"I know it sounds cliché, but clichés exist because of the truth they define. Music IS the universal language because I have experienced music connecting people who don't understand the language of the lyrics. I have learned through music that we are all one and it can unite us, so I believe in the power of music."

Rocky Athas: Rockin' The Blues

Rocky Athas, known by critics and fans as "The Texas Tornado", "The Malice from Dallas", "The Young Eric Clapton" and "The Last Great Bluesbreaker Guitarist", possesses an arsenal of punishing guitar riffs and catchy hooks that have opened every door. From recording his first solo album at Willie Nelson's studio with multi-Grammy winning producer, Jim Gaines to working with Buddy Miles and SRV's Double Trouble to Glenn Hughes to Joe Walsh and John Mayall, Rocky has a blues rock pedigree that reads like a Who's Who of musicians. With his wonderfully crafted album "Shakin' The Dust" (2017), Rocky announced his arrival from the international touring stage with the Godfather of British Blues to his rightful place front and center delivering his musical message with Texas style.                                  (Rocky Athas / Photo by Arnie Goodman)

After carrying the mantle of the coveted role of lead guitarist with John Mayall's legendary Bluesbreakers for eight years, Rocky Athas returned to his successfully established solo career and in 2017, the much anticipated reunion between Rocky's good friend and multi-Grammy winning producer, Jim Gaines, delivered Shakin' the Dust to rave reviews! His band of Texas musicians wowed audiences and ultimately led to John Mayall's invitation to join him as his guitarist. 2015 saw the release of the ultimate Rocky Athas collection highlighting his most crowd pleasing songs plus never before released bonus tracks which pay tribute to his influences like Eric Clapton and Leslie West. The release of The Essential Rocky Athas - Volume I & II is hailed globally by critics as " a delectable album tailor-made for the blues enthusiast" filled with "delicious howling guitar riffs". Don't miss this authentic Texas guitar legend and former Bluesbreaker!

Interview by Michael Limnios                     Archive: Rocky Athas, 2012 interview

How has the Blues and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I have been inspired and even applied lessons from songs I've heard whether it was blues or rock music. One great example is "The Living Years" by Mike and The Mechanics published in 1988. The lyric "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away" touched me and made me aware that that scenario could happen to me one day. As my father aged, I was mindful of the time we spent together and in a surreal moment of life imitating art, I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away in 2005. I was on tour overseas. Although it was devastating, I had no regrets because I had spent "my" living years having meaningful conversations with my dad. A song did that for me, proving that music can be influential, powerful and change a person's perspective. As a songwriter, that is my hope.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

Since I was born and raised in Texas and grew up watching Freddie King play locally, my sound is undeniably Texas blues rock. I was also completely immersed in Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton in the Bluesbreakers, Leslie West of Mountain, Jeff Beck, B.B. King and countless others. My sound comes from melting all those influences together hour after hour in my bedroom during my teenage years with my older brother introducing me to his favorite albums. 

My songwriting is a combination of all those influences combined with the discovery of The Beatles and The Stones. I write what I feel in the moment, so I focus on staying real and present. My drive comes from just about anywhere; a mood like anger, love, loss or even just wanting to play my guitar for the fun of it. If you listen to "Dictator" on Shakin' The Dust, that is me just having fun playing guitar. Watching how joyfully Freddie King played live, convinced me that music should be fun. I never write out a solo. Everything is improvisation.                                         (Rocky Athas / Photo by Arnie Goodman)

"While I enjoy reminiscing about fun times in the past and I am an avid student of history, I prefer to focus on the present when it comes to music. Everyday life moves forward and personally I like the way the blues are today because blues music is more widely accepted and popular than ever before."

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? What do you think is key to a music life well lived?

Well, I think every player wants to sound as good as possible, so technique comes first before soul. There is no magic short cut to finding your musical soul. Practicing and performing until the guitar becomes an extension of you is key. There is no magic short cut to develop muscle memory and experience and confidence except playing hundreds of gigs. With confidence and experience comes attitude which influences how you feel when you play. Each step of the journey builds you into a musician. On top of all that work, you have to surround yourself with people who will help you stay grounded and sober as a person so you can enjoy a music life well lived.

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

By far, the hardest obstacle has been the business of music and all that goes with it. First of all, the music business has nothing to do with learning to master your instrument or songwriting.  It is a totally different world to learn after you become a player. In the early days of my career, I thought that if I was good enough, I would get a record deal and voila...I'd be touring and making money. Boy, did I have a lot to learn!  Luckily, today with the internet and the ability to be an independent artist, and reach a worldwide audience without leaving home, I can create my own opportunities with my website, merchandise, YouTube, social media, etc. Musicians can be in charge of their destinies and it's AWESOME! Your readers can literally check out my website, send me a message and I can write back! Before the internet, you had to actually attend a concert and stand in line for that kind of opportunity and that's only if your favorite artist was coming to your town. Now, you can purchase music directly from my website and I can personalize it with an autograph! Want to know what kind of guitar I used on a particular song?  You can check out my social media and send me a question. Today's technology makes it awesome to be a fan, too! 

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of blues?           (Rocky Athas & John Mayall / Photo by John Lee Hunter)

While I enjoy reminiscing about fun times in the past and I am an avid student of history, I prefer to focus on the present when it comes to music. Everyday life moves forward and personally I like the way the blues are today because blues music is more widely accepted and popular than ever before. What I miss most about the blues from the past are the artists who have passed and the opportunities to experience groundbreaking artists like B.B. King in concert today. I had no idea what B.B. King was doing with his left hand when I was in the 7th grade and my mother took me to see him. He was my first live concert, and it was amazing! But what was more amazing was talking to B.B. backstage while on tour with John Mayall and in a private moment he asked to exchange guitar picks with me, and I shared with him my childhood experience of seeing him play in Dallas Texas. I will cherish that personal moment with him for the rest of my life. 

What is the impact of the Blues/Rock music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Timelessness is the single most important aspect that determines a song's impact and universal appeal. A timeless song can help you connect personal experiences, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes happy that help shape who you are. Being a musician is a lifestyle that helped me understand that unity is possible anywhere in the world even if we do not speak the same language. I know it sounds cliché, but clichés exist because of the truth they define. Music IS the universal language because I have experienced music connecting people who don't understand the language of the lyrics. I have learned through music that we are all one and it can unite us, so I believe in the power of music.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

After watching many friends suffer with addiction, I learned that the most important thing is to stay sober, take care of your health and always be mindful of that. The problem is that when you first start out playing in bars with strangers wanting to buy you alcohol all night you think "This is fun!" But if you are not careful that environment can be very damaging and cause musicians to take an unwanted detour into addiction. It's a slippery slope in a social situation that is also your employment so it's easy for the line to get blurred. Once I learned that music could and would be my "job" for life, I never drank again. 

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life? The meaning of life?

The main goal in life for me is for everyone to try and get along and love one another realizing that differences don't have to be obstacles to relationships. Music is conducive to that because it transcends barriers. I have no time for haters. Being from a Greek family, loyalty is probably the highest priority. We are a tight knit, fun-loving family and really enjoy laughing at the similarities between our family and the family in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". That is part of the reason why I love having my son play bass with me on stage and my drummer, Walter, has his son, Jared, play guitar with us. Life is short and I want to surround myself with like-minded people who are happy, honest and loyal.

Rocky Athas - Home

(Rocky Athas / Photo by Arnie Goodman)