never let anyone tell you what you should play.
Ronnie: Preacher Stone’s music is an eclectic mix of blues, country, classic rock, and south- ern rock. We play the music that we feel.
Why do you think that the Southern Rock continues to generate such a de- voted following? Marty: People remember this music and how it made them feel when they heard it, and many want to experience it again. Young peo- ple who wish they had been there when it went down are finding this music and listen- ing to it with great enjoyment.
Ronnie: Southern Rock continues to grow be- cause people relate to the soul and the mes- sage of the music. Johnny: It is a legitimate feel and style. There are a lot of people around the world that re- late to Southern Rock music. It has a strong message of pride, family and devotion to what we all feel.
Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you? Marty: Meeting my heroes inspired me. While I was recording an album, a producer who had worked for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Richie Blackmore, and Bad Company told me to play my solo again, but this time play it with half the notes. It changed my way of playing a solo. Less is more.
Ronnie: Meeting the people who enjoy our music. Also, being accepted by the bands that we have admired all our lives such as Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Black- foot, and the Marshall Tucker Band. The best advice I have ever been given was by Rob Hal-
ford of Judas Priest who told me to “forget the trends and play what you love until it be- comes the trend.”
Johnny: It's hard to pin point one experience. There have been too many people that have guided me through my musical career. The best advice ever given to me was from a dear friend of mine named Bill Moraites. I con- sider him a musical genius. We worked to- gether in recording music for radio and television for a few years. He said to open up to all music and not to be afraid of listening to music that was over my head, such as Jazz and Classical. He also said to stay true to what I feel.
Are there any memories from studio, gigs, jams, open acts and festivals which you’d like to share with us? Marty: I once played a Palladium with Star- ship and Steppenwolf. I came out and there was a record attendance at that show. I looked and my parents were sitting near the front. My father was crying. Never gonna for- get that one.
Ronnie: I love everything about the road and playing live. I have too many memories to count, but hearing “Not Today” on Sons of Anarchy and seeing Preacher Stone on the same t-shirt with ZZ Top was exciting!
What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music? Marty: The way the songs were crafted. The musicianship of those players was unreal con- sidering most were only in their 20’s.
Ronnie: I miss the way it was when bands made records and toured stopping only to make the next record and tour again. The ex-
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