Bobby Rock - The Boy Is Gonna Rock

The Boy Is Gonna Rock

A Drummers Journey from Houston to Hollywood in Search of Hair Metal Heaven

Copyright 2018 Bobby Rock

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Zen Man Publishing

10917 Vanowen St.

North Hollywood, CA 91605

Cover and Interior Design: www.DominiDragoone.com

Cover Illustration John Douglas (Based on a photo by Lynn Branam)

Editor: Nancy Wong Bryan

Official Site: www.bobbyrock.com

First Printing 2018

ISBN: 978-0-9668599-3-5

To Ms. Mary Thompson,

my first band director and one of the most exceptional teachers on the planet, who taught me that great musicianship never goes out of style.

Watson Davis, my childhood friend and fellow writing compadre, who was around for both the genesis and development of this book, and who also came up with the title.

Sifu Matt Emery, my great friend and teacher, who got stuck with agonizing over the minutiae of multiple draftsand every facet of the design processright along with me... as he always does!

John Douglas, another childhood friend and my favorite artist. Thank you for your incredible job with the cover painting, and for cranking it out within the unrealistic deadline you were given.

Domini Dragoone, the creative midwife for the project, who masterfully handled the jobs of both cover and interior design. Your work is magical.

Nancy Bryan, for your impeccable editing and gracious management of all the grammatical Bobbyisms throughout the book!

Mariana Tosca, dear friend and photographer extraordinaire, for your stellar contributions on the back cover and throughout the book.

My old friend David Snowden, for all of your invaluable guidance, insight, and consult throughout this entire project.

My road warrior family: Lita Ford, for the killer foreword; Marty OBrien and Patrick Kennison, for being a constant project sounding board, all along the way... your advice was always spot-on; and George Marshall and Jarod Woznik for keeping it all together for us on the road.

My long-time bro, Pat Lucero, who served as my ass-kicking photographic consultant for the book.

My other early beta readers and invaluable inner circle: Shani Roushar, Kimberly Hafey Israel, Tom Shannon, Roger Lotring, and Helen Baggottfor your eagle-eye proofreading job.

Beloved blood brothers and VIPs: Tim Young, Cubby Hubschmitt, Karl Dustman, Big Lynn Branam, Matt Feehery, Joe Merante, and Jeff Colen.

My valued drum company associations: Sabian, DW, Promark, Aquarian, Latin Percussion, and Gibraltarall of which have been with me from the beginning, or damn close to it.

My core teachers through the years: Mary Thompson, Randy May, Joe Raynor, Craig LeMay, Ed Kaspik, and Lenny Nelson. Your influence has been immeasurable.

My fellow Invaders, Vinnie, Dana, Mark, and Robert its a privilege to share this legacy with you guys.

And, of course, family:

My dad, Jerry (we miss you, Papi), my mom, Lorrie, and my sister, Pamwho, from the beginning, were always my biggest support system; and...

Minoo Rahbar (BFF), Jackson Galaxy (bro-in-law), Juju (the last of my beloved feral colony family), and all of the furry family members in my Northridge home away from home. (Barry, RIP.)

Deep love, everyone!

For one of the greatest drummers in rock and roll history... It is my honor to write my feelings and experiences about the great Mr. Bobby Rock, and the journey he has taken with the best of the best musicians in the rock world. Here we gohang on to your sticks.

B obby Rock first came into our lives at such an incredibly desperate time. He was literally a gift from God, sent down to save us. We had just finished a tour with Def Leppard and Poison, and the drummer we had at the time left the state without warning, leaving us hanging with less than a week before a show. There was no phone call, no email, no text, no replacement drummer offered, and no reason why he bailed, except for maybe the big tits on the girl he left with. So, with only three days to find a new drummer, we started scrambling, calling friends for help.

Aah, yes, how about so-and-so? No, hes too weak and wont fit in. Next call: Do you know a drummer? Well, yes, but hes on tour until the fall. When do you need him? In three days! Oh, damn! No, not going to work. Ive always played with the very best drummers in the industryalways. But this time, I was stuck. It was like Goldilocks and the Three Bears; we needed that bowl of porridge that was just right. But where was he? It was crazy!

If we had to cancel the upcoming show, then so be it: there was no way we were going to be able to make this show without a drummer. We needed a miracle. I said a prayer because God has a way of dropping things in my lap when I need them the most. But God needed to move just a tad bit faster on this one.

Without skipping a beat, I called the famous Nelson brothers, Gunnar and Matthewmy dear friends from the early years in the 80s. I hadnt spoken to them in decades. Who might they know that I didnt?

They had one name for me: Bobby Rock .

They had played with him for years and swore by him. I had never jammed with Bobby before, so I asked Gunnar if he was sure. He laughed. I asked him how Bobby could possibly learn an entire set in such a short period of time. Gunnar laughed louder. No, it cant be done , I thought. I was in a panic and in complete doubt.

Lita, chill out! Gunnar said.

But who is this guy? I asked. Someone from a higher planet of drumming? A drum god?

Yes, Lita, he said.

Then I asked if we should audition him first. After even more laughing, Gunnar assured me that we didnt need to audition him. And when I asked him why, he said, Because hes Bobby fucking Rock! Youre welcome. Gotta go. Click.

My mouth hung open. And that was it. Again, God was listening and sent us the mighty Bobby Rock in the nick of time.

I was so excited, I picked up the phone and called my band and manager. Cross everyone off your list, I said. We have Bobby Rock coming on board, and hes the perfect drummer for us.