Name? Danny Sidoti
Birthday? June 26 1958 (Editor's Note: Happy 50th Birthday, Danny!)
Hometown? South Euclid , Ohio
High school? Charles F. Brush, Lyndhurst, Ohio
Current bands? Signals, A Tribute To Rush, and a ‘new” yet to be named project. It’s really
good!
How did you end up in your current bands? I started both of them.
Other bands you have been in? Too many to name, but most notably: Legend (1978-79), Driver
(1981-83). I did a dozen shows with Tequila Sunrise, Signals, and a “missed opportunity” back in
the 70’s with an artist who became HUGE, and was inducted into the Rock Hall this year…
What instruments do you play? guitar and bass.
Why did you choose these instruments? After seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, I
bugged my parents for an electric guitar.
Talk about your gear, favorite instruments, why you like or use certain things. My 1976
Les Paul, is my favorite, but it doesn’t leave the house. I have 17 guitars right now. My Custom
Shop Carvin and my white Strat are my current favorites to gig with. I also use Steve Vai Signature
Legacy Amps. I have 2 of the first ones produced. I am not into processors. I like a natural Tube
amp tone, which I get with these.
Age you started playing? Started playing at age 5, and started taking lessons at 7 from “The
Second Meanest Man on the Planet,” but he was a great teacher. Just think Professor Turgeson
(Sam Kinison) in “Back To School.”
Influences? Wow..There’s so many, but to name a few: Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Johnny
Winter, Pat Travers, Alex Lifeson… there are a lot of them in “my style.”
Who are your heroes? My Father…a decorated WW2 vet who I miss more each day.
When was your first gig, and were you paid for it? Paid? What’s that? First gig was an
elementary school talent show. We played House Of The Rising Sun and In a Gadda da Vida!
What is your favorite piece of music to perform and why? YYZ by Rush…The complexity, as
well as Alex Lifeson’s expert use of the Phygrian Mode
Favorite local artists? Raspberries, Alan Greene, Billy Sullivan, Cy Sulak and cousins Paul
Sidoti and Lisa Caito (Victory Boulevard).
Favorite venue to play? House Of Blues Cleveland, House Of Blues Chicago , Bodles Opera
House, Chester N.Y.
Who would you like to perform with? I would love to fill in for Alex Lifeson (Rush) for one
evening.
Artist you really like to listen to? Rush, but lately i've switched gears, and am re-discovering my
roots….Beatles albums.
New artist you admire? I honestly don’t listen to much new stuff. I'm into old classics….like me.
What bands today could you see being around in 25 years? None of mine!
What were your first three albums ever owned? Meet The Beatles, Led Zeppelin 2, Chicago
Transit Authority.
Five CDs you can’t live without? Moving Pictures (Rush), Raspberries Live at Sunset Strip, Aja,
Steely Dan, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Greatest Hits, Abbey Road; Beatles
Most embarrassing thing in your CD collection? Jackson Five Greatest Hits
What’s in your CD player right now? Beatles-Abbey Road
Favorite website? YouTube, and After The Gig! (Editor's Note: No monetary incentives have
been provided to Mr. Sidoti for his endorsement of After the Gig. Although, a drink at the next gig
isn't out of the question. Ahem.)
Favorite movies? Godfather 1 and 2, Goodfellas, or ANYTHING By Martin Scorcese
Favorite television shows? I like The History Channel or the classics on TV Land.
Book that everyone should read? Ghost Rider, By Neil Peart. Anyone who has suffered
personal tragedies of any magnitude should read this. It's a great “healer."
Do you collect anything? I did collect guitars, turned in a few for some needed cash though. I
do have boxes of old coins, mostly pennies.
It’s 1969, you’re 18 years old, and you have the opportunity to go to Woodstock . Would
you go? No way…I don’t like chaotic situations, nor large crowds.
Day job? I am a Manager for Heinen’s Fine Foods, Currently at the Pepper Pike store.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy getting out and supporting live music.
Relate a funny or outrageous story from a gig. Well, its funny now, but at the time it was scary.
My lead vocalist, from a band in the 80’s invited everyone from the gig back to our hotel. Just
Imagine 300 drunks at 3 in the morning. Someone pulled a pistol and began waving it in the
parking lot…My bassist, carried an “Emergency Crowd Control Kit” which consisted of a 9mm and
2 live hand grenades…14 Police cars came….needless to say, I was a bit scared.
Most tiresome request while playing out? Cocaine by Eric Clapton
Most unusual request while playing out? Paul and I played "Rosanna" by Toto, and when we
got to the keyboard solo, we did it vocally. People died laughing!
Favorite beverage at a gig? Dewar’s and soda…one or 2 to take the edge off…then I switch to
coffee.
Name two songs you’d love to see on your “To Learn” list: Deacon Blues by Steely Dan, and
Brian Setzer's version of Sleepwalk
Describe yourself in three words: a genuine, generous, gentleman.
What is your advice to up-and-coming musicians? Keep at it…don’t get an attitude, and listen
to us “older” guys who have been there.
Email address: dsidoti58@ameritech.net
Birthday? June 26 1958 (Editor's Note: Happy 50th Birthday, Danny!)
Hometown? South Euclid , Ohio
High school? Charles F. Brush, Lyndhurst, Ohio
Current bands? Signals, A Tribute To Rush, and a ‘new” yet to be named project. It’s really
good!
How did you end up in your current bands? I started both of them.
Other bands you have been in? Too many to name, but most notably: Legend (1978-79), Driver
(1981-83). I did a dozen shows with Tequila Sunrise, Signals, and a “missed opportunity” back in
the 70’s with an artist who became HUGE, and was inducted into the Rock Hall this year…
What instruments do you play? guitar and bass.
Why did you choose these instruments? After seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, I
bugged my parents for an electric guitar.
Talk about your gear, favorite instruments, why you like or use certain things. My 1976
Les Paul, is my favorite, but it doesn’t leave the house. I have 17 guitars right now. My Custom
Shop Carvin and my white Strat are my current favorites to gig with. I also use Steve Vai Signature
Legacy Amps. I have 2 of the first ones produced. I am not into processors. I like a natural Tube
amp tone, which I get with these.
Age you started playing? Started playing at age 5, and started taking lessons at 7 from “The
Second Meanest Man on the Planet,” but he was a great teacher. Just think Professor Turgeson
(Sam Kinison) in “Back To School.”
Influences? Wow..There’s so many, but to name a few: Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Johnny
Winter, Pat Travers, Alex Lifeson… there are a lot of them in “my style.”
Who are your heroes? My Father…a decorated WW2 vet who I miss more each day.
When was your first gig, and were you paid for it? Paid? What’s that? First gig was an
elementary school talent show. We played House Of The Rising Sun and In a Gadda da Vida!
What is your favorite piece of music to perform and why? YYZ by Rush…The complexity, as
well as Alex Lifeson’s expert use of the Phygrian Mode
Favorite local artists? Raspberries, Alan Greene, Billy Sullivan, Cy Sulak and cousins Paul
Sidoti and Lisa Caito (Victory Boulevard).
Favorite venue to play? House Of Blues Cleveland, House Of Blues Chicago , Bodles Opera
House, Chester N.Y.
Who would you like to perform with? I would love to fill in for Alex Lifeson (Rush) for one
evening.
Artist you really like to listen to? Rush, but lately i've switched gears, and am re-discovering my
roots….Beatles albums.
New artist you admire? I honestly don’t listen to much new stuff. I'm into old classics….like me.
What bands today could you see being around in 25 years? None of mine!
What were your first three albums ever owned? Meet The Beatles, Led Zeppelin 2, Chicago
Transit Authority.
Five CDs you can’t live without? Moving Pictures (Rush), Raspberries Live at Sunset Strip, Aja,
Steely Dan, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Greatest Hits, Abbey Road; Beatles
Most embarrassing thing in your CD collection? Jackson Five Greatest Hits
What’s in your CD player right now? Beatles-Abbey Road
Favorite website? YouTube, and After The Gig! (Editor's Note: No monetary incentives have
been provided to Mr. Sidoti for his endorsement of After the Gig. Although, a drink at the next gig
isn't out of the question. Ahem.)
Favorite movies? Godfather 1 and 2, Goodfellas, or ANYTHING By Martin Scorcese
Favorite television shows? I like The History Channel or the classics on TV Land.
Book that everyone should read? Ghost Rider, By Neil Peart. Anyone who has suffered
personal tragedies of any magnitude should read this. It's a great “healer."
Do you collect anything? I did collect guitars, turned in a few for some needed cash though. I
do have boxes of old coins, mostly pennies.
It’s 1969, you’re 18 years old, and you have the opportunity to go to Woodstock . Would
you go? No way…I don’t like chaotic situations, nor large crowds.
Day job? I am a Manager for Heinen’s Fine Foods, Currently at the Pepper Pike store.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy getting out and supporting live music.
Relate a funny or outrageous story from a gig. Well, its funny now, but at the time it was scary.
My lead vocalist, from a band in the 80’s invited everyone from the gig back to our hotel. Just
Imagine 300 drunks at 3 in the morning. Someone pulled a pistol and began waving it in the
parking lot…My bassist, carried an “Emergency Crowd Control Kit” which consisted of a 9mm and
2 live hand grenades…14 Police cars came….needless to say, I was a bit scared.
Most tiresome request while playing out? Cocaine by Eric Clapton
Most unusual request while playing out? Paul and I played "Rosanna" by Toto, and when we
got to the keyboard solo, we did it vocally. People died laughing!
Favorite beverage at a gig? Dewar’s and soda…one or 2 to take the edge off…then I switch to
coffee.
Name two songs you’d love to see on your “To Learn” list: Deacon Blues by Steely Dan, and
Brian Setzer's version of Sleepwalk
Describe yourself in three words: a genuine, generous, gentleman.
What is your advice to up-and-coming musicians? Keep at it…don’t get an attitude, and listen
to us “older” guys who have been there.
Email address: dsidoti58@ameritech.net
| Welcome to Spotlight! ....the opportunity for local musicians to be placed front and center. Enjoy the show! 6/26/08 Vol. XVI |
