Interview: Rowan Robertson
Hello Rowan,
be welcome to the interviews with Rocket Queen. I salute you and I am more than happy to have you here talking with me. I got some questions for you... so letz start the action....
1. First of all please introduce yourself to all the ones the younger generation which didn`t already know you.
Rowan: Hello! I was given my break in the business by the great Ronnie James Dio, as his guitarist on the 1991 Dio album, Lock Up The Wolves. I have lived and played music in LA ever since and am currently in DC4
2. You were former lead guitarist for Ronnie James Dios "DIO". How and when did you first ran into Mr. Dio?
Rowan: I sent him an audition tape (when we still used cassette tapes) and he flew me out to LA to audition for him at age 17, in 1989. First meeting with him, I bet him I knew the year he last played at castle Donnington in England- I won ha ha.
3. When did Ronnie give you the job as his lead guitarist? You also toured the world together with him... so what are your most impressing tour memories you have way back this long time ago?
Rowan: Playing the intro to Children Of The Sea, looking up thousands of lighters against a black arena thinking, 'how in the hell did I get here?
4. Ronnie James Dio in your own words?
Rowan: Honest, down to earth, caring, trustworthy, magical and wise, and a real crack up.
5. Well after you left Dio you wrote and composed your on music to this day. So where did you get the most ideas when you write your songs? Got special places where you write your songs?
Rowan: Anything good Ive ever written comes from a guitar riff! I wish I could bottle it, but the good ones come when they want to. I think the nearest thing I could say to a formula is when youre excited to grab the guitar and play on it, something good may come out.
6. Your favourite DIO song is?
Rowan: Too many of them, just far too many amazing masterpieces in his whole career to choose from, but lately Ive been enjoying 'Catch The Rainbow'
7. Currently you are working together with DC4. Could you please introduce DC4 to us?
Rowan: Sure. Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint) Vocals and guitar, Shawn Duncan (Odin) drums, and Matt Duncan, bass, and me on guitar also.
8. How would you describe the musical style of DC4?
Rowan: melodic hard rock.
9. What is DC4 doing at the moment? And when will we hear some new tunes?
Rowan: We are alsomst done mixing the new record 'Electric Ministry', and talking to a good record label, so, son it will be out, by next summer Im sure.
10.Which other musical projects do you have at the moment?
Rowan: Im going to Norway in January to play a few gigs with 'Queenstreet' - its a way for me to play some of the Dio stuff I played on, and some other of his great works.
11. Which hobbies do you have? Do you have some free time left for your hobbies?
Rowan: I love to do a few other thing, but I dont do them enough because I devote most of my time to music. I like to read, and hike. Also I like to build stuff, in wood and mess with paints. maybe later on in my life I will make more time for fun stuff like that.
12. So, now please leave a final note for all my readers!
Rowan: I am so happy for us all that we love great music, and I really feel close to anyone who takes the time to say hello and look me up. Rock on guys and stay young!
Rowan with DIO
It was so nice to have this interview with you Rowan. It really means the world to me to talk to one of Ronnie James Dios close friends. Thank you so much, I feel honored that you gave me the opportunity for this talk. Have a nice christmas and all best wishes for 2011,
Susi
Rowan: Thank you Susi, it was my pleasure and talk to you again soon, R
© 12 2010 by Rocket Queen *Promotion*