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I'm sure that most of you Glam-Metal Heads out there most likely remember sexy guitar shredder, Maxine Petrucci from the early 80's Heavy Metal band, Madam X. Although Madam X released only one album back in the day which is titled "We Reserve The Right," that one album is considered a classic metal masterpiece today with it's catchy 80's style metal tunes such as "High In High School," "She's Hot Tonight," "Dirty Girl's," and of course "Reserve The Right."
Maxine Petrucci along with her sister and drummer of the band, Roxy Petrucci, who later went on to play in the all female metal band Vixen, toured non stop back in the 80's. The Petrucci sisters undeniably helped pave the way for women in Hard Rock and Metal as we know it today. Madam X proved without a doubt that they could play just as hard, and just as fast as the best of them. Madam X was power vocalist Bret Kaiser, Maxine Petrucci, (The shredder) Roxy Petrucci, (Drum's) and Chris Doliber. (Bass) Many people may not know this, but Sebastian Bach was actually in Madam X for a while as well, when he took over vocal duties after Bret Kaiser, and before becoming the frontman for Skid Row.
Although Madam X has since disbanded, Maxine Pettruci has kept herself in shape, and busy with various projects over the years, such as a short tour with Vixen, and has since put out her very first solo album titled "Titania." Not that Maxine has to prove anything to anyone, but she certainly does prove again with "Titania," that she is a metal force to be reckoned with! This is a straight up metal record, and not for the weak at heart, so if you can't handle it, don't get it, but anyone that appreciates a good solid metal album with ripping guitars, GET THIS CD! Maxine has some special guests on "Titania" as well, and from what I understand, the guitar goddess is currently writing for another great album, and putting together tour plans as we speak, but I'll let her tell us more about that in this GlamMetal Exclusive Interview, so ladies and gentlemen, I give you the very beautiful, songwriting, vocalist, and guitar shredding extraordinaire, Maxine Petrucci! Enjoy!
Maxine Petrucci, how the hell are you? Welcome to GlamMetal.com! I'm great thanks!
First, I’ve got to say, I heard your new song titled “Symptom Of The Universe” on your myspace at www.myspace.com/maxinepetrucci and I absolutely love it! Great shredding! I understand that you have a new record due out sometime in 2007. Please tell us a little about this record, and when it's officially going to be released? Thanks! My new CD is currently being mixed and then mastered. It will be released sometime in 2007. This is my best work so far. This record is going to kick outrageous ass and hurt you!! Roxy plays on 2 tracks. Charlie Grover of Paper Street Saints plays drums on this record as well. My brother Paul plays on a track to. It's a very heavy record with more of a rock groove instead of ultra fast shredding, but don’t worry though, it has alot of that too! I am very proud of my vocals and melodies on this album. I'm very excited about it and cant wait until it's released. Check out www.myspace.com/maxinepetrucci for new songs and updates.
When was the last time you toured Maxine, and do you plan to tour at all in support of the new record? The last time I was on tour was with Vixen in 1998. I played bass. It was alot of fun! I Haven't played a show for "Titania" yet, I immediately started writing and recording the second cd cuz I had it in me. Never waste time when your on a writing roll! I am getting my band together now to play live dates, now that I'm done recording.
Let’s talk about your previous solo release, “Titania” now. For people that haven’t heard it yet, how would you best describe “Titania,” and what can people expect from this kick ass release? I would describe this as shred metal. I wrote all the songs, played all the guitars, all vocals, and played bass except for the track "Titania," which the god of bass, Billy Sheehan played. My brother Paul Petrucci played bass on "Love Test," Mike Pisculli played bass on "Squeeked" and "Dirty Thang." Both Paul and Mike are fantastic musicians! Roxy did all the drums and co-wrote the track "Kiss on this," and of course her talent is thru the roof !!
You're fortunate to have such talented siblings! How's it feel to have such great talent playing on “Titania” with you? Of course it was an honor to have these great musicians on my record! I'm sure as this record gets more recognition this will thrill them.
Are you totally happy with how "Titania" turned out Maxine? Very happy with it all, I didn't want a corporate fake commercialized record. I did what I wanted, and nobody told me what to do. Fuck that! Back in the 70's, musicians were themselves, that’s why there was so many great bands and such a variety of music.
I’ve got to say, not only are you Petrucci girls very talented musicians/songwriters, but you both look great as well. What do you do to keep in such great shape, and keep that beautiful glow of yours Maxine? I think that the love of rock and roll keeps us younger. Exercise, eating Italian food and our homemade wine helps too! Thanks for the compliment Doobie!
There is no denying that you and Roxy kick ass together! Does Roxy play drums on the entire record, or just some tracks? She's power housing on all tracks!
How about your brother Paul, how much involvement does he have with "Titania?" Paul played on 1 track as a guest. He's got a busy schedule, so I was lucky to get 1 from him. Paul played bass for The Motor City Rockers, which featured Jimmy Marinos from The Romantics.
How did Billy Sheehan get involved with "Titania?" Billy is a friend of ours. We asked him if he would be a guest on 1 or 2 tracks and we were lucky he picked the track "Titania." He recorded it in Los Angeles on pro tools and sent it to us here at Midwest Studios where I record.
Obviously you play all lead guitars on this record, and you mentioned that you do all the vocals on this as well. What made you decide to sing as well on the record? Yes, I knew that I could sing, so why not sing my own songs and not have to wait on anyone, play games, etc... It made everything flow smoothly, and got everything done quick and happy with the final results. Plus it was a great learning experience and lots of fun!
What’s a couple of your personal favorites off “Titania,” and where can people buy this awesome CD Maxine? It's hard to pick cuz I went thru the continuing process of having to listen to it all the time while recording, etc... But today I'll pick "Pathetic" and "Squeeked." Those two song's capture the power and energy I was looking for when I was writing the album! You can buy the cd through my website at www.maxattacks.com
Ok, a couple of Madam X questions. Have you ever thought about reforming Madam X, and taking the show back on the road? I loved Madam X, and I'm very proud of what we did, but it is over and everyone of us have moved on. I think I have grown from those days. I couldn't convincingly pull off playing those songs like I did back then, I don't know how Twisted Sister can keep playing there old stuff! Oh ya probably the money!
After Bret Kaiser, you had Sebastian Bach as the singer in Madam X. How long was Sebastian in Madam X, and why did leave the band? Sebastian was our singer for a year, and he went on to join Skid Row, which was a better opportunity for him to make it big.
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What was it like working with Sebastian Bach? At that time he was 18, so does that say anything? He was wrapped up in himself, hyper, and loved looking at himself anytime there was a mirror around, or anything that reflects for that matter. But that is what made him a rock star, and that is what he wanted. I wish people would ask more about Bret cuz he was for real. He's so underrated! He could sing anything, and hit any note without effort! He had a gift of talent. Just ask Rob Halford. Rob sat in with us for a week straight at Rockers in Phoenix, and would perform with all of us a whole set of Priest, and he was surprised at how good Bret was!
Have you remained friends with baz, and do you still talk with him at all? Yes, thru e-mail. He's cool, of course he grew up and I know he appreciates what we were about, and what we went thru together when he was in Madam X.
How is Bret Kaiser and Chris Doliber doing these days, and are you still in contact with them? Bret lives in Arizona and is doing an Elvis thing! Don't laugh, cuz I heard him, and he can sound just like him! He's living well. As for Chris, I'm not sure what he's up too.
Of all the tours you’ve been on Maxine, which one really stands out in your mind as being one of the best tours ever? All we ever did was tour, it was everyday life for us, and each one had its Spinal Tapness! It would take me forever to answer this.
What’s one of the craziest things you’ve ever witnessed on the road? I'm going to respect the persons involved and keep this private for there sakes.
You are known as a guitar shredder for sure! When did you first start playing, and who inspired you to become a guitarist Maxine? I started guitar lessons when I was 12. My father loved guitar and bought it for my birthday and said you will become a guitarist. In my teen years I saw this local band called Zooster. Their guitar player, Mike Forsyth was the inspiration to playing like I do. He was better than Eddie Van Halen in my opinion, and I love Eddie's playing! He could play with his teeth and behind his head and jump on tables while playing in huge platform shoes! Carmen Appice wouldn't hire him in his solo project back in the 80's cuz Mike was too good!
You’ve got some of the coolest custom guitars in the business. How many guitars do you have in your collection now, and what’s a personal favorite of yours? Around 20. I'm not really into collecting really, I just find a guitar I love then I abuse it! Right now I'm in love with my Paul Reed Smith Guitar! It's the one you see in my most recent photos. It plays so perfect, and it works so well with my technique. All guitar players have to ride this guitar if you're serious! Listen to me, I sound like a sales rep! No but I am serious!
 What’s a couple of your favorite Glam-Metal bands from back in the day? We were labeled glam, but at the time we thought that's all there was. Bands from the 70's like Zeppelin, Humble Pie, New York Dolls, etc... were considered pretty boys. Guys in the 80's just wore more makeup and it got out of control, that's why I don't judge by the glam factor. My favorite bands from that time were Ozzy, Sabbath, Van Halen and Accept.
Aside from playing guitar, and writing music, what other hobbies do you have Maxine? I Love watching old Musicals, making homemade Italian wine, gardening, shopping, collecting Barbies, and going with my husband on his kiteing and windsurfing trips. He's incredible to watch when he's flying on the water!
In closing, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans out there in GlamMetal world Maxine? Yes! Don't get lost in all that corporate contrived music crap! There's still a lot of great bands and musicians out in the real world. I found so many on the internet. Its all there if you look. I consider myself part of this underground world in music. I will always play what I want. I don 't care about being a "Rock Star," I just want to make great music, that is what my purpose is!
Awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me Maxine! GlamMetal.com wishes you all the best! Thanks for interviewing me Doobie, and spreading real music !!
Anyone who is interested in more info on Maxine Petrucci, you can go to www.maxattacks.com AND www.myspace.com/maxinepetrucci
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