Interview with American Steel

Who: American Steel
What: Rock cover band at Revive @ Five
Where: Old Town Pavilion, downtown Pocatello, Idaho
When: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 5:00 - 8:00pm

American Steel has been a long-standing area favorite for many years. I first got to know this band at Revive @ Five last year, and here they are making a return engagement. I caught up with guitarist Tracy Turner recently about what's the latest with the band.


SLG: Describe your music and how you most appeal to your fans.

TT: We play mostly cover tunes in local bars around the area. For the most part we try to have fun with our crowd; we have several small costume changes and sound effects for the show, and we bust out the seventies wigs and beards for songs like "Funky Music" and "Tush!"

We release the crickets when its a quiet crowd (sound effects for humor). We play songs like "Rebel Yell," "Mustang Sally" and recently added "Low Rider" ... we play classic rock, funk, blues, country rock, sometimes improvise. I think we most appeal to our fans as a band having fun; that is the secret for us - fun.

SLG: I hear you have some new band members?

TT: The lineup is me, Tracy Turner, guitar player, back up vocals, local musician (a few years now)
Darrell Martin, drums, back up vocals, a lifetime drummer from a music family past
Kat Whitnah (also known as Pat Whitmar) lead vocals, lead entertainment (the babe who lays accross peoples tables sometimes and sings)
And two new members: Marci Ridley, (flaming rocker babe) adds keyboards and it really sounds great!!! Also plays flute in our songs and sax, very talented!!!!!
And Ray Rodriquez on bass, (Raybert). Ray plays a screaming bass and has great stage presence. Watch for his Elvis imitation, also a very talented guitar player and bodybuilder.

SLG: And how long have you been together?

TT: American Steel has been together a few years, and the new additions are making us even better.

SLG: Where are you from?

TT: We play out of Pocatello, mostly area bars and events. We will be playing at the Blue Moon in Lava on Pioneer Weekend, (very crazy and fun) the July 24th weekend at 9:00 p.m. both nights.

SLG: Any shows in the past you'd like to talk about?

TT: We have played Island Park, Montana, Wyoming, and a few I don't remember. [laughing -SLG] We always try to have fun. Where else are you gonna hear Loverboy, by a band in wigs, at 1 a.m. in Idaho?

SLG: How can fans reach you for more information?

TT: Our email is americansteelrocks@yahoo.com or find us on MySpace at www.myspace.com/americansteel4u.