Growing up, Rob Nicholson was influenced by some of the worlds greatest bass players such as Steve Harris [Iron Maiden] and Lemmy Kilmister [Mot–rhead]. It's safe to say that Rob was always destined to follow in the path of his heroes. Rob Nicholson who's better known as "Blasko" started out playing drums, before moving on to guitar, then settling on Bass. In 1984, Blasko joined his first major thrash metal band 'Cryptic Slaughter' in Santa Monica, CA. During this time the band released the albums 'Convicted' and Money Talks' which sold very well and created a fanatical buzz around the world. By the time the band entered the studio early in 1988 to record their third album 'Stream of Consciousness' the cracks were starting to show and by the time the band hit the road, internal disputes led to the band breaking-up during the summer tour before the bands third album would hit the shelves. After recording and touring for four years with Cryptic Slaughter Rob then went on to play with a number of bands including Killing Spree, Prong, and legendary metallers Danzig. 1998 seen Blasko join long-time friend Rob Zombie for a national tour. It was during this time in Nicholson's career that he came up with the nickname Blasko. A name which has stuck with him ever since. Blasko's work with Rob Zombie has proven to be some of his best work thus far. Recording killer bass lines on all three of Zombie's studio albums the relationship between Rob and Blasko continues to be strong. Throughout Blasko's career he has shown that he's not one to stand around and wait for things to happen. Whilst working with Rob Zombie, Blasko found time to put together a side project with Coffin Case founder Johnny Coffin. The band featured Daniel Gray taking on Vocals and Guitar duties, Johnny Coffin playing guitar, Blasko on bass and DC on drums. Recording under the banner 'The Death Riders' Blasko and gang released their debut album 'The Soundtrack to Depression' and metal fans were left wondering if there would ever be a follow up to such an amazing album. In 2003 Blasko got to do what most metal musicians only dream of... he joined forces with metals craziest maniac Ozzy Osbourne. Replacing Robert Trujillo, Blasko rehearsed with Ozzy in 2003 for the bands upcoming fall tour, but after tragedy struck with Ozzy Osbourne suffering a life threatening quad bike accident, Ozzy became bound to a bed and going to physiotherapy and the tour was quickly cancelled. Since 2003 Blasko has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with one of metal's greatest vocalist and last year finally got to record his bass licks on Ozzy's latest album 'Black Rain'. The album was an instant success and features killer tracks such as 'God Bless the Almighty Dollar', 'Never gonna Stop' and 'Civilize The Universe'. 2007 saw Blasko finally out on the road in support of 'Black Rain', playing to the worlds craziest metal fans. During the last few months of Ozzy's tour, Rob zombie also joined the bill and Blasko and Rob would share a stage once again even if it wasn't at the same time. Last year Australian fans learnt that Ozzy Osbourne would be returning to Australia for his first solo shows in more than ten years. Ozzy who is returning with an all-star band featuring Zakk Wylde, Mike Bordin and Blasko, will be taking to the Australian stage in March. The tour will also see Ozzy Osbourne playing in New Zealand as part of the Rock2Wgtn festival which also includes Kiss, Whitesnake, Alice Cooper, and Poison. Since the tour announcement, many fans have speculated that Rob Zombie would also be joining Ozzy for his Australian leg of the tour so I caught up with former Rob Zombie and current Ozzy Osbourne bassist Blasko to find out what's going on! We also discussed a few of Blasko's past musical endeavors, recording on Ozzy's 'Black Rain', life on the road and much more. Let the 'Countdown Begin' as we open the 'Trap Door' with kick ass bassist Blasko Metal Fanatix: Hi Rob, firstly dude, I want to thank you for putting some time aside to answer the following questions for our readers. How's everything going mate? Blasko: Just living the dream man! Metal Fanatix: Good to hear dude! Let's jump straight into it shall we! You will be heading to Australia in March with the mighty Ozzy Osbourne, no doubt you are excited? Blasko: Excited would be and under statement. I am very fortunate to have been part of such a great experience. I am definitely looking forward to going "down under'"!
Blasko: Yes, it is. Metal Fanatix: Will you have any time to see the sights while you are here? Blasko: Yes, I will. Our tour manager is Australian, so we will have a tour guide, which will be amazing. Metal Fanatix: Mate congratulations on the latest Ozzy album 'Black Rain', there are some killer bass lines throughout the whole album. How much input did you have musically in the writing and overall production on 'Black Rain'? Blasko: I don't write. I am not a songwriter. I leave that shit to the pro's. I had a good amount of freedom to work on bass lines, and Kevin, the producer, was great to work with. Metal Fanatix: How long did it take you to record the new album and what equipment did you use? Blasko: I spent some time at home working on a few different things, but the actual recording process was pretty quick. I used my Schecter signature bass and a Sans Amp rack mounted Bass DI. Metal Fanatix: Mate, as you just mentioned… you had some freedom when it came to the bass lines on the new album. When the time came to start production on 'Black Rain', did you approach it in a different way to albums you have worked on in the past? Blasko: Every recording process has a different feel to it. There were some similarities to other things I have done recently however. The home studio has been a common scenario, and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. Metal Fanatix: While you are out on the road are you writing / working on the next studio album? Blasko: No. Making a record is more of a spontaneous studio experience. It is difficult to get together to write while in the midst of touring. At this point it is good to keep those environments separated. Metal Fanatix: Rob I want to take a trip back in time for a moment and talk about your amazing career. Most people may be surprised to learn that when you were younger you actually played drums and also guitar, what was it that made you settle on Bass guitar as the weapon of choice? Blasko: I thought that I would be able to get more gigs as a bass player, since all my other friends wanted to play guitar or drums or sing. In hindsight, I guess I made the right choice. Metal Fanatix: [Laughs] You certainly did mate! Early on in your career you were the vocalist for Killing Spree and also Suffer. What comes to mind when you look back on those early days?
Metal Fanatix: Over the years you have toured with the likes of Cryptic Slaughter, Danzig and Prong to name just a few. Has working with these bands helped develop the techniques you are now using onstage and in the studio? Blasko: Yes, greatly. All those experiences definitely shaped my style. Metal Fanatix: In 2005 you put together a side project with coffin case founder Johnny Coffin called The Death Riders and soon after you released your debut album. Do you have any future plans to get together with the guys and belt out another killer album? Blasko: We are all pretty busy, but hopefully one day we can pull off record number two. Metal Fanatix: Of all the bands you have played with over the years I have always loved the work you did with Rob Zombie, tell us about your first encounter with Rob? Blasko: I was in a band called Drown at the time, and we were clients of the same management company as White Zombie. We got the opportunity to open a few shows for them. That was the first time I met him. That seems like a lifetime ago. Metal Fanatix: Being somewhat a fan of horror movies, what did you think of Rob's remake of 'Halloween'? Blasko: I think he did a great job. I like some of the recent horror remakes, and 'Halloween' is one of them. Metal Fanatix: Over the last few months you have been out on the road with Ozzy Osbourne and Rob has been opening the shows, how has it all been going? Blasko: This tour has been sick. We are having such a blast out here. Metal Fanatix: Has there been much backstage debauchery going on? Blasko: If I told you, I would have to kill you. Metal Fanatix: [Laughs] As the Australian tour gets closer there has been plenty of speculation that Rob Zombie will also be joining you guys as the opening act, can you confirm or deny this for us? Blasko: I cannot say either way. As the bass player, I am the second to last to know anything. Guess who the last one to know is? Metal Fanatix: Rob, there is no doubt that most musicians would give there right arm to share the stage with one of the craziest rock n roll legends of our time, tell us about the first performance you did with Ozzy?
Metal Fanatix: When you landed the gig with Ozzy, who was the first person you told? Blasko: My wife. Metal Fanatix: Dude let's talk about life on the road….There is no doubt that you're an amazing bassist do you do anything specific to warm up and prepare for a show? Blasko: Thank you for the compliment. I usually play through most of the set before we go onstage. Metal Fanatix: You have had the pleasure of touring with so many great bands, is there one show that stands out amongst the many years of mayhem as the best ever? Blasko: Wow, that is too rough. There have been so many great shows. I suppose most recently, playing Madison Square Garden in NYC was quite an accomplishment. Metal Fanatix: What's the strangest/funniest thing that has ever happened to you on stage? Blasko: At this point, nothing stands out as being overly strange. Metal Fanatix: Rob, over the years you have shared the stage with so many great bands. Who have you enjoyed touring with the most? Blasko: I have been very fortunate to have played with such great musicians. It would be impossible to single anyone out. It's not the destination, it's the journey right? Metal Fanatix: What's the craziest thing you have ever asked for on a tour rider? Blasko: I don't pull any of those shenanigans. Metal Fanatix: Mate, you have appeared on some amazing metal albums. From all the albums you have appeared on what is your favorite to listen to and why? Is it even possible to narrow it down? Blasko: It is impossible to narrow it down. I do still listen to The Death Riders record quite a bit.
Blasko: I am not famous enough to have rumors about me. Metal Fanatix: Rob lastly, what is the one band you never want to hear again and why? Blasko: I am a music fan, and I definitely have my preferences. But, if there is something that is on the radio that I don't like, I will just change the station. Metal Fanatix: Rob, I want to thank you again for your time today, I can fuckin wait to see you in Sydney. All the best for 2008 mate! Do you have any last words for our readers? Blasko: Thanks for the interview. Please come visit me at www.myspace.com/blasko666 Check out Blasko's killer work on the latest Ozzy Osbourne album Black Rain out now! Don't miss Ozzy Osbourne touring Australia in March - Tix on sale now! To keep up with all the latest news on Blasko head over to the following websites: http://www.myspace.com/blasko666 - Blasko's MySpace Site http://www.ozzy.com/ - Official Ozzy Osbourne Site http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints - Inside Out 666 © Cameron Edney January, March 2008 Not to be re-printed in any form without written permission. |
