pinkeye d'gekko

This "5 and Dime" interview was conducted in person with drummer Stephen von der Hyde on January 14, 2006, as we stood outside the Borgata Hotel and Casino on a cold, and soon to be snowy night. His band was in Atlantic City opening two shows for Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Stephen, please introduce pinkeye d'gekko and describe your sound.

PDG is from St. Louis, Missouri, and our sound is a Southern rock thing, with well-rounded musicianship. We try to have a good time soloing, not playing the songs the same every night. Steve Richards Mahoney is our singer, and he started the band. He has a recording studio and for three years he was trying to get the right bunch of guys together. Two years ago, he thought the current lineup was what really worked and was what he wanted. Tim Mauldin is our rockin' lead guitarist. I was the last guy to join after being recommended by Dave Grelle, our keyboard player. He has a heavy jazz background, as does our bass guitarist Jahmal Nichols.

Tell me all about your new CD, "Dry Clothes for the Drowning," and the musical statement you're trying to make with the release of this CD. Also, what's your favorite pinkeye d'gekko song to play?

With this CD, we wanted to be eclectic and still hit you hard with Southern rock. You can hear it at iTunes or at our website, www.pdgrocks.com. Some of our guys have their own Myspace pages so maybe you can hear it at their pages also. My favorite PDG song is actually from the record before called "Rhythm and Western" and it's called "Possibly." It's real funky, with lots of chances to solo, and it gives the band an opportunity to shine.

This is the second trip you've made to New Jersey with Lynyrd Skynyrd. What are your touring plans for 2006?

We have a great touring relationship with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and we hope to continue that by getting another tour contract. Johnnie Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant have a new record and tour, so if we can't tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, we hope to tour with their group Van Zant.

What should your existing fans expect from you in 2006?

We've been recording and our new CD is halfway done. We're working on it when we get back to St. Louis next week. It should be released late spring or early summer. After that, we'll be touring again.

Feel free to promote your website, merchandise or anything else that applies.

www.pdgrocks.com is our website, and we have lots of merch for sale. You can buy our CDs there or download them at iTunes.

This interview section was named "5 and Dime" as a tribute to Dimebag Darrell. The final question is used as a way to keep the memory of Dimebag alive and in our thoughts at all times. Please share your thoughts on his tragic death.

Pantera was a huge group for me in high school. They were so different, their energy and musical statement blew me away. I was lucky to see them play in concert once when I was in high school. I never met Dimebag Darrell or ran into him on the road. His death was uncalled for and such a tragedy.



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