Feature image credit: Northeast Rock Review


By Andrew DiCecco

Image courtesy of KIX Facebook (official)

It’s been over a year now since veteran guitarist Bob Paré stepped in to replace venerated mainstay Ronnie ‘10/10’ Younkins, yet the mighty KIX continues to deliver without a hitch.

The remarkably cohesive quintet that you see today ultimately came together last May, when Paré joined vocalist Steve Whiteman, guitarist Brian ‘Damage’ Forsythe, bassist Mark Schenker, and drummer Jimmy Chalfant to blend together a formidable unit capable of enhancing KIX’s captivating live energy and overall fluidity.

This time, Paré and I spoke about, among other things, what the past year has been like for him, adjusting to an active touring schedule, and the prospect of new music.

For more information on all things KIX-related, head on over to www.kixband.com.

Andrew:
Thanks for taking the time, Bob. Before we dive in, let’s catch everyone up with where things stand on the KIX front since our last conversation in August.

Bob:
Since August, we’ve kind of solidified things in terms of making the current lineup more of a fixture. So, the good folks at Bigg Time Entertainment have started to include me in some photographs and some things like that on the promotional side. And, you know, there’s nothin’ written in stone, but I don’t anticipate an exit anytime in the near future, simply because there are so many things that go on behind the scenes to keep this business – and the brand – of KIX moving smoothly. And right now, things are really smooth.

I guess since we had spoken last August, Jimmy [Chalfant, drummer] had his heart attack in late September, so we had to scramble around, and the amazing Will Hunt played with us in Tennessee for the Monsters on the Mountain. We had a local show, and John Allen from a band called Charm City Devils and Stone Horses, both of his bands, plus he was in a band called Child’s Play back in the 80s. He filled in for us for one show. We had a huge, huge event with Monsters on the Mountain in Tennessee, and it was a scramble. Mark [Schenker, bass] and myself worked really hard to get Will up to speed, and he did amazing; we didn’t do any rehearsal; we were in the hotel room for a couple of hours just going over songs. From a technical standpoint, I mean, [Will’s] an amazing drummer. His work with Evanescence, and obviously, Slaughter, speaks for itself.

We also ran into the COVID train in September, as well. The end of September was Jimmy’s heart attack, and Labor Day weekend – two weeks prior to that – we had Summer Fest and we were performing with the guys from Queensryche, and lo and behold, we got it. Not all of us; some of us got it. I can honestly speak for myself, I got it and brought it home to my wife. So, we had to cancel a huge show in Ocean City Maryland, for Ocean City Bike Week, and that was a disappointment. I played Ocean City Bike Week with other bands, but I was really looking forward to doing it with KIX. But we obviously had to bail out of that for obvious reasons.

We were dealt some interesting obstacles towards the end of the year, and we had to catch our collective breath after November. Of course, all the local Christmas shows went off without a hitch. But we took the month of January off, and Brian [Forsythe, guitar] originally was supposed to be scheduled with Rhino Bucket for the entire month of January, so KIX was gonna take a month off and prepare for the Monsters of Rock Cruise. Which we did; everything went well. Yeah, the end of the year last year was difficult; we were faced with some challenges, but everything’s going really well right now. I have no complaints.

Andrew:
Given KIX’s active touring schedule, how big of an adjustment has the past year been?

Bob:
Yeah, slightly. Mainly because the last time I was doing a tremendous amount of playing, at this caliber, was in the late 80s through a little bit of the early 90s. So, I was much younger. In terms of it being an adjustment, it’s obvious that being on the road as much as we are, there is some adjustment. But I’m in a position in my life where I’m able to do that. So, I don’t feel like I’m doing something I don’t enjoy. I absolutely love it. I love traveling; I have a much wider awareness of the places that I’m going, and I try to take in as much as I can, as little as we’re able to. I like to take in the sights and meet people. So, in terms of the adjustment, though, with the band being real busy, there is some scheduling that – originally, we didn’t know how long I was gonna be filling in for Ronnie – so I didn’t really make any long-term preparations schedule-wise. I haven’t had to make any sacrifices in terms of family, business, and things like that. I’m still able to hold up my end of the bargain, so to speak.

Image courtesy of Bob Paré Facebook (official)

Andrew:
From your perspective, what was it like returning to the M3 Rock Festival – the biggest show of the year for KIX – after playing the event last year as you were figuring things out?

Bob:
Well, when I played it last July, my place in the band was still in its infancy. So, I was too busy focusing on my role, and playing guitar, and doing my job. I didn’t know what to expect; I just needed to go out there and do my thing. So, this year, already having one under my belt, I knew what to expect a little more. It was somethin’ I was able to prepare for a little bit more, in terms of, we wanted to talk about the setlist and shake things up a little bit. I think if people saw me do last year’s [M3] in the band versus this year’s, I think people would have to agree that the band’s playing really well this year. I’m confident in what I’m doing with the band and paying homage to the songs. I think after playing with ‘em for a year, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with everything. So, now I’m starting to really have a lot of fun.

Andrew:
In our last conversation, you mentioned how closely you were trying to emulate Ronnie and Brad’s parts, but do you ever find yourself implementing your own style in spots now that you’re established?

Bob:
No, no. I continue to do exactly what I was hired to do. The easy part is playing guitar in this band; the hard part for me was prior to my first show, and that was to do everything I could in terms of sound and playing the songs. That was the hard part and took a little legwork. Now, it’s very much, just, autopilot. I don’t have to catch myself trying to put my own twist on things because the originals are just so good, and I have so much fun playing them. I don’t really feel the need to change anything, and quite honestly, these guys are creatures of habit, and I don’t think the crowd would respond to anything outside of what the songs sound like on the records. I’m really thrilled with just playing the way the record sounds, at least to the best of my ability. I’m still having a blast doing that, and by no stretch bored with playing. And we play different sets all over the place, so there’s no time to get bored. I mean, if I had done that for thirty-five years, ask me in thirty-five years and I may tell you a different answer. But right now, I have no reason or desire to put my own ingredients into what’s already what I consider a perfect product.

Andrew:
What is your primary guitar of choice for live performances?

Bob:
So, I’ve been playing a lot of different guitars. They’re all Gibson Custom Shops, and they all come out of a place called Wildwood Guitars out in Colorado. They’re Custom Shop guitars from Gibson that have been modified by a Luthier here in Annapolis, his name is John Ingram; he was one of the founders of PRS Guitars, and currently works with the folks at Knaggs Guitars in Stevensville, Maryland. So, they’re all Gibson Custom Chop Les Paul’s, with the exception of two, that I take on fly dates; those are both SG’s [Solid Guitar] with a vibrola on them, so I can play songs like “She Dropped Me the Bomb” and “No Ring Around Rosie.” So, I started out with my ’57 reissue – my red one – and I wore that one out pretty quick. And I decided I wanted to expand my KIX arsenal because those guitars are specific to KIX, I don’t play them in any other thing. They’re set up for playing just KIX music, sound, and look. So, I’ve had six 1959 reissues from the Gibson custom shop that came from Wildwood Guitars and have been modified by John Ingram with new threads. I have a signature pickup that I use, and they’re all pretty much the same. Then occasionally, I bring out a couple of my vintage 1956 or 1958 Les Paul’s to play – for my own enjoyment – at home shows; I don’t take those on airplanes.

Image credit: Jody Wilk Photography

Andrew:
How does KIX’s upcoming tour schedule look?

Bob:
We’ve got some great shows coming up. In St. Peters, Missouri – outside of St. Louis – we have a show at the Diamond Billiard Music Club on June 25, and a really big one-two days before, The Lakes Jam in Brainerd, Minnesota. And I wanna say that’s with Night Ranger. Then we have a couple of weeks off, then, of course, the Dundalk Heritage Fair in Maryland. So, that’s a nice, local one for us, and that’s July 3. Another big one for us – well, you mentioned Bottle and Cork earlier, which is July 7 – but at the York Fairgrounds, we’re playing Wednesday. KIX is headlining at the York Fair, which I believe is one of the oldest fairs in the country. Last year was great – I think we were with Warrant and Slaughter – and we had beautiful weather, and the crowd was fantastic. A lot of fans were disappointed that we were opening the show. Of course, the good folks with the York Fair organization picked up on that and decided to put KIX in a headlining position. So, Wednesday, July 27, we’re gonna be headlining. Then, of course, there’s a flurry of dates through July and August, but the big ones are August 21, that’s Monsters on the Mountain with Night Ranger. That’s a three-day festival with some fantastic bands. It’s such a well-run program, and it’s a great value for the fans; there are some great, great bands for Monsters on the Mountain this year. Then we get back into the swing of the fall when we have OC BikeFest. We’re gonna be going some places we haven’t been since I’ve been with the band. There are a ton of dates on the KIX band tour schedule and we’re looking forward to it.

Andrew:
I have cited KIX as one of the premier live rock ‘n’ roll bands, and promote them at all opportunities due to its captivating performances and energy. This band epitomizes what every live rock act should strive for.

Bob:
Well, those guys have been doing it this way for a long time and it comes to them very naturally. First and foremost, since day one – when I was a fan when I first heard them in 1981 – they don’t have to work at it. It’s in their DNA. As time has gone on and people have matured, I mean, it’s obvious the people that put in the work. There are some bands out there that just don’t put in the work. And I can honestly say, I am so lucky to be surrounded by guys that have the same kind of methods and means to take care of themselves and to put in the work. I honestly can’t imagine myself playing with another band after KIX that didn’t put forth the same amount of work. And that entails taking care of themselves, knowing their role, and doing what their responsibilities are. And with all that being said, that enables them to continue to put on these high-energy shows at the top of their game. They don’t leave anything on the table, and it’s fun for me to try to keep up. Like I said, for me to go anywhere else after this, they’re gonna have to really pack their A-game because I’m workin’ with the best.

Image credit: Neil Lim Sang

Andrew:
Would you anticipate KIX releasing any new music in the future?

Bob:

Well, I can’t speak on behalf of the band – and I certainly can’t speak on behalf of the management and things like that – but what I can tell ya is I have been trying to egg them on into doing something. When Steve, Jimmy, and I worked on Steve’s solo record, I don’t think [Steve] realized how much fun it would be, and I don’t think he realized how successful it would be. In terms of today’s market, it did really well, and people like it. I use that as a tool, like, “Well, ya know, KIX could release something.” And it doesn’t even necessarily have to be a full-length album; it could be one or two songs. So, with that being said, recently, we’ve been tracking some things in the studio that are just for fun. Just cover stuff – it’s not KIX — but Steve’s gonna play harmonica on some parts and we’re working with Brad Divens, and he’s playing bass and some stuff. So, it’s sort of like the same foursome that worked on Steve Whiteman’s solo record. But we’re doing some cover stuff just to throw on YouTube, just for fun.

But as far as KIX ever releasing a full-length record, I mean, I probably wouldn’t have anything to do with that, but I’m doing everything I can to egg those guys on into doing that. There are some songs out there that the band had written and maybe didn’t release, or there are some things that have been recorded that I know are worthy of the fans’ respect, and I think they would react to it. But it’s difficult because this industry, and the business, it costs a lot of money. The return is minuscule. There are no record labels that are nurturing artists anymore. Coming from their perspective in working with a record company — be it they enjoy it or not — that was trying to nurture them, that just doesn’t exist anymore. So, it’s difficult for them to get past that. But Steve really, really enjoyed making that solo record, and it really wasn’t that painful. We used modern tools in a modern era, where it didn’t cost as much as [Steve] thought.

So, I’m using that as a little ammunition and trying to egg him on to put down some new music. And again, I don’t have any interest in the corporation or the business, but I speak on behalf of the fans when I say, “It would really be nice and awesome if you guys released something again.” It doesn’t even have to be full-length; it could just be a song or two. That would be so awesome. The fans would eat it up, and I’m a hundred percent certain that if they were ever to cross the bridge where they were to release new material, it would be good songs. They won’t do anything that would be subpar. Part of the reason that that would be the case is that there are no schedules; there’s no record label; there are no deadlines; there are no producers that have a schedule. It can be something where you can almost let a song, or a group of songs, fester and mature, kind of like a fine wine; just let it sit there and age for a little while and make some tweaks, rather than just spit something out real quick. The fact that they don’t have a schedule and they don’t have a deadline, I think, would be in their favor.

Andrew:
Last one, Bob. Last time we spoke, you said that Brad [Divens] was mixing and producing your Ever Rise album. What is the status of that project?

Bob:
Ever Rise has some dates where they’re playing out, and my son, Nicolas, is actually filling in for me. So, that’s working out really well. He did his first show with them last month, and I got to catch the last set; we had the show at Rocky Gap, and we were finished, and I jetted over to see my son play the last set with Ever Rise. It went well, so he’s been filling in with them. We’re almost done with this record; we’ve been kind of hindered by time restraints, and Brad’s been back at work with various artists. He’s been in Europe, and traveling quite a bit, and working with different folks. So, his schedule got a little busy, as well. When we started working together on it, we were still at the tail-end of the COVID pandemic, so we had time on our hands. But now, the business is getting busier; everybody’s just making hay while the sun is shining.

I wanna follow up by just saying that the last year – even if it ended tomorrow – I’m so blessed. I have worked really hard, and the continued loyalty of the fans is just amazing. It’s every day, at every show, that I get these ridiculous accolades from people that I probably don’t deserve, because I’m doing something I absolutely love to do. It’s easy for me and I’m having so much fun. I’m meeting so many cool, new people, and I’m getting a lot of attention from other artists. But most importantly, the fans have just continued to be so amazing. And it’s tough for them because they love Ronnie Younkins – and so do I – and it’s been a long couple of years for everybody. I know a lot of folks were hoping he’d come back right away, [but] it’s just not in the cards right now. The folks have been patient, but still, they have been so supportive. Maybe I’m growing on ‘em a bit, I don’t know; I’m hoping. I mean, it’s my intention that I leave people feeling that they weren’t missing something. It’s just been great. It’s been kind of geometrically snowballing, as we return to venues we played a year ago. People are sending me messages, reaching out, and saying they are looking forward to seeing me again, which is something I honestly didn’t expect. People like yourself have been so supportive, and I really appreciate it.

Image courtesy of KIX Facebook (official)

Interested in learning more about KIX? Hit the link below:

Be sure to check out the full archives of Shredful Compositions, by Andrew DiCecco, here: https://vinylwritermusic.wordpress.com/shredful-compositions-archives/

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