Ep482: Dez Cadena - Flag, Black Flag, Misfits and more

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

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

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