RHINO (HolyHell) – I would go into a trance

Kenny Earl Edwards, også kjent som Rhino, sitter for tiden med stikkene og slår takta i HolyHell. Tidligere har han en karriere i Manowar, hvor han spilte i 3 år og han var med på et album (The Triumph of Steel). Hans nåværende band HolyHell, kommer til Kvinesdal og Norway Rock Festival i juli og i den forbindelsen tok vi kontakt med Rhino for å høre hvordan hans bidrag til The Blast Beast Series er.

When did you start to play the drums?

When I was about 8 years old. My dad is a musician…he use to let me sit in with his bands.

Why did you start playing drums?

I would go into a trance when I was a kid banging on boxes while my dad played guitar….it was such a high..to this day it feels the same.

How old were you when you got your first drums/drum set?

8 years old.

How often do you practice?

I practice at least an hour a day now because we are so busy in the studio and touring. I would love practice 6 hours a day if I had the time.

Which drummer did you look up to when you were young and is there anyone today that you admire more than the rest?

When I was a kid I liked John Bonham, Michael Derozier, Cozy Powell, Alex van Halen, Joey Krame. I started listening to Tommy Aldridge when he was with Pat Travers and he just blew me away! I didn't play double bass so I always tried to copy what he did with a single bass. Later on I got into Steve Smith…he is a huge influence on me today.

What kind of equipment do you use? Which equipment is in your ears the best?

I have a Tama kit, and an old Pearl kit. On tour I have been using a Premier drum set. I really like the way Tama sounds.

Which qualities do you think is most important to succeed as a drummer today?

Groove, meter, and a good attitude….play with authority

Have you ever played a solo during a gig?

Yes.

If you haven't become a drummer, what would you most likely been doing?

Acting, writing music, producing, mixing.

Do you workout a lot?

I run 30 minutes a day and I do push ups…

Do you have any special rituals you have to go through before you enter the stage?

I go through rudiments on a practice pad.

Which releases have you been a part of so far? (Band name, title, release year)

Manowar (Triumph of Steel. 1992)

Holyhell (Apocalypse. 2007)

Jack Starrs Burning (Starr Defiance about to be released on Magic Circle Music)

Before we end this, you now have the opportunity to challenge another drummer to take part in this series. Pick a drummer and explain why?

Deen Castronova! Because he is from another planet!