that you wanted to be a musician?
I was 13, and got an acoustic guitar for my birthday. As soon as I started figuring out how to play, it felt like what I should have been doing all along. I decided to be a musician as soon as I found out that I was finally good at something.
Who are your musical influences?
Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Neil Geraldo, John Sykes, and last but not least Zakk "Fucking" Wylde.
If you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?
Wolverine from the X-men, because he rips.
Who would or would you have liked to collaborate with (dead or alive)?
If you would've asked me this question a year ago, I could've answered. I'm already playing with my favorite singer.
What CD's are you currently listening to?
The new Black Label Society, Audioslave, and old Van Halen.
For all your female fans, alone, girlfriend, or married?
I'm engaged to my best friend, she's the reason I'm able to do everything I do. She's my inspiration.
In one word, describe your music (alone).
Ripping
Where is your dream spot to perform?
The Budokan in Japan.
How did you hook up with Sebastian Bach?
Through an ad that was posted on Blabbermouth.net.
What was your first reaction when Sebastian contacted you about being a part of the new band?
I didn't think I would get the gig. I went and tried out anyway, figured it would be cool to meet my favorite singer. So after spending the night on his couch, he came and told me that he wanted me in his band. Then I was pretty damn excited.
You just finished your first mini tour with BT5, how was that?
It was a lot of fun. Playing in front of crowds of devoted fans every night was a big change for me. Plus I got to play a bunch of places I've never played before, so that was cool too.
Were there any highlights or disappointments on this past tour?
Playing with Twisted Sister was bad ass. I grew up listening to those guys. Playing with Rob Affuso on drums in New York was definitely a highlight as well. Detroit was probably the best show, they don't call it Rock City for nothing. The only disappointment was that it was over so fast.
What was your favorite song to perform on this mini tour and why?
Playing the new stuff was great, people really liked it. That made me feel really good. As far as the old stuff, In A Darkened Room, is my favorite to play. I love listening to Baz sing it, and the solo at the end gives me a lot of room to stretch out and show off.
What was it like to be on the same bill with Twisted Sister and Alice Cooper?
That was crazy, playing on the same stage with such legendary performers. It's something I've always wanted to do.
What is it like to be in a band with Sebastian Bach as your front man?
The phrase "Dreams Come True" comes to mind. I've always wanted to find a singer that has a great voice and is fun to be around. That is Baz to a tee. I've never had this much fun working before.
Out of the songs that you performed on the BT5 tour, was there any one song that was difficult for you to learn?
Not at all. I've known most of them for years. They all came pretty natural to me.
Sebastian Bach released the information back in September about the new band, BT5. When did you first start rehearsing for the tour? Did anyone participate in the rehearsals from Sebastian Bach & Friends (Besides Bam Bam)?
I was asked to join the band in July. We jammed all summer. Working on the new tunes and finalizing the band. The actual tour rehearsal started 2 weeks before the tour. Paul Crook was in town on a break from Meatloaf, and he came and jammed with us a couple of times, before we found Adam.
How would you describe the music of BT5 to someone that did not attend the 2003 mini tour?
BT5's music is ball crushing metal with lyrics that actually mean something.
What is the greatest thing about being in BT5?
Playing with the best guys around in front of the best fans on earth.
You were in a band previously with Cheeze (bass player). Was this a coincidence that you both were chosen to be in BT5 or was this a package deal?
We auditioned together, but agreed that if one of us didn't make it we would be happy for the one that did. It just so happened that we both got it, so we were both happy.
What's next for BT5?
We are about to go in the studio to record our first CD. It'll be out in the spring. Then we will go tour and take over the world.
Since Sebastian is currently filming Gilmore Girls, what's keeping you busy?
I'm spending time with my family and friends. I play guitar a lot, practicing and writing tunes. I'm helping some friends out with some recording projects. Getting ready to go make a Brutal CD with Baz.
In one word describe the music of BT5.
Brutal
Message for your fans? Anything you would like to plug?
