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BILLY SUTER with an occasional column in which he chats to popular musicians about their musical likes and dislikes. The spotlight is on Johannesburg guitarist LOUIE LIXX (aka LOUIE CRONJE), currently starring in Super Bands, the party showband entertainment booked in at The Rockwood Theatre, Sibaya Casino, until June 2. The review and other details of this show are to be found under ‘Music’ on this site.
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Latest news from you?
I’m currently busy with a show for the Rockwood Theatre in Umhlanga. It’s Super Bands and it is definitely one of my personal favourites.
What is your favourite song right now?
Probably Above the Law by Hardcore Superstar.
The last album you bought – and why?
The No More Tears album by Ozzy Osbourne. For me. that album marks the best time in Ozzy’s career, with Zakk Wylde on guitars. If I had to recommend an Ozzy album, it would, without a doubt, be No More Tears.
Two of your favourite songs of all time?
Wild Side by Mötley Crüe and Bad Medicine by Bon jovi.
Three of the finest albums ever?
For me, one would be The Crimson Idol by Wasp, as the whole album has a back story which is really deep. Second would be Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears. Third would be Mötley Crüe’s Girls Girls Girls from 1987.
Song you hate the most right now?
Just about anything you’ll hear on the radio these days.
Worst song in history?
Too many to mention, but probably a Justin Bieber song.
Song you most associate with your teens?
Probably Wild Side by Mötley Crüe.
Songs you most associate with your early childhood years?
Wheel in the Sky by Journey and Metal Health (Bang Your Head) by Quiet Riot.
The size of your music collection and the artists represented most there?
I’ve got quite a large selection of music, however it mainly consists of rock bands from the ’80’s – like Steelheart, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Extreme and the like.
Favourite radio station and DJ?
I don’t listen to the radio.
The local artists you most admire?
Josh Ansley, Pedro Barbosa and many of the musicians and performers at The Rockwood Theatres in Pretoria and Durban, as well as on The Barnyard Theatre circuit. Some exceptional talent out there.
Artists from abroad that you most admire?
There are so many. For guitar players it’s Nuno Bettencourt, Al Pitrelli, Zakk Wylde, Steven Stevens and also Stevie Ray Vaughan. As for singers, I love love Steven Tyler, Myles Kennedy and Ozzy Osbourne.
Most over-rated people in the recording business?
Too many to mention, but I think Kanye West is extremely overrated.
Pet hate/s about the music scene in South Africa?
My pet hate would be cheap Afrikaans music or over-produced electronic dance music.
The one music act you would give the world to see perform live?
Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Ever asked a music personality for an autograph?
So far, no.
Music acts you have seen live and loved?
I’ve been to a Rammstein concert and that was just brilliant. All the pyrotechnics were was just amazing. Definitely an unforgettable experience.
Best singing star ever?
Apart from the obvious ones like Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant, I think Miljenko Matijevic from the band Steelheart must get an honorable mention.
The greatest musician of all time?
I don’t think there will ever be a “greatest musician of all time”. I think it’s completely subjective. However, I do think the old classical masters like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi were absolutely amazing, especially for their time. For what they had at the time they wrote timeless, intricate music.
Best band in history?
Again very subjective… but it would probably be between Queen and Led Zeppelin.
The styles of music you most enjoy – and least enjoy?
I love my rock but I also love flamenco and salsa music. I can’t say I’m a big fan of R&B or hip-hop.
The most embarrassing artist represented in your music collection?
I don’t have any embarrassing artists in my music library… at least, not that I am aware of.
The one song that will always be guaranteed to get you on to a dancefloor?
I am not much of a dancer but when Volare or Bamboleo from Gipsy Kings come on, I’m there.
The musical teaming you would most like to see?
I would really love to see Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Tyler work on an album together.
Your choice of karaoke song?
Du Hast from Rammstein, because it’s easy to sing.
The first song you ever performed for an audience?
I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.
Guilty pleasure: a song you really feel you shouldn’t enjoy, but secretly do?
Waterloo by Abba.
Worst decade for music?
Most definitely the 1990s.
Hottest-looking music celeb?
Singer, songwriter, model and actress Taylor Momsen.
Instruments you can play?
Apart from guitar, I can play a little bit of piano.
The song you’d like to be played at your funeral?
Highway to Hell by AC/DC !
The song you find the saddest (and why)?
The Idol from the band Wasp. Actually that whole album is very dark and sad.
Two dead music icons you’d most like to invite to dinner?
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Freddie Mercury.
.....SoSuterBill..... 