Hello, Modern Drummer readers. My name is Al Pahanish, Jr. I’m a freelance drummer and educator in Los Angeles. Some of you may know me as AL3 from a little ole’band called Powerman 5000. I was the groups original drummer, from 1990 through 2001. Since then I’ve worked with a variety of artists including Cypress Hill, MC Rai, Zayra Alvarez (Rockstar Supernova), Everlast, Martin Sexton, Cycle of Pain (JD from Black Label Society’s band) and a bunch of other folks you never heard of.
I’ve just returned from a European tour with " the killer guitar from Texas" Mr. Lance Lopez. If you like heavy duty blues rock, this cat is for you. I’ve been to Europe before with PM5K/ Pantera tour, but this time was different. We played shows in Germany, Luxembourg (a one off with Rod Stewart) and a few remote gigs in Romania, Serbia and one on the beach at the Black Sea. Apparently they don’t get many artists out that way, now I know why...a 29 hour drive to the Black Sea through mountains with 300 foot drop offs, goat paths and construction was out of control...but hey, we made it alive. Let’s rock guys!
One show in Serbia was at the Smederevo Fortress, a 550 year old structure surrounded by a huge moat, recreational park and the Danube river. Usually when they have concerts they are held outside of the fortress in the park...I was told we were the first band to ever play inside of what is called "The Small City- the royal court" it reminded of Pink Floyd’s Live at Pompeii...it was pretty nuts. I wasn’t sure if anyone would show up but sure enough, by showtime the place was filled with people of all ages...I even met a guy from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (my hometown) after the show...weird.
Another notable show was the Blues Express Festival in Luxembourg. There were a few stages...our stage(which was in a train station) also had Bernard Allison. Another stage had The Fred Wesley Band and my old friend and schoolmate Susan Tedeschi (blues guitarist, vocalist) it’s been at least 20 years since we’ve seen one another...her set was rockin’.
This run ended up to be about 3 weeks...culminating with a performance on "Rockpalast" a German television show/ concert...equivalent to Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert here in the states. You guy’s remember that show right? Also on that bill was American blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. Unbeknownst to me, was that another old bandmate of mine and someone I haven’t seen in a while was working with Joe, his name is Carmine Rojas...cool guy and great bass player! So it was nice to see and hear him play again and get in a little hang time. All in all it was a successful tour with many new fans onboard the Lopez Train.
Back to reality in Los Angeles...I’ve begun work on some music for an all star cyberband...Team Cybergeist, brainchild of drummer Angel from the bands Dope and Genitorturers, I will do my drum tracks at my home studio. When in town I teach at the Paul Green School of Rock Music in Hollywood where we are about to do a string of student concerts featuring the music of Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Women in Rock and a Tribute to Funk Music. Don’t miss these shows and talented kids...they are the future.
Feel free to stop by my web pages anytime and say hey...until then happy drumming and goodnite.
Extra thanx to Modern Drummer, Vater Percussion, Remo, Tama Drums, E Padco and Rhythm tec Percussion for all of your support.
Find more info on bookings, lessons, music and videos at:
http://www.myspace.com/albonic
http://www.youtube.com/albonic