MUSIC

Buckcherry rides comeback all the way to Erwin Center

By David Glessner
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Thursday, December 03, 2009

Armed with Chuck Berry's stolen ID and Motley Crue's libido, Buckcherry came gunning for Axl's roses with the unlikely 1999 cocaine anthem, 'Lit Up.' When second album 'Time Bomb' failed to explode, the party cruise sank, leaving only singer Josh Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson to reconnect with a new lineup for the million-selling 2006 comeback album, '15,' and its ubiquitous smash singles, 'Crazy Bitch' and 'Sorry.'

We snagged Nelson as Los Angeles-based Buckcherry makes its way to the Erwin Center to open Friday for rock legends KISS.

What's your first childhood memory of KISS?

Keith Nelson: Picking up the 'Destroyer' album and being completely in awe. Then, hearing the car-crash intro to 'Detroit Rock City.' I would get every magazine I could get my hands on if KISS was in it. I was a KISS nut. I'm not gonna lie.

Have you had the chance to try on Gene Simmons' boots or play with KISS' pyro (on this tour)?

(Laughing) I haven't seen Gene much, but we've been able to hang with Paul (Stanley), Eric (Singer) and Tommy (Thayer). They couldn't be nicer. After you get to know them, the conversations turn toward everyday guy things like music, wristwatches and guitars. Eric is a crack-up! I can't say enough nice things about them.

You recently rereleased your 'Black Butterfly' album, but deleted the single 'Too Drunk' and added Deep Purple's 'Highway Star.' Why delete your original single?

'Highway Star' seemed to fit better than 'Too Drunk.' You sit back and look at the whole body of work and ('Too Drunk') just didn't seem to fit anymore.

I always make him take me for real Mexican food and we go to all the guitar shops. We'll go look at motorcycles and hot rods. He's a good tour guide.

Buckcherry has a new live album called 'Live and Loud 2009.' Are there songs on the record that you felt deserved a second chance to be heard?

I was saying it should be a double record. If you take every single that has to be on there, you've only got room for three or four more songs. From a fan's perspective, I like it when you get a few songs that aren't so obvious. I'm so glad 'Lawless and Lulu' is on that record.

I realized 'Sorry' was a massive hit when I heard it in a grocery store. When did you realize it was a blockbuster?

(Laughing) I felt it from the time we wrote it. I remember sitting in the studio listening to it and thinking, if it's not a hit, somebody at the record label needs to get fired! That song had all the ammunition of a hit song. I'm not sure what a hit song is, but I know what I like to hear.

You and Josh were in an early version of Velvet Revolver with former Guns N' Roses members Slash and Duff McKagan. Have those guys come crawling back to Josh now that they need a new singer?

(Laughing) I have no idea! I hear Steven Tyler is available.

Actually, Josh's name has been tossed about as a replacement for Tyler in Aerosmith.

I'm not worried. I know Josh's level of commitment to Buckcherry. (The rumors) are fun for people to play with because they need something to talk about. I'm a huge Aerosmith fan, but if somebody else sings for that band it's just not Aerosmith.

Any backlash or jealous boyfriends due to 'Crazy Bitch'?

Honestly, I think everyone is in on the joke. At least I hope they are. It's not a misogynistic song. I'm just happy to see so many women embrace that song and have fun with it.