By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Interview: Marc Andersen of Letchen Grey – January 2023
In 1986 rock band Letchen Grey was staple on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. Think back to this time: sleaze rock, glam, and hair metal bands like Quiet Riot, Ratt, Poison, and Mötley Crüe. Letchen Grey was riding high, having released the EP Party Politics, and selling approximately 36,000 copies. At the time they were considered in the league of bands like Queensrÿche and Bon Jovi. Everything seemed to go their way until tragedy struck: the record label went bankrupt, and their new guitarist died from cancer. Letchen Grey later disbanded and the members went their separate ways.
Lo and behold, almost 40 years later, original members Marc Andersen (guitar) and Eric Asevo (bass) got together to jam which led to writing songs. Now, Letchen Grey has officially reformed with Andersen and new members Bradley Mangrum (vocals), Jeff Rey (bass), and Tony Ross (drums). A single, “Burn,” was released in 2021, and recently in 2022, “Castaway.” Incidentally, both were produced by the band’s original producer Alan Niven (producer/manager of Guns N’ Roses).
Rock At Night has been intrigued with Letchen Grey since reviewing “Castaway” and hearing the band’s unique story. In the podcast, Andersen discusses what prompted the band’s reformation; the origin of the band’s name (hint: a Jethro Tull song); life between the mid-80s and the present; stories of the Sunset Strip scene, including tidbits about Gazzarri’s; working with producer Alan Niven (Guns N’ Roses, Great White) and the “The Stravinski Brothers”; and the band’s new singer, who happens to be related to Black Oak Arkansas band’s “Jim Dandy” Mangrum. At the end of the interview, you can hear Letchen Grey’s single “Burn .”Lots of fun for all 80s enthusiasts!
You can find old videos of the band on YouTube.
Rock At Night’s Podcast Channel–Listen to the iTunes Audio Interview Here or Spotify or Google Podcast
Letchen Grey is led by members Mark Andersen (rhythm guitar), Eric Asevo (vocals/bass) and Tony Ross (drums).
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Rock At Night’s theme song is “Get On Down If You Feel Up To It” by Billy “Bass” Alford
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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