Ex-Kix guitarist Brad Divens mixed band’s latest live record ‘Can’t Stop The Show: The Return of Kix’
Ex-Kix guitarist Brad Divens mixed band’s latest live record ‘Can’t Stop The Show: The Return of Kix’
Kix have always seemingly been a tight group as evidenced by the group staying with guitarist Ronnie “10/10” Younkins despite the latter’s recent struggles with addiction including a complete no show at a gig back in March 2017.
The group currently consisting of lead vocalist Steve Whiteman, guitarists Younkins and Brian “Damage” Forsythe, bassist Mark Schenker and drummer Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant has had very few member changes in its 40 year plus history (with a seven year hiatus between 1996 and 2003). Kix‘s former members consist of drummer Donnie Spence (1977-79), guitarist Brad Divens (1982-83), Jimi K. Jones (1989, 1993-94), Pat DeMent (1995-96) and its most well known, bassist Donnie Purnell (1977-1996).
Divens, who played on the Kix album Cool Kids (1983), was interviewed by Hall Laurel for the book Soundtrack of Our Youth: History of Hair Metal Music, which was recently released and is available in Kindle and paperback formats.
In terms of how Divens was hired by Kix, how his experience was with them and why he left after only one album, the guitarist stated: “I received a call from one of the members telling me they wanted me to play with the band. The experience was great and I learned a lot about the business in a short amount of time. Going to Miami and recording at Criteria studios in 1982 was definitely a high point for me. I was 20 years old and making a record. I was on top of the world!”
On whether Divens is still in touch with the Kix guys, he advised: “Yes, I recently mixed their live record. Can’t Stop The Show.”
Wikipedia provides the following background for Divens (with slight edits): “Brad Divens is an American rock musician. He was the bassist and lead vocalist for Souls at Zero, formerly known as Wrathchild America. His vocal style often draws comparisons to James Hetfield (Metallica). Previously, Brad played guitar with the Maryland band Kix on their Cool Kids album.
He has since worked as Front of House‘s sound engineer for acts such as Linkin Park, Cyndi Lauper, Slayer, Garbage, HIM, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Mötley Crüe, Jane’s Addiction, and most recently Enrique Iglesias.”
You can read the rest of the interview with Divens at the Hair Metal Music‘s Facebook page or the book Soundtrack of Our Youth: History of Hair Metal Music.
Kix‘s “Cool Kids” video:
Kix “Cool Kids”
Kix “Cool Kids” Music Video