In this second installment of Legends of the Cue with Mark Kendall — famed guitarist, songwriter, and founder of the multiplatinum rock band Great White — we journey deeper into the fire and rhythm of a life shaped by equal parts grit, melody, and cue chalk. From his early days strumming in garages and dreaming beyond backyard gigs, to the electric moment when fate and a record label executive collided in a smoky L.A. club, Mark shares the unlikely path that led him from factory shifts and cover sets to international stages alongside Whitesnake and Judas Priest.

With his trademark humility and humor, Mark recounts the grind behind the glamour — five-set club nights, demo tapes financed by his singer’s father, and the relentless work ethic that kept him chasing opportunity long before the spotlight found him. Alongside co-hosts Mike Gonzalez, Allison Fisher, and Mark Wilson, we explore how passion for both guitar and pool intertwined to fuel his creative energy, and how lessons from the felt mirrored those from the stage: precision, patience, and performance under pressure.

Kendall reflects on the rise of MTV, the shift of the music scene in the ’90s, and the enduring connection with fans who’ve grown up with Great White’s anthems. He also opens up about his love of the cue game — trading riffs for runouts, and late-night rock shows for all-night pool halls with legends like Grady Matthews.

This episode captures the drive, discipline, and sheer joy of a man who never stopped learning — whether from Hendrix or Hall, Morrison or Mosconi. Mark Kendall’s story reminds us that greatness is earned one note, one stroke, and one dream at a time.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”