When it comes to touring the country, Kurt Deimer hasn’t exactly been playing hooky. Then again, that depends on your definition of the word.
No, Deimer and his band haven’t been calling in sick or choosing to do things other than what they’re supposed to be doing. Rather, the self-described “hooky rock band” has been hitting the road providing direct support to some of rock and metal’s best.
And the dates just keep on coming.
Deimer will return to the Aztec Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 15, as part of a string of Texas shows opening for Tesla (tickets here). The trek, with scheduled stops in Dallas, Houston, Midland and Lubbock, follows Deimer’s first major tour last year opening for original Queensryche voice Geoff Tate that included a performance at the Aztec (coverage here) plus a jaunt this past spring that found Deimer supporting Yngwie Malmsteen. The latter tour featured San Antonio’s Jessikill as the opening act.
Fresh off last November’s release of debut EP Work Hard, Rock Hard, Deimer and crew possess a sound different than the current state of rock music, in large part to Deimer’s deep voice that combines singing with telling stories through his lyrics in a talking state, as evidenced in videos such as “Hero,” “My Dad,” and the Pink Floyd cover “Have A Cigar” that can be seen below. In addition, not only did Tate provide Deimer with his first major touring opportunity, but he co-stars on Deimer’s tune “Burn Together” (also below).
Guitarist Phil Xenidis, affectionately known as Phil X, has teamed with Deimer to provide stellar licks throughout the EP and on stage. The Canadian guitarist sports his own band The Drills and took over in some group called Bon Jovi nearly a decade ago when Richie Sambora left that mega-successful band and, to the surprise of many, never returned. Phil also spent time in Triumph and with Aldo Nova.
Deimer and Phil X spoke with me exclusively on Tuesday to discuss these and other topics — not the least of which is Deimer’s forthcoming horror movie project, Hellbilly Hollow, and the two major American actors who paved the way for it.
Click on the video box below to watch and hear our entire conversation.
