AMA -- Rob Shanahan (For music fans)

@"JimmyinSD" said: by the way... I love that pic of EVH,  that speaks to how he played,  when they hit the main scene his sound was like a punch in the face, but I dont think he really found his sound until later,  but it was still  awesome to be able to grow up listening to Van Halen as they learned to be musical artists,  not just rockers.

Thank you JimmyinSD, I'm a huge VH fan. working with them was just completely out of this world. And to have stage access, it doesn't get any better. You are 100% correct, their true sound came later. The producer Ted Templeman, who did all their records, was able to harness that raw rock sound and create those magical VH anthems of the 70's and 80's. You must read Ted's book, "A Platinum Producer's Life in Music", amazing behind the scenes in the studio with VH crafting all those iconic songs. Gene Simmons tried producing their first record, before Ted. Gene played for me some of the VH demo tapes once when I was at his house for a photo shoot. But that's a whole different story....!

BTW folks, please don't misconstrue my "name dropping" for anything other than just sharing information with my new Sota friends. It just happens to be my life/work, and I'm happy to answer any questions and share stories!

@"Rob Shanahan" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said: by the way... I love that pic of EVH,  that speaks to how he played,  when they hit the main scene his sound was like a punch in the face, but I dont think he really found his sound until later,  but it was still  awesome to be able to grow up listening to Van Halen as they learned to be musical artists,  not just rockers.

Thank you JimmyinSD, I'm a huge VH fan. working with them was just completely out of this world. And to have stage access, it doesn't get any better. You are 100% correct, their true sound came later. The producer Ted Templeman, who did all their records, was able to harness that raw rock sound and create those magical VH anthems of the 70's and 80's. You must read Ted's book, "A Platinum Producer's Life in Music", amazing behind the scenes in the studio with VH crafting all those iconic songs. Gene Simmons tried producing their first record, before Ted. Gene played for me some of the VH demo tapes once when I was at his house for a photo shoot. But that's a whole different story....!

BTW folks, please don't misconstrue my "name dropping" for anything other than just sharing information with my new Sota friends. It just happens to be my life/work, and I'm happy to answer any questions and share stories!

If there was any drummer to "fill in" for Charlie, I was glad it was Steve Jordan.  He's awesome, a great friend of Charlie's and a member of Keith's Ex-Pensive Whinos, who I love. B)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5tKd0fKO5g

@"1VikesFan" said: Welcome Rob.

Don't really have any questions at this time but I am a huge Stones fan and loved reading about your experiences with Charlie. 

Okay one question: I have often read that Keith Richards is a really down to earth guy behind the scenes, is that how you would describe him?

Keith Richards is exactly who you think he is, and in every perfect sense of the word. By far one of those guys that I still get a bit weak kneed when in his presence! But he always comes at me with a big smile and welcoming hand shake. He once asked me "How's Ringo doing?" and it made my 12 year old self giggle inside. Here's a pic of me at rehearsals sitting behind Keith's amp and next to Charlie, you can see Mick (gray sneaker) and Keith (red sneaker) at the very left edge. Between songs and during breaks I'd chat gear with them. Mind blowing, but not unlike a conversation I could be having with a band in Chaska. 

@"HappyViking" said:

If there was any drummer to "fill in" for Charlie, I was glad it was Steve Jordan.  He's awesome, a great friend of Charlie's and a member of Keith's Ex-Pensive Whinos, who I love. B) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5tKd0fKO5g

100% correct, he's amazing! And rocking the Stones in a different way but staying true to Charlie's grooves. 

Please feel free to post more questions, leaving for the afternoon, will get back tonight for more SKOL and Rock n' Roll!

@"Rob Shanahan" said: Please feel free to post more questions, leaving for the afternoon, will get back tonight for more SKOL and Rock n' Roll!

Thanks for posting, Rob - it's fun!  BTW, my monicker: Stones song "Happy" + "Viking" = super clever, right? B)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1175axY2Vvw

@"Rob Shanahan" said:

@"1VikesFan" said: Welcome Rob.

Don't really have any questions at this time but I am a huge Stones fan and loved reading about your experiences with Charlie. 

Okay one question: I have often read that Keith Richards is a really down to earth guy behind the scenes, is that how you would describe him?

Keith Richards is exactly who you think he is, and in every perfect sense of the word. By far one of those guys that I still get a bit weak kneed when in his presence! But he always comes at me with a big smile and welcoming hand shake. He once asked me "How's Ringo doing?" and it made my 12 year old self giggle inside. Here's a pic of me at rehearsals sitting behind Keith's amp and next to Charlie, you can see Mick (gray sneaker) and Keith (red sneaker) at the very left edge. Between songs and during breaks I'd chat gear with them. Mind blowing, but not unlike a conversation I could be having with a band in Chaska. 

@"Rob Shanahan" said:

@"1VikesFan" said: Welcome Rob.

Don't really have any questions at this time but I am a huge Stones fan and loved reading about your experiences with Charlie. 

Okay one question: I have often read that Keith Richards is a really down to earth guy behind the scenes, is that how you would describe him?

Keith Richards is exactly who you think he is, and in every perfect sense of the word. By far one of those guys that I still get a bit weak kneed when in his presence! But he always comes at me with a big smile and welcoming hand shake. He once asked me "How's Ringo doing?" and it made my 12 year old self giggle inside. Here's a pic of me at rehearsals sitting behind Keith's amp and next to Charlie, you can see Mick (gray sneaker) and Keith (red sneaker) at the very left edge. Between songs and during breaks I'd chat gear with them. Mind blowing, but not unlike a conversation I could be having with a band in Chaska. 

Welcome Rob!
Thanks for the access to your friend, VikingOracle!

Rob, since you’re California-based, have you any involvement/stories with Beach Boys or the Doors? (probably before your time?)

Also, 2 of my favorite Cali bands Metallica and RHCP’S?  Any interactions?

I’m a small town kid from SoDak, and also had a PASSION for drums/percussion, but unfortunately, I sucked…but sure enjoy those of you who dont! 

any of your percussion skills on youtube?

congrats on the accolades you’ve received and thanks for sharing!

any embarrassing stories about VikingOracle would be enjoyed, as well haha

@"HappyViking" said:

@"Rob Shanahan" said: Please feel free to post more questions, leaving for the afternoon, will get back tonight for more SKOL and Rock n' Roll!

Thanks for posting, Rob - it's fun!  BTW, my monicker: Stones song "Happy" + "Viking" = super clever, right? B)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1175axY2Vvw

@"savannahskol" said: Welcome Rob! Thanks for the access to your friend, VikingOracle!

Rob, since you’re California-based, have you any involvement/stories with Beach Boys or the Doors? (probably before your time?)
A little before my time, but my parents had their records and I used to play drums along to them for many years! Turns out, the drummer who played on all those Beach Boys records was the great Hal Blaine, drummer for the Wrecking Crew, who I became friendly with at the end of his life. I photographed him a few times and also interviewed him for a doc I'm working on. Terrific guy with tons of great stories. I also photographed Brian Wilson about 10 years ago, and Robby Krieger 2 years ago at his studio in Burbank. 

Also, 2 of my favorite Cali bands Metallica and RHCP’S?  Any interactions?
Yes Metallica, and yes Chad Smith, a handful of times. Great guy, and fun to hang around. 

I’m a small town kid from SoDak, and also had a PASSION for drums/percussion, but unfortunately, I sucked…but sure enjoy those of you who dont! 
SoDak, never heard that before, I like it. 

any of your percussion skills on youtube?
More so on my Instagram: @shanahanphoto

congrats on the accolades you’ve received and thanks for sharing!
You bet! SKOL!

any embarrassing stories about VikingOracle would be enjoyed, as well haha
Nope, but I can tell you we met at our kids' school. Not many dads would show up to all the events, but both of us would. He's a good daddy! 

I actually have a Brian Wilson story.  Brian was a client at my firm.  I go in the men's room and stand at the urinal and Brian is at the next urinal.  He broke all urinal etiquette by looking at me and saying, "Hi, I'm Brian Wilson."  Yes, that is how I met Brian Wilson.

Rob -- withholding names but what is the most outrageous story you heard about a rock legend?

 Well, I know "Diddley"!  Many years ago I was watching Bo Diddley play at the Caboose in Minneapolis (awesome show and venue, btw).  At the end of the show I asked Bo for his autograph.  He looked directly into my eyes and said "No", then his body guard brushed me aside so Bo could hurriedly get past me.  Hey, he at least spoke to me. B)

Also, since Rob is such a big Stones fan -- what is your favorite Stones song and why?  I am also always curious about what big break or circumstance you attribute your career path.  Thanks for doing this Rob.

@"VikingOracle" said: I actually have a Brian Wilson story.  Brian was a client at my firm.  I go in the men's room and stand at the urinal and Brian is at the next urinal.  He broke all urinal etiquette by looking at me and saying, "Hi, I'm Brian Wilson."  Yes, that is how I met Brian Wilson.

Rob -- withholding names but what is the most outrageous story you heard about a rock legend?

Interesting Brian Wilson story! 

I read in a few different books about Ozzy Osbourne snorting a line of ants. 

@"HappyViking" said:  Well, I know "Diddley"!  Many years ago I was watching Bo Diddley play at the Caboose in Minneapolis (awesome show and venue, btw).  At the end of the show I asked Bo for his autograph.  He looked directly into my eyes and said "No", then his body guard brushed me aside so Bo could hurriedly get past me.  Hey, he at least spoke to me. B)

That's not cool, Bo should've signed! But cool place to see him, I'm sure it was great up to that point!

@"VikingOracle" said: Also, since Rob is such a big Stones fan -- what is your favorite Stones song and why?  I am also always curious about what big break or circumstance you attribute your career path.  Thanks for doing this Rob.

Favorite Stones song...Rip This Joint, or Loving Cup, Charlie is fab on both. As for "big break", it was more like a bunch of little breaks that kept moving me in the right direction. The old saying "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" is 100% true. I've been working at it since I was a teenager in Sota, when I got to LA I just kept working at it. And I love being from Sota, we are good people and we are nice. 

@"Rob Shanahan" said:

@"savannahskol" said: Welcome Rob! Thanks for the access to your friend, VikingOracle!

Rob, since you’re California-based, have you any involvement/stories with Beach Boys or the Doors? (probably before your time?)
A little before my time, but my parents had their records and I used to play drums along to them for many years! Turns out, the drummer who played on all those Beach Boys records was the great Hal Blaine, drummer for the Wrecking Crew, who I became friendly with at the end of his life. I photographed him a few times and also interviewed him for a doc I'm working on. Terrific guy with tons of great stories. I also photographed Brian Wilson about 10 years ago, and Robby Krieger 2 years ago at his studio in Burbank. 

Also, 2 of my favorite Cali bands Metallica and RHCP’S?  Any interactions?
Yes Metallica, and yes Chad Smith, a handful of times. Great guy, and fun to hang around. 

I’m a small town kid from SoDak, and also had a PASSION for drums/percussion, but unfortunately, I sucked…but sure enjoy those of you who dont! 
SoDak, never heard that before, I like it. 

any of your percussion skills on youtube?
More so on my Instagram: @shanahanphoto

congrats on the accolades you’ve received and thanks for sharing!
You bet! SKOL!

any embarrassing stories about VikingOracle would be enjoyed, as well haha
Nope, but I can tell you we met at our kids' school. Not many dads would show up to all the events, but both of us would. He's a good daddy! 

@"savannahskol" said:

@"Rob Shanahan" said:

@"savannahskol" said: Welcome Rob! Thanks for the access to your friend, VikingOracle!

Rob, since you’re California-based, have you any involvement/stories with Beach Boys or the Doors? (probably before your time?)
A little before my time, but my parents had their records and I used to play drums along to them for many years! Turns out, the drummer who played on all those Beach Boys records was the great Hal Blaine, drummer for the Wrecking Crew, who I became friendly with at the end of his life. I photographed him a few times and also interviewed him for a doc I'm working on. Terrific guy with tons of great stories. I also photographed Brian Wilson about 10 years ago, and Robby Krieger 2 years ago at his studio in Burbank. 

Also, 2 of my favorite Cali bands Metallica and RHCP’S?  Any interactions?
Yes Metallica, and yes Chad Smith, a handful of times. Great guy, and fun to hang around. 

I’m a small town kid from SoDak, and also had a PASSION for drums/percussion, but unfortunately, I sucked…but sure enjoy those of you who dont! 
SoDak, never heard that before, I like it. 

any of your percussion skills on youtube?
More so on my Instagram: @shanahanphoto

congrats on the accolades you’ve received and thanks for sharing!
You bet! SKOL!

any embarrassing stories about VikingOracle would be enjoyed, as well haha
Nope, but I can tell you we met at our kids' school. Not many dads would show up to all the events, but both of us would. He's a good daddy! 

Thanks!

Rob, scrolling through your gallery online....WOW, great stuff!  
You're every bit the artist as those you cover, imo.  

My son enjoys so many of the artists you've shot...I just ordered  Vol 1 from Amazon, should be here just in time for his birthday in mid-April. 
He'll love it!  

BTW....that shot of Billy Gibbons, sans shades.... :o....put em back on, Billy!    B)