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"I think that trying to figure out how to play songs note for note off records was the best training" |
THE MINISTRY OF SOUND - A PRAYER WITH FIREBALL MINISTRY'S JAMES ROTA
FPE's Agent F felt the need to repent so he went to see the Reverend James Rota of Fireball Ministry. Both men prayed to the altar of rock and roll and all was good in the new world. Read below for some insight from the good Reverend. Then check out James's exclusive FPE video riffing by ::clicking here::
FPE: What is Fireball Ministry up to these days?
James Rota: "We are writing and preparing to start recording a new album in April for Nuclear Blast Records. The record is going to be produced by Nick Raskulinecz again. We can't wait!"
FPE: Did you enjoy your recent tour with Dio?
JR: "It was amazing. It's always odd when you meet one of your heroes and they turn out to be amazing people. Ronnie, Craig, Simon and Rudy were all amazing to us as people and they sounded amazing as well. Great on 2 fronts, because you get to hang out with rad dudes and then watch them slay onstage every night playing some of your favorite songs."
 FPE: Who are your favorite guitar players?
JR: "Wino, Cliff Burton (bass, but insane), Billy Gibbons, Ace Frehley, Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page and Frank Zappa."
FPE: Did you take lessons or are you self-taught?
JR: "A bit of both. I took some lessons, learned a bunch of stuff from friends and mostly just sat in my room and played along with records to the best of my ability. I think that trying to figure out how to play songs note for note off records was the best training."
FPE: What is your favorite guitar to use on the road? And what do you like about it?
JR: "Dean Flying V's. They have great response as far as feel and they don't lack in tone because of their shape. They're also lighter than hell, which makes for maximum rocking. Dean is a great guitar company run by people who actually give a damn about what they're putting on the market. 2 very hard qualities to find these days."
FPE: Favorite amp?
JR: "The late 60s 100 watt Traynor Mark III. FPE: What kind of pickups do you use?
JR: "I just started using some custom made pickups by a guy named Rob Timmons here in L.A. He designed a set that are like '59 PAFs with a slightly higher output. Translation: Ass Kicking Tone."
FPE: What kind of strings do you use?
JR: "SIT Power Steel Heavy Bottom. These are some bad ass mofos."
FPE: What one pedal can you not live without?
JR: "In the studio I would have to say The S.I.B. Varidrive. Live, it's a combo of the Emma Electronics ReezaFRATzitz and the Maxon SD-9."
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