John Adams of Love and War Interviewed

By capitalchaostv on July 20, 2017 • ( 0 )

Love N War was initially formed in early 2000 when guitarist / songwriter John Adams and vocalist Jeff Vandenberghe met to do a reunion of their former band.The duo has been writing music, performing and touring together since 1982 and after rehearsals and fueled by an interest to write new songs together again, they decided to join up in a brand new musical outfit. John Adams took some time out of a busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

How did you first get in to music? Who turned you onto rock/metal?

John Adams: My older brother would play great bands and I would listen with him, when he played “Force It” by UFO I knew I was gonna be a guitar player at that point! I was blown away by Michael Schenker’s guitar playing!

How did you become a singer or guitarist and are you proficient in any other instruments ?

Started playing at 13, if I wasn’t in school I was playing guitar and singing! Play some keyboards here and there, not proficient in any, Lol!

What was the local scene in Houston like in the beginning, was there a particular band you aspired to be like, favorite local bands back then, favorite local bands now?

Back in the early 80’s the local scene was Awesome! There were so many great local bands, cant name them all (Zerostone, Blitz, The Lick, WW111, and More!) I aspired greatness, though I never achieved it, the attitude was there!

Has there been times when drugs and alcohol were beneficial to the band?

I wouldn’t say beneficial, except to fuel our energy for work ethic, writing, playing, there was a lot of it at the time, yes!!

How would you best describe your sound?

In your face Hard and Heavy!!! We are a product of our influences!

What was the first music you bought and what have you bought more than once?

I bought all the great guitar influenced bands like Aerosmith, Led Zepplin, Ted Nugent , UFO, etc….. I have worn out and replaced so many records/cd’s over the years and will continue to! LOL !

DIY forever or signing with a label at first opportunity?

If the deal/opportunity was right, Yes!

Whats the biggest show you have played so far and do you still get nervous before a gig?

Played for 3,000 opening for Ratt, and also one for Tesla same amount! Its antsyness more then nervous! Cant wait to hit the stage and ROCK!!!!

Is it true what they say about Texas?

We do everything BIG here yes LOL!!!

Is commercial rock radio dead?

No, it will survive as long as we keep it alive, its just not the same anymore, we are force fed by program directors the music they want us to hear, are days over with DJ’s who play the great music that they love and share with us? YES!!

Favorite songs on the new as yet to be finished album and why?

They are all my babies, love the all, but my some favorites are: title track “Edge of the World” it has a monster guitar riff that keeps glued to the song! “We all Fall Down” another monster song with lots of energy “Final Destination” haunting song with great melody! “Start Believing” great energy, makes you smile and bang your Head!

Out of all your songs which one touches you the most when you perform it?

Probably “Edge of the World” The energy of the song is infectious!!!

Are there any political or social issues hidden in Love N War songs ?

What was the process of putting the songs in order.

No particular order except our favorites, and make sure the energy flows….

What endorsements do you have and what endorsements do you still want?

Currently by “Diamond Amplification” Huge sound/Monster Tone! Would love a Gibson or Dean endorsement!

Bands you would love to tour with and musician or artist you would like to meet and interrogate.

Would love to Tour with UFO and/or Michael Schenker! Grew up with them as a major influence, would be great to rub elbows all the time and hear some road stories!

Song to be played at your funeral and 3 albums to take to your grave?

Never thought about the funeral song, maybe “Rock Bottom” by UFO!! Its my nickname in my UFO tribute band I have called “Lights Out” There are any many! Probably take “Strangers in the Night” by UFO, “Live and Dangerous” by Thin Lizzy and “Physical Graffiti” By Zeppelin, and also our new upcoming CD “Edge of the World” Lol!

Final thoughts, shout outs, dirty jokes?

Whats the difference between Pink and Purple? THE GRIP!! Find Love and War on Facebook (From Houston, Tx.) Give us a shout out! Listen to our first CD “Up the Annie “ on ReverbNation! Love and War Thanks you !! Rock On!!