“I don’t ever see he and I working (together) again… which should tell you something because Zinny (Zan) and I are working again.”
— Harry Cody on working with Matt Kramer former Saigon Kick singer.
June 1st 2026 — In a brand new video interview Harry Cody of Shotgun Messiah fame is the guest on The Hair Metal Guru.
Cody was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the Swedish quartet that released their self-titled debut in the fall of 1989 on Relativity Records.
Cody talks with The Guru about all things related, including starting out learning an instrument, spending time in the Swedish Army and forming early bands that evolved into Kingpin by 1985.
Kingpin was the band’s name when they signed their deal, but soon found out the name was being used elsewhere and the label suggested a change, which lead to them calling the group Shotgun Messiah.
Cody also goes into a bit of detail regarding the various member changes including original vocalist Zinny Zan‘s departure after the debut which resulted in bassist Tim Tim (Skold) moving to front the band which appeared to be an easy transition for the sophomore record “Second Coming” released in late 1991.
The follow-up was without a doubt a huge fan favorite surpassing what the debut did but the band finally hit the breakup stage after their 3rd release “Violent New Breed” and its subsequent tour in late 1993.
Cody then worked briefly with former Saigon Kick singer Matt Kramer in 1994, but quickly realized it was not working saying; “I was a huge fan of Saigon Kick and Matt (Kramer) has a fantastic voice, turns out, we can’t work together. You know, that was not productive at all, I wasted the better part of a year.”
The Guru then asked if it ended badly with Kramer, and Cody replied: “Yes. I don’t ever see he and I working (together) again… which should tell you something because Zinny (Zan) and I are working again.”
Cody speaks on all kinds of subjects, including his recent involvement with his former frontman Zan and their new project Zan/Cody which recently released new music with their new single “Damn.”
There is also talk about Cody playing with Georg Dolivo and Rhino Bucket whom he has become the guitarist in over the recent year.
“Georg is one of those guys if he calls up and says, “I need you this second”, I am on my way. I will… ride or die, I’m totally on board” says Cody of the Rhino Bucket frontman.
Listen to the full 90 minute interview with Harry Cody on The Hair Metal Guru below.
Ready, Set, Guitar.
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