An Interview With Rod Price
February 1998
---A note from the author .......
"My sincere thanks to all those who responded to my request for questions. I'd also like to thank Rod for his willingness to participate in this project. The positive response from everyone involved, helped to make this possible."-
---Carl Hanson
I got a note the other day that says, "Ask Rod to call the guy who was pushy enough in 1975 to ask him to slow down his vibrato." Do you know who that is? That was from Tom Dawes. Could you tell us a little bit about Tom ... what he does ... and how you came to know him?
Tom Dawes is one of my nearest and dearest friends. Tom produced the Rock and Roll album, the Energized album and the acoustic set on Return of the Boogie Men. For me personally, he is definitely the best producer I've had as far as getting the best performances out of me. Tom started his career in a band called 'The Cyrkle'(Red Rubber Ball). Tom's main claim to fame is that between him and his wife Ginney, they have written most of the jingles you have heard and still hear today. I hope that Tom will be playing some small or large part on the solo project that I'm working on at the moment. Just to set the record straight, Tom did not ask me to slow down my vibrato in 1975, I asked him how I could slow it down, get it right Tom!!! The answer will be found in the instructional video.
How did you and Dave meet and form the band?
Dave and I had met each other two or three years before forming Foghat. We were both playing around the blues clubs in London , me with Shaky Vicks Big City Blues Band, Dynaflow Blues and Black Cat Bones. Dave was playing with Cross-Ties Blues Band and of course Savoy Brown. I answered an ad in a local music paper, not knowing it was Dave.... obviously when we got together it clicked, and the rest is...
Tell us something about the "creative process" regarding writing for the band?
I can rarely sit down and 'write' per se, I carry a small tape machine with me at all times and throw down basic ideas as they come to me, I find after that, that they some how mature or ferment in my subconscience and when the time is right, I present them to Dave.
What are your favorite songs to play ... both alone in your living room, and live in concert?
At this time my favorite songs to play on stage are ... Louisiana Blues, Stone Blue, Hurts Me Too and Sweet Home Chicago, this list will change. As far as my 'living room' goes, that's where I doodle and attempt to put my semi-subconscience thoughts into reality, or whatever you call this place.
What was the one thing that made you want to become a musician?
The one 'thing' that made me want to become a musician was embedded in my soul from birth. Ye of different faiths will fill in their own blanks!
What did you do, professionally and personally, during the "off time" from '83 to '93?
At the end of the '70s when I left Foghat, I was truly burnt out, exhausted from the pressures of touring and writing, I was drained ... At that point I hated music. Since that statement makes no sense at all, I had to take time to figure out what the hell I meant by that. I decided the best way to go about figuring out which way was up, was not to play and not to listen to music. This was not painful, or self destructive. The truth of the matter is, I have always loved silence ... it's my fresh canvas. After a few months of serious soul searching, I came to the conclusion that I did not hate music. I was just burnt out from ten years of touring, and other people telling me what kind of music I should be doing. At that point, I started working in the studio, writing and getting back on track, with no doubt in my heart that I would not stray from my love of blues for any one or anything.
Is there anything you want the fans to know regarding your position or situation during the "two bands" phase of Roger's Foghat and Dave's Foghat?
What will it take, and will it ever happen, for the band to be on MTV again?
How does the band fit into today's "radio market?"
What period do you consider to be your best for creativity and musical challenge ... past or present?
What about your early musical influences ... who were they, and who are they now?
Big Bill Broonzy, Davey Graham, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters. Those influences are as powerful today as they were the first time I heard them.
Who influenced you when it comes to "the slide?"
The first slide player I ever heard was probably, Robert Johnson. That was the awakening ... the kick in the ass was Earl Hooker and Elmore James. They shook me, moved me, and pointed me in the direction of my future.
Who is your favorite guitarist?
That's a tough one, too many moods, too many different periods of my life. Here's a short list ... Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Davey Graham. There comes a time where you stop listening and start working on your own style.
How did you first become interested in music?
As a kid round about seven or eight, I would sit and listen to the radio. I loved music immediately BUT I didn't like what I was hearing ... the search was on. If you can believe this, I knew what I didn't like but I had not found what I some how knew was out there. Then at last, one day I heard Big Bill Broonzy. As soon as heard that E7 chord I knew without a doubt, that my search was over, and yet just begun.
What did it feel like, to hear the first song that you played & helped write, on the radio?
Describe the music scene of the '70s .... how is it different now?
Excess ... no '70s distractions.
Would you do it all over again ... what would you do differently?
I would take the same path with less detours.
What about your present ability as compared to then?
I would hope that I'm better....
Would you like to be more famous?
What do you think about on stage?
I think a great deal ... there again, I think of nothing.
Creative people are sometimes considered eccentric. Do you see yourself that way ... why or why not?
I'm not eccentric, however ... I'm an introvert. I'm on a continuous think-fest and some people may take me as rude or snobbish ... it's not. If anything, it's shy and unassuming.
Are you happy?
Could you please be more specific?
What is your favorite pastime?
Playing with my son, refurbishing old bicycles with my wife and driving the back roads of New England.
What is your wife's name and how did you meet?
My wife's name is Jackie, and we met at the hotel I was staying at in Houston, where she was working as the restaurant manager.
What's in store for the future?
Who Knows? ..... However my work is still continuing on an album project that I have been pursuing for two or three 'hundred' years. Tom Dawes and various other friends have been very helpful and supportive, it will happen! ..... Still working on the instructional video ...... Obviously the summer will be busy with FOG concerts and I guess sometime after that a new album from the HAT.
Tell us about Chateau La Fitte '59 Boogie ... Who wrote it?
What was the inspiration for writing it?
We wanted to write a good boogie song.
Why wasn't it included in the Portland concerts at The Roseland?
We just didn't have the room.
Do you prefer the sound of the wireless guitar systems over the cords?
I'm an old fashioned fart, I like my umbilical. However, I'm sure that my crew chief, Michael will eventually find me one I like and convince me to use it. I'm slow to change.
What is your favorite guitar to use on stage, and why?
I love my SRV Strat for regular guitar, likewise with my Les Paul Jr. Custom for slide. My guitar tech 'Weasel' Morgan and I are working on a custom strat for slide. Incidentally, weasel built my Custom Jr.
Which do you enjoy playing more off-stage .... acoustic or electric, and what brand is it?
I probably play more acoustic off stage, it's less forgiving and I like that. The make of the acoustic is ARIA, I use this for warming up before a show. I still haven't bought my perfect acoustic.... one day....
What is your "personal favorite" Foghat album?
Probably Stone Blue ... the most pain, the most aggravation, the most teeth pulling album I ever did, but there is something about it. I'm very fond of Return of the Boogie Men for many reasons, but time restrictions did not allow us the album it could have been.
When will the new CD & video be released?
Carl will be advised of the exact date for release of the album, the video will come later, no release date as yet.
How do you creatively express your frustrations when faced with conflicting personalities on a long, grueling tour?
I don't creatively express them, please feel free to rephrase.
How do you keep your sanity when you're away from home for such long periods of time?
I have a great deal of trouble keeping my sanity when I'm away from home. I just remind myself that I am blessed to be out here doing what I love to do .... any suggestions?
Who are your favorite bands to tour with?
Humble Pie and J. Geils Band were my two favorites in the '70s.
What are the drivers that make you want to keep playing, and touring, and recording?
Do you ever feel really bonded with your fans?
Yes absolutely ... especially since the meet and greets after the show. I feel I missed out on a few years, but I'm truly appreciating them now.
Do you feel appreciated by them? (your fans)
Is the band having fun touring?
Did Foghat ever play in Scandinavia in the '70s or '80s?
What's touring like today, compared to the years before, when drugs played such a big part of the rock scene? And do drugs still play a big part of the scene?
Today there are NO DRUGS in the Foghat Organization. This is not a stock publicists response, this is real...
Where did you like performing the most ... which state or concert hall?
Texas, Chicago, New Orleans, the West Coast ... in fact, we like performing everywhere.
Will you continue to do autograph sessions with the fans on the next tour?
As long as we possibly can. When playing the outdoor festivals, it can become difficult, but we will continue to do our best to continue the sessions.
---A note from Rod .......
"If anyone wants to get deeper into these questions, they're welcome to try. I've really enjoyed answering them. I hope you've gotten to know me a little better, I know I have you. Thanks,"-
---Rod Price
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