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Interview with Steve Shaw
Tour Manager/former guitarist Rockcandy, Bittersweet
By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr
In 1986, guitarist Steve Shaw was convinced that he was destined to be a big star and had every right to. S haw seemed to have it all. As a member of the Buffalo, NY based glam-metal band Rockcandy, which also featured former Talas guitarist/songwriter Johnny Angel, Shaw tasted success for the first time. Rockcandy dominated the local WNY music scene, they had the looks, the songs and a great stage presence. They also had a growing legion of loyal fans, many who would flood the local stations with requests to hear the band.
In 1987, Rockcandy released “Sucker for a Pretty Face” on their own Sweet Tooth records imprint. This record featured 10 melodic, rock/pop oriented tracks, all worthy of airplay. The band relentlessly promoted the record in hopes that it would lead to a major label deal. However, that deal never happened and guitarist/ songwriter Johnny Angel left the band in July 1988. Shaw continued with the band for another year and then returned home to Boston, MA to join Bittersweet. But, as the music scene shifted from melodic rock to grunge, Shaw lost interest in pursuing a career as a guitarist. It was at this point that he decided to make a major career change.
Though hard work, Shaw put all his talents and resources together and re-emerged as a tour/production manager. He recently spent this last summer on the Ozzfest tour as the manager of the band Memento.
What follows is an exclusive glam-metal.com interview with one of the most talented individuals in the music industry, Steve Shaw.
You were in Rockcandy between 1986 and 1989. I thought you guys were one of the best glam-metal bands ever. Rockcandy had the looks, the songs and the timing, what happen? Why weren’t you able to get that big record contact that you deserved?
I think at that point there were many bands (i.e., Warrant, Poison, etc.) with albums out and the market was flooded. I don't think there was room for Rockcandy.
Johnny Angel formerly of Talas was in the band from 86-88, why did he leave?
Well, hmmmm....I would say he left because he grew tired of the battle with Rockcandy, not getting signed and everyone in the group was developing there own personality in songwriting and on stage. I think he felt he had lost the control over the project he once had.
How did the dynamics of the band change after he left?
The band became more street, dirty rockers...lol...we were writing better music I thought but the structure stayed the same...John did teach us how to be a tight unit.
Why did Rockcandy break up?
I don't know what the ultimate demise was. I had left in 89 to join my brothers band Bittersweet in Florida. I would have to say it became old to the band members and old to the audience seeing only one original member on stage.
What did you do after Rockcandy?
Joined a band with my brother called Bittersweet. It was fun for a bit but once again, it was an uphill battle with that kind of music and I was truly burnt out. I moved back to New England and started doing production work in audio.
In retrospect, what could you of done differently to get Rockcandy signed?
Knowing the people I know today, it would have been easy. Back then we were grabbing at straws and trusting the wrong people. Rockcandy was always a day late and a dollar short in that area.
When was the last time that you spoke to one of your former Rockcandy band mates?
Hmmmmm....I spoke to Tom Regine in 1996 and it must be at least 14 years since I have talked with anyone else, I hope they are all well.
You are now a prestigious tour manager, you are currently managing Memento. How did you go from a brilliant rock guitarist to a successful tour manager?
The answer is money! lol...I had to re-invent myself and I enjoy my new career very much. Many years of touring the world doing (sound/production/tour management) its hard work but well worth it.
How did you hook up with Memento?
The inner circle...lol...they are on Columbia, my brother works for Columbia, I have many friends there and this is an incestuous business....who ya know!! Anyway, they are recording the 2nd album now and I wish them the best!
Who are some of the other artist bands that you've manager?
Memento (Columbia) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
12 Stones (Wind-Up) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Drowning Pool (Wind-Up) Tour and Production manager and tour accountant.
Nothingface (TVT) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Mikaila (Island) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
The Urge (Interscope) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Crazy Town (Columbia) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack (Island) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Tal Bachman (Columbia) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
System Of A Down (Columbia) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Old 97’S (Elektra) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Buck-O-Nine (TVT) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Marcy Playground (Capitol) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Jonathan* Fire Eater Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Redd Kross (This Way Up) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Paul Westerberg (Reprise) Production manager, monitor engineer and guitar tech.
David Gray (Island) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Sun 60 (550-Sony) Guitar technician, monitor engineer.
Sweetwater (Warner Bros.) Production manager and live sound engineer.
Thermadore (550) Tour and Production manager, live sound engineer and tour accountant.
Do you still play guitar, when was the last time you played on stage?
I rarely play guitar anymore, it sits in my office collecting dust. The last time I played was at an Ozzy sound check in Germany and played Zakk's guitar for a bit...fun.
Why don’t you play much anymore?
I love music but fell out of love with playing. I guess when you own a house, married and have other responsibilities, you lose interest.
How do the new era of rock musicians compare to the old school 80’s musicians?
80's musicians are so much better. The 80's guitarist always tried to become better players, songwriters, etc., The musicians today can't touch it at all, and they can suck, use pro-tools and sound great on an album. It's very sad-WE NEED NEW HERO'S!
You were on the Ozzfest tour all summer, what was the highlight of that tour?
Watching Memento, a non metal band win the crowd over. I think it was the wrong tour for them but they stepped up to the plate every day.
Memento played very early on many of the dates. What did you do all day long?
Bringing the band around to do interviews, taking care of band and crew and read a lot of books.
When on tour, on average how much sleep were you able to get?
It varies from day to day, how long is the drive, how late were you up, etc., around 6 hours was the average.
What did you think of Ozzy’s performances?
I think Ozzy for all the shit he has been through puts on a great show.
What were some of your professional highpoints and low points of 2003?
Taking on a baby band "Memento" and hoping they would break out. The low points were just that it did not happen for them.
What advice do you have for someone interested in becoming a tour manager?
RUN AWAY!!! DON'T DO IT!..lol...patience! For more on Steve Shaw go to www.retrospectrecords.com
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