Ron R. Whitaker
Biography
Being one of the early founders of Punk and New Wave sound which is now titled “Old School Punk.” Ive been beating drums since I was 12 years old. I got my starts in music in a garage like most bands, in the late 70’s.
First group we compiled was the “Schizo’s”, a well known punk rock group touring the Hollywood scene and throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County . Known for their outrageous renditions of commercial tunes and sitcom themes satire, the “Schizo’s”, were a welcomed addition to many headline tours. The Rock Corporation in Van Nuys, CA loved us so much they wanted us there every weekend to hear our renditions of "Rice-a-Roni" and audience participation song. "The Mask", was an underground club underneath the Pussy Cat Theater in Hollywood was a fave place for our group.
Through the years the band changed its focus to create “Zombie Legion”, and recorded its first release with members Dave Grave (vocals), Bob Reimer (guitar), Scott Russell (bass), and myself on drums. Through the music scene the guys became involved with a San Fernando Valley all girls punk band called "Normal School" and the hormones flew. As if an experiment in making PRIMAL VOICES/VOODOO CHURCH" was created and all hell broke loose. Into the recording studio we went to create something new and unheard of. Who knew that 20 years later we were still a popular underground band in Europe and on the internet. The band has been through many changes, and you never know when I show up and play drums again for them as we still remain friends in arms. After a few years of VD, I passed my sticks for "VOODOO CHURCH " on to Izzy Dead better known as Izzy Stradlin of Guns ’N’ Roses, and I decided to pursue my solo career.
Ok, I'll be brief in admitting I spent time with a country Western group. Great experience. Brief enough.
Today, I currently sit in with many legendary artist's such as Chris Montez, and can be seen playing in local clubs with touring Jam nights having a great time, looking for that right group to hang on to.
On Friday nights over the past two years, I sought out the young talents of our youth in a "Poetry Night" advocating youth to develop their writing skills at the same time express themselves to relieve pressures of society and life in general. Sponsored by "Infusion," an youth apparel shop located in Simi Valley, CA , and coordinated by Eliza Novak and myself, our goal was to influence these kids to incorporate poetry into music to express themselves. Many artists friends drop in on our kids and play music for them or help them in writing skills. I have to thank Bruce & his family from Infusion for allowing us to use his place to host these weekly showcases.
Beginning Punk from Los Angeles burst out with sounds like “X”, “The Germs”, “45 Grave”, “The Weirdo’s”, “Adolescence”, “Social Distortion”, “Fear”, “The Misfits”, and so many more… New York brought us the legendary “Ramones”. “Blondie”, “New York Dolls”, “Iggy Pop”, and so many more...and the UK certainly added to the movement with “The Sex Pistols”, “The Damned”, “Siouxsie & the Banshee’s” and of course “The Clash.” This music defined an era that is still very much alive and creative.
Being part of the early punk movement, I recently began noticing the similarities in some of the raw talent in Simi Valley’s music underground. The energy is back and in full circle and this really excites me. The look and styles of the punk era are back. The poetry of today's youth in music really says volumes, that needs to be heard. Times have changed, but punk has held its head up high with the energy of youth and fashion. Fused with Rock and Roll, Ska and New Wave, the sounds of today’s bands still project the sounds and ideas of early punk and new wave. Only their message is new, for a new generation. We advocate you taking the time to listen and read and participate in this music.
With cutbacks in today's music programs, its hard for individuals to develop talents as we were gifted to in the early years. It is vital that we help educate our youth to a generation of music and talent ourselves now.
Support your local artist’s and music in your schools. We encourage you to donate equipment to the Holland Opus Foundation, or your local schools.
I have recently created a magazine called “Shreds”, that gives a voice to some of todays raw talent. Our mission here is not to give grades or ratings. What we want to do is describe the material, Old and new, in a way that allows you, our reader, to make an educated, informed decision on rather the material being reviewed is something you might what to check out. Hopefully with our descriptions and comparisons you will be able to think for yourself and decide if it falls into your personal likes or dislikes. That is why “Shreds”, was created .
Currently, I have started a new company named "RRW Productions." We are producing shows & videos, and sponsoring the development of new artists. To find out the latest on what I'm up to click here RRW Productions news .
“Hey, Hey , My, My,
Rock and Roll will never die”
This page is under construction...hold on its gonna get good!