Spyder Rhodes is a Tucson club and radio disc jockey, mixologist, programmer and musicologist. He has played drums with The Host, the Zsa Zsas and The Watch. He presently is the drummer for local alt-country band Silverbell.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Alice Cooper's Madhouse Rock tour, with Cheap Trick opening. Alice's stage show blew my mind. Cheap Trick gave the best rock performance I have seen to this day.
What are you listening to these days?
My taste is broad: from bleeding-edge indie to nostalgia, Brit pop, rock, Americana and electronica. A few artists that have commanded my attention: Surface of Atlantic, Arcade Fire, Other Lives, The Faint, Gorillaz, The Dears and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
What was the first album you owned?
At age 9, I began raiding my brother's record collection, which was mostly composed of '60s and '70s rock 'n' roll. When I finally made my own first record purchase, I chose The Cars' debut record. I purchased Candy-O immediately after. Those records inspired me to play the drums.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Dubstep. As a DJ and drummer, it doesn't make rhythmic sense to me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Arcade Fire. That has to be an epic show.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Adam Lambert. The song "Soaked" from For Your Entertainment is one of my favorite songs of all time. It has a very larger-than-life feel, much like his voice.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"Forbidden Colours" by David Sylvian and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Around 1983, I heard The Church, Séance, for the first time in a trendy Fourth Avenue hair salon. I was instantly mesmerized. The Church has an uncanny way of taking you to a completely different, magical place.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The Church, Remote Luxury.
