Interview with Get The Led Out Drummer Adam Ferraioli

January 17, 2019

Interview with Get The Led Out Drummer Adam Ferraioli

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello Adam! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it is greatly appreciated.

CV: With you being in the music business for quite a number of years now, how do balance your family and friends life along with your “rock persona” life?

Adam Ferraioli: I’m just a normal dude who happens to play the drums for a living. It definitely didn’t happen overnight! So I appreciate it a lot more. Having 4 kids kinda keeps everything in perspective. When I’m home I’m just dad! Being a little older you realize how quickly it could all end. When I’m not playing I’m pretty much hanging at home. But, we have had a good 14 years so far!

CV: You spent time pursuing original music with many Philadelphia based bands back in the day. However, the last decade has had you drumming with the premiere Led Zeppelin tribute act, Get The Led Out. What led to your tenure with the band?

AF: Actually, it was all by chance! An old band mate (Al Rossi) told me a band was looking for a guy who could play Zeppelin and Aerosmith once a month at a local bar (The Ribhouse in Bridgeport PA). I was running a gas station at the time. It took me a few days to call and when I finally did it was Paul Sinclair who answered. Since I waited to call, in the meantime they had gotten a drummer for the gig. To my good fortune he couldn’t do the current month, so I said I would. I showed up for practice and after a couple songs Paul and Paul Hammond (whom I had just met) said he wanted me to audition for a project they were starting. I had played with their guitar player in a Zep band 20 years prior! So I went to the audition and got it! That was 14 years ago.

CV: Have you always been a Zeppelin fan?

AF: Yes! I am also the only one in the band who has seen Zeppelin. Back in the day I mean. 1972 and 1975! Unfortunately that means I’m a little older. Paul Hammond was at the concert in England in 2007. So he got to see the reunion and hang with Brian May, so that was really cool! But, yes the moment I heard Whole Lotta Love on AM radio I was hooked!

CV: What's the one Zeppelin album you feel defines the band and why?

AF: For me it’s Zeppelin 2! Of course Moby Dick is on that record! Personally I like the darker sound from 1 to 2. But defining the band is tough… I tend to like heavy songs and then an acoustic song pops up and I love it as well! Every record was a little different in its own way.

CV: Tribute bands are all the rage and GTLO is at the top of the game. Why do you think so many people are flocking to see such acts? What's the allure for music fans?

AF: That’s a good question! I feel the more successful acts are the tributes to the artist’s that you can’t see anymore. I know that’s what our fans say. They are glad we are keeping the music alive! Bringing back memories from the past… The most popular comment being that if the fan closed their eyes they felt they took a trip back in time. Then you have the younger generation who never had the chance to see Zeppelin. They get to experience our interpretation of the studio cuts live. If an act can pull off a great tribute to whomever the band, especially one that isn’t around anymore, you get the songs you want…At least a tribute is going to play what you came to hear, not a radio playlist…at least not Brown Eyed Girl… I’m sure there is Van Morrison Tribute somewhere!

CV: What's the allure for musicians to be a part of such a project like a tribute band?

AF: For me it just happened. I was in a Zeppelin tribute in 1982 with John Corabi, Ron E Kayfield and Billy Childs. That was shortly after we knew there wouldn’t be any more Led Zeppelin. We did a tribute for a while, until I decided to head out to California. I never saw myself performing in a tribute band. Most of my musical life was spent playing original music. The allure for me is that I perform alongside such talented musicians & pay tribute to John Henry Bonham. It goes without saying that it’s a drummer’s gig… if you want to play Bonham every night? Which I love! It’s Zeppelin!! Who doesn’t love Zeppelin?

CV: What do you think is the most challenging thing being in a Zeppelin tribute band? Do fans hold you to a higher standard because of the original band's mystique?

AF: Just trying to present the songs the right way. Every time I listen to a Zeppelin tune I hear something I’m not playing exact! I’m not Bonham, so I’m only paying respect to him and the music! We are always calling each other out on parts! If I’m doing something the band thinks isn’t right they will let me know! And likewise! It’s all about getting the songs as close as possible! Most of the time we are catching our own mistakes.
CV: Many indie artists have expressed their reservations with tribute bands. Do you think tribute acts have diminished the significance of new and original music in the industry among music fans? Have young, new bands taken a back seat to this new trend?

AF: If you have good music and can figure out this tough, tough business God bless you! Back in the day a record deal was the only way you would have a chance to be heard. Today, anyone with a computer can get their music out there! I don’t think tributes are taking away from original bands…, myself I think if you have a good song…people will listen! A lot of music today, unfortunately, is too depressing for me.

CV: In an interview from December 2017, Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant was quoted saying "...magazines and internet platforms should be supporting new music and help new musicians to find an audience, instead of dwelling on the old crap all the time." He was referring of course more to the media, but do bands like GTLO fall into this description or are they helping keep Rock alive for the next generation?

AF: We are just keeping it alive! Any new music I discover is new “old” music. Something I might have not heard from the 70’s. The only new music I listen to is from someone like Glenn Hughes or another great artist who still continues to put out new stuff!

CV: How is life on the road different now from life on the road in the 80’s?

AF: Well……A lot different!! We are all a little older and wiser and don’t party “Quite” as much as we did a few years ago! The road isn’t bad if you love what you do! Everything sucks if you don’t like the road! Everyone has their own ways of handling the road. Phil our bass player takes a bike and checks out every city we hit... Me, I have 8 days worth of music on my iPod. It’s still fun!

CV: When did you know playing drums is what you wanted to do?

AF: I took an interest in playing drums when I was 7. After a year my drum teacher stopped teaching and became a school teacher, so I quit. Then I played the guitar and trumpet till I was 11. I heard “In A Gadda DA Vida” and that drum solo and went right back to the drums.

CV: Who are some of the artists who inspired you early on? Was John Bonham one of those artists?

AF: Yes, of course! Bonham was a big influence! But there were a few early on that influenced my playing. Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie, Ginger Baker Cream, Clive Bunker from Jethro Tull, Ron Bushy Iron Butterfly, Bill Ward Black Sabbath and Cozy Powell!

CV: Who's inspiring you today?

AF: My inspiration comes from the older music. Bands from the 90’s on up have been pretty depressing. I want to be brought somewhere through music and the older classic rock stands the test of time! Even Black Sabbath could write an uplifting song! I’m stuck in the 70’s I guess.

CV: What do you find most satisfying about playing/performing in a successful band such as Get The Led Out?

AF: Well GTLO specifically because it’s a great gig for a drummer! People pay attention to the drums because he set the bar so high! I love that! That makes me want to get better every time I get on the stage! And usually a drum solo means a bathroom break except…. when listening to Zeppelin!

CV: Selling out is definitely synonymous with GTLO shows. How does it feel playing in front of sold out crowds across America?

AF: It’s great! Of course we have our favorite places to play. Hampton Beach Casino is one of my favorites! The place isn’t real big but they are one of the loudest and most fun audiences we perform for! Of course playing Red Rocks every year is a highlight as well! But we don’t forget our roots from which we have grown. We are always adding somewhere new to our tour schedule. Hopefully Europe will be coming soon!!

CV: Would you consider doing an all original project again?

AF: Actually over the years I have been in various original projects. I’m getting involved with a local studio to do drum tracks for certain artist. I don’t think Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift will be calling me anytime soon. HA!

CV: What’s on tap for 2019?
AF: About 130 dates and Red Rocks for the 6th time! Also going to change things up a little this year solo wise. I just started using WFL III drums this year so I’m super excited to get my new kit together so everyone can hear these amazing drums! William F. Ludwig and his father built the drums for Bonham so I’m honored to be a WFL III artist!! So definitely going to have a few new things in store for 2019! 

CV: Thank you again Adam for spending some time talking and sharing with

our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success with GTLO and all your future projects.

AF: Thank you so much for having me!! Rock on!!

Check out Adam and Get The Led Out at:
https://www.gtlorocks.com/

https://www.wfliiidrums.com/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.