After their contribution to the Enuff'Znuff Cd tribute (published by Fastlane Records) and their last work titled "All Time Low", we've reached R50's bass player Aaron, who's revealed us the news about the band and has expressed his condolences for the death of Derek Frigo. R50s whose line-up is composed by Geoff Abraham (vocals, guitars) and Drew Thompson (drums) are representatives of a softer rock'n'roll made for a huge range of listeners. The three guys from Tampa have really positively impressed The Rock Explosion's staff. And I'm sure they will catch also our Exploders!

Hi Aaron! Do you want introduce your band to the Italian fans? When and where the band has been formed? What has exactly happened with your monicker first Rosco, then Roscofive-0 and finally R50?
We found out that there were a few other bands with the name Rosco, so we changed it to Roscofive-0, and eventually just decided on the shorter version of that and went with R50.

''All Time Low'' is your third album, which are principal differences in comparison to the other jobs?
The “All Time Low” record featured our new drummer Drew Thompson, and is by far our best work yet. The songs are better, the performances are better, and the band has grown a lot.

Listening to ''All Time Low'' I would say that your sound is made by a very melodic rock'n'roll, which has made me remember of bands as Enuff'Znuff and Cheap Trick. I know, besides, that you have participated to the tributes of these artists, therefore I suppose you should agree with my opinion. What are the other past bands which have influenced you the most?
Yes, Cheap Trick and Enuff Z’ Nuff are a couple of my main influences personally. Another big influence for me is Butch Walker! As for the band, we are influenced by a lot of 70’s rock: T-Rex, New York Dolls, Bowie, the Beatles, Stones, and even some modern bands like The Darkness and the Foo Fighters.

Aaron, why don’t you make a track by track of ''All Time Low''?
Aaron: Pretty much all of the songs on this album are relationship songs in one way or another. We all have our ups and downs, and that is what it is all about, but obviously, more on the “down” side of things if you listen to the lyrics closely.

In which way the Italian fans can buy your album? Only by internet or in the future there will be an European distribution?
We are looking for European distribution, but as for right now, you can order R50 music from the following sites: Cd Smash, Cd Baby, and R50 Official Website.

There's a song of ''All Time Low'' to which you feel particularly close to for some reason? Would you like to tell us why?
The first song on the record, “Drag”, I wrote a lot of the music and lyrics with Geoff, and I think a lot of people can relate to what the song is saying. My other favourite is “The Life I Know”!

Now let’s say something about the life on the road. Which is the show you remember with most pleasure?
We recently did a show with Collective Soul here in Tampa and had a great response, it’s always good to play for hundreds of people that are willing to give the new bands a fair listen. We’re confident that we can win over any crowd with our live performance! Robin Zander from Cheap Trick came out to see us, and actually came up and sang “Surrender” with us last year, that was a big thrill as well.

Which have been the most difficult moments of your career and which ones have been the best?
Well, we’ve had a few member changes over the past two years, and that is always the hardest part. The good things are recording our own music, we’ve put out 3 records in 3 years, and are currently recording number four.

What's your habitual instrumentation? Is there some brand in particular you love the most to use?
I use Thunderbird basses, and SWR bass amps. Also, we have an endorsement deal with DiPinto guitars. Geoff plays a Gibson Flying V, and Marshall amps, and Drew plays whatever drums are available at the time.

Which are your plans for the next future, do you want to give to us some anticipation?
We plan on having a record deal this year, and touring the world in support of our multi million selling number 1 record. But, if that doesn’t happen, we’ll just keep recording, and putting out great music until it does! We’re having fun either way, and as long as it’s still fun, we’ll always keep doing it!

What kind of music are you listening lately? Which artist do you like or dislike in today's international rock'n'roll scene?
I’m currently listening to The Darkness, the new LIT record, and a lot of Butch Walker (demos, live stuff etc). Other classic records that never leave the cd changer include: both Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, Super Deluxe, Marvelous 3, Stereophonics, Black Crowes, and the new Sloan. Most of the new music out there today is just so boring, and it all sounds the same, but there are a few bands that are keeping the rock alive, as I mentioned, The Darkness kick ass, and Jet is another cool new band.

What do you think of the internet phenomenon, of the musical webzines and of the mp3's downloadings?
I like it all! It’s a great way for an unsigned band to get a lot of exposure, and get your music heard all over the world!

Preferred Pornstar, preferred drink and the top 5 album of ever:
I don’t know many porn stars by name, but I prefer them all (females)! Beer is definetly our preferred drink! This is a tough one, but here are my top 5 albums, in order: Enuff Z’ Nuff “Strength”, Butch Walker “Left Of Self Centered”, Jellyfish "Spilt Milk" and "Bellybutton", Marvelous 3 “Ready Sex Go”, Imperial Drag “S-t”.

What’s the craziest you have ever done in your life?
I can’t remember, because every time I do something crazy, I’m really drunk!

Which are fortunes and misfortunes of the rockers coming from Tampa? Tell me pros and cons of your local scene. Can you tell me also the names of some bands which seem to you the most interesting down there?
The Tampa scene is ok, there are a few good local bands, and a few cool clubs, but I’m sure it could be worse. We’ve been around long enough now that we get a lot of good National openers and we try not to overplay the area.

Now I will tell you a list of names that can be bands, words or the whole fuckin' rest. You must associate to them everything all that comes into your mind:
Hazzard: Beer...
Tattoo: Our drummer Drew!
Genitorturers: Good friends of ours, and a great band!
Drugs: Derek Frigo, Enuff Z’ Nuff’s old guitar player who recently passed away of a drug overdose. R.I.P. Derek, you rock!
Los Angeles: Meeting O.J. Simpson!
T.Rex: Glam rock superstar...

Two million dollars offered to you in exchange for the breakup of the band, and besides you will have to cancel your tattoos and never play musical instruments again. What do you do? Do you take money or do you prefer to hold on to what you have?
Definitely hold on to what we have!

Ok Aaron, after having asked my habitual final question I greet you! Do you want to leave a message for the Italian fans ?
Thanks to the Italian fans for checking out R50, and we salute you as well!

Intervista realizzata e tradotta da Kendy K. from Snakebite
Supervisione di Margherita Realmonte