Bob "Rock" Breychak has been a staple figure in the New Haven music scene for a few years now. He has been one of the biggest supporters of any band that plays the Elm City and even bands that don't. Rock has also been the back bone of some of the best bands we have seen in the past decade. He is quiet and reserved but attacks the drums with reckless abandon. He currently plays in The Hulls, Saint Cobra and The Ramones tribute band The Hymans. You probably know who he is already but in case you don't, get to know Bob Rock.....
Who is Bob Rock?
BR - Whelp, most people know 'Bob Rock' as the famous
producer for bands like Metallica, Motley Crue, The Cult, and Aerosmith, to
name a few. People in New Haven started to assign that name to me in the early
2000s, I think probably because they couldn't pronounce my last name. In
addition I've mainly performed in 'rock' based groups and tend to hit a bit
harder on the kit. I also didn't shy away from the name either, so I guess it
just ended up sticking.
You’ve been a staple
in the New Haven music scene for well over a decade now. How do you feel about
the state of the scene these days?
BR - I've always felt that New Haven has been pretty
consistent in its ability to produce great music and great bands, and I feel
that continues to this day. For a relatively small city though, New Haven can
feel pretty disjointed at times, especially amongst its different musical
factions (perhaps this is a reflection of the city as a whole?). In addition,
New Haven has definitely caught the gentrification bug, as many cities across
the country have. Regardless, I feel like things are on the up for the scene. I
was especially happy to see the opening of College Street Music Hall which,
although geared towards national touring acts, I feel has invigorated New
Haven's musical community a bit. In the end, as long as there's people around
who care about local, original music, things will be okay.
What band from your
past would you like to play again for just one show?
BR - In all honesty, I'd be psyched for all of them to get
back together at some point or another although, logistically speaking, that
probably won't happen. I think it's okay for me to reveal here that there has
been some real talk of Puckish reforming for a show sometime soon. That band
just kind of ended without any real closure and it would be great to be on
stage with those guys again.
Check out Puckish -> https://puckish.bandcamp.com/
What is your favorite
venue past or present to play in?
BR - Tough question as I've had the privilege to play in
many places over many years. For me New Haven's Cafe Nine or Three Sheets (aka
'old' Rudy's) have always felt like home. The pre-2003 incarnation of the Space
in Hamden was a pretty special place as well.
What is up with Saint
Cobra these days?
BR - After a busy 2014, we've spent much of 2015 regrouping
after some lineup changes. We recently had the privilege of performing at the
Spaceland Ballroom in Hamden, which was our first show with new guitarist
Spencer O'Doy. Currently, we're working on new material and hope to move
forward into 2016 with more shows and, possibly, a record.
What is going on with
The Hulls?
BR - The Hulls have been getting some great exposure lately
opening for bands like The Queers, Fang, and Spring Heeled Jack, as well as
making an appearance on the latest 'Cashing in on Christmas' comp. We're
currently prepping our debut full-length record and are also putting together
our 5th annual 'Deck the Hulls' Xmas show (this year's will be Dec. 12th at
Three Sheets, New Haven). So yeah, lot's going on.
Aside from any band
you have been in what would you say is your all-time favorite New Haven band?
BR - Hands down, the Vultures. Anytime I hear that they are
playing shows, I make it a point to try and catch them. Probably one of the
most unique and consistent bands from New Haven, ever.
What are your top 5
favorite records of all time?
BR - So, questions like this are pretty much impossible to
answer without excluding tons of great music. There are definitely certain
records I find myself coming back to again and again though, especially ones I
listened to during my formative years. With that said, here are my current top
5 (not in order):
Nirvana - In Utero (1993) - The first record I really
connected with. I can still to this day put this record on and connect with it
on a pretty deep level.
The Clash - London Calling (1979) - In terms of early punk
rock or just straight up rock, this record does it all for me.
Pixies - Doolittle (1989) - Although their abstractive
nature and, as of late, endless reunion shows have put off some people, this
record (maybe along with Surfer Rosa) always find their way back on my stereo
at some point or another.
Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album) (1994) - Kind of like a warm
fuzzy blanket that also hits at the right levels (both musically and
lyrically).
Radiohead - The Bends (1995) - I know, I know, Ok Computer and
Kid A may be better albums but The Bends is my favorite. It's also probably the
best album to listen to on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
I know personally you
have written some songs. Any plans on following fellow Hull Kevin Mackenzie and
stepping away from the drum kit to front a band?
BR - Yeah, I've actually been writing (or attempting to
write) songs from a pretty young age, even pre-dating my experience as a
drummer. I've never had the confidence in both the quality of the songs, or my
own abilities as a singer/melodic instrumentalist to present them at all. I've
made some strides in recent months though, so there may well be some solo
performances/projects in the near future.
What is your Favorite
movie?
BR - Donnie Darko (2001). I didn't see it for the first time
until 2006 but it cut pretty close to the state of mind I was in then. To this
day, whenever I watch it I feel simultaneously comforted and yet oddly out of
place.
Outside of playing
music what drives you?
BR - I actually have a considerable amount of interests
outside of music including graphic/web/spatial design, creative writing, and
Buddhist meditation. As long as what drives you feels true and fulfilling, you
most likely can't go wrong.
What would you say is
the most memorable show you have every played?
BR - Another difficult question. There are so many shows I
want to mention here but really can't otherwise I'd go on forever. Three that
stick out in my mind are The Sarcastics' January 2002 show at the Tune Inn,
Puckish's May 2004 show at BAR opening for The Thermals and The Hold Steady,
and Crossroads' show at Toad's Place in May of 2000. The Tune Inn show was the
second to last night of the club's existence and had us opening for Mark
Mulcahy and Ray Neal (both ex-Miracle Legion) and the Butterflies of Love. I
remember packing up my drum kit (which acted as back line for the night) while
listening to Cheap Trick's 'Surrender' on the club's PA pretty vividly. The BAR
show was on Memorial Day weekend and was so packed that the crowd was being
pushed into the front room. The Toad's show was a Battle of the Bands (which
Crossroads lost) but it was nonetheless an awesome experience, memorable to me
especially since it was the only show I've played that both of my parents
attended together.
If you could start
over and do it again would you?
BR - No one can go back.
What does the future
hold for Bob Rock?
BR - I'd like to kick around long enough to see some success
with the projects I'm involved with, and maybe branch out into other future
projects as well. In the end though, I feel like it would be foolish to make
grand plans for the future when there are so many variables at play. I think
all I can hope for is health and the ability to let myself roll with the
punches, because there will definitely be punches.