Bob Pantella Takes the Q’s…

Bob… What are you currently up to? (recording, gigs, plans etc.)

“At the moment, Riotgod is getting ready for a U.S. and European tour; about 2 weeks in the States and about a month in Europe. After that, I’m back in the studio.”

Could you take us through the new album ‘Invisible Empire’? (e.g. ideas behind the songs etc)

“Well, the music usually comes about pretty simply. I’ll sit down with a guitar and a click track and just start playing anything until an idea comes out of the stratosphere…Then I’ll come up with some kind of a loose structure to it…… I mean, keeping it real simple. Then, I’ll give it to Mark Sunshine, our vocalist and see if he comes up with anything good for it? If so, we’ll expand on it further. If not, we move onto something else.”

“That’s it… It’s really as simple as that. After we have a collection of 20 to 25 songs or so, we’ll pick and choose from those. It’s not rocket science that’s for sure…..!”

How does the Riotgod sound differ from Monster Magnet?

“Well, the vocals and the vocalist obviously have a lot to do with that! The vocalist for any band takes that band’s style to places that’s inside of that person, and is unique to them. Kind of like people? No two people are the same….. So, that in turn steers the music to go to different places.”

What have Monster Magnet got planned for 2012 and beyond?

“Monster Magnet is back in the studio in the late spring, or early summer, of 2012 – to record a new album. Maybe some festivals in the summer too, but I’m not really sure about that yet? We’ll see!”

You and Riotgod are playing some European dates very soon with fellow label mates Astral Doors, as you mentioned. What sort of set can fans expect and how do you think your band will go down with Astral Door’s power metal fans?

“Yes, we are and I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s gonna be a blast!!!!!! As far as what kind of fans to expect? I dunno? Hopefully they’ll dig it? I look at it like this… If it’s good it’s good. If not…, then it’s not. If we do our job, like we are supposed to, I think everyone will have a good time!”

Would you say the Internet helped you get your music out there or has it in some ways hindered it by websites offering free downloads? Do you still rely heavily on CD sales as opposed to downloads?

“I think the Internet has made things like promotion and just simply getting the awareness that Riotgod exists, amazingly easy, so in that sense I support it!!!! I remember hanging flyers on telephone poles and cars in the parking lots of rock clubs, just to promote a local show…. Not fun, but it made a difference! Now, you can do that on line as well!”

“As far as people downloading the CD for free??? Well, that sucks, but that’s the price you pay for all that free promotion and being able to reach thousands of people in an instant…. Thank God for t-shirt sales!”

What have been the live highlights so far and why?

“Well, at the time of typing this, Riotgod hasn’t left for our tour yet. But I’m sure there will be a few on this tour. I’ll be sure to take lots of photos.”

“I remember; (on the last MM tour) we played at Koko in London…. THAT was an awesome show for me! I mean the energy was just amazing! Sold out show, tons of old friends; it really was a special night for me personally!”

You have Wacken coming up this year too? Are you planning any more festival dates and do you find time to check out other bands when you are playing at festivals?

“At this point, a few more festivals are coming into view, but it’s a little early to know yet….Wacken is gonna be great!!! I’m really looking forward to that one. I think it’s going to be a good year for us! And an even better one next year!”

Any good rock ‘n’ roll tales to tell…

“OHHHH; I have so many, I wouldn’t know where to start!!!! I’m trying to forget some of them! Like, the time our bus driver fell asleep at the wheel and almost killed us all? Or the time this chick was on our bus and snorted an 8 ball of cigarette ash? And got high…..??? The food-fight on stage in Germany? The time I said ‘yes’ when I should have said ‘no’ to doing some home made speed in Hungary? Bad idea!!!! I can’t really get into any detail though!”

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from music?

“Drink!!!!! Heavily…..!! There really is not that much downtime! After all, I play in four bands right now – Monster Magnet, Riotgod, Atomic Bitchwax and Cycle of Pain – and own a recording studio as well!”

Anything else to add and a message for your fans…

“Yes…. If you downloaded the record for free and enjoyed it; when we are playing near you; come to the show!!!!!!”

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)