John Mellencamp

During the three days I was recording at Belmont Mall for the soundtrack to "Falling From Grace"

I recorded a lot of tunes and worked with John Mellencamp for the first time. I could barely believe I was in the studio with the legendary Janis Ian. She was very sweet and soft spoken that day. I believe this was the second take of this song. I still get goosebumps when I hear her sing it.

DAYS LIKE THESE by JANIS IAN   FALLING FROM GRACE SOUNDTRACK

https://youtu.be/4qVnBvsz8LE

Steve Earle

I played Farm Aid 1990 in Indy with the Americana trailblazer Steve Earle. Steve and I have crossed paths many times over the years. When I was mixing my first solo project with Ray Kennedy in Nashville, Steve stopped by one day. He was really enjoying the songs and drum sounds we were getting. He decided to use a loop from the project to lay the rhythmic foundation for this great song from his album "Jerusalem".

CONSPIRACY THEORY by STEVE EARLE

https://youtu.be/u3ybpTgrjrI

Concert for New York City

Shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 a concert was held at Madison Square Garden for first responders. This show was amazing to be a part of. We performed along with Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Billy Joel, etc.

I REMEMBER WATCHING THE WHO PERFORM AND BEING BLOWN AWAY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aruDK5EmAl8 

Songs From Isolation

With live music virtually nonexistent in 2020, I found a way to keep busy, start a new band and make an album. The result was “Songs From Isolation” by Dane Clark and the Backroom Boys featuring John Sebastian, Abigail Clark and Jason Sturgeon. This 12 song album was recorded by all involved from their own workspaces and homes and mixed by me at my Thundersound Studio. 

Rush | 2112 

Early days. Still feels effective and appropriate for this project, today — despite it’s primitive and simplistic solutions.

Even the naked figure of our hero (my childhood friend and “cheap talent” in the form of Bobby King) was shot in the studio, then later merged with the backlit (and slightly filtered and overexposed) red star ... in the darkroom.

The Starman was ever a part of our lives, moving forward — whooda thunk?

Aerosmith  | Get A Grip

During an actual (and rare) board meeting at Geffen Records with John Kalodner (the A&R guru) and the art department ...There arose several proposals for this title. I offered the obtuse and ridiculous (but then in vogue) concept of a nipple ring on a cow’s udder. I met with the band in Boston to present the concept (even jammed for a few minutes when Steven saw that I played piano) — and I was delighted that they embraced the dry humor of this album art.

Whitesnake | 1987

When you first meet David Coverdale you are struck with his presence. 

When we spoke about the cover, I instinctively sensed that British heraldry and legacy needed to be evident in this cover art. I immediately stretched a canvas, and began painting. 

This was the beginning of a multi-album collaboration with His Lordship for additional Whitesnake albums and Coverdale | Page. I really do miss working with Mr. Coverdale.

Megadeth | Countdown To Extinction 

I enjoyed working with Dave Mustaine. For this one I created the back wall from foam core and plaster / paint. Stripped the sink and plate of monkey skulls later. I asked my octogenarian model to look up into the light and scream. We then had him sit on a table, with his feet dangling free. I worked with Cameron Wong, (assistant to legendary photographer Norman Seef).

Farm Aid 2001

This took place only a few weeks after the September 11th terrorist attacks. It was a fascinating and scary time to be doing live events. The world was changing and Farm Aid was one of the first large, high profile shows in a post-911 world. I recall Neil Young rallying everyone involved. A DVD concert film was also released from this show.

Lollapalooza 2003

This was the return of Lollapalooza as a touring entity after several years off. It kicked off in Indy but we had 4 days of rehearsals before the opening show. It was amazing to closely with Perry Farrell on the media plans and activations to support the tour launch.  Perry is a marketing and PR genius.

Eagles 2008

This was the tour kickoff for  The Long Road Out of Eden Tour. There was a week of rehearsals and then 4 sold out nights at the new amphitheater in Alpharetta, GA (near Atlanta). I have some excellent fly on the wall stories from this experience. Watching Joe Walsh down a full size cream pie in catering being my favorite.

The Rolling Stones 2015

This experience was amazing. Having the opportunity to help be an integral part of the marketing and PR efforts for this once in a lifetime show at the famed home of the Indy 500. And then to top it off, I spent about an hour pre-show with Mick Jagger discussing and answering his Indy-related questions.