An Interview with
'Ray Burke'
Bassist of
'The Blueprint'
(Formerly of Warrior / Rob Rock / Bruce Dickinson)
that took place March 2nd, 2025.
Interviewed by Glenn Milligan.
Glenn: First things first, what turned you onto playing the bass guitar?
Ray: My father was a singer and my brother was a drummer who played in bands so I was immersed in music practically since birth.
Since my brother was a drummer already it was really all about the bass for me !! My first bass was a Vox Tear Drop! Wish I still had it!
Glenn: Who would you say your favourite bassists are and why? Have you purposely or totally by chance incorporated parts of their styles into your own?
Ray: Geezer Butler and Jack Bruce are my top 2. However, there are so many others since.
I was pretty much self taught! When I first started playing you didn't have tab or YouTube videos slowing licks down so you could learn songs note for note! You would jam along with the record, learn songs by ear and in essence, learn how to JAM!! Sabbath and Cream ALWAYS had that element to their music!!
Glenn: How would you describe the bass playing style of Ray Burke and how would you say it has developed over the years?
Ray: I take pride in being super solid and supportive! Tone is EVERYTHING to me!! I used to be a pic snob and refused to play with one - over the years that completely changed for me! These days its whatever fits the song. Ironically, some of the best songs I've written have been with a pic.
Glenn: Do you have particular basses you like play and what shows would say have been the most memorable with them and for what reasons?
Ray: I'm a huge Fender guy! The P Bass rules the roost when it comes to straight ahead rock! However my Old School B.C. Rich Mockingbird was my main bass back when our band 'Forever' was opening for Tesla, Nazareth, UFO in the Mid West!
Glenn: What was the original break you had that transported you from local playing to national status and what were your thoughts of it at the time?
Ray: Believe it or not the band 'Forever' from my home town in Quincy, Illinois was signed to Heavy Metal America. We recorded the record at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago, Illinois! We were young excited and thought we were rock stars!! LMOA!!!
Glenn: What were the highlights as an original member of the band, Warrior and why did you not re-join the band when they reformed back in 1984? I ask this because I have a Warrior album from 1985 and the bassist is Bruce Turgon instead.
Ray: Actually, I was not an original member of Warrior. I joined much later when Roy Z was in the band! I sent them my promo pack (in) old English font. (Stating) Geezer Butler and Jack Bruce as influences and rocking the moustache! To quote Roy Z ' Lets give this Geezer a try" hence the nickname to this day! It's still very humbling because lets face it some people probably think I run around calling myself that but I'm very honored. When Roy Z gives you a nickname that sh*t sticks like glue.
Glenn: Tell us about your solo album and who you chose as band members.
Ray: I released the solo record under the name 'Humanity Street'. I'm still very proud of it and its very eclectic cast of guest musicians - Roy Z , Phil and Gonzo Sandoval (of Armored Saint), Joel Shearer (of Alanis Morissette), Tex Nakamura (Harp for War), John Fumo (Trumpet for Neil Diamond) as well as Azar Lawerece who played sax for Miles Davis!
Glenn: Are there any plans for any re-releases it at any point?
Ray: There are plans to remix and re-release 'Life After Death' - the Roy Z produced record we did for Rising Sun feat. Gonzo from Armored Saint, Myself and my dear friend and great singer, Jack Emrick who sang in 'Forever' as well.
Glenn: Tell us about your time working for Rob Rock with regard to both live and studio?
Ray: Although I have played bass on several Rob Rock tracks and records, I've never played live shows with him. Roy Z did all the writing with Rob. I did all my bass tracks at Roy Z's house !
Glenn: How did you initially come to playing bass for Bruce Dickinson's Tyranny Of Souls' album?
Ray: Roy Z brought me in to do bass on 'Tyranny of Souls'. I am super proud of those tracks and very honored to say the least! Unfortunately, there was no tour for that record!
Glenn: Out of the six songs, which would say was the most fun playing or the most demanding? It's such a powerful and exquisite album, pulling out all the stops!
Ray: That's a tough question cause I love them all but if I had to choose just one it would be 'Devil On A Hog'.
Glenn: What are your thoughts of the album now, 20 years later and how does it make you feel from both a personal and musical level?
Ray: Love the record to this day - its very timeless! Still very proud and very much a highlight both personally and musically.
Glenn: Do you have a preference when it comes to Studio Session Work Versus the Live Gig Setting and why? Do you like them both for a variety of different reasons – if so, care to go into a bit of detail?
Ray: I really do LOVE both - the entire process and playing on stage is the cherry on top!
Glenn: Okay, let getting closer to home again, How did you originally meet the legend who is 'Happening Harry'?
Ray: First met Happening Harry back when he promoted shows at The Central called 'Happenin' Harry's Hell Hole'. They were EPIC let me tell ya!! "Yo Diddley" - Gonzo and Phil from Armored Saint , Jack Emrick and myself. Rock, Blues and Beyond! We rocked 4 of Danny Johnson's tunes from Derringer and Axis, Moxy, Tommy Bolin and more. Nobody was playing that stuff let me tell ya!"
Glenn: What are your own personal favourite small venues in the various sections of Los Angeles that you like to play and why?
Ray: Maui Sugar Mill Saloon is prolly my favorite! While most clubs are having cover bands Maui Sugar Mill is 99 % original music and artists!!
Glenn: What particular venues either large or small that you have performed at that, do you have the most vivid memories of and what made those memories stand out so much?
Ray: I really miss 'The House Of Blues' on Sunset Strip!! Great place to play and also see shows!! Great sound - intimate as well!!
Glenn: What are your thoughts to NAMM? Is it something your are involved in on a certain level and if so, how?
Ray: I love NAMM! Checking out all the new gear and the many performances is Epic!
Glenn: Are you an endorsed musician and if so who with? What led to that endorsement taking place?
Ray: I used to have non-exclusive endoresments wth BC Rich and Rotosound! Definitely looking for a new string endorsement!! 2 of my favorite musical companies are Ashdown and Tech 21 both of which I gladly pay for!! Lol!
Glenn: Do you use any cool straps made by Al Bane of Al Bane for leather? If so, what made you choose Al's products?
Ray: Been friends with The Great Al Bane for years!! My favorite strap is a studded Black Leather on my main P Bass - a gift from the man himself!
Glenn: You currently play in a Rock Band called 'The Blueprint' alongside Roger Romeo (Legs Diamond) & Jon Hyde (Detective). What led you to become a member and what is it about the band that makes it work so well for you all both on and off-stage? Roger was telling me recently that an original album is coming from the band soon! Looking forward to that.
Ray: Love playing in The Blueprint! Been playing with Roger for a few years and more recently with Jon! Kind of a trip. I had both those guys records on 8-Track as well as vinyl!! Great musicians - super cool cats! I have a ton of respect for both of them!
Glenn: What are your favourite live venues to perform at when it comes to The Blueprint?
Ray: Ireland's 32 is a great place we play quite often! Close to the house - gotta love that!
Glenn: Care to tell us about the writing and recording of the songs plus how it was different for you guys from a concentrative mindset when it came to creating some original material?
Ray: Most of the material so far have been Roger's tunes. However we are in record mode now - always jamming and I'm sure some new ideas will emerge!
Glenn: Did the songs come easy or was it bit by bit?
Ray: So far the songs come pretty easy! Roger's a great songwriter!
Glenn: Where did the best ideas come from and what surprised all of you about the creative process overall?
Ray: Right now its mostly Roger's ideas - the way Jon and I approach them and how the 3 of us sound together is becoming OUR sound!
Glenn: What would you say are your favourite songs from the forthcoming album? Is there a title in mind for the Album or cover for it or are they yet to be decided?
Ray: My favorite tune so far is 'Little Pieces. To early to tell on title yet!
Glenn: What are you involved in or like to do outside of music and how did those things originally come about?
Ray: Well playing in 3 bands, there isn't a lot of time outside of music but most definitely it would be hiking with my beautiful girlfriend, Michelle!
Glenn: Is there anything you would like to bring up that we have not talked about yet?
Ray: Just how grateful i am to have worked with and still to be working with so many great musicians!
Doing a record with 'The Blueprint'. A record with 'The Hyland Church Band' as well as gigs with cover band 'Gravel'. The musicianship is off the charts!
All the great projects I've been involved with working with Roy Z - Bruce Dickinson, Rob Rock as well as 'Life After Death' that he produced!
Glenn: What are you most proud of so far in your musical career and on a personal level and for what reasons?
Ray: I would have to say to this point I'm most proud of the 'Life After Death' record we did with Z! There really needs to be a remix and re release because there are a lot of great songs on that record!
We already had a lot of songs but Roy recommended we write new material with more of a Thin Lizzy vibe! Not everybody can do that (change horses in the middle of the stream per se) but we rose to the challenge!!
Personally, my song writing took a leap forward and the end result was well worth it!! A bit of magic from Gonzo Sandoval (Drums), Jack Emrick (Vocals), Myself ( Bass), Terry Williams and Gio Santos (Guitars).
Sadly, both Terry and Gio have since passed ! A re-release will most definitely be dedicated to them!
Glenn: What would you like to say to the people around the world who have taken the time to read this interview?
Ray: Well I would say to keep a look out for The Blueprint record and Hyland Church Band record that are both in the works! Thanks so much for your time and interest - most of all thanks for being a fan of Hard Rock / Metal music!!! We are lifers!!