7Horse Nation

As work on new material continues we take advantage of our newly vaccinated status to socialize and celebrate the nuptials of a close friend and collaborator. One wonders if maybe Joie had a little too much fun. Perhaps it’s a sign that life may be starting to return to “normal” (whatever that is). We’re also pleased to present our conversation with a woman whose positivity and passion shines through in all her creative endeavors. Brie Darling is a drummer, singer, songwriter, visual artist and cake designer. She has toured and recorded with a diverse list of artists including Carole King, Jimmy Buffet, Ringo Starr and Robert Palmer among many others. She was also a member of the first all female rock band to hit the Billboard charts, Fanny. None other than David Bowie sang their praises but Fanny’s moment in the sun was short lived as it seems they were ahead of their time. The Runaways, Go-Go’s and The Bangles have Fanny to thank for opening the door for women in rock. The end of Fanny was certainly not the end of Brie’s career. She said yes to opportunities, even when she wasn’t sure she could cover the gig, and rose to the occasion time and time again. We share connections as she was in another all-girl group that was managed by our old label boss Miles Copeland and we may have crossed paths in the 90’s when she was a member of Boxing Gandhis. Brie could be on the cusp of another “moment” as a documentary on Fanny is due for wide release later this year. We’re glad we caught her before the light shines on her again. But really, she shines from the inside out. Links to songs mentioned in this episode: “Graduation Day” by The Beach Boys https://youtu.be/ujPojOwEgn8. “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher https://youtu.be/bS3O5zg290k “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” by Robert Palmer https://youtu.be/skqARFhEHxg “La De Da” by Ringo Starr

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Back by popular demand (and we don’t use the word demand lightly-you know who you are) we’ve returned from hiatus to bring you another season of fascinating guests and a look at how we’re navigating current conditions, as we continue on our mission to keep rock ‘n roll alive. As the pandemic drags on, we ride the roller coaster of emotions and discuss plans for our next writing/recording sessions...if we can just book some studio time. Meanwhile, we’re pleased to share our conversation with a guy who has worn many hats during his long music career. Tony Marsico grew up in a family of sandwich makers just outside of Philadelphia. His biggest influence might be his older brother Frank, a virtuoso jazz drummer. Tony’s taste however ran more toward the Ramones and after cutting his teeth in many a Holiday Inn playing covers, he made the move West in 1980 and entered the burgeoning LA punk scene in the seminal band, The Plugz. The group evolved and became The Cruzados, releasing two successful records on Arista and touring extensively around the world, including epic arena support slots with Fleetwood Mac and INXS. When the ride was over Tony became a much sought after sideman, thumping his bass for legends like Dr. John, Neil Young, Roger Daltry and a singer/songwriter called Bob Dylan, on an iconic TV appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. He has also led a working band in the Socal area for years, a swinging little jazz outfit called the Martini Kings. He’s an author, composer, hustler, survivor and a friend who was gracious enough to appear on our Rock-a-thon and again with us here. Join us as he tells his tales and offers sage advice from the road.

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As we come to the end of a truly unforgettable year, we take time to appreciate all that we have accomplished despite the tremendous obstacles we all have faced. 2020 will always be the Year of the Pandemic but the band managed to release 8 new songs, play live in person and via livestream, talk to some fascinating people and above all else, stay connected to our incredible fans, the 7Horse Nation. Join us for our look back on the highlights of the year and a look forward to what 7H will be up to in 2021 as we continue on our mission to Keep Rock ‘n Roll Alive.

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After a brief respite to recover from the epic 7Horse Halloween Rock-A-Thon we reconnect as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday. Where do we go from here? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we’re pleased to share our conversation with a talented actor/musician and longtime friend, who emerged from the same Northern California enclave that produced several artists who have made a mark on popular culture. Lance Guest has had a fascinating career that took him from school plays in Saratoga, Ca. to a starring role in a bonafide cult classic film, “The Last Star Fighter” to the Broadway stage where he starred as Johnny Cash in The Million Dollar Quartet. Along the way he has weathered all the ups and downs of a life in “The Business” and has the stories to prove it. Case in point: Michael Caine once saved his life on the set of “Jaws 4, The Revenge”, at least that’s how he tells it.

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As anticipation mounts for the big event (no, not the election, The 1st Annual 7Horse Halloween Rock-A-Thon on October 31st) we get the unique opportunity to speak with a musician who’s work has deeply inspired us-even though we didn’t really know who he was until just before our interview. Guitarist Bob Margolin is a master of the blues in all its forms. Growing up in Boston in the 1950’s he was inspired by early rockers like Chuck Berry and Dion. When he discovered the Chicago Blues he would never be the same. Bob got to know members of Muddy Waters’ band when his group opened shows for Muddy in Boston. When Muddy fired his guitar player he offered Bob the job. Bob held the spot for almost 7 years, touring the world and appearing on a series of great albums during Muddy’s late career resurgence. One of those, “Hard Again” has been a huge inspiration to us. Bob also appeared along side Muddy Waters on the legendary “Last Waltz”, the farewell concert of The Band, filmed by Martin Scorsese at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in 1976. Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Ringo Starr were also guests on the show. Bob Margolin is a prolific solo artist in his own right which we discovered during an all night “jam session”.

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With the air finally clearing and becoming a bit more breathable in Seattle and LA, we are thrilled to get the chance to interview a true legend, former Runaways lead singer, actress and chainsaw artist, Cherie Currie. From her earliest influences (David Bowie and Suzi Quatro) to her complicated relationships with band mates Joan Jett, Lita Ford and the late Sandy West along with Runaways manager Kim Fowley (whom she cared for in his final days) Cherie pulls no punches and shoots from the hip. We expected nothing less from the original “Cherry Bomb.” She also displays tremendous insight and depth of character that is truly inspiring. Meanwhile, we announce plans for our next livestream and our audacious goal for our return to the live concert stage.

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Fresh off our first livestream show and on the eve of our next recording session we find ourselves feeling as close to “normal” as we have in months. You can almost forget that you’re living through a pandemic...almost. Sometimes though things just line up for you if you have a strong enough intention and this is one of those times. In this episode we get the rare opportunity to put our former label boss in the hot seat. Miles Copeland was born to two intelligence officers in London and grew up bouncing around the Middle East where his parents were “on assignment.” He started his first record label in 1974 and went bust-rebounded to manage his brother Stewart’s band, The Police, to massive success, along with Sting as a solo artist and went on to found IRS Records, home to the Go-Go’s, REM, Fine Young Cannibals, among others-including a trio out of LA called dada. We scored a hit together and made three albums for the label but instead of becoming an act on par with the biggest at IRS Records, dada ended up loved by fans, but thought of as having ultimately fallen short of its potential. Was it the label? Was it the band? Perhaps a bit of both.

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After months in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic...we’re getting the band back together. Joie takes a calculated risk and travels to LA for writing, recording, live-streaming and podcasting. In this episode we’re pleased to feature an interview with a man who knows a thing or two about putting bands together as he’s been a conduit for players looking for gigs for over half a century. Sterling Howard opened the Musicians Contact Service in a $75/month office above the Whisky a Go Go in 1969. He’s had everyone from weekend warriors to rock superstars to one Phil Leavitt come through his door looking for gigs. He also housed one of LA’s most iconic DJ’s in a spare closet.

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We’re back with part two of our conversation with Queen’s former head of security and our former manager, Wally Versen. We relive the highs and the lows of our time together in dada and the future of the touring business in the wake of COVID-19. But first, Joie and Phil discuss the fuel on which 7Horse runs.

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This week we have the distinct pleasure of spending some time with a man who plays a pivotal role in our history going back 30 years and has a fascinating story of his own. Hailing from Chicago’s northern suburb, Skokie, Ill. Walter Versen walked off the football field at Northwestern University and onto the crew of one of the biggest bands on the planet, the legendary Queen in 1980. He made his bones as Head of Security for iconic frontman Freddie Mercury and the boys, which set him on the path to a long and illustrious career in both tour and artist management-including stints with Heart, Ratt, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power and...our band dada. We got to know Wally in the early 90s when he became our first manager during the height of our popularity. We went through it all together-incredible highs, triumphant shows, a hit single and the painful lows and disappointments that eventually led to the band going on an extended hiatus. The friendship however, endured. We are all better for it. Join us for part one of an entertaining and informative conversation that covers some great rock history and our times together.

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