Rob de Luca - Interview

R'n'R : As a kid did you live in a musical atmosphere ?

RdL : Yes and no. No one else played instruments but everyone were huge music fans.

R'n'R : When and what your first bass ? but i think you first played guitar at 15 ?

RdL : I switched to bass while living in Boston. Paul DiBartolo and I were friends and he needed a bassist. I didn’t plan to stop playing guitar, but I enjoyed the bass more. I borrowed basses for awhile. My first owned bass was a modded white 1970’s Fender Jazz. Spread Eagle’s tour manager eventually painted it black for the debut Spread Eagle album and the Scratch Like A Cat video. I still have it.
I also created a website about vintage basses called Vintage Bass World http://VintageBassWorld.com

R'n'R : How did you meet Ray West (Spread Eagle’s singer) ?

RdL : I was playing in bands in Boston but we weren’t quite good enough to succeed. Paul decided to follow his girlfriend to NYC and joined a band that Ray was singing in. That band already had a guitarist so Paul became guitarist #2. He didn’t want to be in a band with two guitars, so he called Tommi Gallo and I to move to NYC and start a new band. Paul convinced Ray to join and things happened very quickly for us.

R'n'R : Do you know Spread Eagle’s debut album (1990), was recently voted as one of the top 20 glam albums of all time (along with Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Hanoi Rocks and Skid Row) ?

RdL : Yes, we never considered ourselves a Glam band, but being associated with those amazing legendary artists makes us very proud!

R'n'R : Why Spread Eagle disbanded in 1995 ?

RdL : Everything was changing around us and it was a very difficult time. The public’s reaction to Grunge being the only quality music on the planet was ridiculous and hurt so many great bands. We were growing up and still absolutely penniless. We were being pulled in many conflicting musical directions by our label and management. People were taking substances. We realized our label wasn’t promoting us, so we left them. It seemed like nothing was going right. First to quit was Ray, then Paul. I tried to hang on, but it was pointless.

Ray West, Ziv Shalev, Rik de Luca, Rob de Luca (Spread Eagle)

Video of Switchblade Serenade (Spread Eagle 1990)

R'n'R : Why did you reunite in 2006 ?

RdL : Lovember Records reissued our debut album and it was time. We were finally ready to get back together and promote the reissue by playing some live shows.

R'n'R : You formed Of Earth. Can you tell me the making of this band and how many albums did you make with this band ?

RdL : We have two albums out and a third album mostly written. Spread Eagle drummer Rik De Luca is also in OF EARTH. It’s a chance to stretch out and play music that’s more atmospheric. It's very important for me to do embrace different styles that I like.

R'n'R : Did your life change in 2005 when you played with Sebastian Bach ?

RdL : Yes and no. I was touring in George Lynch’s band at the time, with Andrew Freeman on vocals. I had previously toured in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and obviously in Spread Eagle. However Bach was busier, so yes my life did move into a higher gear.

R'n'R : When Helmet’s bass player was refused entry at the Canadian border, you played with the band. You had few hours to learn the songs. Is it true and is it a good experience for a musician ?

RdL : That’s 100% true. It was a CRAZY experience. Not being afraid and figuring out a way to save the Guns'n'Roses tour for Helmet was a huge life lesson. I’m so glad I dit it!

R'n'R : In 2008 you replaced Pete Way in UFO. How did it happen and are you still happy to play with them today ?

RdL : Ron Bumblefoot Thal got me the gig in UFO. Vinnie Moore had asked him if he knew any solid, no-drama bassists and Ron recommended me. The rest is history… Still loving every minute of it! Ron is now in the band Asia. Thanks Ron!

Video of The Ballad of The Left Hand Gun (UFO 2015)

R'n'R : The great Paul Raymond passed away a few months ago, i think you and him were good friends ?

RdL : Paul was a good guy and gave absolutely ZERO indication that something like that was going to happen. He died 8 days after an amazing tour ended. It was shocking.

R'n'R : Neil Carter is back in UFO. What does it change for the band ?

RdL : Neil is a top level musician and brings a lot of energy to the live show. UFO has such an extensive history. There are many people who weren’t old enough for the Schenker era and first experienced UFO in the Paul Chapman era. So having Neil onstage is a treat for them. And we like it too…

R'n'R : Spread Eagle is back with an awesome album, Subway to The Stars. What’s the story behind this title ? and what do you expect from this album ?

RdL : We live in NYC and take the subway everyday, sometimes multiple times. It takes us everywhere. So the subway is our metaphor for wherever we want to go in life. We’re always aiming high and will work tirelessly until we reach our goals. Our destination is the stars.

R'n'R : What is the composing process in Spread Eagle ?

RdL : We all write, so Subway To The Stars is a band effort. Everyone is VERY important in this band.

Video of Sound of Speed (Spread Eagle, Subway to The Stars 2019)

R'n'R : Do you want to tour with Spread Eagle ? Worldwide ?

RdL : Absolutely, we’re discussing all that now.

R'n'R : With whom did you work as a producer ? Do you like this job ?

RdL : Other than Spread Eagle, I produced all the OF EARTH albums and the last UFO album The Salentino Cuts was produced by the band. I enjoy producing and feel it’s something natural to me. I’m more like a 1970’s producer though. Yes, I’m proficient on ProTools but my focus is getting inside the songs and making them as powerful and clear as they need to be. In my opinion, songs make or break an album. I’m completely happy with the way Subway To The Stars came out. It was worth all the effort!

R'n'R : What are your hobbies ?

RdL : My hobbies used to be hanging out with my girl and writing songs. That’s now been replaced by promoting Subway To The Stars all day, every day, haha!

Rob de Luca with UFO