Get to know Bob Rock.

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.

Click here for Saint Cobra

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.

The Hulls - "Everything Changes (But Me)"

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.