http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_6413090

Circus Diablo excited to 'settle in' at Ozzfest
By George Paul
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Article Launched:07/19/2007 01:14:13 PM PDT

The Circus Diablo bassist is the current lead singer for Riders on the Storm (featuring The Doors' Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger), whose former vocalist Ian Astbury leads reunited '80s rockers The Cult.

Onetime Cult drummer Matt Sorum (now in Velvet Revolver) and founding guitarist Billy Duffy both appear on Diablo's self-titled debut disc.

"I totally grew up a Cult fan," admitted Scallions, 35, from his family's new home in Los Angeles. "To be able to be in a band with (Duffy) and play shows with him is pretty exciting for me."

From 1989-2006, Scallions scored two platinum-selling CDs and half a dozen modern/mainstream rock radio hits ("Shimmer," "Hemorrhage," "Innocent," "Bad Day") as singer/guitarist in Fuel.

He had been playing bass in The X's when friend and fellow vocalist Billy Morrison of all-star L.A. cover band Camp Freddy caught a gig and asked Scallions to join Circus Diablo (rounded out by ex-Almighty guitarist Ricky Warwick and live drummer Charles Ruggiero).

Discovering his lower profile job "is one of the things that makes people's heads spin around," said Scallions.

"It's not every day you see a lead singer turn and drop the center point to do something like bass guitar ... that's what it's all about - not being a one trick pony (and) utilizing all the talents you have."

The Circus Diablo disc is filled with several potent hard rock tunes ("Loaded," "Restless," "Red Sun Rising"), plus an alluring power ballad ("Shine") that should appeal to Velvet Revolver fans.

"It's a fun record, isn't it? Heavy melodic rock 'n' roll - I love that." One surprise is a raucous take on "Ants Invasion" by Adam & the Ants."

Billy Morrison has described Diablo as a perfect place for misfits and weirdos. Scallions agreed. "There's plenty of freaks in this band, for sure."

Before heading out on Circus Diablo's inaugural tour, Scallions said everyone was excited "to get settled in, try on our new skin" and make a big impact at OzzFest.

"You want to go out with a big gun and lay the powerhouse setup (so) people talk about you when they leave the show."

Considering the members' prior track records, Scallions was confident everything would run smoothly.

"There are no greenhorns in this band ... we've all been to the rodeo before, so we know exactly what to expect."

Scallions plans to squeeze in some Riders on the Storm dates (including an Aug. 11 Pacific Amphitheatre gig in Costa Mesa with Paul Rodgers, $35-$65) amid Diablo tours. A substitute bassist will fill in.

Was he apprehensive about stepping into the shoes of the late Jim Morrison in Riders?

"No, I welcomed it with open arms. I love a good challenge. Jim Morrison is and always will be one of the greatest front men and poets and rock stars that anyone will ever see."

He tries to make the classic Doors material "sound as great as I can ... (yet) I am absolutely nothing like Jim Morrison. I'm blonde-haired and blue eyed. I've got a baritone voice, but not as deep and rich and heavy as Jim's. I pride myself on being a good singer. I go out and try to do the songs justice."

Circus Diablo headlines at 8 p.m. Friday at the Roxy Theatre, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, $15, (213) 480-3232. Go to www.circusdiablo.com or www.ridersonthestorm.com for more information.

return to Ida's LA Woman Confidential home page   

 for more Doors news and reviews