IMM: What’s keeping you busy lately?
Barry: Creating new embellishments for the praise and worship songs at Emilie United Methodist Church , writing my own songs and perfecting my craft.
IMM: Tell us about your time with Waysted?
Barry: After Paul Raymond left the band, Waysted toured in the UK opening up for Iron Maiden. Their sound was empty without Paul Raymond, so they decided to add me to the band lineup for the American tour. I was previously in touch with Phil Moog, the lead singer of UFO, and was considering joining UFO when I got the call from Waysted to join them. I was called up to New York for one very short rehearsal and the next day we were opening up for the Ozzy Osbourne “Bark at the Moon” and Motley Crue ‘Shout at the Devil” 1984 World Tour. It was very exciting and everyone was very nice especially Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. The tour became ranked as the forth “Greatest Metal Moment of All Times,” by VH 1.
IMM: How was it working with Pete Way ?
Barry: It was great working with Pete Way . It was also like dreaming because Michael Schenker was my most favorite guitarist of all and Pete was with Michael Schenker in the band UFO.
IMM: You have worked with Cinderella on Night Songs. How was it working with Tom Keifer?
Barry: It was great working with Tom Keifer as well. I was in a band called “Diamonds” with Tom Keifer in 1980, so we knew each other from early on. Cinderella was having problems with their lead guitar player in the studio, so I was asked to play the lead guitar solo’s on the debut album entitled “Night Songs.” I was also asked to join the band, but declined the offer for several reasons.
IMM: Waysted opened for Ozzy’s ‘Bark at the Moon’ and Motley Crue’s ‘Shout at the Devil’ tour. How was the experience of being a part of Ozzy’s Waysted Crue?
Barry: It was an awesome and amazing experience much like a fantasy and dream come true.
IMM: Tell us about your work with other projects like ‘Diamonds,’ ‘Precious Metal,’ ‘Fragile,’ and ‘Blind Driver.’
Barry: I was very fortunate to play with many great people in my early bands, most of which went on to be quite successful in their music careers. These early bands were all cover bands that played in the, at that time, thriving South Jersey Club Circuit. ‘Diamonds’ had Tom Keifer as the rhythm guitar and back up vocalist; ‘Precious Metal,’ which was a one guitar player band, had Tony Harnell now of ‘TNT’ as the lead vocalist. ‘Fragile’ had John Corabi and Ron E Kayfield in it and finally ‘Blind Driver’ had Johnny Dee on drums and Billy Childs on bass who went on to play with ‘Briney Fox.’ Johnny Dee also played later in ‘Waysted’ and with ‘Doro Pesch.’
IMM: Give us a little insight into how it was in the 80s Rock Scene back then?
Barry: Almost everyone had “big hair.”
IMM: Tell us a little about your guitar school?
Barry: I teach all levels of guitar instruction from beginner to advance. I also teach music theory and songwriting.
IMM: Share with us any incident worth remembering that happened while performing?
Barry: In New York the whole arena lit up with lighters for us! It was amazing!
IMM: Tell us about the instruments and equipment you prefer?
Barry: Currently I use Fender Stratocasters and Marshall amps exclusively.
IMM: When you get stuck with a certain form of lick or style, how do you get out of it? In other words, how to get out if you are stuck in a rut in your playing.
Barry: I usually don’t “get stuck in a rut!” If I am bored and want to learn something new to expand my vocabulary and horizons I teach myself something new.
IMM: Your take on the current Global Rock Scene.
Barry: I love what is going on in the Christian Music scene. I am not impressed with any rubbish with lyrics about drugs, sex, violence, money, partying and having a big dick.
IMM: Please name your top 5 all time favorite guitarists.
Barry: Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Edward Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen.
IMM: What advice would you give to a budding guitarist?
Barry: Forget about it and go to college.
IMM: Any plans to tour India ?
Barry: I would love to tour India . We shall see if that opportunity arises.
IMM: This is your space. Leave a message for your fans:
Barry: Thank you for all of your love and support. May God Bless You All!
