Doug and Glenn team up
Doug Aldrich, guitarist with The Dead Daisies, chats with KEVIN COOPER
When Marco Mendoza and John Corabi left the band, who made the phone call to Glenn Hughes?
Management called me and said; “we have been speaking to Glenn Hughes – what do you think?” and I just said to them, “that would be amazing”. I hadn’t thought of Glenn because at that time he was still on tour promoting the Deep Purple tribute stuff. However, when I sat down and thought about it, it was like, “wow, that would be totally amazing”. We were not trying to replace John, but we were trying to make a fresh start. So, we all met up at the Sunset Sound Recorders which is a really famous recording studio in Hollywood, California. We wrote four songs and recorded demos, and that was the start of Glenn and I writing together.
Coming right up to date now with the new album, Radiance. Are you happy with it?
I am very happy with it, I love it. People always say this when it’s their latest album. It could be my number one Daisies album, or it could be number three but, I really do like it because it’s got a nice mix of subjects. It has some great riffs, and one of the biggest things, aside from David and Glenn, is having drummer Brian Tichy coming back into the fold. That really is massive. There are a million guys that I have worked with over the years, and I have to say that Brian is right at the very top. Brian is very musical and has bought a thing to The Dead Daisies that has just made each song that much better.
Do you enjoy your time here in the UK?
For me, it is an honour and a privilege. I have got so many good friends over there, because of my time with Dio and Whitesnake. Some of my favourite gigs have been in the UK, one being at Hammersmith Odeon the first time with Whitesnake. We actually filmed that show. Being in the UK so much because of Whitesnake I got into the food, in fact, I actually consider Indian food to be British food (laughter). I had the best British/ Indian food and then the best British pub food; I just love it, it’s great.
Your UK tour starts at Rock City on Saturday. What, in your opinion, makes Rock City a must-play venue?
The place is just legendary. People who hear about that place try to imagine what the place is like. When you get on stage it has got a nice crowd, man; there just isn’t anything like it. In my opinion, it is like the Hammersmith of Nottingham. I know that there are a number of venues over there in Nottingham but Rock City is a very famous venue.
I see that you have got FM and Graham Bonnet supporting you. How’s Graham, is he in good voice?
Oh yes, Graham is always in good voice, he is legendary. FM are with us as well, so it really is going to be a great night man. I really can’t wait.
■ The Dead Daisies play Rock City on Saturday night. Tickets: £33.94 at alttickets.com/