Bassist Chris McLernon recalls how George Lynch persisted to recruit Cold Sweat’s singer Oni Logan

Bassist Chris McLernon recalls how George Lynch persisted to recruit Cold Sweat’s singer Oni Logan

Cold Sweat and Saigon Kick bassist Chris McLernon was recently interviewed by the 80’s Glam MetalCast.

McLernon was asked if he can believe that Cold Sweat’s debut album Breakout was released 30 years ago to which he replied (as transcribed by the 80’s Glam MetalCast with slight edits): “No, none of us can. It was the first record for four of the five of us, so it was a big deal. We did the tour and then we were unceremoniously dropped by the label. Some of that stuff seems like yesterday. Getting the record done was an accomplishment because we had some set backs.”

In regard to what happened with Cold Sweat‘s original singer Oni Logan, McLernon indicated: “Oni got poached by George Lynch for Lynch Mob. We played a gig at the Whisky [A Go-Go]. George came by and starting wooing him right in front of us. Oni said no, but George didn’t stop and kept asking him. Then Oni finally gave in. The day we are signing our record contract, Oni left to go join Lynch Mob. We waited about six, seven months on Roy Cathey and got the record done.”

In terms of how he got into Saigon Kick, McLernon advised: “I got a call from a friend saying they fired the bass player over the weekend… send your package to this guy now! So I was the second guy in. We played and everything went perfect musically but they had more guys to audition. I flew back home from the audition and I get the call that the gig was mine if I wanted it. I joined Saigon Kick because I loved the band. They were heavy Beatles… loved the harmonies!”

You can listen to the interview with Chris McLernon by the 80’s Glam MetalCast below:

80’s Glam Metalcast – Episode 15 – Chris McLernon (Cold Sweat/Saigon Kick)

In this episode, I talk to the Rockin’ Bass player from Cold Sweat & Saigon Kick – Chris McLernon. We talk the Cold Sweat Reunion and some classic stories fr…