Doug Aldrich

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Unfortunately and fortunately, I discovered Doug Aldrich music within the last few years. I have been more than impressed with Doug's ability to play guitar. His ability harkens back to the old school rock guitar players. I consider his playing to be on par with the likes of the late Randy Rhoads. Aldrich has held true to playing classic rock and metal chops and has not followed the trend of neo-classical shredders.

My first introduction to Doug was Dio's Killing the Dragon CD and also the Dio DVD Evil or Divine. Knowing the restraints and limitations of expression put on by Ronnie James Dio, Doug really stood out as more than your “average joe” guitar player. Doug's playing on the live DVD was and is awe inspiring. His guitar solo is testament to the man and his abilities. From there, I began to seek out releases by Doug and his previous bands (Burning Rain, Bad Moon Rising, Doug Aldrich Solo work, Lion).

But nothing could have been better than seeing the group Whitesnake live in 2003 in Kansas City. The band featured some of the best musicians of the genre of music; Tommy Aldridge (d), Reb Beach (g), Marc Mendoza (b), Timothy Drury (k), the legendary David Coverdale and Doug Aldrich (g).

Doug handled the majority of solos and main guitar parts. His ability to play his predecessors' material to flawless perfection is a testament to Doug's professionalism.

Doug Aldrich was born in North Carolina on February 19, 1964. Doug and his family moved from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C., when he was 12. Around that time he got his first guitar. He was quick to pick up the guitar, his sister had taken lessons she when was young, which led to his early exposure to the instrument. His early influences poured from his radio and eventually led him to Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and later Eddie Van Halen.

During his high school years, his family moved to Philadelphia, Penn., where Doug continued his exploration by forming a band with future Lion member, Jerry Best and his younger brother. After graduating high school, Doug and Jerry packed it up and moved to the West Coast and formed the band Mansfield.

Mansfield proved to be a venture going nowhere. Unable to land a recording contract, Doug was able to spread his name around playing local clubs. He met Mark Edwards, who introduced Doug to Kal Swan, and with some reluctance he joined the twin guitar project. After several months, Mark and Kal wanted to break away from the project. Doug recommended Jerry Best to play bass, Lion was formed in 1985. The band recorded two albums and had a top 20 video on MTV's Head Banger’s Ball.

Aside from auditioning for Kiss, Doug was a sought-after guitar instructor. After Lion broke up, Doug worked with Hurricane and on House of Lords "Sahara" (although not credited on the CD).

Once again the paths of Doug and Kal Swan crossed and led to the formation of Bad Moon Rising, along with Ian Mayo (b) and Jackie Ramos (d). The band had considerable success in Asia and Europe. Bad Moon Rising produced three CDs in the 90s Bad Moon Rising, Blood and Opium For The Masses. Doug also released three solo records Highcentered, Electrovision and Alter Ego.

In the late 90s and early 00s, Doug formed Burning Rain with Keith St. John (v), Ian Mayo (b) and Alex Makarovich (d). The band released Burning Rain in 2000 and Pleasure to Burn, in 2001, which yet again highlight the talents of Doug.

Doug’s path led next to joining Dio's band, which produced the 2002 release Killing The Dragon on Spitfire Records. The CD featured the traditional Dio sound, along with tight rhythm work and solos by Doug. Following the CD was the DVD release Evil or Divine, featuring 100 minutes of Ronnie James Dio, Doug Aldrich and company playing classic Dio, Rainbow and Black Sabbath as well as tracks from Killing The Dragon. The highlight of the DVD is Doug's guitar solo.

Doug most recently stepped away from Dio in 2003 and joined the Whitesnake regime for a world tour. Playing the hits from the era that launched Whitesnake commercial success in the United States, Coverdale brought Doug on board. The band delved into the Whitesnake catalog and played the hits from Slide It In, Whitesnake and Slip of the Tongue. In 2004 Doug Aldrich has continued touring with Whitesnake and rumors have hinted at a possible live CD/DVD may eventually be released covering the 2003/2004 tour.

Who knows what's next for Doug?

Today’s mainstream music scene is awash with one hit wonders, boy bands and prima donna female singers. It is unfortunate that musicianship is a lost art. In my opinion a great rock song should be played with passion and feeling held together by the drive of the bass player and drummer, while a gritty soulful voice carries the melody and a skinny, long haired guitarist puts his stamp on the song with his amazing playing. This is what I feel Doug Aldrich brings to the table each time he picks up his guitar. That is what's missing in music today. I am very glad musicians like Doug are still around to provide us with his raw emotions, speaking through his instrument, the guitar.

That's my two cents...

John Kindred
Managing Editor & Webmaster for Hardrock Haven