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Photos provided by Enrique Sanchez
I've been in a band, so I understand the politics. Sometimes the bass player doesn't like what the guitar player is doing, and you must sort of even that out. - Ric Ocasek
Is it that easy though. Just sort it out. I totally respect where Rick Ocasek was coming from when he uttered those words. It shouts out respect for each band member. Back in the day, the Cars were one of those bands that had talent at each end of the room. Each band member could and did go in a different direction. Successfully I should mention.
I believe respect is so key to the success of a band. It isn’t always easy, and as Rick mentioned not everyone is going to like what the other player is doing.
Our guest today is Sean McNabb. He is a talented bass player and has performed with some of the best bands in the music industry. Great White, Lynch Mob, Queensryche and XYZ to name a few. It is apparent that Sean McNabb understands the politics as a member of these bands. We are going to ask him some pointed questions regarding this topic. Also, we want to know what is working on currently. First let’s highlight a few accomplishments that Sean McNabb has experienced in the entertainment industry.
Quiet riot, House of Lords, Don Felder
About Sean McNabb
Sean McNabb (born September 24, 1965) is an American actor and bassist. While still on tour with rock bands, he is also acting and writing, composing, and singing music for TV and film. In 2015, he released his first solo music as a lead singer, "Fresh Air" and "America". Both are also featured in the film Rockstory.
Sean recently scored his first feature film Road to Toretto available on Amazon and Apple TV. Him and partners wrote the film and starred in it as well. McNabb was born in South Bend, Indiana. At age 21, he became the bass player of the 1980s metal band Quiet Riot, replacing Chuck Wright & Rudy Sarzo.
McNabb joined Dokken as their bassist in 2009 and was a mainstay with the band until 2014. He has recorded over 35 CDs in his discography. He has also toured and recorded with House of Lords (where he again replaced Wright), Great White, Lynch Mob, Montrose, Queensrÿche, Jack Wagner, Don Felder, Edgar Winter, Maya, Bad Moon Rising, Rough Cutt, Burning Rain, and XYZ. McNabb can be heard on the Dr. Phil show in the music tracks and the "I'm Loving It" McDonald's breakfast commercials. McNabb has also performed with several pop artists, country, blues, and folk singer/songwriters.
In addition to music, he is acting in Hollywood in film and television and has twenty credits on IMDb. Of note, he appeared on FX TV's Sons of Anarchy and as host of Best of AXS TV Concerts 2012 – Legends of Rock. He starred along TV and Broadway greats in Los Angeles plays. He has appeared in films, TV and in commercials. He was on the cover, and was profiled, by the Beverly Hills Times as a rising star in the world of acting.
McNabb is also active in the Los Angeles charity scene (including celebrity golf tournaments and Harley rides), appearing in such magazines as Angeleno and LA Confidential. McNabb was also a board member on the Dio Cancer fund.
Guitar Thrills Broadcasting
INTERVIEW WITH SEAN MCNABB AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Hi Sean. It is a pleasure to chat with you. Especially about a topic that affects many band mates. How difficult is it for you to avoid the politics as a bass player?
Sean: Show up prepared on time with no drama. That's the way I stay out of all that.
Guitar Thrills: Do you feel that your current and previous band mates respected your input?
Sean: it just depends on the situation - gotta know how to read the room. But generally, yes.
Guitar Thrills: Did you ever recall a time when your ideas were questioned, or in doubt by another player? What action did you take, and what were the results?
Sean: of course you just have to decide what ideas you're willing to die on the mountain top for and what ideas you can let go.....
Guitar Thrills: You have played with many talented bands. What went into the decision to perform with a particular band?
Sean: I've been very lucky in my career to have worked with a lot of great artists. It usually comes down to if I like the music and how professionally it's run. And of course, if I'm available.
Guitar Thrills: Which band did you enjoy the most success with and why?
Sean: I really can't say one they've all been great. With everything there are ups and downs playing some of the European festivals or some highlights as well as other big festivals in the US Mexico Brazil Japan.
Guitar Thrills: I read that you worked as an actor for a while. What went into the decision to become a bass player?
Sean: I was into acting as a kid then rock 'n' roll took over I revisited it at 39, and I'm still doing it! I'm so proud of our movie Road to Terzetto which me and fellow actors wrote produced and is available on Apple, Amazon, Tubi, fandango, spectrum and more!
Guitar Thrills: I would like to back up for a moment as you had a time where you performed with Quiet Riot, replacing Chuck Wright. Before him, I believe Rudy Sarzo was the bass player. How does it feel knowing that there were big shoes to fill? How would you compare your skill set with these legends?
Sean: It was a real honor to be a part of that legacy. It's very cool when some of your heroes become your friends which has happened for me. I think there's a mutual respect certainly from me and hopefully from them. I often ask myself "what would Rudy do?"
Guitar Thrills: What are you performing with now, and what kind of projects are you working on?
Sean: Yes, I'm doing the hustle with six or seven bands.... it's what we do- I think what separates the men from the boys is being able to keep track of it all and the gig you're working on! Know the type of music that you're playing be well rounded and always remember less is more!
Guitar Thrills: Regarding your preference for Bass Guitars, what brand is your “go to” on stage or off?
Sean: Fender precisions, Vintage specters & G&L custom shop.
Guitar Thrills: Do you prefer a bass with the standard 4 strings, or does it matter?
Sean: I have everything, but my theory is if you can't get it done on four string you can't get it done.... but we adapt and use whatever tools necessary!
Guitar Thrills: It has been a pleasure to chat with you today. I would like for you to keep in contact with us, because there are more topics that I would like to refer to you with. Would that be ok with you?
Sean: absolutely I'm very easy to find Sean McNabb official on Instagram, three Facebook pages and on TikTok. Of course you have my personal email.
Guitar Thrills: Awesome. Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you.
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