THE RAMRODS
THE REAL DEAL
Former members of the Ramrods (who quit decades ago) are putting out a record using stolen demo tapes. Nobody got permission from Ramrods founder/songwriter Pete James, who had already performed most of those songs in New York with Jimmy & Mike, later of The Romantics. A real Ramrods record will be coming out later this year. Don't buy stolen goods; it ain't cool.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Pete James started The Ramrods in 1977. They played their first show August 16, the night Elvis died. The Ramrods lasted until January 1978. Pete and Bob Mulrooney then started Nikki Corvette with Pete's friend Nikki on vocals. Bob left, joined The Sillies, and eventually formed Bootsey X & The Lovemasters. Pete and Nikki did an album for Bomp Records and toured North America. Nikki recently toured the U.S. and Japan with Pete playing some of the gigs.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
The band hasn't played together since January 1978 at The Red Carpet in Detroit, but Pete will be doing an all-star reunion late this year. A fake Ramrods is doing a bar gig in late August, but it's misrepresented as a reunion.
What equipment do you use?
The original recordings were done with a Teisco electric guitar. The equipment these days is mostly Epiphone and vintage Vox.
