Metal Sludge — In a new episode of the Straight To Video Podcast with Rob Lane, the guest is Tuff bassist Todd ‘Chase’ Chaisson.

Lane talks to Chaisson about everything from his life growing up in Arizona in a house full of bassists to his food truck business in Ohio.

Chaisson who early on adapted the shortened nickname of Chase, also talks about the band’s early days which included opening for some hot shot band from Hollywood named Poison.

Chase goes into detail about helping Bret Michaels calm himself down post-show, and was present when Michaels had a near medical emergency, and comforted the Poison singer as he gave himself an insulin shot.

That same night, the two bands were partying at a local house near Phoenix and while Chase was hanging with Michaels, it turns out Bobby Dall was getting busy with Chase’s then girlfriend.

Chase says it was Bret Michaels who tried to sway him from starting a fight with his bass player, and the singer promised Poison would help Tuff if they ever moved to Hollywood.

Fast forward 6 months later, and Michaels made good on that promise turning over the band’s known publicist Deb Rosner to help Tuff get a foot in the door with magazine press.

In addition, when Poison moved out of their band house, Bret and the guys gave the starving newbies some of their old furniture.

Chase who was 1 of 7 kids (6 brothers and 1 sister) also tells the listener about his brothers Kenny Chaisson (Keel) and Greg Chaisson (Badlands) and how they influenced him early on in music.

But adds it was older brother Kirk Chaisson a 30 year veteran as a News Reporter who took a 13 year old Todd to his first concert.

That concert was Kiss on the “Dynasty” tour.

Fun Fact: That exact Kiss concert was November 10th 1979 in Phoenix at Arizona’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Lastly, he also gives an inside look at how Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll launched 7 years ago with his partner Billy Morris (ex-Warrant).

Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll have multiple vehicles serving the greater Cleveland area, award winning recipes and have even appeared on the “Fresh, Fried & Crispy” reality food series on Netflix.

Listen below to the interview on the Straight To Video Podcast.


Todd ‘Chase’ Chaisson @ Facebook – Tuff – Billy Morris –

Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll @ WebSite – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter –

Straight To Video Podcast @ WebSite – Facebook – Twitter – YouTube – Instagram – Rob Lane –