Posted May 2022
Boomerocity followers already know Quiet Riot has been promoted here a time or two including published interviews (here and here) and a third interview that was never published (Stick around. It may yet happen.). So, to say I’m a Quiet Riot fan would not be an overstatement.
Chuck Wright was the band’s bassist off and on but particularly on their iconic album, Metal Health, which gave us the title song as a hit as well as “Cum On Feel The Noize.” Chuck was the bassist on the title song as well as on “Don’t Want To Let You Go.”
Naturally, when I was given the opportunity to chat with Chuck about his debut solo album, “Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky,” I jumped at the chance. The album isn’t what I expected but don’t take that negatively. The album is friggin’ amazing! You will really want to check it out and add it to your personal listening library.
You can keep up with Chuck on his Facebook page. You can order “Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky” wherever you purchase your music and I encourage you to do so.
Watch. Enjoy. Share.
The Boomerocity Interview With Chuck Wright
Press Release
Click Above To Order Your CopyChuck Wright is proud and excited to release his debut solo album, Sheltering Sky, on Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records, on May 20. The album features guest appearances by several of Wright’s musical peers including keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Billy Idol), guitarist Lanny Cordola (House of Lords), vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen), Troy Luccketta (Tesla) and the late Mr. Big drummer, Pat Torpey.
The album’s 11 tracks also illustrate Wright’s impressive songwriting ability as he either wrote or co-wrote all nine original songs on the album. Also included is an edgy, intense version of Bjork’s “Army of Me” along with a soulful, Celtic rock take on The Youngbloods’ classic, “Darkness, Darkness.” Chuck also produced and engineered most of the album.
Sheltering Sky exhibits a diversity and breadth of musical styles that embraces facets of Wright’s hard rock legacy while also delving into a more varied side of Chuck’s musical vision with well-written songs that feature ethereal guitar work, tasteful, soulful 70s era influences, Prog, Jazz Fusion and even a bit of heavy funk. Besides his usual outstanding bass work as performed on a variety of different bass instruments, Wright also contributes on keys and acoustic guitar on several tracks.
The new single from Sheltering Sky is Throwin’ Stones, a fierce and passionate call for the end of armed conflict, a call which couldn’t be more perfectly timed for today’s world. It features a heavy funk groove that emphasizes Wright’s powerhouse playing and the various playing techniques for which he is known.
Please let me know if interested in an interview with Chuck. He is an articulate, engaging guy who is excited to share with you his thoughts about the new album and, of course, his many amazing stories from a lifetime lived in the music spotlight.
If no interest in an interview, I would appreciate a mention or a review of the album.
Wright is best known as a long-time member of multi-platinum heavy metal band Quiet Riot. He originally joined Quiet Riot in 1981, playing bass on the tracks "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)" and "Don't Wanna Let You Go," as well as singing background vocals on all tracks from the 1983 multi-platinum album Metal Health, which was the first metal album to ever reach #1 on the Billboard 200 chart (in November 1983).
He performed, toured the world, and recorded with Quiet Riot on-and-off for 26 years…recording nine albums with the band, before departing the band again. As of now, he is no longer a member of Quiet Riot as he concentrates on his solo career and new album.
Wright is featured in the documentary Quiet Riot – Well Now You're Here, directed and produced by Regina Russell. It premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on April 29, 2014, was seen at the Cannes Film Festival, and has aired on the Showtime Network.
Wright is also a former member of hard rock band Giuffria, which he joined in 1984. Their debut album, Giuffria, peaked at #26 on the Billboard album charts in March 1985. The album spawned two hit singles, "Call to the Heart" (Hot 100 #15) and "Lonely in Love" (Hot 100 #57).
Chuck was also a founding member of hard rock band, House of Lords, for which he recorded four albums, including the band’s self-titled debut album, which reached #78 on The Billboard 200, and was the debut release on Gene Simmons’ label, Simmons Records, in 1988.
His reputation as a sought-after bass player has landed him gigs with Alice Cooper, Slash, Gregg Allman, Carmine Appice, Ronnie Montrose, John Waite, and Pat Travers, amongst others.
Wright has appeared on over 100 worldwide record releases, playing bass, and producing albums of various styles, including ambient trance, reggae, rap, country, and, of course, rock.
He has also been involved in seven film scores, including Kull the Conqueror, where he was joined by Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over the years, Wright also worked with Bad Moon Rising, Blackthorne, Christian Tolle Project, Doro, Impellitteri, Kuni, MSG, Magdalen, Murderer's Row, Pata, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Adler's Appetite, Love/Hate, Ken Tamplin, and Shane Gibson from Korn.
Wright has headed up Ultimate Jam Night, a long-running live music show since January 2015, at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood. Ultimate Jam Night features up to 60 pro musicians each week.
