FRANK HANNON

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Sept. 19, 2009

Frank discuses "The Heroes"

First off, what a POWERFUL and touching song! When was the moment you were inspired to create a song that honors our brave firefighters?

"Thanks! It must have been last month some time I was thinking of the guys who were running into the Twin Towers when everyone was running away from it, and then the song evolved I as I watched the news here in California lately when the 2 guys died down near LA, and then in Auburn a hero ran into a house that was on fire, saving an 89 year old lady."

Most of us will forever remember exactly where we were that horrible morning on September 11, 2001 …where were you?

"I was at home and got a call from my wife who was on the East Coast at the time. She said "turn on the TV there's something happening in NY!". Also right at that time my best friend Bob Baker just died and his wife says to me "With all that's happening, Heaven's looking better everyday!" This struck me and that's where TESLA'S "HEAVEN 911" song came from."

Being in a touring rock band your whole life you must have flown millions of miles by now…was it difficult for you to get on a plane again after 9/11?

"Oh Ya of course. But everyone was on full alert, ready to tackle anybody who even looked weird on a plane."

Let's talk about "THE HEROES"…you wrote and played all the instruments with Troy Luccketta assisting on drums. Troy is in Nashville and you're in Sacramento..how did you record with him long distance?

"I told Troy about the song when we were on the tour bus 2 weeks ago at the Wisconsin State Fair show. He said "Hey man, my drums are set up in the studio at my house, email me the song and I'll overdub the drums!" Up until now I felt this was impossible to really do, but I sent him the song and he sent it back to me. I really wanted to get it out on Sept 11th so there was a lot of pressure to complete it before we flew out the morning of the 10th. Sure enough I was editing and mixing his drums in the song 1 hour before I left for the airport that morning!"

Did you record "THE HEROES" at J Street Recorders or do you have a home studio?

"I have a small studio in my garage that I record in. That's where I recorded "Guitarz From Marz". I used to have a bigger room where we recorded "Into The Now", but I don't produce bands anymore so now it's in my garage."

You also played the role of "Producer" is it difficult to direct yourself?

"Not really, because I am pretty determined to hear things a certain way. The hardest part for me is recording a lead vocal. Jeff Keith is such a great singer, he can just sing anything once and it sounds great! Whereas with my voice it takes awhile before I am satisfied. I am starting to feel a little more confident as a singer now, and enjoy singing lead vocals."

Your lyrics describe the heroic sacrifices made by the NYC firefighters on 9/11 as well as those of the most recent fire in Northern California, was your home in any danger?

"Our house was not near the fire, but it is so dry here in California that we are always in danger of fires. They seem to pop up everywhere at any time."

Any plans to make a video for "THE HEROES"?

"I spoke with Kenny our video guy today about it and YES!
He and I have produced the past 3 video for TESLA and we are talking about this song making a video. The last video we did together for "Breakin' Free" was done in one day at Robbie's studio, and we will probably film "The Heroes" the same way, then adding some extra footage of the real heroes."

"Guitarz From Marz" was your first solo release and a huge success, can we look forward to a follow up soon?

"Yes, I am working on it now and have a bunch of songs…it will be back down to Earth this time though! The songs are being inspired by my real life events, and it will not be such a concept album this time."

Where can we see the Frank Hannon Band live?

"FHB gigs are popping up a lot here in the Sacramento area, but I am hoping to get back to Texas and also the east coast next year. TESLA will be slowing down a little bit, so maybe I'll get a chance to get back out there this winter. The last FHB tour was in the middle of February freezing our asses off, but we sure had a lot of fun. I want to get back to Ohio."

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Dec. 15, 2009

New LIVE! CD coming soon!

"100 PROOF LIVE!" recorded on Oct. 10, 2009 in Newcastle, CA at Constable Jack's is packed with 11 tracks of PURE LIVE Rock N' Roll from the F.H.B.

This is the follow up to the critically acclaimed debut album "Guitarz From Marz" and features many of those original recordings such as "Electric Warriorz", "Eye of The Mind", "Touch of Magic", "Mobias Flip", "Chain Reaction" and some classic covers including
"In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and Aerosmith's
"Sweet Emotion."

Stay tuned for an official release date.