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This is the second of a series of interviews, where we give you a deeper insight into the members of S4TF. Deep Inside the Head of a Rock and Roll Bass Player – In-depth, with “Big Daddy” Author's Note: I need to admit this was one of the more challenging interviews I’ve ever conducted. While all questions were posed to Gene, all answers were provided by Karen. She obviously knows Gene quite well. Author: Did you really decide to pick up the bass based on a dare from one of your friends? Karen: He really did. Gene has always really enjoyed his hobbies. Whether it’s racing cars, golf, football, gambling, and now music. Playing in a rock band was really just the next logical step in Gene’s development. Author: How do you compare the rush of driving a race car, with performing live in a rock band in front of screaming fans? Karen: When Gene and I are standing there singing the Johnny/June Cash duet “Jackson”, there’s really no greater rush. Author: Highway to Hell is one of the band's signature cover tunes. I’ve got to admit, there’s a lot of “down-time” in that song for the bass player. In order to stay focused and remember when to come in on that song, how do you keep your focus during the “down-times” in songs like Highway? Karen: Gene has a laser-focus, and basically counts each measure out in every song in order to make sure he comes in at exactly the right spot. Author: Many bass players are content to hang back, and simply make sure that the band has a driving beat. I don’t get that sense from you. You seem to always be craving more? Are you getting what you need from this band? Karen: You’re right, whatever it is, Gene is always craving more. Author: What’s a guy like you enjoy doing when you what to unwind and just chill? Karen: Gene’s favorite has got to be going to a spa and doing the couple’s massage. Author: Who are some of your bass player idols? Where do you get your inspiration? Karen: Really any of the many bass players that have played in Pat Benatar’s band are some of Gene’s favorites. Gene also admires Mona, the bass player that plays with Sammy Hagar. (You can catch Mona’s website at pinkvoodoo.com) Author: You’ve got no shortage of equipment including several basses and amplifiers. Does it ever bother you that some of other band members (mainly the drummer), thinks your Mark Bass amplifiers were named after a fisherman? Karen: Who’s Mark Bass? Author: I’ve got to imagine playing in a rock back and practicing as much as you do, you must grow awfully close to the other members. What’s your honest opinion about Steve? Karen: Steve who? Author’s Follow-up Note: 2 weeks after my interview with Gene and Karen, I received an email from Gene (aka Big Daddy) with the following comments: - Not much compares to pushing your Porsche well beyond 130mph. - During the down-time in Highway to Hell, I’m usually thinking things like: Did I bring a 12-pack or a full-case? How many of my beers has Lee B. had by now? Why doesn’t Lee M. own a metronome? - John Entwistle (The Who), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) have inspired me to be a better bass player. I can’t stand Mona. - Some of my favorite groups are the Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, ZZ Top, and Metallica. - Lee M. doesn’t get out much. |
band are actually our “better halves.” We are thrilled that they support what we do, and participate in the band. Without them, we would sound much worse. Just a hobby for all of us, this website has been put together with “tongue firmly in cheek.” We enjoy playing live, and to date, have encouraged our fans (mostly family and friends) to bring donations to all of our gigs. To date we have raised several thousand dollars for some of the finest local charities in Central Indiana.