NEWS

Drummer / drum tech Francis Ruiz, who has worked with THIN LIZZY, GREAT WHITE and POISON guitarist CC Deville in the short-lived punk project SAMANTHA 7, recently spoke wth Sleaze Roxx. The following is an excerpt from the interview.

Sleaze Roxx: According to your myspace page (www.myspace.com/francisruiz) you are currently over in Europe on tour with Thin Lizzy. What is your affiliation with them?

Francis Ruiz: "Well, I actually just finished with the Thin Lizzy tour. I'm now in Dublin with MOTÖRHEAD and will be out till the end of the year here in Europe and Scandinavia. The Thin Lizzy shows were good. Uriah Heep was also on the bill for the majority of the shows. Russell Gilbrook is a really good drummer and all the guys were super cool.

I was taking care of Tommy Aldrige and the drum kit on this one while I'm waiting for 40 Cycle Hum to head out (the new album will be out this coming January). So, in the meantime, I have the pleasure of going out on the road with some of my all time favorite drummers. It's actually very cool!

You know, this business is pretty crazy. I've seen and known so many people that climb the ladder and go back and forth on it. One day in the clubs, the next playing in sold out arenas, then the next back in the clubs, and so on. The way I see it is, I love playing drums and music, and any way I can be a part of this great and unpredictable business, I'm grateful for."

Sleaze Roxx: Can you take us through a normal day in the life on the road with Thin Lizzy?

Francis Ruiz: "I get to play every day, keep my chops up, and from time to time I'll jam with John Sykes on some Ozzy! All in all, it's a quaint little family and a pleasure to work and travel with them."


Go to this location for the complete interview.