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 Here at GlamMetal.com we've been fortunate enough to have interviewed some incredible artist's over the years, everyone from Jethro Tull to Sevendust, and have even interviewed a couple of adult movie stars, but we've yet to interview a fellow rock journalist...until now! We're very excited to announce that veteran rock journalist extraordinaire, Lonn Friend is here to grace our site!
Lonn Friend has been around the "rock" block so to speak, and I'm sure that most people know that he was the executive editor of RIP Magazine back during the hey day of the Glam-Metal era, and was the guy who pretty much introduced Guns N' Roses to the world!
You may also remember Friend from MTV's Headbanger's Ball, or seen him on VH1 several times throughout the years. Lonn was also Editor-in-Chief for the loudest dot com on the planet, KNAC.com for a while as well. Lonn Friend has basically been there, and done that, and it's all in his new book titled "Life on Planet Rock!"
That's right, Lonn is now the Author of a brand new and exciting book crammed full of Rock N' Roll stories, and man does this guy have some stories to share! So without rambling on any further, we at GlamMetal.com are very happy to bring you this exclusive interview with the legendary Lonn Friend! Enjoy!
Lonn Friend, welcome to GlamMetal.com! First, I'd like to say congratulations on your new book titled "Life on Planet Rock," which is a great title by the way. What's it like going from Rock Journalist to Author, and when will "Life on Planet Rock" officially be in stores?
The book has been in stores since July 11th. The transition has been, uh, eventful. A lesson in flexibility, patience and process. Writing articles and writing a book are two entirely different disciplines. Keeping a thread and theme going for 300 pages is more problematic than a ten page expose or interview. I guess being an author makes me more legitimate in the eyes of the literary world. I don't feel any different, just a bit exhausted for having birthed a memoir.
Have you had any reviews on "Life on Planet Rock" yet, and if so, how were they?
A few but I don't keep track or pay that much attention to the mainstream press, though perhaps I should. The New York Times is reviewing Planet Rock this weekend, October 1st. I'm more attached to what the fans think, the amazon.com reader reviews and the amazing my space messages I receive every day. The book was written for fans, not critics, though I can tell you that the mainstream press have been most taken by the Clive Davis chapter, my 'sellout' professional moment. I think fans will gain something from that tale, too, because it gives an insight into the dark, inner workings of the music industry. Now that sounds fun, too, doesn't it?
Is "Life on Planet Rock" coming out in Hard Cover or paperback, and what expectations do have for this book Lonn?
It's a trade paperback. First time authors usually don't warrant hardcover unless they're superstars in their own right. I'm just a regular guy who hung out with superstars. People can expect any number of things from my book: anecdotes from the inside of the most bombastic period in rock history, like my personal take on the making of Metallica's Black. RIP was the only magazine granted monthly access to the studio where the mightiest band in the land was crafting the LP that would launch them from being metal monarchs to mainstream masters of the rock universe. Planet Rock is loud but it's also introspective and soft in a way because it's a memoir and I slice myself open to examine who or what I was back then, where I peaked and how I hit the valley. So its personal. RIP fans may not expect that part of the story but I guess it had to be told or the book wouldn't have come out the way it did.
Is this book similar to "Motley Crue: The Dirt," with all of the debauchery, drug use and wild rock star parties? I'm asking that, because it's certainly no secret that back in the day, it was mostly about sex, drugs and rock n' roll.
I loved the Dirt. I traveled with the Crue back in the day and author Neil Strauss was an avid RIP reader. But Planet Rock isn't driven by tabloid or the underbelly excesses of the era. I consciously chose a higher path, aiming to examine the connective energy of rock, how it brings people to a higher place, and telling a few stories about what these heroes are like under more human conditions. It's my story as a music fan, too, which is far less scandalous than most people would think.
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How long did it take you to write "Life on Planet Rock," and do plan to write another book?
The process of creating Planet Rock took about five years, the last two being compilation, research, writing and revision. I have no clue what my next book is. Several artists have reached out to me about possibly writing their story. I also have enough 'b sides' for a Planet Rock sequel, less metal but immensely musical. The next adventure will reveal itself soon enough.
Back in the day, you always had a great relationship with Guns N' Roses, and Axl Rose. Do you still have a good relationship with these guy's today?
I see Slash every now and then at Velvet Revolver shows or music events around L.A. and keep up on Axl via his entourage, but I haven't witnessed the new incarnation of GN'R live yet nor have I been face to face with its enigmatic lead singer in ten years.
Of all the things you have seen and done in your incredible career so far Lonn, looking back, what's a couple of highlights for you?
A couple highlights are detailed in the book, like the summer 1990 bus ride from London to Donington with Jimmy Page, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, or Bon Jovi's mythical performance in the rain at the Olympic Stadium in Munich in 2001. Seeing Ian Astbury sing with the 21st Century Doors for the first time, hell, seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was seven and still having a clear memory...my career has been my life, a lot to recall and recount.
Can you share a couple of stories with us that didn't make the book Lonn? Something that really comes to mind?
After a Skid Row/Pantera/Soundgarden show in Denver, 1991 I think it was, Chris Cornell and I were sitting on the bus. He was getting impatient because the rest of the band was hanging out backstage and Chris was tired and wanted to go back to the hotel. I said, 'Dude, let's catch a ride with a fan. It'll be a trip.' He amazingly said, 'yeah, let's do it,' and we walked out into the parking lot and found three kids who gave us a lift. They were blown away by how approachable Chris was. One of the fans gave him a tape of his friend's band. When we got back to the hotel, Chris thanked me for the experience. Said it was 'cool.' When I saw Almost Famous years later, the 'I am a Golden God' scene, I was reminded of that moment. Fans rule. Always.
What are your thoughts on bands that are out there still touring that only have one or two original members left in the band, like Ratt, LA Guns, or even Guns N' Roses for example?
If the songs still sound authentic, the guys can play, and the fans are digging it and coming out, all the power to them. 80s rockers deserve to re-invent and make a living. Everyone does.
I understand that you like to meditate, how often do you meditate, and what benefits do you get from meditation Lonn?
I do Vedic mantra and meditation every morning. It helps me shake off the funk of my loud and often times stupid inner voice. It started eight years ago with Kundalini Yoga. I didn't know what meditation was. I would venture to say it's helped me through some rather challenging, mid life years.
Aside from writing a book, what else have you been doing with yourself since your days with RIP Magazine Lonn?
I lived in Las Vegas for three years and did numerous freelance articles, stories about local individuals, essays, non rock stuff. Been developing a TV concept for some time and looking to get back into radio. I've done more work on my SELF than anything else. The world is in a pretty precarious state right now. We have to get 'right' inside so the outside can follow suit. Yeah, Lonn the mystic. That's me post 50.
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How long has it been since RIP magazine went out of business, and what was the demise of the magazine?
I left RIP in June 1994 to take the VP A&R west coast job at Arista Records. A little over a year later, the magazine folded. I don't know why. Poor leadership, a changing musical landscape, lack of publisher support -- who knows? I was out of the loop.
I'm curious, of all the Hard Rock/Metal magazines from back in the day, who was RIP Magazine's biggest competition?
I address that in the book when I examine the landscape of metal mag publishing that RIP was thrust into in 1987. There was Hit Parader, Circus and Metal Edge, all doing their own thing. RIP aimed higher in editorial, photo and design content. Not to sound arrogant, but we didn't feel like we were competing with anyone. We wanted to do something new, conscious of quality, respectful of the fans and the bands who're providing me and my staff with unprecedented access. Hard rock deserved its own version of Rolling Stone. At the end of the day, we were all just having a great time reporting on the shifting culture of heavy music.
The 80's and 90's was such a great time for music, what are your thoughts on the music scene today Lonn?
The music scene is healthy, loud and eclectic. The business may be imploding on itself but we are entering the most vital, independent time to be a creative, expressive artist than ever before. Music must now SAY something, address the human condition. I think that's exciting, no, inspiring for any young musician who believes he or she has something to contribute to the well being and good vibrations of Planet Rock.
What's a couple of newer bands that you really dig today Lonn?
I just got into Dragonforce. They're relentless. I love Beck and Foo Fighters. With every record, these artists get better, go deeper and the work is more accomplished. Michael Franti and Spearhead have melodies and a message, like Bob Marley did in the 70s. I think the new Down effort with Phil, Rex and Pepper re-united could be awesome.
What are a couple of your absolute favorite Glam-Metal bands from back in the day?
I love Tom Keifer and Cinderella. Saw them recently. They still rock, hard and long.
Back in the middle to late 90's when Grunge abruptly appeared as a new genre of the music scene, you seemed to have embraced it, which isn't a bad thing, especially being the editor of a major magazine, but how did it make you feel Lonn seeing a sudden change in the scene, and all of a sudden most all of the bands that you loved and represented were literally dying out?
RIP reported the transition because that was the responsible thing to do. We were a rock magazine, diverse, courageous, and fan driven. I found myself at the vortex of Seattle as the storm was beginning. It's documented in the Pearl Jam chapter of the book, "Band of Golden Words." No matter what the genre, great bands survive. Eddie Vedder is as powerful a frontman out there right now as anyone. And Chris and Audioslave, with the incredible Tom Morello shredding away as only he can, its awesome stuff. As for modern glam, well, the fans have Avenged Sevenfold. Those kids can play, regardless of how many tattoos they're sporting.
Being one of the best rock journalist/writers of all-time, what advice would you give to aspiring rock journalist's/writers that are passionate about music, and would like to make a living at it, whether it be for magazines, online webzines, or whatever?
Write about the bands and music that get you off, inspire you, and take you to a higher place. Be passionate, not complacent. Start anywhere you can, the smallest online 'zine or your school paper. It doesn't matter. Just write, and write from the heart.
In closing, is there anything you'd like to say to all of the GlamMetal.com readers out there Lonn?
You're keeping it alive, making Def Leppard even richer than they already are. My friend Mark Slaughter still sports the same smile and kind demeanor as he did back in the day, so horns and halos up!
There you have it folks, Lonn Friend say's horns and halos up!
Anyone who wants more info on Lonn Friend and his new book titled, "Life on Planet Rock," can go to www.myspace.com/lonnsworld Buy Lonn’s book here
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