Orianthi
Playing with Michael Jackson and Alice? This Aussie rules!
Twelve years ago, Orianthi Panagaris took a huge leap of faith, leaving her native Australia for the glittering viper’s nest that is Los Angeles. It’s fair to say it’s paid off, with the guitarist not only enjoying a successful solo career, but also hooking up with the scene’s biggest beasts, from Michael Jackson to Alice Cooper. Next up is her long-delayed debut release as RSO, a collaboration with former Bon Jovi guitarist – and her real-life beau – Richie Sambora.
What can we expect from the RSO album? We’ve been working on it for three years. I want to say sorry to everybody for saying it was gonna be out last year, but we’re trying so hard to do something great. I think we’ve really found a new sound. Richie and I share a similar groove; we love blues, country, rock, all the old records. His songwriting is just amazing. He’s killing it. It’s easy to imagine that, as a couple, the two of you constantly talk about guitars. No, it’s mostly about cats these days.
Growing up, was playing guitar a vocation for you?
Well, I’ve played since I was six, and I had my goals set when I was seven or eight – like: “I’m gonna move to America, get a record deal, tour the world, write songs, do what I love for the rest of my life, be an artist.” I was set on it.
But it was never easy at school. I was actually bullied – because I played guitar – from a lot of the guys. And the teachers. And the girls too.
But then you played your home town with Santana. That must have shut them up. It’s funny, now I get messages from some of the kids at my school and they’re like: “Hey, I’m in LA, let’s hang out.” And I’m like: “Why?”
Did you play for some tough audiences in LA?
Absolutely. The first support I did out here was Steve Vai. That was a predominantly male audience, with their arms folded, going: “Who’s this chick?” It’s hard not to feel that energy sometimes, but you just have to let it go. I just love playing guitar. I don’t care if it’s seen as a guy’s thing.
What was it really like playing with Michael Jackson?
I got a phone call the night before [the audition]. He’s like: “Can you play the Beat It solo?” It was daunting. I wasn’t a shredder; I loved the blues. So what I played in the Beat It solo was more blues-based than the record. Some people were like: “Well, you didn’t play it exactly.” And I’m like: “I’m not gonna try to fill Eddie Van Halen or Jennifer Batten’s shoes. Because I’m not that.”
What are your favourite memories of working with Alice Cooper?
I remember one morning on the bus, I got up to get some coffee, and one of his boas was out, and it was staring at me. I was freaked out.
Why do you think the guitar world is still so dominated by men?
I’m not sure. It’s drums as well. I guess it’s just always been a guy’s thing. Maybe that originated with male blues musicians. But it doesn’t matter. If you have a passion for something, just go with it.
Do you reckon AC/DC are an Australian band or a British one?
They’re just frickin’ great, wherever they’re from. But I’ll claim them as Australian.
RSO’s Rise EP is out now via BMG.