Jan 13, 2025
Former Black Flag singer/guitarist Dez Cadena traces his path from being the son of a jazz record producer to becoming a pivotal figure in the LA punk scene, discussing the records, rare recordings and eyewitness accounts in the formation of LA punk rock culture.
Topics Include:
- Interview start, brief discussion of The Saints and Chris Bailey's passing
- Dez discovered Australian punk through Music Plus record store
- Early exposure to Ramones, The Damned, and The Saints
- Describes discovering Radio Birdman alongside The Saints
- Compares Radio Birdman's sound to Blue Öyster Cult
- Discusses early AC/DC fandom, specifically Bon Scott era
- Father Ozzie Cadena was record producer for jazz labels
- Family moved from New Jersey to California
- Father had connection to Lighthouse Cafe jazz venue
- Dez's childhood exposure to music through father's record store
- Father's recording techniques using minimal microphone setups
- Connection to Rudy Van Gelder's recording studio
- Father recorded blues artists like Lightnin' Hopkins
- Received first drum kit as child from father
- Influenced by TV show Hee Haw's multi-instrumental performers
- Father encouraged guitar learning over other instruments
- Father's reaction to Dez joining Black Flag
- Met Ron Reyes at garage sale playing punk records
- First encounter with Black Flag (then called Panic)
- Discusses early Black Flag recording sessions and demos
- Explains Louie Louie single release on Posh Boy Records
- Details Thirsty and Miserable Licorice Pizza promotional record
- Discusses relationship with Black Flag after leaving band
- Explains circumstances of Ron Reyes leaving Black Flag
- Describes chaotic Louie Louie performance after Reyes quit
- Discusses transition from singing to playing guitar
- Mentions potential singers considered before Henry Rollins
- Keith Morris briefly returning for one show
- Current Flag project and Punk Rock Bowling festival
- Discusses Punk Rock Museum and giving tours
- Mentions Johnny Thunders' guitar and other museum exhibits
- Recommends The Schizophonics band
- Promotes his current band Dondo
- Mentions producing 3rd Rate band's recent record
See Dez at the Punk Rock Museum - Tickets here
Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide
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Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8