We were so excited to catch Burn Halo last Friday night at the Boardwalk as they kicked off their Wolves of War Tour. It was also a very special evening as it was the official debut of T.J. Chopelas as the new vocalist. We are familiar with T.J. from his work with Trackfighter and he is a great singer. You might not know but several years ago, Burn Halo toured with Trackfighter and New Medicine. We saw them back on that tour, and it was nice to see T.J. T.J. was great on vocals as he brought his own style to the Burn Halo songs and took the reigns as their frontman.
One thing is certain, the band was on fire that night, fueled with a renewed energy that highlighted the passion for their music. Johnny Bad Bones on drums was ferocious as he delivered a savage drum solo. Ryan Frost on rhythm guitar was spinning his guitar and jumping around, owning the stage. Joey Roxx is a madman on his guitar, as he shreds the smoking solos and signature Burn Halo riffs. He has such a magnetic personality that invites the crowd into his guitar world. Travis Presley on bass is another madman, that takes control of the stage and spits out some serious backing vocals. These five guys delivered a set with 150% energy and the crowd loved every minute of it. With fan favorites like Dirty Little Girl, Save Me and Tear It Down, they had everyone singing and raging along. We also got to hear many of their new songs and their performance of Fuck You was a highlight for all. We had the chance to chat with Joey Roxx and are pleased to bring it to you here:
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Music Junkie Press (MJP): Thank you so much Joey for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press. First, we have to tell you that you guys killed it at the Boardwalk on Friday night. It was an incredible show and you guys captivated that crowd!
Joey: Thank you so much! I hope you guys had a great time at the show. It was awesome. It was great playing in our hometown. Our buddies in White Knuckle Riot put on the show and asked us to be on it. It was totally rad. A lot of energy and really exciting. We saw a lot of familiar faces and it felt great to be back on the stage.
MJP: This was the first time we saw T.J. Chopelas perform after the announcement of him taking on the role as the new singer. Was this his debut show?
Joey: Well, kind of, because James had a family emergency the last time when we were on tour and TJ had filled in before for us. I mean fans in the Midwest all liked him and as you know James isn’t in the band anymore. T.J. was actually James personal choice to take over the role.
MJP: I know it is hard for fans to sometimes adjust to changes in band members, especially for vocalists. But T.J. was incredible and owned that crowd! Can we talk a little about how T.J. came into Burn Halo and the process.
Joey: Yes. James and I had a long lengthy conversation over dinner about this. It was kind of like, James is focusing on his hair business. He just got married, and he is focusing on his home life. But he did say he felt like he was holding us back. He knew he couldn’t commit to the amount of touring that we all wanted to do and that we needed to. So he wanted to opt out but he is totally helping us with tour planning and picking his replacement. James is totally on board and in some way, still part of Burn Halo. TJ was his choice and I think TJ was killing it. Well, you were there, what do you think?
MJP: It was great. There was this intense energy and TJ did a great job. You guys all looked like where you belong, on that stage and rocking the crowd. I have to tell you Joey, all of you came out with this incredible energy and the crowd loved it. They were so into it.
I am sure it was hard for James to make that tough decision in stepping down but I am so happy to hear that he is very close to you all and that he is still very involved with Burn Halo. Many people always like to hear the drama and listen to rumors but I think it is important for everyone to listen to what you guys are doing and how the transition was made and how James even selected his replacement.
Joey: Ya, I really want everyone to know that we are fine with James, all friends, and I even talked to him today. He is still very much involved with us. He just couldn’t continue on to the level that we needed to and he wanted to pick a replacement.
MJP: Now, you guys are just setting out on an incredible three month tour, this is a long one. Are you ready for it?
Joey: Oh yeah. I have been touring since I was about 19 so the length to me is pretty natural. That is how you tour, it is how you go on. That is also kind of one of the things, one of the reason that James opted out, the length of the tours. Three months is a really long time but my first tour was nine months so I am looking forward to it.
MJP: What made you want to jump right out on a long tour?
Joey: Well, I love to tour and love to be out on the road. Honestly, we always get people asking where are we gonna play or when are you coming here? We always gain fans in every market and it gets bigger and bigger the next time around. We have a great new booking agency with M7 and they are keeping us out on the road. That is what I want to, be out on the road. I am a road dog.
MJP: You guys really did a great job on Friday night and you were in top form, are you using any new gear?
Joey: Yes, we are sponsored by EMG and they completely gutted my guitar and put new pickups in, the 81s. They are dope. Actually my buddy, Jake Pitts of Black Veil Brides turned me onto those.
MJP: We would love to catch you out here at the EMG Studios.
Joey: Yes, we love them and would love to get out there.
MJP: So with the Wolves of Tour getting in full swing, can you tell the fans what they can expect out on this tour?
Joey: The most energy we have ever put out to fans. Be ready and bring your adrenaline.
MJP: We can’t wait for you to head out on the road. With all the tour dates ahead, is there any particular place or city that you are most looking forward to?
Joey: Yes, honestly, Tulsa, Oklahoma! Because a lot of the old band was from Tulsa and they are super supportive so we really look forward to that. I think it is one of the best cities in the country. If I ever had to move out of California, it would be the place to go.
MJP: How about when you are out on tour, what is something the fans could bring you when you are out on the road?
Joey: Toilet paper! Really, honestly, that is gold out on the road!
MJP: Oh hell, we have heard that many times! How about if you could be trapped inside a television show for a week, what would it be?
Joey: Easy, Veronica Mars!
MJP: If you had to pick a Motley Crue song to be your theme song right now, which would you pick?
Joey: Kickstart My Heart.
MJP: That is a good one. I swear you really have the energy and it is as if you had a jumpstart! We look forward to catching you out on the road. Give them hell Joey, you guys are going to Kill it!
Joey: Thank you so much guys and see you out on the road
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I understand how hard it is for fans to deal with changes in a band, especially the voice of the band, but let me assure you these are five dedicated musicians who are doing exactly what they want to do… Make Music, Tour and Rock your World. Check out the photos of their set at Boardwalk by our Rockin Ryan:
Check out the dates below and don’t miss Burn Halo out on this tour!
Make sure to visit their social media sites for updated information.
~ Crank it up loud, Marisol
Information & Links:
- Website: http://www.burnhalo.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burnhalo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/burnhalo
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