Greg Prato: I took a job as a customer service rep at a music magazine that I believe is no longer around (and shall remain nameless). I saw how bloody easy it was to write about rock music through some of the writers there, and I was able to convince my boss to let me review a few albums. When it was made clear that I wasn't going to be able to write regularly for the mag, I opted to jump ship. That was right around the time of the big internet boom (late 1990s), so I got in as a freelance writer with a few cool sites/mags, and have been lucky enough to be working as a site/mag writer (and later, book author).
What other outlets do you/have you written for?
I write primarily for All Music Guide, Rolling Stone.com, and Classic Rock Magazine.
What has been your most memorable interview?
There have been several, one certainly being Eddie Vedder for my book Grunge is Dead. He was a very cool guy and a great interview (as well as being patient to be interviewed for two hours, if my memory serves correct!).
Another memorable interview was William Shatner for Record Collector Magazine about his musical explorations. I demand everyone go to YouTube when they're done reading this Q&A, do a search for "William Shatner, Rocket Man," and click it. You will not be disappointed.
Other memorable interviews were the ones I was able to do face-to-face, which just happened to be members of some of my all-time favorite bands: Tony Iommi, Rob Halford, Ace Frehley, Scott Gorham, Marky Ramone, Glenn Hughes, Paul Weller, etc.
Who's on your interview bucket list?
I've interviewed most of the members of Kiss for other outlets I write for...all except Gene Simmons, so that would be a cool one. Other interviews I would definitely dig (just because I'm such a big fan of each) would include Joan Jett, Chris Cornell, David Lee Roth, James Hetfield and Ozzy Osbourne. Hopefully one day...
What advice would you give someone wanting to be a music writer?
Start out writing for a local free publication (or site), build up your "writing portfolio," and then you should be well on your way. And also a personal bit of advice - be honest in your writing, don't let some some record label person question why you slammed an album if it indeed did stink to high heaven.
Will print magazines soon be obsolete?
Tough to say...perhaps they will. But I see book stores going the way of the dodo sooner or later, just as record stores did. Man, I still miss Tower Records.
Give us a brief synopsis of your other books, and where we can find them.
Certainly. Here are all my other books, all of which are self-explanatory from their title, and certain to put you over the top. By clicking on each link, you'll be able to read samples of each before purchasing:
MTV Ruled the World: The History of Early Music Video
The Eric Carr Story
A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon
Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story
No Schlock...Just Rock!
Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music
Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?
I'm working with Carmine Appice on his autobiography, which will be both shocking and rocking. And for all you sports fans, I have a new book coming out this summer, which will chronicle the 1980s New York Jets football teams (for which I interviewed most of the players on those teams). Check ecwpress.com in the coming months for more info and the release date for the Jets book!
