We had the good fortune of connecting with CHUCK WRIGHT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CHUCK, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m the original “Valley Dude” having moved to the San Fernando Valley from San Diego at age 5. Seriously, I truly believe I would have had a life in the military after 8 years of military school had I not joined a band at 15 and started playing the Sunset Strip and other L.A. clubs. I was in 3 bands at the same time in 1981 and one of them became the band that changed the music scene from New Wave Pop to Long-haired Rock. I was playing bass with Kevin DuBrow’s band (singer of the Randy Rhoads era Quiet Riot) in 1982, we got a record deal on Pasha/ Epic/ CBS which led to the first #1 Metal album on Billboard jumping over Michael Jackson and The Police.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m probably best known as a member of the multi-platinum Rock band Quiet Riot off and on again for 26 years. I’ve been blessed to also have worked alongside music icons such as Alice Cooper, Slash, Gregg Allman, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Carmine Appice, Ronnie Montrose, John Waite, and Pat Travers. I also had my band, House Of Lords on the Gene Simmons R.C.A. affiliated label. 1988-1990. I’ve toured all over the world, and have appeared on over 100 worldwide record releases, playing bass, singing background, and producing albums of various styles. I was directly involved in several film scores, most notably the Universal Studios film release Kull the Conqueror, where I joined Guns N’ Roses/ Cult drummer Matt Sorum and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2015 I founded Ultimate Jam Night, a long-running live music show currently at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in west Hollywood which features up to 60 established pro musicians each week in a themed show that often includes internationally known artists such as Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Bill Ward (Black Sabbath), members of Guns-n Roses and Kiss. We did our 273rd performance last week on April, 16th, 2024. The event is hosted by Hal Sparks for VH1’s “Talk Soup and sponsored by Sammy Hagers “Beach Bar Rum, Ampeg, Mates Studios, Morely, EX-Gear, and DW Drums. With my team of Adam Mandel (partner, production coordinator), Jessica Chase (Social Media), and Mari Kawaguchi (Social Media assets) we chose a theme, I then start looking for songs that work for the theme and performers that would fit the songs best, then we reach out to proposed performers for interest and availability. Being a graphic designer, I create the artwork for social media. You can get a clear idea of what we do by visiting https://www.ultimatejamnight.com/. – We’ve have also been involved in charity work doing a couple of shows a year to help the local community and also global charities like our efforts to help the situation in Ukraine raising funds for the World Central Kitchen.

This past year I put together an acoustic band called UnZepped. We reimagine legendary Led Zeppelin songs infusing them with a moody, atmospheric feel that channels the essence of American blues and English folk and lively up-tempo renditions using Violin, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitars, Fretless Bass, and exotic percussion accompanied by soaring powerful vocals.

I’m also a part of “Legends Of Classic Rock”. We are comprised of former members of Great White, Quiet Riot, White Lion, Paul Rodgers and Company, Alice Cooper, and The Babys. We dive into our vast repertoire of hits and also perform songs from major artists they’ve worked alongside or were inspired by. We are currently performing on the newest, larger ship in the world, Royal Caribbeans, “Icon Of The Seas”.

Though I am very proud of creating and maintaining the very successful Ultimate Jam Night and being a part of an album that changed the fabric of the music business with the release of “Metal Health” in 1983, I’m most proud of finally releasing my debut solo album which features over 40 guest performers/ friends including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Great White, Asia, Jefferson Starship and others. The album covers a wide range of genres, be it Jazz Fusion, Prog, Ballads, Funk or in-your-face Hard Rock. My first single was an intense interpretation of Björk’s 1995 hit “Army of Me” and is accompanied by a video that represents my exploration into disorder and parallels with the chaotic state of world affairs. The visuals include a 3D animation of an “army” of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice, feminist icon, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

My career got off to a soaring start and the 80’s were a very magical and successful time in my life but the music business is like a roller coaster and there were those along the way that had their hands in my pocket so to speak. I’m not bitter anymore. Though I am not a rich man, I am rich in experience and the many friendships I’ve had over the years. The biggest lesson I learned is “Get It In Writing” – not doing so cost me over a million dollars.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would hope the week they were in L.A. would fall on a week I’m presenting Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky A Go Go. The venue itself is legendary so it would be a fun destination in any case. So much history there. A few of my favorite places to share with friends are the Observatory/ Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Pier area, the Huntington Library, the Pederson Museum, Malibu, The Getty Museum (both locations), Universal City, Whacko in Silver Lake, and my neighborhood hang of Tujunga Village.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother is the person I would most recognize for her unwavering support throughout my career journey. I never knew my father, my mom was all I had. I was on a course to go to the Airforce Academy after 8 years in military school in Woodland Hills, California, where I excelled as a leader. I left there as second in command of the battalion. At 15 years old, I joined a neighborhood rock band of guys a few years older than me, played my first gig at a UCLA frat party where I made $75.00, had a beer, and the college girls thought I was cute. I then went to my Mom and told her that this is what I wanted to do, and that I no longer wanted to be on this military path. She asked if I was sure after investing so much time and money, I said, yes with a big smile. One of my proudest moments was presenting her with a Platinum disc plaque with her name on it. The first album I was a part of went on to sell more than 10 million copies. (Quiet Riot – Metal Health 1983)

Website: https://www.chuckwright.com/

Instagram: Instagram @chuckwrightbass

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckwrightbass/

Facebook: was hacked no access

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbN0KlFJGChlkuSAExD9VcA

Other: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Wright https://www.unzepped.com/ https://www.locrband.com/

Image Credits
first Photo by: Joe Schaeffer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.