PHIL VARONE Talks About 'Waking Up Dead' Movie, Playing With SKID ROW

Dave Iozzia of Rock Is Life recently conducted an interview with former SKID ROW/SAIGON KICK drummer Phil Varone. A few excerpts from the question-and-session follow:

Rock Is Life: Let's start off in 2005, where you are featured in the new documentary film "Waking Up Dead". In your words, give us a brief description of the film.

Phil Varone: "The film follows my story of wanting to become a rock star. As a child I dreamed of being famous, and then when I started playing drums, it became a quest to achieve this goal. We start with my story from the beginning, and document my life though pictures and video. The last four years that I was on the road, I had a camera following me, or I filmed myself. Because of this access, the viewers will see the real events that happen backstage, on tour buses, in the privacy of my own house, etc. It is very revealing and candid, and at times hard to watch. People are shocked at what we show, but I felt it was necessary."

Rock Is Life: On a personal note, what action steps do you take on a daily basis to stay clean, maintain sobriety, and to help with the positive changes you are trying to make in your lifestyle?

Phil Varone: "I am learning to enjoy life again. I stay positive, and I have cut all negative energy and drama from my life. With that decision, I have lost people that have been in my life, but only the negative ones. I stay focused and make lucid decisions now. I used to snap and fly off the deep end and that is gone. I am surrounded by true friends that will always be there for me if I need them. It is a good feeling to have that support system. Another thing that will keep me sober is the movie. If I have any craving, I watch the drug section. That is enough for me!!!!!!"

Rock Is Life: Personally, I'm trying hard to maintain a sober lifestyle. I'm always questioned about placing myself, or my young children, in some of the "dangerous" situations that the music industry presents. In my defense, I use an analogy that the music business is a lot like ice-skating. There is thin ice that is clearly marked, yet some people fall through anyway despite those warnings. Others are totally unprepared, sometimes oblivious to their surroundings, and they end up frost-bitten. The majority of the people have a fun day outside, enjoying the fresh air and the skating. Is this analogy one you can self-relate to, or would you care to offer a different one to describe the "dangerous" music industry?

Phil Varone: It is a good analogy, and the reason why people will skate on the thin ice is because they think it cannot happen to them. I didn't do a drug 'till I was 32. I was offered everything you can imagine, and I never did it. The worst thing I did was drink. Then one day someone offered me cocaine. I sat back thinking, I turned it down before, so it would be fun just to try. Well it hooked me immediately. I dove in and loved it way too much. It took over my life. It is hard to tell someone they are going to be an addict. Unfortunately, it is too late when they realize it."

Rock Is Life: Rachel [Bolan, SKID ROW bassist] asked you to join SKID ROW in 2000. A lot of touring followed, as well as a new album, "Thickskin", which was released in 2003. What was your personal highlight as a member of SKID ROW? What was the worst moment?

Phil Varone: "Joining the band was a personal highlight. I always wanted to join that band, and I have known them for so long it was very natural. The first tour was with KISS, and that is a dream come true. I was in heaven!! The worst moment was the downfall. We recorded a great record, and no one cared. 'Thickskin' is one of my favorite records I played on. Then, when I went through my problems, a certain member bailed on me and was quoted, 'I want nothing to do with his pathetic life.' That was hurtful, but nothing new in this business. Jealousy is a bitch, I guess."

Rock Is Life: Personally, I don't care for lead singers who think they are bigger then the band. I prefer a frontman with energy, attitude and talent, plus the ability to step back and let the band do its thing. Guys like Scott Weiland and Ian Astbury fit that description, unlike Sebastian Bach and Dee Snider. I've read where you called it the "lead singer disease." Looking beyond the record sales and concert attendance, I think Johnny Solinger is a MUCH better front man with SKID ROW, and having met him, he's a great guy also. From what you've seen first-hand, and from what you've heard from Snake, Scotti and Rachel, I'd like you to give my readers an honest assessment/comparison of the two SKID ROW singers, both onstage and offstage.

Phil Varone: "They are two different singers, personalities, talents, etc. I think Sebastian is an amazing frontman, singer, and a true rock star. I wasn't around Baz enough off the stage to make an honest assessment. You have to understand, he was the face of a huge rock band, and with that comes ego as well. I think it is important to have an ego if you are a frontman, but never forget where you came from. I don't know that story because I wasn't playing with Skids while Baz was in the band. You cannot deny that Sebastian had a major part in making the band huge. Johnny is a different singer. It is very hard to fill the shoes of someone like Sebastian. Johnny is an amazing vocalist and impressed me in the studio big time. He is just not a rock star. It takes a special bread to be a rock star, and he is not one of them. He will do real well with his country career, if he gets some drive."

Read the entire in-depth interview at www.rock-is-life.com.