Interview with Rodney Kimmer, promoter and friend.

Interview by Barbara Rossetti aka Blind Barby

Italian Version of the interview

BB. Welcome to Sardinasfans, Rod! We are glad to have you with us. Did you know Sardinasfans.com before?

R. Thank you so much. No, I wasn't aware of the site until our conversations on myspace. Congratulations on a great job. I just wish I could read Italian! LOL

BB. Well Rodney, let’s talk a little about you. Who is Rod and what does he do in his life?

R. I'm a 43 year old married man with a passion for music. I guess you can see that from my myspace. I was fortunate enough to be friends growing up with Black Oak Arkansas/ KROKUS manager's son. Got to hang with Krokus when they were doing the pre-production for headhunter & the blitz @ cedar crest studio. Plus, got to see Krokus/Rainbow & Krokus/Def Leppard shows. Storace & Fernando are really great guys.

BB. How did you know Eric Sardinas?

R. In 1999 we went to a bluesfest and caught Eric for the 1st time @ the Basin Park ballroom & he floored us. In 2003 we saw him again & got to meet him for the 1st time. This was when Black Pearls was just released. Paul Loranger & Mike Dupke were still with him. In 2004 we went to Memphis for the Steve Vai show where Eric was the opening act. A few months later in Columbia,Mo. He invited us to the after party. I think it was Levell's 1st or 2nd show.

BB. You promoted three Sardinas’ shows between 2006 and 2008, but this’s not your real job. Tell me something more about that.

R. I was tired of driving all over, $ for rooms, gas & so forth. I contacted a local bar owner & Eric's booking agent. The 1st show was May 7 2006 at the royal 66. there is a video on youtube " man on fire" of the show. The Eric Sardinas banner on the drum riser we made the nite before on the kitchen floor. LOL. Had a really good turn out for a Sunday nite. I think about 312 paid through the door. The crowd really loved Eric. Set the Dobro on fire, walked through the crowd, across the bar, ect. The 2nd show five months later didn't go as good,talking of audience. I make the mistake of booking Anthony Gomes 3 days later & people had to choose, so only about 1/2  showed. After the show we were on the bus having drinks & Eric put in the pre production of the new cd, so I guess I heard ES & big motor about16 months before it's release. There was talk of a dvd to be released with it,but that never came to play. The last show was last Feburary with a double headline ( Black Oak Arkansas/Eric Sardinas). I don't think things could have gone worse. 1st there were P.A. system problems. Eric threatened to play acoustic if the sound man didn't fix the problem. Then right after Black Oak finished there 1st song the alcohol beverage control + about 10 police raided the bar. Shut down the show started checking I.D.s looking for under aged people. Needless to say, after that Black Oak played to about 60 people. Nothing ends a good party like the cops showing up. Funny though, before the show we were talking about Eric doing an encore with Black Oak & I suggested roadhouse blues. We saw Eric open for Bret Michael's a few weeks ago & Eric closed with roadhouse blues. I doubt I had any influence on him choosing that song. But cool huh?

BB. You have been among the first people that saw Bernie Pershey playing with Eric! Did you know him before? The Italian Sardinas’ fans liked him very much, what do you think and know about him?

R. On July 5th we went to Eureka to catch Eric. When the bus pulled up, Bernie stepped out & I asked him if he was the new road manager since Jeff quit to pursue his own music " BONE". He said " No, I'm the new drummer" I asked Eric later what happened to Patrick & all he said was " things weren't going the direction I wanted" so I left it at that. Bernie did great. It was his 2nd show playing live with the band. also did great when we saw them a few weeks ago.  

BB. Talking about drummers...what do American fans think about Patrick’s leaving out of Big Motor? Of course, in Italy the fans are desperate to know the reasons of this unexpected change.As you live in the States, do you have some low down about it? Of course we hope to see Caccia soon on stage again! ;)

R. I'm sure everyone is still wondering what happened. Patrick hasn't posted much since the departure on myspace. Heard rumors of working on a project with Billy Sheehan. just rumors.

BB. On Levell Price’s Myspace, among his personal pics there’s one of him with a beautiful blonde lady, that is your wonderful wife Angel! In what occasion the picture was taken?

R. Yes, That's my wife angel. That was taken after the show at knuckleheads in Kansas city a year or so ago. The person that does Levell's myspace pulled that picture off of the respect perfection site.  

BB. The last September the 13th you drove for more than 8 hours to Ardmore,Oklahoma, for Eric/Bret Michael’s show. Useless to ask if it was worth doing...

R.   Barb I'll let you elaborate on that one... be nice...lol ( La risposta è stata ‘desunta’ da alcune conversazioni via mail tra me e Rodney ed Angel.)

BB. Well Rod, some people just look at Eric’s ‘stage-gimmicks’, others instead appreciate his truthfulness, his dedication and passion for his job. In your opinion, what distinguishes him from other blues-rock artists?

R. Just like Hendrix, Stevie ray Vaughn, Page, Rory Gallagher, Tommi Bolin ECT. Being a great musician & the love of what they do. I think Eric fits in the same confines as all the greats. Like sinatra said " I did it my way"

BB. Last, a foreseen question… Better Eric’s albums or Eric’s live shows?

R. Live, hands down. I hope there's a live cd or dvd in his future. To be able to capture that raw energy. KISS was a fairly obscure band till ALIVE was released. Coincidentally, Eddie Kramer engineered Kiss Alive & black pearls.

BB. Well, and with this ‘good omen’, after this pleasant chat, it’s time to say goodbye, dear Rod. But before doing it, i know you have to do an obliged clarification.

R. Yes. I just want everyone to know I don't talk to Eric on a regular basis or have coffee or dinners with the guy.  Were just big fans of the music and very glad to be a part of that. I can't say enough about how humble & sincere they all are. Thanks again Barbara & rock on my Italian friend.

Thanx Rod!

BB’s Special thanx to: Rodney and Angel for helpfulness, pleasantness and for the precious friendship! Admin and Ric, and they know the reason!