10 Quick Ones with GARRY PETERSON of THE GUESS WHO – October 2018

According to a recent press release: “The Guess Who is responsible for countless rock classics, which still retain a major presence on rock radio – “American Woman,” “No Time,” “These Eyes,” etc. On  September 14th the band returned with their latest album, ‘The Future IS What It Used To Be’, released via Cleopatra Records (available in CD, Vinyl, and Digital formats). The band is Garry Peterson (Drums, Vocals), D# (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano), Will E. (Guitar, Harp, Vocals), Leonard Shaw (Keyboards, Flute, Sax, Vocals), and Rudy Sarzo (Bass, Vocals). The album’s first single, ‘Playin’ on the Radio’, will be released on July 17th. It can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. Also featured on the album are several special guests including, Tommy Shaw (Styx) on vocals, Brent Fitz (Slash, Gene Simmons) percussion, Jim Kale (Guess Who founding member) and Michael Devin (Whitesnake) on bass guitar.” We get Garry to discuss new music, influences, and much more in our 10 Quick Ones…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The album is a trip back in time to what I would call the Golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, that is 1962 to 1980. This was the era of the Rock band and not so much the single artist. The album is influenced by all of the great bands that influenced us and made us want to be a rock band. For fun, listen to the album and try to pick out these bands! There is one song that has an instrument played on it that Paul McCartney played on nearly every one of the Beatles records . This album was a work of love for all of us.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My father started to teach me to play the drums in 1947 when I was two years old. I have no memory of starting to play drums, for me it’s like walking. Playing drums has always been part of my life, regardless of the style of the music.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

After playing music professionally for 69 years it is almost impossible for me to answer this question. I started by learning to play jazz and swing then learn country then classical then rock. If you can imagine all of the great artists in all these genres of music you will understand better the world of music as I see. When I listen to music I could be listening Buddy Rich, The Beatles, Tower of Power, Alison Krauss and Union Station, or Chopin. There really is so much music and so little time.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Stevie Wonder. He plays many instruments, plays any style of music, sings, writes music, and produces. Could you perhaps learn much from such an incredible talent. Failing that, I would like to be able to do, another album with the great band that we have now.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

A band that plays and writes songs inspired by the many genres of music that we all love . The sound of the band travels down many diverse paths. Something for everyone.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Exchanging musical ideas with other musicians while playing, and in doing so entertaining people and making them feel the emotion of the music.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Derek would be the chef, will is the sommelier and Derek usually grabs the acoustic guitar for the vocalizing.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Tour golfer.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

After a musical career that has lasted 69 years so far, there have been many ups and downs, but I have been very blessed with this career and as I look back there isn’t anything I can think of that I would change. It has been a great honor to be in this band, and help create the music on all of our albums. What else could a musician ask for!

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

“Lucille” by Little Richard – the essence of rock ‘n’ roll.

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Category: Interviews