Marcie Free
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FIBM: Was it a conscious decision to make your next record, Thrill of Lifetime, such a pop oriented record. What did you think of that release?
David: I hated it. Capitol told us we had to make a record that sounded like
Jefferson Starship's "We Built This City" or we wouldn't be doing a second record. Our manager
suggested we take our only option.
FIBM: Any memories come to mind from those recording sessions?
David:
Very uninspired and a total sell-out.
FIBM: Your thoughts on Mark Free's sex change operation? Were you surprised? Have you spoken to her
recently? How is she doing?
David:
I have not spoken to Mark/Marcie in years.
FIBM: What was Mark like back in the day? Didn't he sleep with female groupies, or did
he try to avoid them? Did you
notice anything different at that time?
David:
When I knew him as Mark, he seemed to be a pretty nice guy and definitely a great singer. He was never quite into the
hard rock stuff, though, and I know he would have preferred the pop direction King Kobra was forced to go into on the second record.
FIBM: How did you survive during your King Kobra days? Did you ever receive any
royalties, did you make your living from touring?
David: Before anybody thinks life in a touring band signed on a major
label is the pinnacle of success, let me tell you that when we were opening for Kiss in 15,000 capacity arenas
and had a record out and a video on MTV, I was making $125 a week. And it never got any better than that.
FIBM: How was it being in a band with drumming legend Carmine Appice? What was it like working with him?
David:
Carmine is a great drummer and we have stayed in contact over the years. In fact, I just played with him recently at a benefit concert here in Phoenix.
FIBM: Were you ever considered as a second guitarist with
Mick Sweda in Bulletboys?
David:
Mick and I both started what was to become the Bulletboys, but I didn't get along with Marq Torien, so I bowed out early on.
FIBM: Who were some of the bands that King Kobra toured with? Who were the coolest? Who were the biggest jerks?
David:
We toured with Kiss, Queensryche, Ted Nugent, Autograph and Iron Maiden. Every band was totally cool and there were no attitudes or bad vibes.
FIBM:
3 most fond memories from your days in King Kobra.
David:
First arena show in Saginaw, Michigan. Interview on MTV with J.J. Jackson. Friendship Festival in Acapulco, Mexico.
FIBM:
Any good touring stories that you would like to share?
David:
One memorable moment was sharing the stage with Kiss and singing "Lick It Up" with Gene. Biggest disappointment
was not being able to play at Cobo Hall in Detroit with Ted Nugent on my 24th birthday because our equipment truck broke down.
FIBM:
What is Johnny Rod doing now?
David:
I heard he was a paramedic, but don't know for sure.
FIBM:
Now that Ready to Strike and Thrill of a Lifetime have been re-released, how have they been selling? Does Axe Killer make timely
payments to you guys? Did you receive a signing bonus from Axe Killer? How does that process work?
David:
I have no idea, I don't make a penny. Better ask Carmine that question.
FIBM:
How did you get involved with Lizzy Borden and the Master of Disguise album. Any cool memories from those recording sessions?
David:
I was good friends with the producers Alex Woltman and Elliot Soloman and got to know Lizzy through them. I would
consider that album some of my best playing. Lizzy is a great guy and a real pro.
FIBM:
What was it like working with Lizzy? How would you describe him? Did you tour with the band for that release.
David:
I never wanted to join the band, but I did play a Metal Blade Records show at the Palace in Hollywood.
FIBM:
After the heyday of the 80's you actually went out and got educated on us. What is it that you
studied and how was it having a "real job" after touring the world in a rock band?
David:
I went back and finished college to get my degree in Engineering (Computer Science). I wanted to prove I could do it and graduated with honors in 1999.
FIBM:
Didn't you reconnect with some of the guys in Icon during the 90's? What was that project and did you record anything?
David:
We were called Tomcats and did a few development demos, but nothing ever came of it.
FIBM:
Please tell us a little bit about your new band Big Cock. Does the band tour?
David:
I guess you could say that I'll never grow up. This band is too damn fun and it appears there are a lot of
people out there that agree. The band will tour if there is a call for it. We just released our debut album
"Year of the Cock" (available at cdbaby.com/bigcock) and have been getting great reviews. I've got tons of
material and there will certainly be more to follow.
FIBM:
I actually saw on your message board that Marcie asks
"I am making a new album, would you like to do a guest solo Dave?".
Will you be working with her in the future?
David:
Doubtful.
FIBM:
Any chance of a King Kobra reunion?
David:
Carmine called me 2 years ago to play on an album he was doing called "Hollywood Trash". I think it
was supposed to be a King Kobra reunion of sorts. He offered me $200 to come over and re-record Ready To Strike. I declined.
FIBM:
David Michael-Philips is transported back to the year 1983, is there anything you would do differently?
David:
Nothing. Every thing I did in life has led me up to today.
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