The CGCM Podcast has released an interview with Michael Ross, vocalist of the Sarnia, ON-based Canadian band Gypsy Rose. Signed to Gene Simmons’ record label Simmons Records/RCA, Gypsy Rose released their debut album Prey in 1990. The album was a melodic hard rock masterpiece. But a changing of musical climate combined with a complete shake-up at RCA left this incredible debut in limbo without the support and push it should have received. A brief Gypsy Rose reunion of sorts took place in 2012 with a handful of live dates. And the release of Poisoned By Love on FNA Records. Once again the world of Gypsy Rose fell silent, until now…
2018 seems to be shaping up to be a rebirth for the Michael Ross/Gypsy Rose camp. The CGCM Podcast caught up with Michael to get the low down on all things Gypsy Rose.
Included in the interview are stories including how KISS’s Gene Simmons first heard the band while walking through the RCA offices. The video shoot for the “Poisoned By Love” video with Gene in the director’s chair. And possibly the most important story about a close friend who diligently cataloged and took care of all the Gypsy Rose cassettes which have now been dusted off and digitized for future release. Also discussed is a new Gypsy Rose lineup revealed for 2018.
On Gene Simmons:
“I was like every kid, dressed as Gene for Halloween”, “He went over every lyric with me over the phone. He was very meticulous”, “I was at Gene’s house and I had his dragon boots on”
On the band name that fortunately didn’t happen:
“We were almost called WET ENGINE, that was Gene’s name. Gene and Tom Treumuth had T-shirts made up that said WHO LOVES A WET ENGINE?”
On the canceled Prey Tour:
“There was a tour booked for three weeks in England. We were ready to go and that’s when the Gulf War broke out so Gene wouldn’t let us go”
On a new Gypsy Rose record:
“It’s done! My girlfriend’s friend is Al Sutton who just did the Greta Van Fleet album and he did the work to digitize them for us”
Also included in the episode is a sneak peek of the song “Messing With Trouble” (never before released!) and a full brand new ballad called “Love You To Pieces” written as a Christmas gift for Michael’s girlfriend.
Direct link to the Episode: Direct Link to CGCM Podcast EP#24 – Michael Ross
