‘SUNSET STRIP CHRONICLES: WildSide’s Marc Simon Unloads a Vault of Rock ‘N’ Roll Secrets‘
“For the next rehearsal, I want you guys to strip down, and just think of only the music and don’t worry about what you’re wearing… I want you guys to rehearse in your underwear.”
— Former KISS Manager Bill Aucoin to Marc Simon’s first band St. Valentine
July 13th 2026 — WildSide bassist Marc Simon just blew a few doors off some hidden rock n’ roll history in a killer new interview with the Hair Metal Guru, dropping a goldmine of backstage chaos, legendary encounters, and pure Hollywood magic. From headlining over a pre-fame Guns N’ Roses to dodging free band names from Gene Simmons, Simon’s journey is the ultimate look back to the golden era of heavy & hair metal.
Raised on Stadium Rock and Holy Grails…
Simon didn’t just stumble onto the Sunset Strip; he was practically born under its neon lights. Thanks to a supportive father working as a local ticket broker, Simon was hitting monolithic rock shows at the tender age of 10. His concert blueprint reads like a rock ‘n’ roll holy grail:
- The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin in 1977.
- AC/DC with Bon Scott opening a high-voltage set for Aerosmith.
- Early Iron Maiden fronted by Paul Di’Anno, alongside Rush and Judas Priest.
As a teenager in Southern California, he graduated to the grime and glory of the local club circuit. He witnessed rock history in real-time, catching early, volatile shows from W.A.S.P., a Dave Mustaine-era Metallica, Steeler featuring a young Yngwie Malmsteen, Motley Crue, and Ratt back when Marq Torien was in the ranks.
The Sunset Strip Takeover…
By 1985, Simon stopped just watching history and started making it. He joined St. Valentine, a band that rapidly weaponized their look and sound to become heavyweights of the Sunset Strip scene. After a few years of tearing up the local strip, Simon joined forces with Drew Hannah and Benny Rhynedance along with Brent Woods as the band’s lead guitarist, which evolved into the catalyst that would ultimately birth the sleaze-rock juggernaut WildSide.
Unbelievable Tales from the Backstage Vault…
Simon’s interview is packed with mind-blowing, behind-the-scenes stories from the days when rock gods walked the earth:
- The GN’R Opening Act: In a staggering twist of fate, Simon recalls a night at the legendary Troubadour where his band, St. Valentine, headlined the bill. The first band to open the night? A hungry, unknown group called Guns N’ Roses.
- Eddie Van Halen’s Rehearsal Crash: While WildSide was running pre-production for their debut album Under The Influence with legendary producer Andy Johns, Eddie Van Halen strolled in one afternoon with Johns, and the band was a bit shocked.
- The Freebie from the Demon: During a studio session, Simon found himself shooting the breeze with Gene Simmons. The KISS bassist offered to let the band use one of his own [band name] ideas, “Wet Engine,” completely free of charge. The band politely passed and went with WildSide.
- Living the Dream at 5150: Simon wraps up the jaw-dropping feature by detailing what it was like to hang out and record inside the mythical 5150 Studios, sharing space, tracks, and drinks with Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, and the “Red Rocker” himself, Sammy Hagar.
The 1992 Debut: Liquid Lunches and Underground Studios…
When WildSide’s legendary debut Under The Influence finally hit the streets on Capitol Records in 1992, the behind-the-scenes madness reached a boiling point.
- Andy Johns’ Mythic Drinking: WildSide recorded the album with famed producer Andy Johns. Simon spills the details on the legendary, astronomical level of drinking Johns partook in during the sessions—among other infamous rock-star vices.
- The 5150 Cash-Only Secrecy: Eddie allowed the band to record at his mythical home studio, 5150 Studios. However, there was a catch: the record label had to pay Eddie entirely in cold, hard cash. Furthermore, the band was strictly forbidden from listing 5150 in the official album credits.
- Target Practice: While hanging out and tracking at 5150 with Eddie, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, and the “Red Rocker” Sammy Hagar, Simon noticed a hilarious piece of studio decor. The Van Halen camp had a dartboard set up—prominently featuring the face of their former frontman, David Lee Roth.
Watch the full 100+ minute high-voltage interview below.
Ready, Set, WildSide.
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