To the outside world, the rocker's life is always described as ideal. They have office hours, make money by having fun on stage and the audience idolizes. But sad chapters also occur. The Chilean musician Alain Johannes lived one. His artistic and sentimental couple, Natasha Shneider, who played for 24 years, died on July 2, 2008, and that led to a deep depression. "He suffered a sudden cervical cancer. Medication helped, but the cancer has spread to the lungs. I spent 24 hours in the last 24 years with her and felt she was dying half my soul. I was drinking a bottle of vodka daily for four months to avoid pain. I had to leave because if I was going to die myself, "says the phone from Munich, Germany.
Johannes is the son of a sister Peter Rock was born in Santiago in 1962 and three years left with his family to Mexico City until he was 12 and suitcases again. This time, heading to Los Angeles, USA He never returned to Chile, and has no ties here. Except for his famous uncle, who travels constantly to North America and who has constant communication via phone or e-mail. "I went to Chile and never listened very small groups there. I want to know what is. Many friends tell me 'you are Chilean and do not know anything about the music in your country." And it's true, "he says.
His beginnings in music were erratic. Although I wanted to be flamenco guitarist, his passion was the rock. Chance made known to people who took his life in another direction: Jack Irons, Hillel Slovak and Flea of \u200b\u200bthe Red Hot Chili Peppers. "We made a group and Flea played trumpet. I had a very good ear and one day I said I play bass and learned fast. We got together to rehearse in my home. At the time, Anthony Kiedis, the Chili Peppers voice, we started helping out a year and a half later formed a band with Flea was the ancestor of the Chili Peppers, "he explains.
At the same time, Seattle was cooking the U.S. last musical revolution: the grunge. Johannes played on the same circuit Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam . "What happened in Seattle was an accident. It is a place with lots of rain and cold and that made the creation of a movement somewhat depressing. Largely responsible for its popularity was Nirvana. They changed everything. His clothes became famous, then all dressed alike and, overnight, Poison or Motley Crue disappeared " account.
JOSH MY PARTNER.
Since Josh Homme, leader Queens Of The Stone Age , summoned him to work on the album "R" (2000), Johannes has become his deputy. In the excellent album "Songs for The Deaf" (2002), recorded a couple of issues and was a musician during the tour. After the death of Natasha, Homme extended her hand. Seeing depressed, asked him to be the sound engineer of "Humbug" (2009), the latest album of the most acclaimed British band of the day: Arctic Monkeys. thus managed to keep his brain active in other things. During recording, spent some weeks in the American desert and the stay was his resurrection. "We started at noon and finished at 5 in the morning."
- Arctic Monkeys is one of the best new bands today. What did you think?
"Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys leader, is a little genius. Writes poetically and musically astute. Also are very humble. They have little more than 20 years and are respectful. Will go far. Only interested in music. "
- What other new bands you like?
" There's a New Yorker called Sweethead , which still has no hard and I like it. The last big band that impressed me was Radiohead.
- What you hear now?
"Jazz and classical music. I hear a lot on tour Bach and Russian classical musicians. It does me good, I feel free. "
- In Chile, only Tom Araya, lead singer of Slayer, you compare yourself to be in the first division of the rock. Have you been with him?
"I do not know. Do you live in Chile? I like your music. I wish I could say hello one day." The Superband
THEM CROOKED VULTURES. After his work with Arctic Monkeys, Homme was quoted to put voices and guitars in one of the most anticipated releases of the year: the self-titled debut album Crooked Them Vultures, the band featuring former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. "He has the mark Josh. It's dark and rock. "
To replicate the sound of the album at live shows, Johannes joined on second guitar, keyboards and vocals. And the shows have been, according to Chilean boundless energy." I do not mind being every day in a different country. I feel privileged, "he says.
- They say that Led Zeppelin were the kings of excess. Did you spot something John Paul Jones?
" is that he comes back. She told us some things, but it's pretty quiet. Also, many of these stories are oversized.
- What does it mean to you to be on stage with him?
"I always felt his influence in Zeppelin. Although it gave more credence because the applause was for Page and Plant, the guy is a teacher. A few weeks ago in Nashville, I invited playing music that I love: the blue grass. It was a tremendous party. We played eight hours straight and no one got bored. Here people understand that they really like the music. "
Peter Rock and I
Peter Rock tells proudly. He says his nephew Alain Johannes buckled on his guitar when he was three years and, in January 1975, we implemented a small studio to record with his friends at school. "Flea from the Chili Peppers went into the house of my sister in Los Angeles," he says. Johannes has never lost touch with its popular guy. Talk on the phone or meet at least once a year in Los Angeles, where they share with guests such as roasted own Josh Homme. "The famous musicians like Josh are super simple enough music talk, "said Peter Rock. Alain ensures that the momentum of the uncle was paramount." I remember he gave me my first guitar and I always get along. He was an inspiration as a musician and singer and I took with my mom concert Queen "and adds that when they come together as a family" always end up making music. Even the best of Peter is his sense of humor. When we're together, not making jokes. It makes us all laugh, "ends.
Felipe RodrÃguez C.
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