Greg Saenz: Difference between revisions
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| Name = Greg Saenz |
| Name = Greg Saenz |
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| Img = Greg Saenz 2009.jpg |
| Img = Greg Saenz 2009.jpg |
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| Img_capt = Greg Saenz playing with The Dwarves in 2009 |
| Img_capt = Greg Saenz playing with The Dwarves in 2009 |
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| Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist |
| Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist |
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| Birth_name = Gregory Pecker |
| Birth_name = Gregory Pecker |
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Greg was born and raised in [[Los Angeles, California]], taking interest in music at a young age influenced by classic 60's and 70's [[rock and roll]] and [[hard rock]] musicians like [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]]. In 1985 he moved to [[Highland Park, Los Angeles|Highland Park]] to join his first band, "Swords and Tequila". The line-up was complete with "Moses" on [[bass guitar|bass]], "Feedback Frank" and "Plague" on [[guitar]]s, Tim Samoan on [[lead vocalist|vocals]] and himself on [[drum kit|drums]]. They were mostly inspired by the [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal|NWOBHM]], but Saenz modified their style with their own influences (Greg said: "We sounded like early [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Judas Priest]], but my love of bands like [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Minor Threat]] had me speeding up the songs before long"<ref name="static-void.org">http://www.static-void.org/Zine/Frames.asp?id=0&af=Excel.asp</ref>). Swords and Tequila broke up after almost sign a contract with [[A&R]]; the producer who talked them was later fired, so they missed the oportunity. Then he read an ad on the "Recycle Magazine" that said: "[[Excel (band)|Excel]] looking for a dedicated, talented, punk metal influence. No egos"<ref name="static-void.org"/>. Greg called [[lead vocalist|singer]] [[Dan Clements]] and moved to [[Venice, California]] to join as [[Excel (band)|Excel]]'s [[drummer]]. Between the rest of 1985 and 1986 they recorded 3 [[demo (music)|demos]]: ''[[List of Excel demos#Sonic Decapitation|Sonic Decapitation]]'', ''[[List of Excel demos#Personal Onslaught|Personal Onslaught]]'' and ''[[List of Excel demos#Refuse to Quit|Refuse to Quit]]'', editing their first [[studio album]] ([[Split Image]]) in 1987 (the recording was paid by [[Mike Muir]] and distribution was conducted by [[Caroline Records (U.S.)|Caroline Records]]), the second one ([[The Joke's on You]]) in 1989, and a tour in [[Netherlands]] the same year with that line-up. In January and February, 1989 he recoded together Dan Clements the [[backing vocalist|background vocals]] for the fourth [[studio album]] by the [[thrash metal]] band [[Kreator]], titled ''[[Extreme Aggression]]''. In 1992 [[Excel (band)|Excel]] recorded a fifth and last demo: ''[[List of Excel demos#Third album demos|Third album demos]]''. |
Greg was born and raised in [[Los Angeles, California]], taking interest in music at a young age influenced by classic 60's and 70's [[rock and roll]] and [[hard rock]] musicians like [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]]. In 1985 he moved to [[Highland Park, Los Angeles|Highland Park]] to join his first band, "Swords and Tequila". The line-up was complete with "Moses" on [[bass guitar|bass]], "Feedback Frank" and "Plague" on [[guitar]]s, Tim Samoan on [[lead vocalist|vocals]] and himself on [[drum kit|drums]]. They were mostly inspired by the [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal|NWOBHM]], but Saenz modified their style with their own influences (Greg said: "We sounded like early [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Judas Priest]], but my love of bands like [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Minor Threat]] had me speeding up the songs before long"<ref name="static-void.org">http://www.static-void.org/Zine/Frames.asp?id=0&af=Excel.asp</ref>). Swords and Tequila broke up after almost sign a contract with [[A&R]]; the producer who talked them was later fired, so they missed the oportunity. Then he read an ad on the "Recycle Magazine" that said: "[[Excel (band)|Excel]] looking for a dedicated, talented, punk metal influence. No egos"<ref name="static-void.org"/>. Greg called [[lead vocalist|singer]] [[Dan Clements]] and moved to [[Venice, California]] to join as [[Excel (band)|Excel]]'s [[drummer]]. Between the rest of 1985 and 1986 they recorded 3 [[demo (music)|demos]]: ''[[List of Excel demos#Sonic Decapitation|Sonic Decapitation]]'', ''[[List of Excel demos#Personal Onslaught|Personal Onslaught]]'' and ''[[List of Excel demos#Refuse to Quit|Refuse to Quit]]'', editing their first [[studio album]] ([[Split Image]]) in 1987 (the recording was paid by [[Mike Muir]] and distribution was conducted by [[Caroline Records (U.S.)|Caroline Records]]), the second one ([[The Joke's on You]]) in 1989, and a tour in [[Netherlands]] the same year with that line-up. In January and February, 1989 he recoded together Dan Clements the [[backing vocalist|background vocals]] for the fourth [[studio album]] by the [[thrash metal]] band [[Kreator]], titled ''[[Extreme Aggression]]''. In 1992 [[Excel (band)|Excel]] recorded a fifth and last demo: ''[[List of Excel demos#Third album demos|Third album demos]]''. |
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[[File:Greg Saenz.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Greg Saenz in Los Angeles in 1987.]] |
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The next year [[guitarist]] [[Adam Siegel]] left the band definitely to form the [[alternative rock]] and [[grunge]] [[power trio]] [[My Head]], with Greg on [[drum kit|drums]] and the former [[Bad Radio]] member Dave Silva on [[bass guitar|bass]]<ref>http://www.myspace.com/myhead9297</ref>. However, this project was interrupted on several occasions for Siegel's participation in [[Infectious Grooves]]. In early 1996, Saenz became the drummer of the first solo release by [[Mike Muir]] ([[Suicidal Tendencies]] vocalist), together [[Adam Siegel]], who recorded various tracks on the album. Then [[My Head]] signed a record contract with [[Capitol Records]] and released their debut album ''[[My Head#Endless Bummer|Endless Bummer]]'', the song "''Humbucker''" became their only single and music video<ref>http://www.artistdirect.com/video/humbucker/38637</ref>. The band broke up the January 1, 1998 but they recorded the track "''The Beard''" in a [[Extended play|EP]] called ''[[Mas Borracho#Pneumonia EP|Pneumonia]]'', which would be later included in the fourth full length record by [[Infectious Grooves]], ''[[Mas Borracho]]'', released the august 29, 2000. Also the [[power trio]] appeared in the compilation album by [[Suicidal Tendencies]] titled ''[[Friends & Family, Vol. 2]]''. After leaving [[My Head]] Greg moved out of [[Los Angeles, California|L.A.]] to [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where he married his wife<ref name="static-void.org"/>. In 2001 he played [[drum kit|drums]] for the tenth studio album by [[The Dwarves]], titled ''How To Win Friends And Influence People''. Then he settled in [[Coachella, California|Coachella Valley]] to write his own music and start a solo career. In 2007 he came back to [[The Dwarves]] and made several tours around [[USA]], and [[Oceania]] between 2008 and 2009.<ref>http://www.myspace.com/gnarliewatts/photos/albums/album/3138272</ref>. In early 2011 he participated in [[The Dwarves]]'s fourteenth studio release ''The Dwarves Are Born Again''. |
The next year [[guitarist]] [[Adam Siegel]] left the band definitely to form the [[alternative rock]] and [[grunge]] [[power trio]] [[My Head]], with Greg on [[drum kit|drums]] and the former [[Bad Radio]] member Dave Silva on [[bass guitar|bass]]<ref>http://www.myspace.com/myhead9297</ref>. However, this project was interrupted on several occasions for Siegel's participation in [[Infectious Grooves]]. In early 1996, Saenz became the drummer of the first solo release by [[Mike Muir]] ([[Suicidal Tendencies]] vocalist), together [[Adam Siegel]], who recorded various tracks on the album. Then [[My Head]] signed a record contract with [[Capitol Records]] and released their debut album ''[[My Head#Endless Bummer|Endless Bummer]]'', the song "''Humbucker''" became their only single and music video<ref>http://www.artistdirect.com/video/humbucker/38637</ref>. The band broke up the January 1, 1998 but they recorded the track "''The Beard''" in a [[Extended play|EP]] called ''[[Mas Borracho#Pneumonia EP|Pneumonia]]'', which would be later included in the fourth full length record by [[Infectious Grooves]], ''[[Mas Borracho]]'', released the august 29, 2000. Also the [[power trio]] appeared in the compilation album by [[Suicidal Tendencies]] titled ''[[Friends & Family, Vol. 2]]''. After leaving [[My Head]] Greg moved out of [[Los Angeles, California|L.A.]] to [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where he married his wife<ref name="static-void.org"/>. In 2001 he played [[drum kit|drums]] for the tenth studio album by [[The Dwarves]], titled ''How To Win Friends And Influence People''. Then he settled in [[Coachella, California|Coachella Valley]] to write his own music and start a solo career. In 2007 he came back to [[The Dwarves]] and made several tours around [[USA]], and [[Oceania]] between 2008 and 2009.<ref>http://www.myspace.com/gnarliewatts/photos/albums/album/3138272</ref>. In early 2011 he participated in [[The Dwarves]]'s fourteenth studio release ''The Dwarves Are Born Again''. |
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Revision as of 02:52, 10 December 2011
Greg Saenz |
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Greg Saenz (currently known as Gregory Pecker)[1] (born April 27, 1967[2]) is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years. Also he is a My Head former member and current drummer in The Dwarves. Since 2002 he began to writte his own music and form a solo career.
History
Greg was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, taking interest in music at a young age influenced by classic 60's and 70's rock and roll and hard rock musicians like The Who, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. In 1985 he moved to Highland Park to join his first band, "Swords and Tequila". The line-up was complete with "Moses" on bass, "Feedback Frank" and "Plague" on guitars, Tim Samoan on vocals and himself on drums. They were mostly inspired by the NWOBHM, but Saenz modified their style with their own influences (Greg said: "We sounded like early Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but my love of bands like Venom, Suicidal Tendencies, and Minor Threat had me speeding up the songs before long"[3]). Swords and Tequila broke up after almost sign a contract with A&R; the producer who talked them was later fired, so they missed the oportunity. Then he read an ad on the "Recycle Magazine" that said: "Excel looking for a dedicated, talented, punk metal influence. No egos"[3]. Greg called singer Dan Clements and moved to Venice, California to join as Excel's drummer. Between the rest of 1985 and 1986 they recorded 3 demos: Sonic Decapitation, Personal Onslaught and Refuse to Quit, editing their first studio album (Split Image) in 1987 (the recording was paid by Mike Muir and distribution was conducted by Caroline Records), the second one (The Joke's on You) in 1989, and a tour in Netherlands the same year with that line-up. In January and February, 1989 he recoded together Dan Clements the background vocals for the fourth studio album by the thrash metal band Kreator, titled Extreme Aggression. In 1992 Excel recorded a fifth and last demo: Third album demos.
The next year guitarist Adam Siegel left the band definitely to form the alternative rock and grunge power trio My Head, with Greg on drums and the former Bad Radio member Dave Silva on bass[4]. However, this project was interrupted on several occasions for Siegel's participation in Infectious Grooves. In early 1996, Saenz became the drummer of the first solo release by Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies vocalist), together Adam Siegel, who recorded various tracks on the album. Then My Head signed a record contract with Capitol Records and released their debut album Endless Bummer, the song "Humbucker" became their only single and music video[5]. The band broke up the January 1, 1998 but they recorded the track "The Beard" in a EP called Pneumonia, which would be later included in the fourth full length record by Infectious Grooves, Mas Borracho, released the august 29, 2000. Also the power trio appeared in the compilation album by Suicidal Tendencies titled Friends & Family, Vol. 2. After leaving My Head Greg moved out of L.A. to San Francisco Bay Area, where he married his wife[3]. In 2001 he played drums for the tenth studio album by The Dwarves, titled How To Win Friends And Influence People. Then he settled in Coachella Valley to write his own music and start a solo career. In 2007 he came back to The Dwarves and made several tours around USA, and Oceania between 2008 and 2009.[6]. In early 2011 he participated in The Dwarves's fourteenth studio release The Dwarves Are Born Again.
Discography
See also: List of Excel demos
| Year | Album | Band | Type | Credits | Label |
| 1985 | Welcome to Venice | Excel | Split album | Drums on "Enforcer" and "Conclusion" | Suicidal |
| 1987 | Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate | Excel | Split album | Drums on "Insecurity" | High Speed |
| 1987 | Split Image | Excel | Studio album | Drums | Suicidal/Caroline |
| 1989 | The Joke's on You | Excel | Studio album | Drums | Caroline |
| 1989 | Extreme Aggression | Kreator | Studio album | Background vocals | Noise |
| 1989 | Live at the Nighttown, Rotterdam | Excel | Live album | Drums | Self-produced |
| 1990 | Live in Philadelphia-PA | Excel | Live album | Drums | Self-produced |
| 1996 | Lost My Brain! (Once Again) | Cyco Miko | Studio album | Drums | Epic |
| 1996 | Endless Bummer | My Head | Studio album | Drums | Capitol |
| 2000 | Mas Borracho | Infectious Grooves | Studio album | Drums on "The Beard" | Suicidal |
| 2001 | Friends & Family, Vol. 2 | Suicidal Tendencies | Compilation album | Drums on "Chain of Hate" and "Ultra Drown" | Suicidal |
| 2001 | How To Win Friends And Influence People | The Dwarves | Studio album | Drums | Reptilian Records |
| 2011 | The Dwarves Are Born Again | The Dwarves | Studio album | Drums | Greedy Records |
References
- ^ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gregory-Pecker/7897208253#!/pages/Gregory-Pecker/7897208253?sk=info
- ^ http://www.metal-archives.com/more.php?id=705
- ^ a b c http://www.static-void.org/Zine/Frames.asp?id=0&af=Excel.asp
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/myhead9297
- ^ http://www.artistdirect.com/video/humbucker/38637
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/gnarliewatts/photos/albums/album/3138272