“I grew up in one of those towns Mellencamp sang about, I love it now but spent a lot of time just trying to get out.”
— Pete Evick
LOS ANGELES – Pete Evick, longtime guitarist for Bret Michaels of Poison fame, has a new solo single, “Your Last One,” a catchy Americana-style song that would not feel lost on a Kid Rock album.
It’s not over-the-top glam-rock like Poison, but the song has the potential to be a cross-over radio hit that appeals to country fans and lots of others.
And that is OK. Evick, the entrepreneurial 52-year-old whose been at Michaels’ side for 21 years, has every right to stretch his wings.
The long-haired guitarist from Northern Virginia just checked in with Metal Sludge for an Official Ten Questions, and like usual Evick lets it all hang out.
1, Let’s get the new news out first. Tell us about your new single.
The new song is called “Your Last One.” There are two songs in my life that have had such an impact on me lyrically, “Right Now” from Van Halen and “Live Like You’re Dying” from Tim McGraw. Both have a similar message and don’t waste a second. I’ve always wanted to write my version of that, and maybe this is it. I’d also always had this idea to write a song that tied famous ‘80s songs into an autobiographical story of my own and create a nostalgic feeling but also have listeners realize, “Oh, I lived that song too.”
The true story about the chorus is that I was getting ready to go to a celebration of life for my friend and industry professional, Robert “Junior” Jones, after dealing with loss after loss this year. Literally 90 minutes before Junior’s celebration, the chorus was just downloaded into my head in a different way than any lyric has ever come to me. So I have to believe Junior gave me that chorus.
2, Your son, Gavin, is a great singer. How much influence did you have shaping him into a musician?
Thank you for saying that. I’d like to believe I had everything to do with it, but he has spent his life standing on the side of the stage watching all these guys from Bret Michaels to Lou Gramm. He took it all in. From age three, he went to school with the best of the best, and they’ve all taken the time to talk to him, to offer their advice and encouragement.
Tom Keifer spent hours on the phone with him discussing the dangers of singing with that rasp, Robert Mason has spent a ton of time advising him, and Bret obviously has taught him so much! I think my contribution has been more about teaching him how to sing in a studio. As a producer for over 30 years, it’s the one thing I could help him with more so than others.
3, What about your own parents? What was your childhood like?
I had one of those childhoods, like many, where I was dirt poor but didn’t realize it until later in life. I came from and still reside in Northern Virginia — one of the most expensive parts of the country just outside of Washington D.C. – but I lived in Manassas which was the “poor redneck town,” the “other side of the tracks.”
My mom was too sick to work, and my dad was an auto mechanic. In the opening lines to my new song, I say, “I grew up in one of those towns Mellencamp sang about, I love it now but spent a lot of time just trying to get out.”
That pretty much sums it up. My parents were super supportive of me chasing my dreams. They went without so I could have the tools to succeed, but they stayed out of the biz. They let me forge my own path and did not suddenly become music managers and experts like so many parents try to do.
I was playing clubs three to five nights a week in my junior/senior years of high school; they rarely showed up. Looking back, some of their friends must have thought it was weird that their 16-year-old son was up all night at a shady redneck/Marine hangout right next to Quantico military base!
4, Tell us three things that are going on with Bret Michaels.
Just three? The guy never sits still, you know that.
1, He is working nonstop to try to make Poison’s 40th anniversary something incredible for the fans.
2, He continues to work on building his Parti Gras brand with his solo band, finding cool guests to make the show better and better. We have had Mark McGrath, Steve Augeri, Dee Snider, Lou Gramm and more all join us out there. Topping that next year is going to be tough.
3, I think the one thing he does that people don’t see so much is his active participation in helping his daughters as they forge forward in their chosen career paths.
5, As Michaels’ guitarist, what’s it like to play in front of 50,000 fans all going crazy?
Ya know, this is my 21st year. The biggest crowd to date has been 125,000, and dates like that are indescribable. There is no denying Bret Michaels is THE BEST frontman of the genre. It’s still like going to school every time I get on stage next to him and watch him command audiences of those sizes. The energy of those crowds is intoxicating.
Many who have never had that chance will say, “If I could do that just once.” Well, as a small town guy who probably should have never been given that chance, I say this: If you do it once, you have to do it again. It’s amazing!
6, Any New Years resolutions?
Nah I wish I had a better answer but at 52, if I haven’t figured myself out by now and think I have to make some superstitious promise to myself to improve, then fuck me. Now, that being said, I’m constantly trying to improve myself and move forward.
There’s a line in a David Lee Roth song that always cracks me up: “That’s the thing about self improvement, don’t get me wrong, I plan to get some soon.”
6, Los Angeles has been on fire, and the heart of the Rock industry is here. Your thoughts?
It’s paralyzing to watch, but I almost feel insensitive to comment while I’m safe in my home 3,000 miles away. I spend an enormous amount of my time in Malibu and Calabasas, and I’m seeing places that I frequent burnt to the ground and it just crushes me.
I started texting my friends out there and every time I text one, I think of another I know there, and then I realize I have more friends in that area than anywhere else. I guess I never thought about it. Some I didn’t text because I don’t want to bother them, but I certainly can’t get any of them off my mind.
I just can’t put my emotions into words.
7, There are still a lot of Rock bands from the ‘80s that continue to tour. Give us a little opinion or memory of the following:
– Motley Crue
I think everyone knows I’m pro-Vince. I don’t know him well but consider him a buddy. When we run into each other, we always have a great time.
I think my eyes see a different version of Vince Neil than most people. The idea that he just lives his life and does whatever the fuck he wants with no regard for anything — including his own health – is about as Rock and Roll as it gets.
While the fame has provided him a lifestyle that dreams are made of, he never seems to cash in on his fame and is the most non-“look at me, look at me” rock star I’ve ever known.
The Vince I know doesn’t seem to need the attention other celebrities crave. I met John 5 for the first time this year. What an incredible guy and incredible player; I’d give anything to play like him.
I don’t give one fuck about the other two guys. I watched FRANCIS act like he’s Bret’s best friend to his face — stood right there during the stadium tour with them both — then his fucking book opened with him saying he didn’t want Poison on that tour! Whatever.
– L.A. Guns
I don’t have much to say about LA Guns. Tracii’s guitar tone is amazing, great player. When I was a kid I thought “Electric Gypsy” and “Kiss My Love Goodbye” were great songs. I’ve gotten to spend some time with their bass player, Johnny Martin. That guy is incredible too, just a great guy to be around, great player, super pro and super cool.
People often like to tell me that Phil doesn’t have the nicest things to say about Poison or Bret’s solo band. That’s a shame; I’m not sure any of them or us have ever done anything to him.
– Faster Pussycat
Ha! Here we go. The cult following/lifestyle brand that has become Faster Pussycat is amazing. What they have become should be an inspiration to any band out there. There are people that live and die for those guys. I’ve seen them several times this year alone, Taime Downe is better than ever, the whole band is. Sam Koltan is an incredible player and an even better human being. Kieran Robertson is amazing too! Danny Nordahl I could watch him all day – on and off the stage. I could take or leave the drummer. What’s his name? Kidding!! Chad Stewart is my brother and partner-in-crime in the Ultimate Acoustic Rock Show.
– Enuff Z’Nuff
Chip’s has a one-of-a-kind great voice and has always been super kind to me. There’s so much drama in that band’s history, and all I can say is that there is a lot of talent in those incredibly, well-crafted songs!
– Night Ranger
Let me tell you this: Night Ranger open for us a lot. If you are in a band, you do not want them to go on before you. They are flawless, fucking flawless. They sound great, they look great. It’s sick! They’re true legends with historic and timeless songs and every single one of those guys is super kind and super cool – and even their crew is flawless! DO NOT GO ON AFTER NIGHT RANGER unless there is no other option!
– Alice Cooper
I honestly don’t have any memories, stories, or opinions. He’s a legend, he’s great, his band is great. I’ve never seen it live that I can remember, but we are playing with him this year at the Board Walk Rocks Festival. I can’t wait!
– Stephen Pearcy
Man, I love Stephen, he’s always been so great to me. We are doing several shows with him this year. I think he sounds better than ever and seems to be in great spirits. His band is great. Erik Fennintinos, his guitar player, has been there a long time. We have a very similar story / journey. He’s an amazing guy.
Johnny Monaco, his other guitar player, is hands down one of the best. Such a unique human being with an incredible sense of humor.
– Quiet Riot
To me, I’ll go to the end saying Quiet Riot deserves more than history is willing to give them. As much as I’m a Van Halen fan, my version of the rock history books shows Quiet Riot as THE BAND that ushered in the new wave of American rock and roll that had been left for dead!
9, What’s something you’ve seen in the front row but have never talked about?
Ha! I talk a lot, I don’t know that there is anything I haven’t said. BUT, being from D.C. and playing those clubs in the 90s, there were several times you could spot well-known politicians with the drug dealers and prostitutes. I remember I was approached once and threatened to never mention what I had seen.
I couldn’t explain to this guy enough how much I didn’t give a fuck, yet they were sure I was going to the news.
10, And finally, what did we leave out? Anything to add?
Thanks, as always, for letting me be a part of the mighty Sludge. Keep an eye out for my band with Chad Stewart and Dean Cramer, The Ultimate Acoustic Rock Show. We are all over the country in January and February, check our social media for dates and info. Oh, and in case you live under a rock and don’t already know, Mark McGrath rules. Sugar Ray was the greatest gift the 90s gave us.
Pete Evick @ Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – BMB Shows – YouTube – MTV Famous
Contact Gerry Gittelson at gerryg123@hotmail.com
