A Dirty Dozen with RICHIE ONORI from THE SWEET – AUGUST 2024

According to a recent press release: “British rock band The Sweet aka Sweet rose to worldwide fame in the 1970’s as one of the top three Glam Rock Acts of its era. This movement carved out a decade of new style & horizons for both music and fashion which in turn helped fuel a new sexual revolution embracing an anything goes attitude into western society. The Sweet’s influence has been touted & revered across many genres, from Boy George to Kiss to Poison to Guns & Roses. Yes, Sweet is a leading architect that changed music and fashion forever. The group is dedicated to carry on the legacy & tradition of The Sweet well into the 21st century, most importantly adding on to the brand’s heritage with thrilling new music that respects the integrity of the sound, quality, and energy of the early group. It is an extension of the same alluring eminence that the band always projected. No two songs ever really sounding the same adds to the group’s mystical and enduring sound and originality.” We get drummer Richie to discuss new music, influences, and more.

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

Well for me this is a first… 99% of critics to fans totally get it right off the bat…  It’s new but reminiscently familiar somehow – the middle bridge into the key changes keeps the listener enjoying the track and of course the signature harmonies tie it all together.

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

In the womb. My family was all about the music… of course being born in the great renaissance of the 60’s and 70’s I was a goner.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Hendrix, Cream, ELP, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple & the Rascal’s I looked up to.  But then again nobody was tighter and better than the Buddy Rich Band.

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

As a writer I really don’t like to collaborate except with my band mates in The Sweet.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Hiking & jogging in nature. I love people, social gatherings, speaking, changing the world and of course my sacred alone time.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?  What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Unpredictable but originally predictable with messages & songs that carry a meaning. Luckily never had one yet!

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

Everybody goes to their own room. However were known to jam at a local bar and get a little buzz going…

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I met Stevie Nicks before she was a star at Sound City while her and her partner Lyndsey were cutting the Buckingham Nicks album. I walked into the control room, and I was starstruck by her sheer beauty and voice! Second would be when I went to Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack party after the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. I got into a conversation with Roger Taylor discussing our favorite drummers. We both agreed on Gene Krupa… Roger said “man your cool” “He said “follow me” – He opened the door and there sat the Queen Band full in court regalia along with Rod Stewart and of course Freddy. I sat down and that was a pretty big moment.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Doing my purpose and entertaining with my God give talent. My other job is helping people – I’m the founder and executive director for my Nonprofit People for a New America.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer?  Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Why are you so good looking! Just kidding. I never get tired or invalidate my interviewer.

11. 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,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I don’t believe in that philosophy. If you are on your purpose you roll with the punches and learn to listen to the higher power in order to create your perfect destiny.

12. 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?

The Beatles White Album. I named my dog Rocky. He was one pure white mix – Rocky Raccoon. A girl I was dating in Beverly Hills lived in the house that the boys wrote a lot of that record. Got a little close to the genius vibe that lingered in the air.

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Category: Interviews