Former Black Flag singer/guitarist Dez Cadena traces his path from being the son of a jazz record producer to becoming a pivotal figure in the LA punk scene, discussing the records, rare recordings and eyewitness accounts in the formation of LA punk rock culture.

Topics Include:

  • Interview start, brief discussion of The Saints and Chris Bailey's passing
  • Dez discovered Australian punk through Music Plus record store
  • Early exposure to Ramones, The Damned, and The Saints
  • Describes discovering Radio Birdman alongside The Saints
  • Compares Radio Birdman's sound to Blue Öyster Cult
  • Discusses early AC/DC fandom, specifically Bon Scott era
  • Father Ozzie Cadena was record producer for jazz labels
  • Family moved from New Jersey to California
  • Father had connection to Lighthouse Cafe jazz venue
  • Dez's childhood exposure to music through father's record store
  • Father's recording techniques using minimal microphone setups
  • Connection to Rudy Van Gelder's recording studio
  • Father recorded blues artists like Lightnin' Hopkins
  • Received first drum kit as child from father
  • Influenced by TV show Hee Haw's multi-instrumental performers
  • Father encouraged guitar learning over other instruments
  • Father's reaction to Dez joining Black Flag
  • Met Ron Reyes at garage sale playing punk records
  • First encounter with Black Flag (then called Panic)
  • Discusses early Black Flag recording sessions and demos
  • Explains Louie Louie single release on Posh Boy Records
  • Details Thirsty and Miserable Licorice Pizza promotional record
  • Discusses relationship with Black Flag after leaving band
  • Explains circumstances of Ron Reyes leaving Black Flag
  • Describes chaotic Louie Louie performance after Reyes quit
  • Discusses transition from singing to playing guitar
  • Mentions potential singers considered before Henry Rollins
  • Keith Morris briefly returning for one show
  • Current Flag project and Punk Rock Bowling festival
  • Discusses Punk Rock Museum and giving tours
  • Mentions Johnny Thunders' guitar and other museum exhibits
  • Recommends The Schizophonics band
  • Promotes his current band Dondo
  • Mentions producing 3rd Rate band's recent record

See Dez at the Punk Rock Museum - Tickets here

Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8